Molecular Biology Digest of Cell Mitophagy.

The homeostasis of eukaryotic cells relies on efficient mitochondrial function. The control of mitochondrial quality is framed by the combination of distinct but interdependent mechanisms spanning biogenesis, regulation of dynamic network, and finely tuned degradation either through ubiquitin-proteasome system or autophagy (mitophagy). There is continuous evolution on the pathways orchestrating the mitochondrial response to stress signals and the organelle adaptation to quality control during acute and subtle dysfunctions. Notably, it remains indeed ill-defined whether active mitophagy leads to cell survival or death by defective mitochondrial degradation. Above all, uncharted is whether and how pharmacologically tackle these mechanisms may lead to conceive novel therapeutic strategies for treating conditions associated with the defective mitochondria. Here, we attempt to provide a chronological and comprehensive overview of the determining discoveries, which have led to the current knowledge of mitophagy.

Legumes steam allergy in childhood: Update of the reported cases

In the past few decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases has deeply increased, with a key role played by food allergies. Legumes seem to play a major role towards the overall increase in the scenario of food allergy, since they are an appreciated source, consumed worldwide, due to their high protein content, variable amounts of lipids and for the presence of vitamins. In literature there are numerous descriptions of adverse reactions after ingestion of uncooked and cooked legumes. Nevertheless, cases of allergic reactions induced by inhaling vapours from cooking legumes have rarely been described. Herein the authors report an update of the literature data on allergic reactions caused by legume steam inhalation, underlying the possible pathogenic mechanism of these atopic events and the knowledge of literature data in paediatric age. The importance of this review is the focus on the clinical aspects concerning legume vapour allergy, referring to literature data in childhood

No disponibl

Sodium metabisulphite allergy with multiple food and drug hypersensitivities in a five-year-old child: a case report and literature review

No disponible

Legumes steam allergy in childhood: Update of the reported cases.

In the past few decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases has deeply increased, with a key role played by food allergies. Legumes seem to play a major role towards the overall increase in the scenario of food allergy, since they are an appreciated source, consumed worldwide, due to their high protein content, variable amounts of lipids and for the presence of vitamins. In literature there are numerous descriptions of adverse reactions after ingestion of uncooked and cooked legumes. Nevertheless, cases of allergic reactions induced by inhaling vapours from cooking legumes have rarely been described. Herein the authors report an update of the literature data on allergic reactions caused by legume steam inhalation, underlying the possible pathogenic mechanism of these atopic events and the knowledge of literature data in paediatric age. The importance of this review is the focus on the clinical aspects concerning legume vapour allergy, referring to literature data in childhood.

Population genetic analyses provide insights on the introduction pathway and spread patterns of the North American forest pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare in Italy.

A population genetics approach is used to identify the most likely introduction site and introduction pathway for the North American forest pathogen Heterobasidion irregulare using 101 isolates from six sites in Italy and 34 isolates from five sites in North America. Diversity indices based on sequences from ten loci indicate the highest diversity in Italy is found in Castelfusano/Castelporziano and that diversity progressively decreases with increasing distance from that site. AMOVA, Bayesian clustering and principal coordinates analyses based on 12 SSR loci indicate high levels of gene flow among sites, high frequency of admixing, and fail to identify groups of genotypes exclusive to single locations. Cumulatively, these analyses suggest the current infestation is the result of multiple genotypes expanding their range from a single site. Based on two sequenced loci, a single source site in North America could provide enough variability to explain the variability observed in Italy. These results support the notion that H. irregulare was introduced originally in Castelporziano: because Castelporziano has been sealed off from the rest of the world for centuries except for a camp set up by the US military in 1944, we conclude the fungus may have been transported in infected wood used by the military. Finally, spatial autocorrelation analyses using SSR data indicate a significant under-dispersion of alleles up to 0.5-10 km, while a significant overdispersion of alleles was detected at distances over 80 km: these ranges can be used to make predictions on the likely dispersal potential of the invasive pathogen.

Optimization of sampling procedures for DNA-based diagnosis of wood decay fungi in standing trees.

