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Calabrò S, Carone F, Piccolo G, Tudisco R, Angelini G, Infascelli F. Fermentation kinetics of two intercropped forages cut at different growth stage. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2005.2s.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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102
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Mariotti C, Gellera C, Rimoldi M, Mineri R, Uziel G, Zorzi G, Pareyson D, Piccolo G, Gambi D, Piacentini S, Squitieri F, Capra R, Castellotti B, Di Donato S. Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency: neurological phenotype, clinical follow-up and novel mutations in TTPAgene in Italian families. Neurol Sci 2004; 25:130-7. [PMID: 15300460 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-004-0246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 05/10/2004] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder due to mutations in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (TTPA) gene on chromosome 8q13. AVED patients have progressive spinocerebellar symptoms and markedly reduced plasma levels of vitamin E. We studied neurological phenotype at diagnosis, and long-term effect of vitamin E supplementation in 16 patients from 12 Italian families. The most common mutations were the 744delA and 513insTT. Two novel TTPA mutations were identified: a severe truncating mutation (219insAT) in a homozygous patient, and a Gly246Arg missense mutation (G246R) in a compound heterozygous patient. The missense mutation was associated with a mild and slowly progressive form of the disease. Vitamin E supplementation therapy allowed a stabilization of the neurological conditions in most of the patients. However, development of spasticity and retinitis pigmentosa was noted in a few patients during therapy. Prompt genetic characterization of AVED patients may allow an effective early treatment and an adequate genetic counseling.
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Perandin F, Manca N, Ricci L, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. VALUTAZIONE DI METODI DI RIFERIMENTO PER LA DIAGNOSI MOLECOLARE DI MALARIA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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104
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Perandin F, Manca N, Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Galati L, Ricci L, Medici M, Arcangeletti M, Snounou G, Dettori G, Chezzi C. UN METODO REAL-TIME PCR PER L’IDENTIFICAZIONE DI PLASMODIUM MALARIAE NEL SANGUE DI PAZIENTI CON MALARIA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.4191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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105
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Calderaro A, Incaprera M, Piccolo G, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. UN SAGGIO DI “REAL-TIME PCR (TaqMan)” PER LA DIAGNOSI DI LABORATORIO DI LEPTOSPIROSI. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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106
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Incaprera M, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. DESCRIZIONE DEL PRIMO CASO DI LOIASI (FILARIOSI) A PARMA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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107
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Calderaro A, Incaprera M, Bommezzadri S, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Villanacci V, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. PARASSITOSI INTESTINALE ASSOCIATA A SPIROCHETOSI INTESTINALE: DESCRIZIONE DEI PRIMI CASI. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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108
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Perandin F, Manca N, Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Galati L, Ricci L, Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Snounou G, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Development of a real-time PCR assay for detection of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale for routine clinical diagnosis. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 42:1214-9. [PMID: 15004078 PMCID: PMC356834 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.42.3.1214-1219.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A TaqMan-based real-time PCR qualitative assay for the detection of three species of malaria parasites-Plasmodium falciparum, P. ovale, and P. vivax-was devised and evaluated using 122 whole-blood samples from patients who had traveled to areas where malaria is endemic and who presented with malaria-like symptoms and fever. The assay was compared to conventional microscopy and to an established nested-PCR assay. The specificity of the new assay was confirmed by sequencing the PCR products from all the positive samples and by the lack of cross-reactivity with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum DNA. Real-time PCR assay showed a detection limit (analytical sensitivity) of 0.7, 4, and 1.5 parasites/ micro l for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale, respectively. Real-time PCR, like nested PCR, brought to light errors in the species identification by microscopic examination and revealed the presence of mixed infections (P. falciparum plus P. ovale). Real-time PCR can yield results within 2 h, does not require post-PCR processing, reduces sample handling, and minimizes the risks of contamination. The assay can therefore be easily implemented in routine diagnostic malaria tests. Future studies are warranted to investigate the clinical value of this technique.
