Schwannoma of the parotid gland. Case report

Schwannoma is encapsulated benign tumors arising from nerve cell. Of which ancient schwannoma is one of five variants. Intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma is been documented sporadical throught the medical literature, althought a few ancient schwannomas have been reported in different locations in the head and neck region. In this report, a 31 year old man patient with an misunderstanding tumor of the parotid gland is described and the histopathologic exam was performed to diagnosed the schwannoma.

WITHDRAWN: Ccpdma by combined centripetal and centrifugal parotidectomy for face dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: case report and review of the literature

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Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin-Goltz syndrome). Case report

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) comprises multiple basal cell carcinomas, keratocysts of the jaw, palmar/plantar pits, spine and rib anomalies, calcifications of the falx cerebri etc. The diagnosis is made according to clinical criteria (Kimonis Criteria) and genetic ones. We studied one family where father and then his sun resulted affected by each syndrome. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a rare disease diagnosed according to clinical criteria sometimes difficult to integrate. The family case we presented shows how you can get diagnosis even in older age and after numerous surgeries. Patients should be given special attention and therefore should be monitorized and need multidisciplinary treatments continued in time, even a trivial change of signs and symptoms may be an important indicator of a precipitating event which puts the patient's life under threat.

Schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma: a case report with review of the literature

Pleomorphic adenoma is a common benign salivary gland tumor, which represents about 66 % of benign neoplasms of the salivary glands. Although it can occur in any salivary gland, it is most frequently found in the parotid. Pleomorphic adenomas are renowned for their cytomorphological and architectural heterogeneity that are characterized by intermixed epithelial and mesenchymal-like components. We report a rare case of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with prevalent schwannoma-like features mimicking a benign schwannoma. Microscopically the tumor showed a prevalence (about 95 %) of schwannoma-like areas with focal (about 5 %) epithelial component with tubular organization. The tumor showed positive immunoexpression for cytokeratin, S-100 protein, and focal expression of p63, CD10 and smooth muscle actin. To the best of our knowledge only six cases of schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma have been reported in the literature. The differential diagnosis between this entity and neurogenic and myogenic tumors is discussed.

Parotid gland oncocytoma in HCV-positive patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Case report

We report a case of parotid gland oncocytoma in a patient with chronic infection from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and xerophthalmia. Our case confirms the triple tropism of the HCV: hepatotropism, lymphotropism and sialotropism.

Bilateral inflammatory pseudotumour of the trigeminal nerve: a diagnostic challenge

Inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT) is an uncommon disease with undefined pathogenesis. It is often characterized by local aggressiveness with compressive and displacing effects on surrounding structures. It may appear in different regions of the body, rarely involving perineural structures unilaterally. We present a case of a bilateral IPT around trigeminal branches in a patient with a long-term history of periorbital swelling and proptosis.

Relationship between ADIPOQ gene, circulating high molecular weight adiponectin and albuminuria in individuals with normal kidney function: evidence from a family-based study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Insulin resistance is associated with reduced serum adiponectin and increased albuminuria levels. Thus, one would anticipate an inverse relationship between circulating adiponectin and albuminuria. However, several studies have described a 'paradoxical' elevation of serum adiponectin in patients with elevated albuminuria. These findings may have been confounded by the presence of diseases and related treatments known to affect circulating adiponectin and albuminuria. We therefore studied the relationship between circulating adiponectin and albuminuria in the absence of such confounders.

METHODS

To this purpose, the relationship between adiponectin isoforms and albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) was investigated in a family-based sample of 634 non-diabetic untreated white individuals with normal kidney function. We also investigated whether the two variables share a common genetic background and addressed the specific role of the gene encoding adiponectin on that background by genotyping several ADIPOQ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

RESULTS

ACR was directly associated with high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin isoform (p = 0.024). The two variables shared some genetic correlation (ρ(g) = 0.38, p = 0.04). ADIPOQ promoter SNP rs17300539 was associated with HMW adiponectin (p = 4.8 × 10(-5)) and ACR (p =0.0027). The genetic correlation between HMW adiponectin and ACR was no longer significant when SNP rs17300539 was added to the model, thus reinforcing the role of this SNP in determining both traits.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study shows a positive, independent correlation between HWM adiponectin and ACR. ADIPOQ variability is associated with HMW adiponectin and ACR, and explains some of the common genetic background shared by these traits, thus suggesting that ADIPOQ and HMW adiponectin modulate albuminuria levels.

