Real-time polymerase chain reaction and laser capture microdissection: an efficient combination tool for Chlamydophila pneumoniae DNA quantification and localization of infection in atherosclerotic lesions

Chlamydophila pneumoniae has been implicated in atherosclerosis, but the role of this obligate intracellular pathogen in the development of the above pathology is still unclear. In particular, its presence and quantitative distribution within lesional areas has not yet been defined. We studied 18 carotid biopsies obtained from patients undergoing endoartherectomy. By laser microdissection (LCM), two different sites (intra-plaque and plaque-adjacent areas) were taken from each lesion, and the presence and quantity of the pathogen DNA were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). A total of 8 plaques, exclusively from patients with unstable angina, were positive in real-time PCR. The bacterial DNA was detected in both lesional areas of 3 plaques which contained the highest number of DNA copies (1,900 to 2,200 copy numbers), while C. pneumoniae DNA was detected only in the intra-plaque area of the other 5 positive (500 to 1,600 copy numbers). No C. pneumoniae DNA was found in the other 10 plaques of which 6 were from patients with unstable angina and 4 from stable angina patients. No DNA from Helicobacter pylori or Cytomegalovirus was found in any plaque. This is the first report where both the target lesion and an adjacent reference site were evaluated for the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA by the combination of LCM and Real-time PCR assays. The integration of these two methodologies offer an excellent tool for in situ studies and may help to elucidate the putative role of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerosis.     

Abdominal compartment syndrome after laparoscopic salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a consequence of increased intraabdominal pressure. It can be triggered by inflammation, hemorrhage, chemical peritonitis, or prolonged insufflations during laparoscopy. It is a well-known phenomenon for intensive care specialists, but gynecologists are relatively unfamiliar with its occurrence. A woman with heterotopic pregnancy underwent urgent laparoscopy because of abdominal hemorrhage. The postoperative course was complicated by abdominal pain, ascites, bowel dysfunction, and renal failure, which resolved rapidly after catheterization and paracentesis. In this case, abdominal compartment syndrome developed after unremarkable laparoscopy, and appeared to be triggered by change of progesterone formulation. Decompression by paracentesis was lifesaving, and led to rapid resolution of the symptoms.     

Polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity: non pharmacological approaches

In patients affected of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity has an high percent of incidence and represents an important factor increasing its clinic evolution, both in metabolic than in reproductive terms. For these patients non pharmacologic treatments aimed at the reduction of body weight, such as diets and physical exercise, represent the first line therapeutic approach. The aim of this review is to analyze the changes in life style and to highlight their efficacy in reducing the negative effects of PCOS on metabolism and reproductivity. Specifically different types of diet have been compared, in health or PCOS women, such as low glycemic index diets, moderate carbohydrate, high protein and low fat diets, very low carbohydrate and high fat diets and, finally, moderate carbohydrate and high monounsaturated fat diets. In the global view of the approach to the disease, different regimens of physical activity and the usefulness of a behavior therapy were also evaluated. Results obtained in health women suggest that diets higher in proteins and lower in carbohydrates are to be preferred to the conventional diet lower in fats and higher in carbohydrates. Anyway other studies are necessary to justify a similar assertion in women with PCOS. At the same way, the optimum regimen of physical exercise for PCOS women is still to be demonstrated.     

The role of nuts in the optimal diet: Time for a critical appraisal?

During the last decades, nuts have attracted the attention of researchers for their potential benefits in cardiovascular prevention. We discuss here some aspects of the assumed beneficial effects of nuts, weighing them against potential harm. Epidemiological observations and controlled intervention trials consistently suggest that nuts consumption is associated with improved serum lipid profile, thus helping decrease cardiovascular risk. Being nuts an energy dense food, their impact on energy balance and body weight should be considered. In particular, the claim that adding nuts to the habitual diet, thus increasing calorie intake, does not cause body fat accumulation still needs evidence and biological plausibility. The potential risk associated with the relatively frequent occurrence of allergic reactions following the consumption of nuts is also discussed.     

Italian Norms for the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale,Form C1

This paper presents norms for an Italian translation of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C; Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1962). Archival data on hypnosis research subjects recruited over a 10-year period of research on hypnosis were pooled, resulting in an aggregate sample of 356 participants (263 female and 93 male). Score distribution, item difficulty levels, and reliability of the SHSS:C were computed. Of this group, 218 subjects were administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility approximately 3 weeks prior to administration of the SHSS:C. The remaining 138 subjects received only the SHSS:C. Results suggest that the Italian version of the SHSS:C is a reliable and valid measure.