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Galati L, Ricci L, Perandin F, Dell'Anna ML, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Manca N, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Evaluation of a new plate hybridization assay for the laboratory diagnosis of imported malaria in Italy. THE NEW MICROBIOLOGICA 2004; 27:163-71. [PMID: 15164627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
A new molecular diagnostic method "Malaria-IBRIDOGEN" (Amplimedical S.p.A.--Bioline Division, Turin, Italy) based on a plate-hybridization assay for the simultaneous detection and identification of human malaria parasites was evaluated in this study. A target DNA sequence of the plasmodial 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridized in microtiter wells with five biotinylated probes each specific for Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and the beta-globine human gene, respectively. Compared to the nested-PCR actually used in our laboratory for the molecular diagnosis of malaria, "Malaria-IBRIDOGEN" revealed an overall sensitivity of 100% (51/51) for the four human Plasmodium species testing 100 whole blood samples from people with malaria-like symptoms and fever. Specificity was 92% (45/49) considering four discordant samples as "false positive" by "Malaria-IBRIDOGEN". The assay showed a threshold of parasite density (detection limit) of 0.07 P. falciparum parasites/microliter, 0.15-1.5 P. vivax parasites/microliter, 0.3 P. malariae parasites/microliter and 0.4 P. ovale parasites/microliter of whole blood, respectively. This assay could be successfully applied to the laboratory diagnosis of malaria as a useful aid to microscopy.
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110
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Meo CD, Gazaneo MP, Racca C, Bovera F, Piccolo G, Nizza A. Effect of Birth Weight and Litter Size on Productive Performance of Rabbits. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2004. [DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2004.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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111
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Vallani C, Carcano C, Piccolo G, Galardi V, Longhi P, Padovano R, Cantarini V. Postural Pattern Alterations in Orthopaedics and Neurological Canine Patients: Postural Evaluation and Postural Rehabilitation Techniques. Vet Res Commun 2004; 28 Suppl 1:389-91. [PMID: 15373004 DOI: 10.1023/b:verc.0000045452.49467.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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112
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Greco F, Piccolo G, Sorge A, Pavone P, Triglia T, Spina M, Sorge G. [Early-onset of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. A case report and diet treatment]. Minerva Pediatr 2003; 55:615-9. [PMID: 14676733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder, characterized by hypoproteinemia due to obstruction of the intestinal lymphatic vessels and loss of lymph fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. The case of a 3-month old patient with protein-losing enteropathy due to a primitive intestinal lymphangiectasia diagnosed with duodenal histology is reported. The adapted formula was replaced by a formula enriched with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and the patient presented a clinical and biochemical improvement. The importance of an early diagnosis and the efficacy of treatment with MCT is stressed.
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Calderaro A, Bommezzadri S, Incaprera M, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Guégan R, Villanacci V, Pirali F, Viviani G, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. DIAGNOSI DI LABORATORIO DI AMEBIASI MEDIANTE REAZIONE POLIMERASICA A CATENA (PCR). MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2003. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2003.4222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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114
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Calderaro A, Villanacci V, Bommezzadri S, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Incaprera M, Guégan R, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. DIAGNOSI DI LABORATORIO DI SPIROCHETOSI INTESTINALE DA BRACHYSPIRA AALBORGI. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2003. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2003.4225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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115
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Calderaro A, Perandin F, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Bommezzadri S, Incaprera M, Dell’Anna L, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Ricci L, Manca N, Chezzi C, Dettori G. APPROPRIATEZZA DI METODI MOLECOLARI AVANZATI PER LA DIAGNOSI DI LABORATORIO DI MALARIA: 2 ANNI DI ESPERIENZA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2003. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2003.4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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116