Circulating high molecular weight adiponectin isoform is heritable and shares a common genetic background with insulin resistance in nondiabetic White Caucasians from Italy: evidence from a family-based study

OBJECTIVE

Reduced circulating adiponectin levels contribute to the aetiology of insulin resistance. Adiponectin circulates in three different isoforms: high molecular weight (HMW), medium molecular weight (MMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) isoforms. The genetics of adiponectin isoforms is mostly unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether and to which extent circulating adiponectin isoforms are heritable and whether they share common genetic backgrounds with insulin resistance-related traits.

METHODS

In a family-based sample of 640 nondiabetic White Caucasians from Italy, serum adiponectin isoforms concentrations were measured by ELISA. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADIPOQ gene previously reported to affect total adiponectin levels (rs17300539, rs1501299 and rs677395) were genotyped. The heritability of adiponectin isoform levels was assessed by variance component analysis. A linear mixed effects model was used to test the association between SNPs and adiponectin isoforms. Bivariate analyses were conducted to study genetic correlations between adiponectin isoforms levels and other insulin resistance-related traits.

RESULTS

All isoforms were highly heritable (h(2) = 0.60-0.80, P = 1.0 x 10(-13)-1.0 x 10(-23)). SNPs rs17300539, rs1501299 and rs6773957 explained a significant proportion of HMW variance (2-9%, P = 1.0 x 10(-3)-1.0 x 10(-5)). In a multiple-SNP model, only rs17300539 and rs1501299 remained associated with HMW adiponectin (P = 3.0 x 10(-4) and 2.0 x 10(-2)). Significant genetic correlations (P = 1.0 x 10(-2)-1.0 x 10(-5)) were observed between HMW adiponectin and fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HDL cholesterol and the metabolic syndrome score. Only rs1501299 partly accounted for these genetic correlations.

CONCLUSION

Circulating levels of adiponectin isoforms are highly heritable. The genetic control of HMW adiponectin is shared in part with insulin resistance-related traits and involves, but is not limited to, the ADIPOQ locus.

Unusual foreign body in the nasal cavity

Foreign objects frequently have been reported in the nasal structures, often these foreign bodies are occasionally inhaled by children or they are often inserted in nasal cavities after various accidents. Frequently, the presence of foreign bodies in the nose represents an emergency, particularly for pediatric patients where the incidence is high. The report in this article described an unusual nasal foreign body in an adult discovered incidentally during a cranial radiography. This report is an unusual case of facial asymmetry caused by a foreign nasal body in adult, which is destitute of complications, connected to long-term presence of the intranasal button. The finding was accidental; moreover the patient was an adult and did not present a clear symptomatology. Through careful clinical and fibroscopy exam, valuating also the site of the foreign body, it is necessary an intranasal surgery treatment. The results of the treatment is connected to a combined use of different branches of learning with the aim of obtaining positive results from both a clinical and legal point of view.

Nevus Sebaceus of Jadassohn

The nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (SNJ) is a hamartomatous disorder of the skin and its adnexa pertaining to the group of "organoid nevi,'' most frequently involving the face and scalp. During adulthood, patients with SNJ have a 10% to 20% risk of the development of cutaneous or adnexal neoplasia, so that prophylactic excision before puberty is recommended by most authors, and tissue expansion is considered to be the best method of reconstruction. It has been largely demonstrated in literature that most of the lesions that have been interpreted as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are actually examples of primitive follicular induction or trichoblastomas, not authentic BCCs. A literature review on histopathologic findings associated with SNJ and a retrospective chart review of two cases occurring in young females are presented. In one case, the lesion was treated by intraoperative expander-assisted reduction and scalp graft (Case 1); in the other one, a primary closure with adjacent tissue was performed (Case 2). No signs of malignant degeneration or residual pathology have been found. For treatment of the biggest lesions, when preoperative tissue expansion cannot be performed, intraoperative one, transfer of a scalp graft has been shown to be a good reconstructive method. For the smallest lesions, a primary closure with adjacent tissue is sufficient.

