Solid Tumours Show Osteotropism: Mechanisms of Bone Metastases

Bone metastases are a dismal consequence of cancer, causing severe morbidity and reducing the quality of life of patients. Solid tumours such as breast, prostate, lung and kidney cancer showed a marked osteotropism dependent on the special microenvironment provided by bone. Different cellular types are involved in the formation of bone metastases, indeed bone, immune system and tumour cells interact leading to bone lesions. During the bone resorption process, there is an intense cross-talk between immune system cells and osteoclasts (OCs). In particular, T cells release factors and cytokines, which rule osteoclastogenesis, and on the other hand, OCs produce factors that act on T cells, which are mediators of the tumour growth in bone. This review will summarize the main mechanisms of action in cancer-induced bone disease with particular regard to the cross-talk among cells of bone, tumour and immune system, focusing on factors and cytokines released by osteoclast, osteoblast, tumour cells and T cells.     

An immunocompetent migrant presenting with neurosyphilis with an unusual unilateral papillitis: a case report

Unilateral papillitis caused by Treponema pallidum was found in an immunocompetent homosexual patient with severe vision loss who had received previous antibiotics treatment. Syphilis-related ocular manifestation is more common in the early stages of the disease and it can be associated with a central nervous system localization. In this patient, neurosyphilis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. Optical examination revealed unilateral papillitis in the left eye and no relative afferent pupillary defects. The patient underwent visual field examinations with conventional perimetry using the 30-2 program of the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, which indicated a blind spot enlargement in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography, visual evoked potentials (VEP), and fluorescein angiograms revealed inflammation of the optic nerve head with edematous and blurred margins. A reactive T. pallidum hemagglutination assay with low rapid plasma reagin (RPR) serum titer was performed; an HIV antibody test and MRI of the orbits and head with contrast gave negative results. Resolution of the ocular inflammation after intravenous penicillin treatment was obtained. The reported case illustrates the importance of early recognition of this treatable disease. The rise of syphilis, especially in urban areas, necessitates a high level of suspicion when dealing with patients with intraocular inflammation of unknown origin. Lues serology should be incorporated into routine laboratory diagnostics to aid in the detection of such cases. Considering the re-emergence of syphilis, screening of migrants from countries with high syphilis seroprevalences should be recommended.     

Acute corneal graft rejection following photorefractive keratectomy for post-penetrating keratoplasty high astigmatism

Dear Editor,We present an unusual case of acute graft rejection after photorefractive keratectomy(PRK),performed to correct high residual astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty(PKP)for keratoconus.The primary measures of success for PKP are visual acuity,refractive outcomes。     

A Mechanochemical Approach to Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Fabrication

Porous silicon samples have been reduced in nanometric particles by a well known industrial mechanical process, the ball grinding in a planetary mill; the process has been extended to crystalline silicon for comparison purposes. The silicon nanoparticles have been studied by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, gas porosimetry and transmission electron microscopy. We have estimated crystallites size from about 50 nm for silicon to 12 nm for porous silicon. The specific surface area of the powders analyzed ranges between 100 m²/g to 29 m²/g depending on the milling time, ranging from 1 to 20 h. Electron microscopy confirms the nanometric size of the particles and reveals a porous structure in the powders obtained by porous silicon samples which has been preserved by the fabrication conditions. Chemical functionalization during the milling process by a siloxane compound has also been demonstrated.     

Cerebellum: from Development to Disease—the 8th International Symposium of the Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxias

In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in research on cerebellar motor and non-motor functions. Cerebellum is particularly involved in the spectrum of neurodevelopmental diseases. The 8th International Symposium of the Society for Research on the Cerebellum and Ataxia (SRCA) was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, (Canada) on May 24–26, 2017. The main theme of the 8th International Symposium was “Development of the Cerebellum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” Advances in genetics, epigenetic, cerebellar neurogenesis, axonogenesis and gliogenesis, cerebellar developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), neuroimaging, cerebellar ataxias, medulloblastoma, and clinical investigation of cerebellar diseases were presented. The goal of this symposium was to provide a platform to discuss cutting-edge knowledge while allowing researchers and trainees the opportunity to share and discuss their front-line research and ideas with others in the field, make connections, and strengthen international collaborations. The Ferdinando Rossi lecture was delivered by Dr. Richard Hawkes on the topic of patterning of the cerebellar cortex. This symposium emphasized the major importance of the involvement of the cerebellum in neurodevelopmental diseases from the clinical, radiological, biological, and genetic standpoint.