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Bommezzadri S, Incaprera M, Zuelli C, Guégan R, Arcangeletti M, Medici M, Dettori G, Chezzi C. DIAGNOSI DI LABORATORIO DI BORRELIOSI, LEPTOSPIROSI E SIFILIDE MEDIANTE METODI MOLECOLARI AVANZATI. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2003. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2003.4395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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117
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Calderaro A, Villanacci V, Conter M, Ragni P, Piccolo G, Zuelli C, Bommezzadri S, Guégan R, Zambelli C, Perandin F, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Manca N, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Rapid detection and identification of Brachyspira aalborgi from rectal biopsies and faeces of a patient. Res Microbiol 2003; 154:145-53. [PMID: 12648729 DOI: 10.1016/s0923-2508(02)00014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study reports for the first time the detection of Brachyspira aalborgi in faeces and rectal biopsies of a female suffering for 3-4 months of abdominal pain with long-standing mucosal diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and suspected carcinoma of the rectum. After pre-treatment of samples (faeces and biopsies) with a liquid medium (trypticase soy broth-TSB) containing foetal calf serum (FCS, 10%) and spectinomycin and rifampicin (TSB-SR) the first detection of B. aalborgi isolate HBS1 was observed after 48 h in the primary plates of selective blood agar modified medium (BAM) containing spectinomycin and rifampicin (BAM-SR), where growth zones were signalled by a small weakly beta-haemolytic halo. Attempts to subculture spirochaetes in agar media failed. The new HBS1 isolate was only propagated in TSB broth and at electron microscopy it showed 4 endoflagella inserted at each tapered end. The phenotypic characterization of HBS1 demonstrated absence of hippurate hydrolysis, indole production, alpha-galactosidase, alpha- and beta-glucosidase activities in accordance with the B. aalborgi type strain. Rapid identification of B. aalborgi isolate HBS1 was performed directly from faeces and rectal biopsies and subsequently from pure cultures by a genetic method based on 16S DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequence of 16S DNA amplicon of the isolate HBS1 was found 99.2% corresponding to that of the B. aalborgi type strain. Our results encourage further investigations for the development of a suitable selective agar medium for the isolating and cultivating B. aalborgi from human specimens.
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Perandin F, Manca N, Piccolo G, Calderaro A, Galati L, Ricci L, Medici MC, Arcangeletti C, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Identification of Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae and detection of mixed infection in patients with imported malaria in Italy. THE NEW MICROBIOLOGICA 2003; 26:91-100. [PMID: 12578316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The species-specific nested-PCR previously described by Snounou and others for detecting the four parasite species that cause human malaria is evaluated in the current study testing 230 blood samples. The results are compared with those obtained by microscopy and, for 101 samples out of 230, with those previously obtained by a genus-specific PCR based method (pg-PCR) followed by species-specific Southern-blot hybridization. All blood specimens were obtained from patients (127 foreigners and 103 Italians) with a suspect clinical diagnosis of imported malaria in Italy: 76 were positive by microscopy and 83 were positive by nested-PCR. The last method also revealed 10 double infections (8 foreigners and 2 Italians) which were not identified by microscopy or by pg-PCR with species-specific Southern-blot hybridization. Fifty-four out of 83 positive samples tested by nested-PCR were submitted to genomic sequence analysis, which confirmed the presence of DNA region portion encoding the 18S rRNA corresponding to the Plasmodium species identified by nested-PCR. These results demonstrate that the nested-PCR assay surpasses microscopy and pg-PCR with species-specific Southern-blot hybridization, both in sensitivity and in diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, it is quicker because it requires no further blotting or hybridization of PCR amplification products. This method also offers a clear advantage in the detection of mixed infections, which is important not only for successful medical treatment but also for the study of malaria epidemiology. Finally, our study also highlights the value of genomic sequence analysis for validating PCR results.