Brain abscess by mycotic and bacterial infection in a diabetic patient: clinical report and review of literature

This report presents a case of lethal invasive mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection, which predominantly affects immunocompromised patients, and is reported in a 57-year-old female who presented with cerebral abscess. The patient, who had undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, presented with extensive right hemifacial deficiency of the bones and soft tissues consequent to surgical resection of the ethmoid-spheno-maxillo-orbital district after mucormycosis. A reconstruction with a pectoral pedunculated flap was performed. The maxillary swelling extended to the contiguous area, involving the palate and homolateral orbital floor. Mucous and cutaneous samples showed the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, and diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis was made. The patients also presented with a right hemiplegia consequent to a cerebral abscess by Eikenella corrodens. The authors decided to position an intraoral prosthesis to restore palatal integrity and masticatory function and inserted four titanium fixtures for the retention of the bone-anchored facial prosthesis.

Unknown Posttraumatic Foreign Body in Facial Region

This study emphasizes the importance of scrupulous diagnostic first aid procedures to avoid the consequences of trauma due to a foreign body. Two patients were examined, both with facial trauma showing nonspecific symptoms. Through objective internal and external oral examination complete with clinical and radiographic examinations Three dimensional computed tomography (TC3D), foreign bodies unknown at the time of the trauma were identified. When the foreign bodies had been removed, the ache symptoms disappeared, restoring functionality and the patient's facial appearance. This study shows the need for detailed early diagnosis to achieve correct monitoring and therefore proper treatment for these patients.

The rare condition of maxillary osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory process that can involve cortical and trabecular aspects of bone or bone marrow. Cranial bones are infrequently involved, but spreading of inflammation with involvement of surrounding structures represent important risk, as are cerebral abscess, encephalitis, or meningitis. We present a case of osteomyelitis of right maxillary sinus in an adult caused by a spreading of contiguous inflammation sustained by a chronic intrasinusal polyp; the complete resolution of infection was gained with a combination of surgical treatment and antibiotic therapy. The aims of this article are to illustrate diagnostic patterns and surgical treatment experienced in a case of maxillary osteomyelitis and to report radiographic and histopathologic findings.

Parry-Romberg Syndrome

The authors report an unusual case of Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS). Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan of the craniofacial region and surgical correction of enophthalmos were performed. Results after the operative intervention included persistent palpebral edema and ecchymosis and transient choroid vasculitis of the right eye, highlighted with echography and fluorescein angiography. The fundus oculi examination showed retinal choroid folds. Immunological test results were weakly positive. The authors conclude enophthalmos, associated with right side hemi atrophy, and the transient choroids vasculitis support the diagnosis of PRS. Furthermore, it is suggested the case had an autoimmune etiology, rather than a hemi facial asymmetry caused by a facial trauma that occurred in puberty.

Basicranium Malformation With Anterior Dislocation of Right Styloid Process Causing Stylalgia

Differential diagnosis of stylalgia is broad, and many causes should be taken into account, such as temporomandibular joint disorders, carotidynia, compression of nerve fibers by neoplasms, cranial nerve neuralgias, chronic pharyngotonsillitis, pharyngeal or base of tongue tumors and elongation of styloid process, or Eagle syndrome. Basicranium malformation can determine a rare form of stylalgia that is caused by dislocation of styloid process. This can produce a reduction of maxillo-vertebropharyngeal space and irritation of nerve fibers together with stylopharyngeal muscular chronic contraction. This case report illustrates the diagnostic dilemma and surgical strategy experienced in a rare case of stylalgia caused by a dislocation of styloid process produced by a basicranium malformation. Basicranium malformation should be considered in the pathogenesis of stylalgia when a styloid process with normal dimension is encountered.

Glubran 2((r)):a new acrylic glue for neuroradiological endovascular use: a complementary histological study

SUMMARY

Two Landrace Large White swine underwent angiography by the femoral route. In both cases, the superior left renal artery was embolized by injection of 2 ml of Glubran 2((R)), diluted with Lipiodol 1:1 thereby excluding the superior left kidney poles from blood flow. During the follow-up period, neither pig presented any clinical symptom correlated to the embolization procedure. Case 1 was sacrificed after 30 days and case 2 after 60 days. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis was performed in both animals. Long-term follow-up of the two cases after endovascular injection of Glubran 2((R)) showed that the embolization procedure was well-tolerated by the swine in terms of clinical symptoms and histological findings. Arterial occlusion was stable and a reasonable quantity of scar tissue appeared between 30 and 60 days, surrounding the ischaemic tissue. This follow-up experimental study offers further evidence that Glubran 2((R)) is a safe embolizing material for human use as far as its chemical activity is concerned.

