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Marino A, Cacciaguerra G, Spampinato S, Palermo M, Biasco A, Liotta E, Cocuzza S, Venanzi Rullo E, Nunnari G, Pavone P. SARS-CoV-2 associated unilateral parotitis in children: A case report and literature review. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:83. [PMID: 38628628 PMCID: PMC11019641 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1771] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection usually affects the respiratory system; however, a number of atypical manifestations of this disease have also been reported, especially in children. The present study reports a case of a 12-year-old presenting with right unilateral parotitis and sialadenitis and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The young patient, after a 3-day history of fever, was brought to our clinic (Polyclinic University Hospital 'G. Rodolico', Catania, Italy) for the sudden onset of unilateral parotitis accompanied by sialadenitis and hyperaemia of the skin, which was tender to touch. The SARS-CoV-2 molecular swab was positive; the ultrasound of the affected region showed an increase in the volume of the parotid and sublingual gland and reactive lymph nodes compatible with parotitis and sialadenitis. This case suggests that, in the present Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 should be included in the differential diagnosis of parotitis and sialadenitis along with mumps and flue. Notably, a respiratory panel and serology for other potential causes are needed in case of parotitis-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cacciaguerra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Monica Palermo
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, Radiology Unit 1, University of Catania, I-95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Arturo Biasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Liotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, ENT Section, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, I-95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, School of Specialization in Paediatrics, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
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Pizzo F, Marino A, Di Nora A, Spampinato S, Cacciaguerra G, Costanza G, Scarlata F, Biasco A, Consentino MC, Lubrano R, Cacopardo B, Nunnari G, Ruggieri M, Pavone P. Urea/Creatinine Ratio's Correlation with Creatine Kinase Normalization in Pediatric COVID-19 Patients with Myositis: Evaluating Prognostic and Predictive Value. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 16:13-25. [PMID: 38247974 PMCID: PMC10801615 DOI: 10.3390/idr16010002] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been chiefly linked with substantial respiratory complications. However, emerging studies have brought attention to the occurrence of severe muscle inflammation (myositis) related to COVID-19, potentially leading to multi-organ failure and increased mortality. Myositis is generally characterized by heightened serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Acute myositis is characterized by an infiltration of viruses into calf muscle fibers, which may cause a subsequent inflammatory response leading to calf muscle pain. Symptomatic and supportive management, along with explanation and reassurance, is all that is required in managing this condition. While the association between myositis and severe outcomes has been recognized in adults, it remains less understood in the pediatric population. The current retrospective study, conducted at Policlinico San Marco University Hospital in Catania, aimed to analyze clinical and laboratory factors associated with myositis in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between January 2022 and January 2023, ten pediatric patients diagnosed with myositis and SARS-CoV-2 infection were evaluated. The study highlighted clinical manifestations such as fever, calf muscle pain, and abnormal gait. Lab results showed elevated CK levels among other findings. All patients underwent treatment, with the majority recovering without complications. A notable correlation was observed between CK levels, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the urea/creatinine ratio (UCR). The study also discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2's impact on skeletal muscles, emphasizing an indirect inflammatory response. Our findings underscore that while myositis in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to follow a benign and self-limiting trajectory, it is crucial to monitor specific markers for early intervention and management. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pizzo
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Andrea Marino
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (B.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Alessandra Di Nora
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Cacciaguerra
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Costanza
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Federica Scarlata
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Arturo Biasco
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Maria Chiara Consentino
- Postgraduate Training Programme in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.P.); (A.D.N.); (G.C.); (G.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Riccardo Lubrano
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Bruno Cacopardo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (B.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (B.C.); (G.N.)
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital “Policlinico G. Rodolico”, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital “Policlinico G. Rodolico”, 95125 Catania, Italy;
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de Belvis AG, Pelone F, Biasco A, Ricciardi W, Volpe M. Can primary care professionals' adherence to Evidence Based Medicine tools improve quality of care in type 2 diabetes mellitus? A systematic review. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2009; 85:119-31. [PMID: 19539391 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim is to review the effectiveness of EBM tools available to primary care professionals to improve the quality of Type 2 diabetes disease management. METHODS A systematic review of RCT was performed according to the Cochrane methods. RESULTS Starting from an overall number of 1737 references found, a total of 13 studies met all the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS The adherence to EBM instruments is likely to improve process of care, rather than patient outcomes. In addition, our review outlines that feedback reports and use of ICT devices are likely to be effective in diabetes disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G de Belvis
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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de Belvis AG, Biasco A, Pelone F, Romaniello A, De Micco F, Volpe M, Ricciardi W. [Diffusion of clinical governance among the Italian Local Health Units (LHUs). Analysis of the Health Surveys, the Firm Acts and the Health Plans]. Ann Ig 2009; 21:117-126. [PMID: 19653443] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The objective of our research is to report on the diffusion of Clinical Governance, as introduced with the National Health Plan 2006-2008, by analysing the planning instruments set up by each Region (Regional Health Plans and Emergency Plans in regions with budget deficit), the organizational frameworks (Atti Aziendali, firm acts), and the surveys on performance and quality of healthcare among the Italian Local Health Units (Health Surveys). Our research was realized on September-December 2007 and consisted of the collection of all retrieved documents available on the web and on the online public access catalog (OPAC SBN) of the National Library Service. Futhermore, each document has been classified and analysed according to Chambers' Clinical Governance definition. A descriptive statistical and inferential analysis by applying the Chi-2 Test was performed to test the correlation between the diffusion of such a classified documents and the geographical partition of each LHU. Our results show a scarce diffusion of Firm acts (43%) and Health Surveys (24.9% of the total). Any remind to Clinical Governance instruments and methods inside each document resulted even poorer among both the organizational and performance surveys and the regional health planning frameworks, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G de Belvis
- Istituto di Igiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma.