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119
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Taranto S, Meo CD, Stanco G, Piccolo G, Gazaneo MP, Nizza A. Influence of Age at Weaning on Caecal Content Characteristics and Post-weaning Performance and Health of Rabbits. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2003. [DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2003.1540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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120
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Chiesa R, Astore D, Frigerio S, Garriboli L, Piccolo G, Castellano R, Scalamogna M, Odero A, Pirrelli S, Biasi G, Mingazzini P, Biglioli P, Polvani G, Guarino A, Agrifoglio G, Tori A, Spina G. Vascular prosthetic graft infection: epidemiology, bacteriology, pathogenesis and treatment. Acta Chir Belg 2002; 102:238-47. [PMID: 12244902 DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2002.11679305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Vascular prosthetic graft infection remains a major surgical challenge. Prevention of risk factors and antibiotic therapy can reduced but not eradicate it. Management of infected vascular grafts depends on several factors, including the location of the infected prosthesis, the extent of infection, and the underlying micro-organism. Classic treatment consists of extra-anatomic bypass grafting. The disappointing results due to the high mortality and amputation rate have kindled interest in alternative approaches, such as in situ reconstruction with antibiotic-bonded prostheses, autogenous veins or arterial allografts. PURPOSE We focused on the treatment of aortic graft infection by means of both fresh and cryopreserved arterial allograft. Here, the experience of the Italian Collaborative Vascular Homograft Group is reported. METHODS Between March 1994 and December 2000 seventy-nine patients with aortic graft infection were treated. The results of 68 patients are analysed. Eleven patients were treated with fresh, and 57 with cryopreserved homograft. Emergency surgical procedures were performed in 12 patients (17%). Aortoenteric fistula was diagnosed in 22 patients. The mean interval between the first procedure and the insertion of a homograft for patients with infected aortic graft was 3 years (range 1-15). The mean duration of follow-up was 30 months (range 1-68). Clinical and duplex scanning evaluation were routinely performed. Computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), or arteriography were performed on the basis of duplex scanning results. RESULTS The analysis was performed on 68 cases for which there were sufficient reliable data. Eleven deaths occurred during the early postoperative period (30 days), a mortality rate of 16%. There were also seventeen late deaths, a mortality rate of 25%. Eleven patients had graft occlusion; six cases were successfully treated with thrombectomy. In three cases leg amputation was necessary. The results of fresh and cryopreserved homografts were compared. No significant differences of early postoperative mortality, late mortality, homograft-related mortality, graft failure were observed. The presence of aortoenteric fistula is a negative predicting factor of perioperative early mortality, which causes a rapid decline in the survival curve. Thirty-six months after the surgery the actuarial survival of the patients was 57% and the actuarial patency of the allograft was 41%. CONCLUSION No significant difference in terms of clinical outcome was observed when using fresh, rather than cryopreserved homografts. The only factor that significantly influenced the survival rate appeared to be the aorto-enteric fistula.
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Pavone P, Maccarrone F, Sorge A, Piccolo G, Greco F, Caruso P, Sorge G. Guillain-Barré syndrome after varicella zoster virus infections. A case report. Minerva Pediatr 2002; 54:259-62. [PMID: 12070486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The case of a 13 year-old patient affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome developed after varicella zoster virus infection is reported. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and motor and sensory conduction velocity were consistent with GBS. Antibodies against gangliosides GM1 were present; it is likely that some of these may play an important role in the pathogenesis of syndrome after varicella infection. The therapy was carried out with increasing high-doses of immunoglobulins, with full clinical recovery.