Spectroscopic behavior of copper complexes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The proposed curative properties of Cu-based nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have led to the development of numerous Cu(II) complexes of NSAIDs with enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Crystalline complexes, Cu(II)-NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen, tolmetin, and diclofenac), with a carboxylic function have been studied by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopy. All NSAIDs bind the metal through the carboxylate group. On the basis of the comparison between the wavenumber of the COO(-) group vibrations and Delta nu (nu(asimm)COO(-) - nu(simm)COO(-)) between Na salts and Cu(II) complexes, conclusions on the probable structure of the complexes have been drawn. The spectroscopic data support the formation of dimeric [Cu(2)L(4)(H(2)O)(2)] complexes in which the COO(-) group behaves as a bridging bidentate ligand. The low wavenumber region of the Raman spectrum provided information on Cu-O and Cu-Cu bonds in the complexes. Thermogravimetric results gave further support to the vibrational data.

Multigenic control of serum adiponectin levels: evidence for a role of the APM1 gene and a locus on 14q13

Adiponectin is a circulating enhancer of insulin action that is secreted by the adipose tissue. In epidemiological studies, serum levels of this protein predict the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. Serum adiponectin levels have been associated with variants at the adiponectin (APM1) and PPARgamma2 loci and have also been linked to markers on 5p15 and 14q13. We investigated the role of these four loci in regulating serum adiponectin in a Caucasian population from Italy. Four haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (ht-SNPs) (-11377 C>G, -4041 A>C, +45 T>G, and +276 G>T) at the APM1 locus and the PPARgamma2 Pro12Ala polymorphism were examined for association with serum adiponectin in 413 unrelated, nondiabetic individuals. Of the five SNPs tested, +276G>T was the only one to be associated with serum adiponectin (P = 0.032), with "TT" individuals having higher adiponectin levels than other subjects. In a variance-components analysis of 737 nondiabetic members of 264 nuclear families, adiponectin heritability was 30%, with a small but significant proportion explained by the +276 genotype ( P = 0.0034). Suggestive evidence of linkage with adiponectin levels was observed on chromosome 14q13, with a LOD of 2.92 (P = 0.000057) after including the APM1 +276 genotype in the model. No linkage was observed at 5p15. Our data indicate a strong genetic control of serum adiponectin. A small proportion of this can be attributed in our population to variability at the APM1 locus, but an as yet unidentified gene on 14q13 appears to play a much bigger role.

Complications of Bicortical Screw Fixation Observed in 482 Mandibular Sagittal Osteotomies

Bicortical screw fixation after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandible is commonly used in orthognathic surgery and allows many advantages compared with osteosynthesis wires and maxillomandibular fixation. Complications include early loosening, hardware exposition, skeletal instability or early relapses, persistent nerve impairments, infection, and scar formation. This article is based on a retrospective analysis of complications of bicortical screw fixation observed in 241 consecutive patients with dento-skeletal Class III, corresponding to 482 sides, during the immediate postoperative period and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' follow-up. In the immediate postoperative period, poor stability of fixation caused by screw loosening was observed in 3 of 482 (0.62%) sides; at the 1-month follow-up, infections were encountered in 12 (2.48%) sides at mandibular angles. Additional complications were not seen in the series. Stability of fixation was found in the 482 sides at 12 months. However, complications directly related to bicortical screws were observed in 15 sides or 3.11%. Age and gender of patients were not correlated with the incidence of complications. Assiduous follow-up during the early postoperative period and 1 and 2 months after surgery is recommended in patients with bicortical screw fixation after BSSO to verify adequate oral hygiene and provide early observation of the onset of any infections, skeletal instabilities, or relapses.

