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Zippi M, Fiorino S, Hong W, de Biase D, Gallo CG, Grottesi A, Centorame A, Crispino P. Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2023; 11:229-237. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v11.i5.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent and still ongoing pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entailed various long-term complications, including post-infectious cholangiopathy.
AIM To identify the available studies concerning post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cholangiopathy.
METHODS An extensive bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed and in Cochrane Library to identify the articles (retrospective and prospective studies, cohort studies, case series and case reports) published between January 1, 2020 and August 22, 2022, using both MeSH terms and free-language keywords: cholangiopathy; COVID-19; post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy; SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS Thirteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which included 64 patients suffering from this condition. The patients were male in 82.8% of cases. Liver transplant was executed in 6 patients and scheduled in 7 patients, while 2 patients refused the surgical approach. Therefore in 23.4% of the cases, performing this procedure appeared to be necessary.
CONCLUSION This review has revealed that generally the involvement of the liver in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mild and transient, inducing cholestasis of cholangiocytes but can also be severe enough to cause organ failure in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Maggiore Hospital, Local Health Unit of Bologna, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Wandong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Grottesi
- Unit of General Surgery, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Crispino
- Unit of Emergency Medicine, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina 04100, Italy
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Zippi M, Fiorino S, Hong W, de Biase D, Gallo CG, Grottesi A, Centorame A, Crispino P. Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2023; 11:29-37. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v11.i1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent and still ongoing pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entailed various long-term complications, including post-infectious cholangiopathy.
AIM To identify the available studies concerning post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cholangiopathy.
METHODS An extensive bibliographical search was carried out in PubMed and in Cochrane Library to identify the articles (retrospective and prospective studies, cohort studies, case series and case reports) published between January 1, 2020 and August 22, 2022, using both MeSH terms and free-language keywords: cholangiopathy; COVID-19; post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy; SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS Thirteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, which included 64 patients suffering from this condition. The patients were male in 82.8% of cases. Liver transplant was executed in 6 patients and scheduled in 7 patients, while 2 patients refused the surgical approach. Therefore in 23.4% of the cases, performing this procedure appeared to be necessary.
CONCLUSION This review has revealed that generally the involvement of the liver in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mild and transient, inducing cholestasis of cholangiocytes but can also be severe enough to cause organ failure in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Maggiore Hospital, Local Health Unit of Bologna, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Wandong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Grottesi
- Unit of General Surgery, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Crispino
- Unit of Emergency Medicine, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina 04100, Italy
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Grottesi A, Iacovitti S, Ciano P, Borrini F, Zippi M. Simultaneous laparoscopic removal of a Todani type II choledochal cyst and a microlithiasic cholecystitis. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg 2022; 26:281-284. [PMID: 35672029 PMCID: PMC9428432 DOI: 10.14701/ahbps.22-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverticula of the choledochus, better known as Todani type II cysts, are very rare and represent a predominantly pediatric pathology. Their identification by radiological methods, even if occasional, requires clinical doctors to request a surgical consultation, even for asymptomatic subjects, to proceed with their removal, given the risk of associated neoplasms. The laparoscopic approach for surgical treatment of these cysts has been recently introduced with excellent results. Due to the poor clinical records, currently there are neither shared protocols about their management nor long-term follow-up of operated patients. We report a case of an adult female suffering for years from biliary colic due to the presence of a duodenal diverticulum associated with microlithiasis' cholecystitis, who was laparoscopically treated, with excellent results in terms of symptomatic regression, reduced hospitalization, and no surgery-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paolo Ciano
- Unit of General Surgery, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastronterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author: Maddalena Zippi, MD, PhD Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, Rome 00157, Italy Tel: +39-06-41433310, Fax: +39-06-41733847, E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5876-3199