AIMS: To develop fast and reliable sampling procedures for DNA-based diagnosis of wood decay fungi in standing trees. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 250 trees were tested for the presence of a suite of wood decay fungi by collecting wood frass obtained by drilling each tree once with a 4-mm-diameter, 43-cm-long bit. We identified at least one of 11 target wood decay fungi in 56 trees through multiplex PCR assays. The presence of target wood decay taxa was further investigated in these 56 trees, by analysing independently wood from each of six drillings. Results were then compared with those obtained using sampling schemes differing in terms of number and position of drillings. Samples of 1-4 drillings were either analysed separately, and the results were combined, or pooled together before analysis was performed. In comparison with taxa identified by the analysis of six drillings, diagnostic efficiency ranged from 56.6% for the scheme based on a single drill to 96.8% for the scheme based on four drillings analysed separately. Both schemes significantly differ (P < 0.05) from those based on two and three drillings, whose efficiency was 72.6% and 83.9%, respectively. Diagnostic efficiency of pooled samples was comparable to that of samples analysed separately. CONCLUSIONS: Highest diagnostic efficiency was obtained by analysing wood from four drillings. It is advisable to pool samples deriving from different drillings to reduce laboratory costs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fast and reliable sampling procedures make DNA-based diagnosis more suitable for tree inspection procedures.

Hemicorea-hemibalismo asociado a hiperglucemia no cetósica con hiperintensidad estriatal / Hemichorea-hemiballism associated to non-ketonic hyperglycemia with striatal hyperintensity

No disponible

No disponible

A multiplex PCR-based method for the detection and early identification of wood rotting fungi in standing trees.

AIMS: The goal of this research was the development of a PCR-based assay to identify important decay fungi from wood of hardwood tree species in northern temperate regions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven taxon-specific primers were designed for PCR amplification of either nuclear or mitochondrial ribosomal DNA regions of Armillaria spp., Ganoderma spp., Hericium spp., Hypoxylon thouarsianum var. thouarsianum, Inonotus/Phellinus-group, Laetiporus spp., Perenniporia fraxinea, Pleurotus spp., Schizophyllum spp., Stereum spp. and Trametes spp. Multiplex PCR reactions were developed and optimized to detect fungal DNA and identify each taxon with a sensitivity of at least 1 pg of target DNA in the template. This assay correctly identified the agents of decay in 82% of tested wood samples. CONCLUSIONS: The development and optimization of multiplex PCRs allowed for reliable identification of wood rotting fungi directly from wood. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Early detection of wood decay fungi is crucial for assessment of tree stability in urban landscapes. Furthermore, this method may prove useful for prediction of the severity and the evolution of decay in standing trees.

Invasion of European pine stands by a North American forest pathogen and its hybridization with a native interfertile taxon.

It was recently reported that North American (NA) individuals of the forest pathogen Heterobasidion annosum were found in a single pine stand near Rome, in association with the movement of US troops during World War II. Here, we report on some aspects of the invasion biology of this pathogen in Italian coastal pinewoods, and on its interaction with native (EU) Heterobasidion populations. Spores of Heterobasidion were sampled using woody traps in pine stands along 280 km of coast around Rome. DNA of single-spore colonies was characterized by two sets of nuclear and one set of mitochondrial taxon-specific polymerase chain reaction primers. NA spores were found not only in a single site, but in many locations over a wide geographic area. Invasion occurred at an estimated rate of 1.3 km/year through invasion corridors provided by single trees, and not necessarily by sizable patches of forests. Within the 100-km long range of expansion, the NA taxon was dominant in all pure pine stands. Because abundance of the EU taxon is low and identical among stands within and outside the area invaded by NA individuals, we infer that the exotic population has invaded habitats mostly unoccupied by the native species. Discrepancy between a mitochondrial and a nuclear marker occurred in 3.8% of spores from one site, a mixed oak-pine forest where both taxa were equally represented. Combined phylogenetic analyses on nuclear and mitochondrial loci confirmed these isolates were recombinant. The finding of hybrids indicates that genetic interaction between NA and EU Heterobasidion taxa is occurring as a result of their current sympatry.

Persistence and efficacy of Beauveria brongniartii strains applied as biocontrol agents against Melolontha melolontha in the Valley of Aosta (northwest Italy).