Raman and IR study on copper binding of histamine

A comparative Raman and FTIR study of histamine (Hm), a small hormone present in a wide selection of living organisms, and its complexes with copper(II) at different pH values was carried out. Both the Raman and IR spectra present some marker bands useful for the identification of the structure of the species predominating in the Cu(II) aqueous and alcoholic systems. In particular, Raman spectroscopy appears to be a useful tool for analyzing the tautomeric equilibrium of the imidazole ring of Hm, because some bands (i.e., nuC(4)dbond;C(5)) appear at different wavenumbers, depending on whether the imidazole moiety is in the N(tau)-H (tautomer I) or N(pi)-H (tautomer II) protonated form. In aqueous solutions the manner in which Hm binds to Cu(II) depends on the pH. At basic pH the most relevant species formed are a dimer, [Cu(2)L(2)H(-2)](2+), and a monomeric complex, [CuL](2-) or [CuL(2)](+). On the contrary, by decreasing the pH, Hm acts as a mono- or bidentate ligand, giving rise to two types of monomeric complexes, [CuLH](2-) and [CuL](2-) or [CuL(2)](+). With respect to the Cu(II)-Hm alcoholic system, both the aminic group and the imidazole ring (tautomer I) take part in the Cu(II) coordination, leading to the formation of the [CuL](2-) or [CuL(2)](+) monomeric complex.

Evidence for genetic epistasis in human insulin resistance: the combined effect of PC-1 (K121Q) and PPAR?2 (P12A) polymorphisms

Insulin resistance is believed to be under the control of several genes often interacting each other. However, whether genetic epistasis does in fact modulate human insulin sensitivity is unknown. In 338 healthy unrelated subjects from Sicily, all nondiabetic and not morbidly obese, we investigated whether two gene polymorphisms previously associated with insulin resistance (namely PC-1 K121Q and PPARgamma2 P12A) affect insulin sensitivity by interacting. PC-1 X121Q subjects showed higher level of fasting glucose, lower insulin sensitivity (by both the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index and M values at clamp, the latter performed in a subgroup of 113 subjects representative of the overall cohort) and higher insulin levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) than PC-1 K121K subjects. In contrast, no difference in any of the measured variables was observed between PPARgamma2 P12P and X12A individuals. The deleterious effect of the PC-1 X121Q genotype on each of these three variables was significant and entirely dependent upon the coexistence of the PPARgamma2 P12P genotype. Among PPARgamma2 P12P carriers also fasting insulin and glucose levels during OGTT were higher in PC-1 X121Q than in K121K individuals. In contrast, no deleterious effect of the PC-1 X121Q genotype was observed among PPARgamma2 X12A carriers; rather, in these subjects a lower body mass index and consequently lower fasting insulin level was observed in PC-1 X121Q than in K121K carriers. Overall, a significant interaction between the two genes was observed on body mass index, insulin levels (both fasting and after OGTT) and both insulin sensitivity (i.e., insulin sensitivity index and M value) and insulin secretion (i.e., HOMA-B%) indexes.

1H-NMR and 13C-NMR lipid profiles of human renal tissues

Lipids from human renal tissues are studied by means of (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy. The total lipid fractions obtained from healthy kidneys, malignant renal cell carcinomas, and benign oncocytomas are characterized and analyzed to elucidate the main differences between the functional and neoplastic tissues. In all cases the lipid components are well identified. The healthy kidney is characterized by high amounts of triglycerides and the presence of cholesterol in its free form. On the contrary, renal cell carcinomas contain high amounts of cholesterol that are almost completely esterified as oleate, suggesting an intracellular localization of the cholesteryl esters synthesis. Cholesteryl esters are considered markers of renal cell carcinomas, thus supporting recent theories that these compounds play a leading role in cell proliferation. Oncocytomas are particularly rich in phosphatidylcholine and, analogous to the healthy kidney, are completely lacking in cholesteryl esters. Healthy kidneys and oncocytomas appear to have other similarities if compared with renal cell carcinomas: a very high fatty acyl/cholesterol ratio, the presence of dolichols, and a higher grade of unsaturation. The (13)C data suggest a new method for the direct evaluation of the saturated/unsaturated fatty acyl ratio.