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Hong W, Zhou X, Jin S, Lu Y, Pan J, Lin Q, Yang S, Xu T, Basharat Z, Zippi M, Fiorino S, Tsukanov V, Stock S, Grottesi A, Chen Q, Pan J. A Comparison of XGBoost, Random Forest, and Nomograph for the Prediction of Disease Severity in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia: Implications of Cytokine and Immune Cell Profile. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:819267. [PMID: 35493729 PMCID: PMC9039730 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.819267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study was to apply machine learning models and a nomogram to differentiate critically ill from non-critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients. METHODS Clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory parameters, cytokine profile, and immune cellular data of 63 COVID-19 pneumonia patients were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes were followed up until Mar 12, 2020. A logistic regression function (LR model), Random Forest, and XGBoost models were developed. The performance of these models was measured by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS Univariate analysis revealed that there was a difference between critically and non-critically ill patients with respect to levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, T cells, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells. Interleukin-10 with an AUC of 0.86 was most useful predictor of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Ten variables (respiratory rate, neutrophil counts, aspartate transaminase, albumin, serum procalcitonin, D-dimer and B-type natriuretic peptide, CD4+ T cells, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10) were used as candidate predictors for LR model, Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost model application. The coefficients from LR model were utilized to build a nomogram. RF and XGBoost methods suggested that Interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 were the most important variables for severity of illness prediction. The mean AUC for LR, RF, and XGBoost model were 0.91, 0.89, and 0.93 respectively (in two-fold cross-validation). Individualized prediction by XGBoost model was explained by local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) plot. CONCLUSIONS XGBoost exhibited the highest discriminatory performance for prediction of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. It is inferred that the nomogram and visualized interpretation with LIME plot could be useful in the clinical setting. Additionally, interleukin-10 could serve as a useful predictor of critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wandong Hong, ; Jingye Pan,
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengchun Jin
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yajing Lu
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Pan
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qingyi Lin
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shaopeng Yang
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zarrin Basharat
- Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research, Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Budrio Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vladislav Tsukanov
- Department of Gastroenterology, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Simon Stock
- Department of Surgery, World Mate Emergency Hospital, Battambang, Cambodia
| | | | - Qin Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingye Pan
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wandong Hong, ; Jingye Pan,
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Grottesi A, Bianchi L, Ranieri FM, Puce E, Catarci M. Unusual segmental ischemia of the small bowel from cocaine abuse. J Surg Case Rep 2021; 2021:rjab074. [PMID: 33884165 PMCID: PMC8046013 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine abuse is rising in the young population, triggering uncommon and potentially life-threatening causes of acute abdomen in this age group. The authors present the case of a 30-year-old man with emergency admission due to abdominal pain, with no history of drug abuse. Several signs and symptoms elicited toxicologic blood screening, which disclosed high serum levels of cocaine and its metabolites. Twelve hours after admission, the onset of acute abdomen with signs of diffuse peritonitis prompted surgical exploration through a minimally invasive approach. Two segmental small bowel ischemic loops and diffuse peritonitis, but no bowel perforation, were identified and treated by laparoscopic peritoneal lavage with 5 l of heated saline and intravenous administration of sodium heparin, 10 000 IU. Postoperative course was uneventful with home discharge on postoperative day 5. High index of suspicion is required to establish a prompt diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon cocaine abuse-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Grottesi
- General Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital - ASL Roma 2, Roma, Italy
| | - Leonello Bianchi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital - ASL Roma 2, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Puce
- General Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital - ASL Roma 2, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Catarci
- General Surgery Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital - ASL Roma 2, Roma, Italy
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Grottesi A, Gabbianelli F, Valentini A, Chillemi G. Structural and dynamic analysis of G558R mutation in chicken TSHR gene shows altered signal transduction and corroborates its role as a domestication gene. Anim Genet 2019; 51:51-57. [PMID: 31746479 DOI: 10.1111/age.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) has been indicated as a putative domestication gene in chicken. Comparison of WGS identified a variant in residue 558 of the transmembrane domain (TM) of TSHR, where the domestic chicken (GGD) presents an arginine, whereas the red jungle fowl (RJF) shares a conserved glycine with other vertebrates. This variant has been demonstrated to be associated with phenotypes that are important for domestication and related to thyroid regulation, such as less fearful behavior, reduced aggressive behavior and reduced dependence on seasonal reproduction in GGD as compared with RJF. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, we highlighted the structural and dynamic differences of variant Gly558Arg in the TSHR TM domain. Alterations in TM helix flexibility, structure and protein overall motion are described. The so-called 'arginine snorkeling' of residue 568 in GGD is observed and we hypothesize it as the originating force that produces the observed whole-protein perturbation in the helix bundle dynamics, capable of altering the TSHR signal transduction. The results are discussed in the context of their implications for a better understanding of biological mechanisms in chicken under control of the thyroid, such as body metabolism, as well as for their usefulness in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grottesi
