A foetal tile from an archaeological site: anthropological investigation of human remains recovered in a medieval cemetery in Northern Italy

Background: The recovery of foetal remains is very sporadic in archaeology, especially due the scarce degree of bone mineralisation. This paper presents the singular archaeological discovery of a foetal tile preserving the bone remains, object of our anthropological examination.

Materials and methods: The foetal tile was discovered during an archaeological excavation in a medieval site (Northern Italy). The tile was analysed by CT scan and later, human remains were anthropologically examined.

Results: The archaeological investigation revealed a special ritual destined to foetuses while forensic anthropological analysis allowed estimating the gestational age near to 21–24?weeks.     

Effect of Probiotic Supplement on Cytokine Levels in HIV-Infected Individuals: A Preliminary Study

Inflammation persists in patients infected with HIV. Reduction of inflammatory cytokines and microbial translocation might be one way that this could be managed. Purpose: The anti-inflammatory properties of certain probiotic strains prompted us to investigate whether a probiotic could reduce the inflammatory index of HIV-infected patients. Methods: The study involved 30 HIV+ males on antiretroviral therapy, who were given one bottle of fermented milk Yakult Light^® containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) twice a day for four weeks. Results: The probiotic LcS was associated with an increase of T lymphocytes and a significant increase of CD56+ cells (p = 0.04). There was also a significant decrease of mRNA levels of TGFβ, IL-10 and IL-12 (p < 0.001) and IL-1β expression (p < 0.001) and an increase of serum IL-23 (p = 0.03). In addition, decreased inflammation and cardiovascular risk were observed, as shown by a reduction of cystatin C (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These data provide preliminary evidence that probiotic supplementation may modulate certain immunological parameters and some of the cytokines that were analyzed. Thus, we propose that LcS may be an inexpensive and practical strategy to support the immune function of HIV+ patients.     

Effectiveness of cast immobilization in comparison to the gold-standard self-removal orthotic intervention for closed mallet fingers: A randomized clinical trial

Study designRandomized clinical trial.IntroductionAlthough orthotic immobilization has become the preferable treatment choice for closed mallet injuries, it is unclear whether orthosis self-removal has an impact on the final outcome.PurposeTo evaluate the treatment efficacy of cast immobilization of closed mallet fingers using Quickcast^® (QC) compared to a removable, lever-type thermoplastic orthosis (LTTP).Methods57 subjects were randomized in 2 groups. DIPj extensor lag and the Gaberman success scale were used as primary outcomes.ResultsLTTP subjects resulted in greater extensor lag than QC subjects (x = 5°; p = 0.05) at 12 weeks from baseline, and high edema and older age negatively affected DIPj extensor lag. No other differences were found between groups.ConclusionCast immobilization seems to be slightly more effective than the traditional approach probably for its greater capacity to reduce edema.Level of evidence1B.     

Fibrous Dysplasia of the Maxilla: Diagnostic Reliability of the Study Image. Literature Review

Objective Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign bone disorder in facial bones. This study evaluates the possibility of diagnosing fibrous dysplasia on imaging alone, without biopsy of the lesion, which is often burdensome for the patient. Materials and Methods The authors bring their experience of four cases of bone lesions of the maxillofacial region and present a review of published studies. The imaging techniques evaluated are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast. Results The literature review demonstrates that it is impossible to make diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia exclusively by imaging. Radiographic images often show a ground-glass appearance, which is characteristic but not pathognomonic of fibrous dysplasia. Conclusion Although CT and MRI images may in many cases suggest a diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia, histological examination or follow-up imaging should follow.     

Caval replacement strategy in pediatric retroperitoneal tumors encasing the vena cava: a single-center experience and review of literature

Background

Complete encasement of the inferior vena cava by retroperitoneal tumors is rare. Although replacement of the vena cava has been considered for various conditions in adults, it is rarely used in children except for challenging resections and as a last chance approach – often aiming more at debulking than cure.

Differential effects of bifrontal tDCS on arousal and sleep duration in insomnia patients and healthy controls

Background

Arousal and sleep represent basic domains of behavior, and alterations are of high clinical importance.