The performance of gamma- and EtO-sterilised UHWMPE acetabular cups tested under severe simulator conditions. Part 1: role of the third-body wear process

Due to its excellent combination of properties, ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene has been used for the last 30 years in the replacement of damaged articulating cartilage for total joint replacement surgery. However, in some cases, wear, failure and delamination have been observed. Polyethylene performance may be affected by oxidation during consolidation of the resin, sterilisation of the finished specimens and post-irradiation storage. In order to evaluate the influence of the sterilisation method (gamma-irradiation and ethylene oxide(EtO)-treatment) and third-body particles on the ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene wear behaviour, gamma- and EtO-sterilised ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene acetabular cups were tested against CoCrMo femoral heads in a hip joint simulator run for 2.5 million cycles in bovine calf serum in the presence of third-body PMMA particles. Weight loss measurements revealed that the gamma-sterilised acetabular cups exhibited a significantly lower wear rate than those EtO-sterilised. Moreover, significant differences were found for each type of sterilisation between the gravimetric wear trends obtained until 2.5 million cycles in the presence and in the absence of PMMA particles.

Characterization of lipids from human brain tissues by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (31)P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy are applied to the biochemical characterization of the total lipid fraction of healthy and neoplastic human brain tissues. Lipid extracts from normal brains, glioblastomas, anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, oligodendrogliomas, and meningiomas are examined. Moreover, the unknown liquid content of a cyst adjacent to a meningioma is analyzed. Two biopsies from glioblastomas are directly studied by (1)H-NMR without any treatment (ex vivo NMR). The (1)H- and (13)C-NMR analysis allows full characterization of the lipid component of the cerebral tissues. In particular, the presence of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in the extracts of high grade tumors is correlated to the vascular proliferation degree, which is different from normal brain tissue and low grade neoplasms. The (31)P spectra show that phosphatidylcholine is the prominent phospholipid and its relative amount, which is higher in gliomas, is correlated to the low grade of differentiation of tumor cells and an altered membrane turnover. The ex vivo (1)H-NMR data on the glioblastoma samples show the presence of mobile lipids that are correlated to cell necrotic phenomena. Our data allow a direct correlation between biochemical results obtained by NMR and the histopathological factors (vascular and cell proliferations, differentiation, and necrosis) that are prominent in determining brain tumor grading.

Characterization of dioxygenated cobalt(II)-carnosine complexes by Raman and IR spectroscopy

Raman and IR studies are carried out on carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine, Carnos) and its complexes with cobalt(II) at different metal/ligand ratios and basic pH. Binuclear complexes that bind molecular oxygen are formed and information regarding the O-O bridge is obtained from the Raman spectra. When the Co(II)/Carnos ratio is <or=1, peroxobinuclear complexes are the predominant species and two forms (monobridged and dibridged) are identified by the presence of two Raman peaks in the nuO-O region (750-850 cm(-1)). These peroxo complexes can be oxidized to yield a superoxo complex when the metal slightly exceeds the Carnos concentration, and there are consequent shifts of the nuO-O band to higher wavenumbers. In addition, the chelated species in the 2 : 1 Co(II)/Carnos system is found to bind oxygen to a lesser degree. With respect to the coordination sites, each Co(II) ion of the binuclear dioxygenated complexes is bound to one oxygen atom and four nitrogen atoms: N(pi) and N(tau) of two Carnos molecules, the peptide, and the terminal amino nitrogen atoms. Conversely, when the metal/ligand ratio is 2, in addition to the dioxygenated complexes, a complex is formed in which the imidazole moiety of Carnos binds two different cobalt ions because the N(pi) and N(tau) nitrogens are both deprotonated.

Molecular characterization of human healthy and neoplastic cerebral and renal tissues by in vitro (1)H NMR spectroscopy (review)

The clinical impact of (1)H NMR spectroscopy in the study of human organs, brain and kidney in particular, is well demonstrated. The in vitro (1)H NMR technique is a powerful tool for monitoring changes in intracellular metabolites of human normal and neoplastic cerebral and renal tissues. Healthy and tumoral tissues of different histologic types have been fully characterized from a biochemical standpoint. Molecular characterization is performed on both the aqueous and lipid extracts of surgically removed tissue biopsies yielding a full picture of tissue biochemistry. These analyses have disclosed markers of healthy brain and kidney and of their respective neoplastic lesions. Moreover, some biochemical features can differentiate neoplasms within the same histological type. In particular, lipidic components, like cholesteryl esters (namely oleate), detected in highest grade tumors, warrant further investigation. A better understanding of the biochemistry of diseased human tissues could open the way to new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding human NPL4, a protein interacting with the ubiquitin fusion-degradation protein (UFD1L)