- SCAI-Super Computing Applications and Innovation Department, CINECA, Via dei Tizii, 6b, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - F Gabbianelli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, via S. Camillo de Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - A Valentini
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, via S. Camillo de Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - G Chillemi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, via S. Camillo de Lellis s.n.c., 01100, Viterbo, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, IBIOM, CNR, Via Giovanni Amendola, 122/O, Bari, 70126, Italy
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Di Matteo A, Franceschini M, Paiardini A, Grottesi A, Chiarella S, Rocchio S, Di Natale C, Marasco D, Vitagliano L, Travaglini-Allocatelli C, Federici L. Structural investigation of nucleophosmin interaction with the tumor suppressor Fbw7γ. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e379. [PMID: 28920929 PMCID: PMC5623904 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a multifunctional nucleolar protein implicated in ribogenesis, centrosome duplication, cell cycle control, regulation of DNA repair and apoptotic response to stress stimuli. The majority of these functions are played through the interactions with a variety of protein partners. NPM1 is frequently overexpressed in solid tumors of different histological origin. Furthermore NPM1 is the most frequently mutated protein in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Mutations map to the C-terminal domain and lead to the aberrant and stable localization of the protein in the cytoplasm of leukemic blasts. Among NPM1 protein partners, a pivotal role is played by the tumor suppressor Fbw7γ, an E3-ubiquitin ligase that degrades oncoproteins like c-MYC, cyclin E, Notch and c-jun. In AML with NPM1 mutations, Fbw7γ is degraded following its abnormal cytosolic delocalization by mutated NPM1. This mechanism also applies to other tumor suppressors and it has been suggested that it may play a key role in leukemogenesis. Here we analyse the interaction between NPM1 and Fbw7γ, by identifying the protein surfaces implicated in recognition and key aminoacids involved. Based on the results of computational methods, we propose a structural model for the interaction, which is substantiated by experimental findings on several site-directed mutants. We also extend the analysis to two other NPM1 partners (HIV Tat and CENP-W) and conclude that NPM1 uses the same molecular surface as a platform for recognizing different protein partners. We suggest that this region of NPM1 may be targeted for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Matteo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari - Consiglio Nazionale delle ricerche, Roma, Italy
| | - M Franceschini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Chieti, Italy.,CeSI-Met - Università di Chieti-Pescara 'G d'Annunzio', Chieti, Italy
| | - A Paiardini
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie 'C Darwin' - Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - A Grottesi
- CINECA Consorzio Interuniversitario, Sede di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - S Chiarella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Chieti, Italy.,CeSI-Met - Università di Chieti-Pescara 'G d'Annunzio', Chieti, Italy
| | - S Rocchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche 'A Rossi Fanelli' - Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - C Di Natale
- Dipartimento di Farmacia,- Università di Napoli 'Federico II', Napoli, Italy
| | - D Marasco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia,- Università di Napoli 'Federico II', Napoli, Italy
| | - L Vitagliano
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Travaglini-Allocatelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche 'A Rossi Fanelli' - Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - L Federici
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Chieti, Italy.,CeSI-Met - Università di Chieti-Pescara 'G d'Annunzio', Chieti, Italy
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Sansom MSP, Bond PJ, Deol SS, Grottesi A, Haider S, Sands ZA. Molecular simulations and lipid-protein interactions: potassium channels and other membrane proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2006; 33:916-20. [PMID: 16246010 DOI: 10.1042/bst20050916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations may be used to probe the interactions of membrane proteins with lipids and with detergents at atomic resolution. Examples of such simulations for ion channels and for bacterial outer membrane proteins are described. Comparison of simulations of KcsA (an alpha-helical bundle) and OmpA (a beta-barrel) reveals the importance of two classes of side chains in stabilizing interactions with the head groups of lipid molecules: (i) tryptophan and tyrosine; and (ii) arginine and lysine. Arginine residues interacting with lipid phosphate groups play an important role in stabilizing the voltage-sensor domain of the KvAP channel within a bilayer. Simulations of the bacterial potassium channel KcsA reveal specific interactions of phosphatidylglycerol with an acidic lipid-binding site at the interface between adjacent protein monomers. A combination of molecular modelling and simulation reveals a potential phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-binding site on the surface of Kir6.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S P Sansom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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9
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Vallasciani S, Pintus C, Grottesi A, Riccioni M. Choledochal cyst in a pediatric patient: creation of a bilijejunal anastomosis with surgical staples. A case report. Pediatr Med Chir 2003; 25:281-4. [PMID: 15070273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the use of surgical staples is a well established practice in intestinal tract surgery on adults, their role in biliodigestive anastomoses in adults and children has been more limited. The Authors describe a 12-year-old girl with a type-IV choledochal cyst, who was successfully treated with cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy created with a surgical stapler.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vallasciani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Roma.
