0000000000116604
AUTHOR
Giuseppe Noto
Genetic Distinctiveness Highlights the Conservation Value of a Sicilian Manna Ash Germplasm Collection Assigned to Fraxinus angustifolia (Oleaceae)
The cosmopolitan genus Fraxinus comprises about 40 species occupying several habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. With some species hybridizing and sharing genetic variants, questions remain on the species assignment of germplasm within the genus Fraxinus despite numerous species-specific assessments. A multidisciplinary approach was employed to provide a definitive insight into the genetics of an endangered Fraxinus &ldquo
Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease-report of two further cases with an immunohistochemical analysis
Summary Transfusion-associated graft-vs.-host disease (tGVHD) is a severe disease usually affecting immunocompromised hosts with haematological neoplasia. Two patients with acute leukaemia are reported, who developed fatal tGVHD after blood transfusions. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1) expression and the CD4/CD8 ratio were assessed in lesional skin. ICAM-1 was strongly expressed on epidermal keratinocytes and endothelial cells (EC) and correlated with HLA-DR staining. VCAM-1 was strongly expressed on EC in the superficial dermal vessels. ELAM-1 stained weakly on EC in some of the su…
Lack of antiandrogenic effects of topical bifonazole on sebaceous glands and hairs in the hamster flank organ.
The activity of topically applied bifonazole was evaluated in vivo in the three androgen-dependent structures of the hamster flank organ, i.e. the pigmented spot, sebaceous glands and hairs. Topical bifonazole in our experience did not demonstrate any morphological effect on sebaceous gland and hair even when applied in the dosage of 3 mg/cm<sup>2</sup>/day. On the basis of our morphometric results we can conclude that topically applied bifonazole does not interfere with cutaneous androgen metabolic transformations in the pilosebaceous unit of the flank organ.
Topical canrenoic acid. Quantification of the antiandrogenic activity in the hamster flank organ
: The topical antiandrogenic activity of potassium canrenoate (CAK), compared with that of spironolactone (SP), was assayed in vivo in female golden Syrian hamsters whose flank organs were stimulated by subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate. Sebaceous glands and hair were measured by a computerized image analyzer. Pigmented spots, sebaceous gland areas, and the diameter of hairs of the treated flank organs were smaller in the groups that received CAK (1·6 mg/day) and SP (0·4 mg/day). The authors' results showed that CAK may act as a topical antiandrogen on the hamster flank organ when applied in concentrations four times greater than the minimal active dosage of SP. Potassi…
Reticulate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation with band-like mucin deposition
Background Mucinoses of the skin are a group of disorders sharing accumulation of mucin in the skin or hair follicles. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, with pigmentary incontinence, is due to loss of melanin from epidermal basal cells and its accumulation in dermal macrophages. Methods We describe clinicopathologic features of two patients presenting with the association of pigmentary incontinence with an unusual diffuse, band-like dermal deposition of mucin, clinically presenting with reticular pigmented macular lesions. Results Two patients were observed with asymptomatic, persistent, reticular, pigmented patches located in the flexures, thighs, neck and back. Histology showed melanoph…
Multiple nevoid spiradenomas.
This report delineates a new clinical presentation of multiple benign spiradenoma (BS), a diffuse linear nevoid pattern. A 16-year-old girl, in otherwise good health, had many papulonodular lesions, varying in color from blue-gray to bright red, disposed linearly on the right half of her body, involving the periorbital region, cheek, lateral side of the neck, trunk, linea alba, right thigh, and leg. Only a few nodules were slightly painful. Lesions were reported to be present at birth; no family members had similar lesions, either in solitary or multiple form. Excisional biopsies of three lesions from the neck, abdomen, and leg, respectively, were performed; histologically, all three sample…
Combined treatment of epidermodysplasia verruciformis with etretinate and α-interferon*
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is an uncommon cutaneous disease in which a focal and genetically determined immunological impairment is associated with chronic human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. In sun-exposed areas, when an oncogenic HPV type is the agent, skin cancer may occur. The treatment of EV is difficult and often unsatisfactory; etretinate has been reported in some instances as effective in improving lesions. We report a typical case of EV with pityriasis versicolor-like lesions on the trunk and many flat, erythematous wart-like lesions on the face, dorsal areas of the hands and legs. We performed a treatment with etretinate (1 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and subsequently with…
Proliferating tricholemmal tumour with lymph node metastases
SUMMARY A 42-year-old woman with a proliferating tricholemmal tumour (PTT) with regional lymph node metastases is reported. Histochemical studies showed evidence of tricholemmal keratinization. There was recurrence following excision and subsequently the patient developed lymph node metastases.
Localized crusted scabies in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Summary Crusted scabies (CrS) is an uncommon occurrence among patients with AIDS. Indeed to date only five cases have been described, all with widespread lesions. A case of localized CrS appearing as a yellowish and crusted plaque on the second right toe is reported in a woman with AIDS. Scraping off the verrucous surface, as well as punch-biopsy revealed many mites within the horny layer. The infestation is related to the cutaneous immune response and thus CrS should be considered an opportunistic infestation in AIDS. The importance of the early diagnosis of CrS in order to prevent disseminated lesions and involvement of other health-care workers is underlined.
The wild taxa utilized as vegetables in Sicily (Italy): a traditional component of the Mediterranean diet
Background: Wild vegetables in the Mediterranean Basin are still often consumed as a part of the diet and, in particular, there is a great tradition regarding their use in Sicily.In this study, an ethnobotanical field investigation was carried out to (a) identify the wild native taxa traditionally gathered and consumed as vegetables in Sicily, comparing the collected ethnobotanical data with those of other countries that have nominated the Mediterranean diet for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and (b) highlight new culinary uses of these plants.Methods: Interviews were carried out in 187 towns and villages in Sicily between 2005 an…
The Monumental Olive Trees as Biocultural Heritage of Mediterranean Landscapes: The Case Study of Sicily
Monumental olive trees, with their longevity and their remarkable size, represent an important information source for the comprehension of the territory where they grow and the human societies that have kept them through time. Across the centuries, olive trees are the only cultivated plants that tell the story of Mediterranean landscapes. The same as stone monuments, these green monuments represent a real Mediterranean natural and cultural heritage. The aim of this paper is to discuss the value of monumental trees as “biocultural heritage” elements and the role they play in the interpretation of the historical stratification of the landscape. We present the results of a survey of the most s…
Granulomatous slack skin: report of a case associated with Hodgkin's disease and a review of the literature.
We report a case of granulomatous slack skin (GSS) associated with Hodgkin's disease, and review the literature on this entity. GSS, a variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, clinically presents with erythematous patches in the flexures, which gradually transform into bulky, pendulous areas of skin. Histology shows an elastolytic granulomatous infiltrate, with atypical lymphoid cells, and occasional epidermotropism. As far as we are aware, 10 cases of GSS, including our patient, have been reported in detail. The male:female ratio of these cases is 9:1, and the age range 15-51 years. Five cases were associated with Hodgkin's disease, one with small lymphocytic lymphoma, and one developed cutan…
IDPlanT: the Italian database of plant translocation
IDPlanT is the Italian Database of Plant Translocation, an initiative of the Nature Conservation Working Group of the Italian Botanical Society. IDPlanT currently includes 185 plant translocations. The establishment of a national database on plant translocation is a key step forward in data sharing and techniques improvement in this field of plant conservation. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/11263504.2021.1985004.