The ubiquitin fusion-degradation gene (UFD1L) encodes the human homologue of the yeast ubiquitin fusion-degradation 1 protein, an essential component of the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic turnover and mRNA processing. Although the UFD1L gene has been mapped in the region commonly deleted in patients with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS)/velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), correlation between its haploinsufficiency and the phenotype has not yet been established. The only functional data available about mammalian Ufd1p is the ability to form a complex with the rat Npl4 protein, a component of the nuclear pore complex. In this paper we report the cloning and molecular characterization of the human NPL4 gene. This gene encodes for a protein 96% homologous to the rat Npl4, and 44 and 34% homologous to the C. elegans and S. cerevisiae Npl4 gene products, respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments on human metaphases localized the NPL4 gene on the most telomeric region of chromosome 17q. Northern blots analysis on foetal and adult human tissues revealed a major approximately 4.5 kb transcript most abundant in heart, brain, kidney and skeletal muscle. In order to test a potential relationship between nuclear transport defects and some aspect of the DGS/VCFS phenotype, we also exclude the presence of mutations in the NPL4 coding sequence in a subset of patients with DGS/VCFS and no detectable 22q11 deletion or mutations at the UFD1L locus.

Angiodysplasia with osteohypertrophy affecting the oromaxillofacial area: clinical findings

The authors report a case of oro-facial port-wine stain angiomatosis with cutaneous and mucosal lesions localized in the first and the second branch surface distribution areas of the right trigeminal nerve in association with right upper and lower lip, cheek, and hemimaxillary true hypertrophy leading to a severe dento-skeletal malocclusion with openbite and facial asymmetry. The authors through a revision of the Bibliography locate nosologically this case among the rare congenital angiodysplastic syndromes affecting the maxillo-facial district as the Sturge-Weber and the Klippel-Trenaunay syndromes. They debate also about etiopathogenetic, clinical, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic aspects concerning the treatment of patients affected by this kind of malformation.

Raman and IR spectroscopic investigation of zinc(II)-carnosine complexes

The zinc(II)-L-carnosine system was investigated at different pH and metal/ligand ratios by Raman and IR spectroscopy. The Raman and IR spectra present some marker bands useful to identify the sites involved in metal chelation at a specific pH value. In particular, the neutral imidazole group gives rise to some Raman bands, such as the nu C(4)===C(5) band, that change in wave number, depending on whether the imidazole ring takes the tautomeric form I or II. Even if tautomer I is predominant in the free ligand, metal coordination can upset tautomeric preference and N(tau)- and N(pi)-ligated complexes can be identified. Although weak compared to those of aromatic residues, these Raman marker bands may be useful in analyzing metal-histidine interaction in peptides and proteins. On the basis of the vibrational results, conclusions can be drawn on the species existing in the system. Depending on the available nitrogen atoms, various complexes can be formed and the prevalent form of the species depends mainly on the pH. At basic pH carnosine gives rise to two different neutral complexes: a water-insoluble polymeric species, [ZnH(-1)L](0)(n), and a dimer, [Zn(2)H(-2)L(2)](0). The first is predominant and involves the tautomeric I form of the imidazole ring in metal chelation; the second contains tautomer II and increases its percentage by going from a 2 to 0.25 metal/ligand ratio. Conversely, the dimeric species dominates at pH 7, whereas two charged species, [ZnHL](2+) and [ZnL](+), are formed under slightly acidic conditions. In the [ZnHL](2+) complex the imidazole ring takes part in the Zn(II) coordination in the tautomeric I form, whereas in [ZnL](+) the ring is protonated and not bound to the Zn(II) ion. In addition, the curve fitting analysis of the 1700-1530 cm(-1) Raman region was helpful in indicating the predominant species at each pH.