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10
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Grottesi A, Steyaert H. Proposal for a variant of the Duhamel technique of preputioplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003; 111:499-500. [PMID: 12496634 DOI: 10.1097/00006534-200301000-00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Manzoni C, Grottesi A, D'Urzo C, Pintus C, Fadda G, Perrelli L. An original technique for bladder autoaugmentation with protective abdominal rectus muscle flaps: an experimental study in rats. J Surg Res 2001; 99:169-74. [PMID: 11469883 DOI: 10.1006/jsre.2001.6098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder autoaugmentation uses partial detrusorectomy to create a diverticular bulge in the bladder mucosa. This technique has eliminated certain serious complications of cystoplasty with gastrointestinal tissues (e.g., fluid/electrolyte/acid-base imbalances, mucous hypersecretion), but the exposed mucosa is subject to fibrosis and, sometimes, to perforation, which can annul the benefits of surgery. METHODS We have developed an original technique based on traditional autoaugmentation with protection of the herniated mucosa by split-thickness pedunculated rectus abdominis muscle flaps that are sutured to the incised margins of the detrusor. Preliminary testing was done on 30 adult Wistar rats. A control group of 15 rats underwent laparotomy alone. Bladder capacity was measured via suprapubic cystography before and after (4 weeks, 8 weeks, 1 year) surgery, just before sacrifice. Sections of the reconstructed bladder were examined histologically. RESULTS Twenty-three bladder-augmented rats and 13 controls survived. In the experimental group, bladder capacity increased by 38% (mean). None of the rats experienced urinary retention, although one developed bladder stones. Histology revealed no pathologic changes (other than chronic inflammatory infiltrates at suture sites) in the mucosa, detrusor, or muscle flaps, which were all viable and well integrated by the fourth postoperative week. There were no signs of mucosal or muscle fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results in a rat model suggest that this new technique can produce an enlarged bladder that is fully functional and less vulnerable to fibrotic retraction and rupture. Residual contractility in the muscle flaps might theoretically be exploited to facilitate paraphysiologic micturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Manzoni
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Medical School, Rome, Italy
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12
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Abstract
Several studies indicate that in young patients (less than 21 years of age at the time of diagnosis), the prognosis of thyroid carcinoma (TC) is more favorable than in older patients. However, a more radical treatment approach is recommended in children and adolescents due to the higher prevalence of local lymph-node involvement in these cases. Since the extent of primary surgical treatment is closely related to the overall prognosis, preoperative diagnosis becomes essential in the management of thyroid neoplasms in young patients. In this retrospective study (1987-1998), we analyzed a surgical series of 50 children and adolescents with thyroid nodules in an attempt to establish the role of diagnostic studies in detecting malignant lesions prior to surgery. Our diagnostic protocol for evaluating thyroid nodules was based on clinical evaluation, measurement of thyroid-hormone and thyroglobulin (TG) levels, anti-TG and anti-TPO antibody titers, calcitonin, CEA, and TPA levels, sonography, scintigraphy, and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid nodules and any enlarged lymph nodes. Eleven of the 15 cases of histologically confirmed carcinoma were preoperatively identified as malignant lesions with the aid of FNAC. The authors conclude that the preoperative work-up of children and adolescents with thyroid nodules requires the collaboration of an experienced team of professionals, and recommend FNAC as the initial test.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ardito
- Istituto di Semeiotica Chirurgica, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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13
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Amadei A, Chillemi G, Ceruso MA, Grottesi A, Di Nola A. Molecular dynamics simulations with constrained roto-translational motions: Theoretical basis and statistical mechanical consistency. J Chem Phys 2000. [DOI: 10.1063/1.480557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
The effects of core-packing on the structure, function and mechanics of the RNA-binding 4-helix-bundle Rop have been studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The structural, dynamical and geometrical properties of the Rop homodimer, (formed by the antiparallel juxtaposition of two helix-turn-helix motifs), have been compared with those of three protein variants described by Munson et al. (Protein Sci, 5:1584-1593, 1996), where the core of the native protein has been systematically repacked using a two-amino acid alphabet: Ala(2)Leu(2)-8, Ala(2)Leu(2)-8-rev, and Leu(2)Ala(2)-8. The results showed that it was possible to readily distinguish the inactive protein Leu(2)Ala(2)-8 from the other functionally active systems based on tertiary and quaternary structure criteria. Structural properties such as native secondary structure content did not correlate with biological activity. Biological activity was related in part to the relative arrangement of the residues within the binding site. But, more global aspects, related to the overall topology of the helical bundle, accounted for the small functional differences between Ala(2)Leu(2)-8 and Ala(2)Leu(2)-8-rev. Mechanically, the 4-helix-bundle absorbed core mutations by altering the local structure at the sequence termini and in the turns that join the two helices of each monomer, and by changing the overall orientation and separation of the extremely rigid helices. Proteins 1999;36:436-446.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Ceruso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rome "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy.