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Rinaldi R, Pompa PP, Maruccio G, Biasco A, Visconti P, Pisignano D, Blasi L, Sgarbi N, Krebs B, Cingolani R. Self-assembling of proteins and enzymes at nanoscale for biodevice applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 151:101-8. [PMID: 16475851 DOI: 10.1049/ip-nbt:20040639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Different nanotechnological strategies have been selected to implement biomolecular devices following a bottom-up or top-down approach depending on the biomolecule and on its functionality. Biomolecules have particular functionality and self-assembling capabilities that can be exploited for the implementation of both bioelectronic devices and multipurpose engineered biosurfaces. Surface preparation with supramolecular methods and microcontact printing have been developed and optimised to realise suitable functionalised surfaces. These surfaces can be used to link metalloproteins and enzymes for the implementation of nanobioelectronic devices and planar biosensors or to bind cells in order to promote their growth along predefined tracks and grooves. Some possible applications of these biosurfaces are shown and discussed. Results are presented for the realisation of a biomolecular nanodevice working in air based on the metalloprotein azurin immobilised in the solid state, the formation and characterisation of functional glutamate Dehydrogenase monolayers for nanobiosensing applications, the results of soft lithography processes on azurin for biosensor implementation, and the development of physiological self-assembled patterns of laminin-1 for cell culture applications and hybrid devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rinaldi
- National Nanotechnology Laboratories of INFM, Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Lecce, Italy
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Visconti P, Pisignano D, Della Torre A, Persano L, Maruccio G, Biasco A, Cingolani R, Rinaldi R. Electron beam and mechanical lithographies as enabling factors for organic-based device fabrication. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2005.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Pompa PP, Biasco A, Frascerra V, Calabi F, Cingolani R, Rinaldi R, Verbeet MP, de Waal E, Canters GW. Solid state protein monolayers: Morphological, conformational, and functional properties. J Chem Phys 2004; 121:10325-8. [PMID: 15549909 DOI: 10.1063/1.1828038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We have studied the morphological, conformational, and electron-transfer (ET) function of the metalloprotein azurin in the solid state, by a combination of physical investigation methods, namely atomic force microscopy, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy. We demonstrate that a "solid state protein film" maintains its nativelike conformation and ET function, even after removal of the aqueous solvent.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Pompa
- National Nanotechnology Laboratories of INFM, Biomolecular Electronics Division, Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Lecce, Via per Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Pompa PP, Biasco A, Cingolani R, Rinaldi R, Verbeet MP, Canters GW. Structural stability study of protein monolayers in air. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2004; 69:032901. [PMID: 15089340 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.69.032901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of the folding and of the structural stability of a protein in air, upon immobilization in the solid state, represents a critical point from both a fundamental point of view and for the development of solid state nanobioelectronics. The recent demonstrations by Rinaldi et al. [R. Rinaldi et al., Adv. Mater. 14, 1453 (2002); Appl. Phys. Lett. 82, 472 (2003); Ann. (N.Y.) Acad. Sci. 1006, 187 (2003)] of protein-based solid state devices and transistors working in air have raised an intriguing question about the behavior of a biomolecule under nonphysiological conditions. The operation principle of the realized devices is based on the physiological electron transfer function of the metalloprotein azurin. This means that azurin should retain its shape and functionality also in the solid state when utilized in air and at room temperature. In this Brief Report, we prove this claim by analyzing the conformational state of the azurin monolayers developed for such devices by means of intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. We show that the immobilization of azurins in the solid state under nonliquid conditions, by means of a specific chemisorption process, does not necessarily lead to protein denaturation. This result is of great importance because it opens up interesting perspectives for the development of solid state hybrid nanodevices for electronic applications requiring nonliquid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Pompa
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Lecce, Via per Arnesano, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Fabris F, Biasco A. [Catecholamines and arteriosclerosis: possible correlations]. Riv Crit Clin Med 1970; 70:148-188. [PMID: 5527340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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