Binding of copper(II) to carnosine: Raman and IR spectroscopic study

A comparative Raman and FTIR study of carnosine, a dipeptide present in several mammalian tissues, and its complexes with copper(II) at different pH values was carried out. The neutral imidazole ring gives rise to some bands that appear at different wavenumbers, depending on whether the imidazole ring is in the tautomeric form II or I. At pH 7 and 9 the molecule exists in equilibrium between the two tautomeric forms; tautomer I is predominant. Metal coordination is a factor that affects the tautomeric equilibrium, and the copper(II) coordination site can be monitored by using some Raman marker bands such as the vC(4)=C(5) band. On the basis of the vibrational results, conclusions can be drawn on the functional groups involved in the Cu(II) chelation and on the species existing in the Cu(II)-carnosine system. At neutral and basic pH the most relevant species formed when the Cu(II)/carnosine molar ratio is not very different from unity is a dimer, [Cu(2)L(2)H(-2)](0). In this complex the ligand coordinates the metal via the N (amino), O (carboxylate), and N (amide) donor atoms while the N(tau) nitrogen atoms of the imidazole rings (tautomer II) bridge the copper(II) ions. At a slightly acidic pH the two monomeric complexes [CuLH](2+) and [CuL](+) were present. In the former the imidazole ring takes part in the Cu(II) coordination in the tautomeric I form whereas in the latter it is protonated and not bound to Cu(II).

The long styloid process syndrome or Eagle's syndrome

Eleven cases of Eagle's syndrome or long styloid process syndrome are presented. It is a rare entity, which is not commonly suspected in clinical practice. Symptoms were dull and persistent pharyngeal pain, dysphagia, and facial pain. In addition to careful clinical examination, the use of plain radiographs, orthopantomograms or CT scan has allowed accurate preoperative diagnosis of this syndrome. Surgical treatment has positively resolved the symptoms in these cases. The International literature is discussed regarding anatomy, symptoms and treatment of the long styloid process syndrome.

The binding of biotin analogues by streptavidin: a Raman spectroscopic study

Raman spectra of anhydrous complexes of streptavidin (Strep) with biotin (Bio) and some Bio analogues [Biotin methyl ester (MEBio), desthiobiotin (DEBio), 2'-iminobiotin (IMBio), and diaminobiotin (DABio)] were recorded. The vibrational results indicate that the interaction with some of these ligands is able to modify the overall structure of the protein and this binding results in a decrease in the beta-sheet content and an increase in the alpha-helix content. To further confirm the conformational changes of the protein structure due to Bio analogue binding, the curve-fitting analysis of the amide I Raman band of neat Strep and of the complexes were performed. The intensity ratio of the components due to the beta-sheet and alpha-helix conformations decreased in the Strep-MEBio, Strep-IMBio (pH 11), and Strep-Bio systems, whereas in all the other systems the changes were not significant. This behavior differs from that of Avi bound to the same ligands and suggests that Strep and Avi differ in their binding selectivity. A good correlation was found between the secondary structure percentages of the Avi and of the Strep complexes and deltaG(o). On the basis of this linear relationship, the vibrational results allow for an acceptable evaluation of the dissociation constants of the Strep complexes, not previously reported in the literature. The present results indicate a correlation between the type of interaction and the effects of the protein-substrate bonding on the overall structure of the proteins. The amino acid residues in the binding site appear to be positioned in a such a way as to provide a precise fit of Bio. Even slight change in the substrate structure causes a weakness in the strength of the binding. The vibrational results confirm that both the imidazolidinone and the thiophan rings are important in the Strep-Bio interactions, but the former is more responsible for the high affinity of the binding. One of the Tyr residues is hydrogen bound with the ureido ring and another Tyr could be involved in the binding pocket. Trp residues do not directly bind the ligand and probably stabilize other binding site residues which in turn interact directly with Bio.

[Indications for the use of a skin-stretching device]

In the management of surgical or traumatic skin loss the Authors consider an alternative method which involves the use of a tool called skin stretching device. The latter seems easy to apply, atraumatic and the least troublesome for the isolation and detaching of tissues employed in skin repair.

[Osteo-hypertrophic angiodysplasia with oromaxillofacial localization. A report of a clinical case and a review of the literature]

The authors report a case of oro-facial port-wine stain angiomatosis with cutaneous and mucosal lesions localized in the first and the second branch surface distribution areas of the left trigeminal nerve in association with left upper lip, cheek and hemimaxillary true hypertrophy leading to a severe dento-skeletal malocclusion with open-bite and facial asymmetry. The authors through a revision of the literature locate nosologically this case among the rare congenital angiodysplastic syndromes affecting the maxillo-facial district as the Sturge-Weber and the Klippel-Trenaunay syndromes. They debate also about etiopathogenetic, clinical, differential diagnosis and therapeutic aspects concerning the management of patients affected by this kind of malformation.