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Biomedical subjects

Claudio Guarneri

Publications and source records attributed to Claudio Guarneri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Pseudo-delusory syndrome caused by Limothrips cerealium.

BACKGROUND: Limothrips cerealium (or "grain thrips") is an insect of the phylum Arthropoda, known as parasite of plants of the family Gramineae; human infestation is not frequently described in literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 59-year-old female farmer, come to observation because of intense itching and sensation of "walking insects" on her head, with no objective cutaneous signs except lesions due to scratching. After repeated visits, in which negative results of clinical and laboratory tests suggested the diagnosis of "delusory syndrome" (Ekbom's syndrome), we finally isolated on her head some insects, identified by stereomicroscopy as L. cerealium. Careful inspection of the house of our patient allowed us to identify, as possible source of parasites, a wheat field and a deposit of grains used for animal feeding. Temporarily removing the patient from her usual environment resulted in complete clinical resolution. RESULTS: Peculiarity of symptoms caused by this parasite and consequent problems for a correct diagnosis are discussed, as well as possible solutions.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed2006

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn: be aware of hypercalcaemia.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn is an uncommon, self-limiting panniculitis that usually occurs in full-term infants as a consequence of perinatal asphyxia. The cutaneous involvement may be associated with metabolic complications such as hypoglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, anemia and hypercalcaemia. The delayed onset of hypercalcaemia, 1-6 months after the development of the skin manifestations, imposes a prolonged follow-up to avoid its acute toxic effects on cardiovascular and renal systems and the more durable metastatic calcifications.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed2005

Identification of potentially cross-reactive peanut-lupine proteins by computer-assisted search for amino acid sequence homology.

BACKGROUND: Allergic cross-reactions are an issue of major concern because of implications for public health. The molecular basis of cross-allergy is the similarity of epitopes belonging to proteins of different organisms. Lupine is an emerging cause of food allergy, which has become a 'hot topic' because of recent large-scale introduction into processed foods and frequent cross-reactions with other members of the legume family. However, no lupine allergen has been characterized thus far. Prompted by a recently reported case of peanut-lupine cross-allergy, we wished to identify the possible cross-reactive allergen(s) between the two vegetal species. METHODS: We used computer-aided amino acid sequence comparison, a well-established technique for the study of protein homology, and followed the FAO/WHO guidelines for the identification of potential allergens. We also performed a three-dimensional modeling of the suspected cross-reactive proteins to compare their molecular surfaces. RESULTS: We found a highly significant sequence homology and molecular similarity between allergen Ara h 8 of peanut and pathogenesis-related protein PR-10 of white lupine. Another protein of lupine, the beta-conglutin precursor, was found to be significantly homologous to the Ara h 1 allergen of peanut. The molecular surfaces of Ara h 8 and PR-10 were remarkably similar. CONCLUSIONS: Our in silico data allow to predict the allergenicity of PR-10 and beta-conglutin precursor of white lupine according to FAO/WHO guidelines. Amino acid sequence homology also suggests that these proteins could be responsible, at least in part, for some of the allergic cross-reactions between peanut and lupine reported in the literature.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

Solitary asymptomatic nodule of the great toe.

Subungual exostosis is a benign osteocartilaginous tumor of the ungual apparatus, particularly of the toes. It affects both sexes equally, more frequently in the second and third decades of life. We describe a 6-year-old girl who came to our attention because of the enlargement of a pinkish nodule in the distal part of the nail bed of the first toe, progressively elevating the nail plate. History, X-ray imaging and histopathologic examination led us to confirm our clinical suspicion, excluding any other possible cause of the subungual mass. The peculiar features of this clinical entity, and the possibility of effective treatment by practical surgical techniques, are discussed.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The future: critical knowledge about anti-itch therapy.

Itch is an extremely frequent and enervating symptom of many diseases. Current anti-itch therapy, which is based almost exclusively on an "immunocentric" viewpoint, is often unsatisfactory. Recent studies show that this symptom is in fact the result of a complex interplay among skin, nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. This explains the frequent failure of therapeutic strategies focused only on a single factor and suggests the usefulness of a polypharmacologic symptomatic treatment, designed on a case-by-case basis as a result of a multidisciplinary approach. We discuss the perspectives of anti-itch therapy in light of the new pathogenetic and pharmacologic acquisitions.

Antipruritics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Some historical and epistemological remarks on itch and pruritus.

Although very common, itch is very hard to describe. It can be considered as one of the most distressing physical sensations we experience. Going back historically, old Latin and Greek writers cited it in ancient papers. So, etymology is of central importance to investigation in the field of itch, regarding the formation of a word with antique origins and different meanings. Scientists, poets, and painters for centuries tried to describe and represent itch. The study of their work reveals the development of the itch's significance. Today, a clinically relevant distinction defines pruritus and itch as two different sensations. Moreover, some terms like hyperknesis, alloknesis, atmoknesis, protopathic itch, and epicritic itch are described to approaching the complexity of this sensation and are utilized in clinical practice.

History, Ancient↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Erythematous-edematous-infiltrative plaque on the face: cutaneous angio-lupoid leishmaniasis.

The present report deals with an unusual clinical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis occurring in an atopic subject and discusses the possible pathogenetic mechanisms with particular attention to the role of nitric oxide in the immunological control against intracellular parasites. The altered balance between TH1 and TH2, typical of atopy, with consequent production of IL-4, might contribute to the high susceptibility to opportunistic infections and to the unusual clinical presentation. Moreover the laxity of the tissue and the great vascularization may enhance cutaneous expression of the Leishmania infestation, producing new aspects which add to the difficulty of diagnosis.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Strongyloidiasis histologically mimicking eosinophilic folliculitis.

The authors report an unusual case of strongyloidiasis in an Italian patient, who has always lived in Sicily. The patient presented with marked blood eosinophilia and an itching maculo-papular eruption, histologically simulating eosinophilic folliculitis. The clinical resolution was achieved after albendazol therapy.

Aged↗