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Franciotta D, Cuccia M, Dondi E, Piccolo G, Cosi V. Polymorphic markers in MHC class II/III region: a study on Italian patients with myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2001; 190:11-6. [PMID: 11574100 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(01)00573-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With an Italian case series of 81 Italian patients and 130 controls, we analysed associations between myasthenia gravis (MG) and genetic polymorphisms in the MHC class II/III region. Increases in the frequency of the TNF-B*1, C4A*Q0, C4B*1, DRB1*03 supratype, which is likely part of the 8.1 ancestral haplotype, were maximal in females with early onset (EO) MG vs. controls [p<0.05, relative risk (RR)=9.9]. These patients showed neither a significantly high frequency of thymic hyperplasia, nor high levels of serum anti-acethylcholine receptor antibodies. The DRB1*03 allele was absent in patients with thymoma; however, in comparison with controls, occurrence of this marker was frequent in MG patients (p<0.005; RR=6.2), more frequent in females (p<0.005; RR=7.8) and most frequent in EOMG female patients (p<0.005; RR=15.1). Analysis of the TNF-B*1, C4A*Q0, C4B*1, DRB1*03 supratype and its recombinants showed that the MHC region between C4 and TNF might contain genes that influence susceptibility to MG in females. Polymorphic markers within the supratype, e.g. TNF-B*1 and C4A*Q0, might contribute to pathogenetically significant abnormalities in immune responses in a subset of female MG patients. The combined effect of other intervening genes cannot be excluded.
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Cardillo M, Scalamogna M, Pizzi C, Poli F, Piccolo G, Rossini G, Porta E, Malagò D, Sirchia G. [Organ transplantation: results and perspectives]. ANNALI DELL'ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITA 2001; 36:151-62. [PMID: 11213646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure, or anyhow it can considerably improve the life quality of patients suffering from irreversible organ impairment. Monitoring transplantation outcome is the last step of a long process that starts with cadaver donor identification, selection and clinical management, and continues with organ allocation, patient evaluation, surgical operation and clinical follow-up. The National Transplantation Committee has been discussing many of these items and, in 1995, it set up two protocols, one on liver exchange for urgent patients and the other on transplantation in the pediatric patient. The protocols application has met many difficulties, mainly due to the uneven behaviours of the different inter-regional organizations. In this paper we comment on the two main aspects to be submitted to the next National Committee: organ allocation and transplantation outcome. As far as the last point is concerned, the enclosed data are based on the experience of the North Italy Transplant program (NITp), and on that of the major international registries. Without any doubt these data demontrate that organ transplantation is to be ascribed among the successes of medicine in the just closed century.
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Polvani GL, Guarino A, Pompilio G, Parolari A, Piccolo G, Sala A, Biglioli P. [Banks of vascular homografts]. Ann Ital Chir 2001; 72:125-8. [PMID: 11552466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
We define as Banking of the tissues all the procedures that include the finding, preparation, conservation and distribution of the homograft. The vascular homografts are taken and put into a solution of transportation at +4 degrees C and kept at this temperature till their arrival at the Bank. The following step is the dissection of the homograft which will have to be performed as quickly as possible at most 24 hours after the taking in conditions of maximum sterility. At the Italian Homograft Bank at Centro Cardiologico, the vascular homografts are kept at +4 degrees C for 96 hours on average with antibiotics. After a phase of sterilization at +4 degrees C the tissue is frozen according to a homogeneous and controlled thermic decrease and stored at -150 degrees C/-180 degrees C in fumes of liquid nitrogen till the moment of their employment allowing a long term conservation. The aim of all these procedures of cryopreservation is to keep the structural and functional integrity of cells and tissues. The thermic decrease of the tissues must occur so that to avoid all the damages of the cellular vitality and functionality and especially of the tissue structure in toto. In order to limitate these events some cryoprotector agents are employed because they reduce the concentration of the solutes, the cellular dehydration, the formation of micro-macro crystals. Another step to establish if the homograft is proper is the study of bacteriological and viral aspects. The viral screenings are performed on the donor's blood and the bacteriological tests are performed on the tissue and on the liquids. For each phase of the banking a series of information about the donor and about the tissues are recorded and filed both on paper and database so that to grant always a right conduct of the material.
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Donini A, Baccarani U, Piccolo G, Lavaroni S, Dialti V, Cautero N, Risaliti A, Degrassi A, Scalamogna M, Bresadola F. Hepatocyte isolation using human livers discarded from transplantation: analysis of cell yield and function. Transplant Proc 2001; 33:654-5. [PMID: 11267001 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(00)02186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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