AIMS: To monitor and select genetically characterized strains of Beauveria brongniartii to be used as microbiological control agents against Melolontha melolontha in different climatic conditions of the Valley of Aosta (northwest Italy). METHODS AND RESULTS: Molecular random amplified polymorphic DNA markers allowed monitoring of five B. brongniartii strains (C2, F, K2, N3 and W2) in field trials. Ten sites were chosen at Jovençan, Saint-Pierre and Quart areas, where a mixture of the five strains colonizing rye kernels was applied to the soil of each M. melolontha infested site. Growth, persistence and virulence on M. melolontha larvae of five fungal strains were evaluated in two subsequent 24-month studies. Beauveria brongniartii grew best at the Jovençan sites. Not only did strain F persist better than the other strains in most soil samples but it was also the most virulent strain. Strain F was isolated the most frequently from infected M. melolontha larvae recovered from the test sites. A general decrease in the larvae rate was detected in the test field soil. CONCLUSIONS: Strain F of B. brongniartii was better than other strains in growth, persistence and virulence against M. melolontha larvae in the test site soil. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results obtained from preliminary field trials support the use of strain F as a biological control agent against M. melolontha in the Valley of Aosta even if further targeted studies are still necessary.

Double-blind study of cetirizine in atopic eczema in children.

An 8-week, double-blind study of the clinical efficacy of cetirizine was performed in a group of 6 to 12-year-old children suffering from atopic eczema. Patients were enrolled in the study if they presented the diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis established by Hanifin and Rajka. Pruritus in the cetirizine-treated group diminished significantly more rapidly than in the control group receiving only placebo. During the 8 weeks of the study, diary card scores showed a statistically significant decrease in erythema and other cutaneous symptoms, such as lichenification, in the cetirizine group. The children's parents did not observe any side effects (somnolence or decreased attention) during the study. The results of this preliminary study suggest that cetirizine can effectively control pruritus and other cutaneous symptoms in children suffering from atopic eczema without noticeable side effects.

Imaging of the parapharyngeal space: anatomy and pathology.

A multitude of histologic neoplasms occur within the boundaries of the parapharyngeal space. Contrast enhanced computed tomography and recently MRI have greatly enhanced the preoperative diagnosis of parapharyngeal space tumors. MRI is currently the modality of choice in evaluating masses originating in the parapharyngeal space or masses from adjacent spaces which grow into the parapharyngeal space. Gadolinium DTPA enhanced MRI of head and neck tumors is helpful for demonstrating neoplastic involvement of paranasal sinus, perineural tumor extension, or intracranial extension of neoplasms. Parapharyngeal space tumors are equally demonstrated by unenhanced MRI. The majority of tumors involving the parapharyngeal space are from the deep portion of the parotid gland or from minor salivary glands, and the majority of these tumors are benign mixed tumors. Based on the CT appearance and enhancement characteristics, it is difficult to accurately distinguish a minor salivary gland tumor from a neurogenic tumor. MR tissue signal characteristics alone cannot be reliably utilized in making this distinction. Internal carotid artery displacement remains the most reliable distinguishing feature. Minor salivary gland tumors will displace the internal carotid artery posterior and lateral, whereas neurogenic tumors will displace the internal carotid artery anterior and medial.

Prospective comparison of computed tomography and duplex sonography in the evaluation of recently inserted Kimray-Greenfield filters into the inferior vena cava.

A prospective comparison of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and duplex sonography (DS) was performed to examine the Kimray-Greenfield filter in the inferior vena cava (IVC) in the immediate postoperative period. Fourteen patients were studied for five complications: IVC thrombosis, malpositioning, pericaval hematoma, filter angulation, and prong perforation. Our results found CT to be more efficacious because it was a) able to evaluate more patients with fewer technically inadequate scans and b) more definitive in all categories. However, when visualized, DS was as accurate as CT in the evaluation of thrombosis.

[Limitations and applicability of predicted values of the main spirometric parameters in a childhood population]. / Limiti ed applicabilità delle formule di predizione dei principali parametri spirometrici in una popolazione pediatrica.

Different ethnic origins have considerable influence on the various biologic parameters. In respiratory physiopathology variations become even more pronounced especially when we consider the growth, the used methodology and the cooperation of the child. In order to obtain predicted values of the main spirometric parameters in the sicilian pediatric population, we studies 196 boys, whose ages ranged from 10 to 13 years. The short age range and the high number of boys examined, has allow us a more accurate statistical evaluation. The Fenyves and Gut pneumotacograph (Basel) has been used to determine the flow-volume curves. All of the obtained data have undergone statistical analysis with the multiple correlation method. With this method we derived our predicted values, which were significantly different from the results of other Authors. It than becomes necessary that every respiratory physiopathological center derives its own predicted values, due to the variability linked to the kind of spirometer, the way the test is used and the ethnic group studied.

CT findings in recurrent submandibular pleomorphic adenoma with metastasis.

A case of a recurrent submandibular pleomorphic adenoma with metastasis in which both the primary tumor and metastasis were histologically benign is reported and the literature reviewed.