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Melino S, Rufini S, Sette M, Morero R, Grottesi A, Paci M, Petruzzelli R. Zn(2+) ions selectively induce antimicrobial salivary peptide histatin-5 to fuse negatively charged vesicles. Identification and characterization of a zinc-binding motif present in the functional domain. Biochemistry 1999; 38:9626-33. [PMID: 10423240 DOI: 10.1021/bi990212c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The salivary antimicrobial peptide histatin-5 is able to aggregate and fuse negatively charged small unilamellar vesicles, and this fusogenic activity is selectively induced by the presence of zinc ions. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that histatin-5, in the presence of negatively charged vesicles and zinc ions, undergoes a conformational change leading to the stabilization of an alpha-helical secondary structure. We attribute the specific action of the zinc ions to the presence of a consensus sequence, HEXXH, located in the C-terminal functional domain of histatin-5, a recognized zinc-binding motif in many proteins. Two-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy of histatin-5 in a trifluoroethanol/water mixture (a membrane mimetic environment) has been performed and the results analyzed by means of distance geometry and restrained molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal that the peptide chain, including the Zn-binding consensus sequence corresponding to residues 15-19, is in a helicoidal conformation. Comparison of the chemical shifts of the individual amino acids in histatin-5 with those recently reported in other solvents indicates that trifluoroethanol/water has a structuring capability somewhere between water and dimethyl sulfoxide. The mechanism of action of this antimicrobial peptide is discussed on the basis of its structural characteristics with particular attention to the Zn-binding motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Melino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Chieti G. D'Annunzio, Italy
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Coiro VM, Segre AL, Di Nola A, Paci M, Grottesi A, Veglia G, Ballio A. Solution conformation of the Pseudomonas syringae MSU 16H phytotoxic lipodepsipeptide Pseudomycin A determined by computer simulations using distance geometry and molecular dynamics from NMR data. Eur J Biochem 1998; 257:449-56. [PMID: 9826192 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1998.2570449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomycin A is a cyclic lipodepsinonapeptide phytotoxin produced by a strain of the plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Like other members of this family of bacterial metabolites, it is characterised by a fatty acylated cyclic peptide with mixed chirality and lactonic closure. Several biological activities of Pseudomycin A are lower than those found for some of its congeners, a difference which might depend on the diverse number and distribution of charged residues in the peptide moiety. Hence, it was of interest to investigate its conformation in solution. After the complete interpretation of the two-dimensional NMR spectra, NOE data were obtained and the structure was determined by computer simulations, applying distance geometry and molecular dynamics procedures. The conformation of the large ring of Pseudomycin A in solution includes three rigid structural regions interrupted by three short flexible regions that act as hinges. The overall three-dimensional structure of the cyclic moiety is similar to that of previously studied bioactive lipodepsinonapeptides produced by other pseudomonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Coiro
- Istituto di Strutturistica Chimica G. Giacomello, CNR, Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Grottesi A, Sette M, Palamara T, Rotilio G, Garaci E, Paci M. The conformation of peptide thymosin alpha 1 in solution and in a membrane-like environment by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. A possible model for its interaction with the lymphocyte membrane. Peptides 1998; 19:1731-8. [PMID: 9880079 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(98)00132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The 28-residue peptide thymosin alpha1 was studied by circular dichroism and two-dimensional NMR. Circular dichroism indicates that thymosin alpha1 in water solution does not assume a preferred conformation, while in the presence of small unilamellar vesicles of dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine and dimiristoylphosphatidic acid (10:1) and in sodium dodecyl sulphate, it assumes a partly structured conformation. Presence of zinc ions produces similar effects. In a more hydrophobic environment like a solution of a mixed solvent water-2,2,2 trifluoroethanol, it adopts a structured conformation. NMR spectra indicated that in this mixture as solvent, thymosin alpha1 has a structure characterized by two regions. A beta-turn is present between residue 5 and residue 8, while the region between residues 17 and 24 shows an alpha helix conformation. These changes of conformation in different environments may be considered structural requirements in the steps of its interaction with the lymphocyte membrane. In fact, these conformational changes may correspond to the first event of the mechanism of lymphocyte activation in the immune response modulation by thymosin alpha1.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grottesi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
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