Vector plasmids were constructed by ligating chloramphenicol and erythromycin resistance genes to TaqI-digested DNA of a cryptic plasmid from Lactobacillus plantarum. The minimal region of Lactobacillus plasmid DNA that was required for DNA replication was defined and a single-stranded DNA intermediate replication system was observed. Homologies with other origins of replication of plasmids from Gram-positive bacteria, replicating via rolling circle mechanism, were found. It was shown that the constructed vectors, named pPSC20 and pPSC22, were transformable into L. plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. Using plasmid pPSC22, the alpha-amylase gene of Bacillus stearothermophilus was cloned and expressed in several Lactobacillus species.

DNA, Single-Stranded↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Switch to tacrolimus for cyclosporine-induced gynecomastia in liver transplant recipients.

We report herein on two male liver transplant (LT) recipients who presented with cyclosporine (CsA)-related gynecomastia 6 and 10 months after transplantation. The clinical workup showed increased luteinizing hormone (LH), associated with a slight reduction in testosterone blood levels in one patient and increased prolactin levels in the other. After excluding concomitant primary endocrine and/or malignant disease, conversion to tacrolimus (TAC) was performed resulting in clinical improvement of gynecomastia and return of hormone blood levels to normal range within 3 months. Our report confirms a putative role of CsA in post-LT gynecomastia, reversible however upon conversion to TAC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Surveillance and rescue of pancreas grafts.

BACKGROUND: Technical failure rates are higher for pancreas allografts (PA) compared with other solid organs. Posttransplant surveillance and prompt availability of rescue teams with multidisciplinary expertise both contribute to improve this result. We herein report a single institution's experience with posttransplant surveillance and rescue of PA. METHODS: A retrospective survey was performed of a consecutive series of 177 whole organ pancreas transplants in 173 patients. Antithrombotic prophylaxis was used in all recipients and tailored on anticipated individual risk of thrombosis. During the first posttransplant week, all PA were monitored with daily Doppler ultrasonography. Surgical complications were defined as all adverse events requiring relaparotomy during the initial hospital stay or the first 3 posttransplant months. RESULTS: A total of 26 relaparotomies were performed in 25 patients (14.7%). One recipient needed two relaparotomies (0.6%). Graft rescue was attempted in patients without permanent parenchymal damage at repeat surgery and in 12 recipients diagnosed with nonocclusive vascular thrombosis. Overall 25 grafts (96.3%) were rescued and one was lost. One-year recipient and graft survivals in patients with versus without complications potentially leading to allograft loss were 92.6% and 63.0% versus 94.4% and 94.3%, respectively. Excluding complications for which graft rescue was not possible, 1-year graft survival rate increased to 78.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Close posttransplant surveillance can allow rescue of a relevant proportion of PA developing nonocclusive venous thrombosis or other surgical complications. Further improvement awaits better understanding of biological reasons for posttransplant complications jeopardizing PA survival and the development of more effective preventive measures.

Graft Rejection↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[A project for the occupational reintegration of impaired subjects].

In this paper we have explained the criteria for an integrated socio-medical intervention (Local Health Care Institution, Cooperation, Scientific Institute of Care and Research) within the frame of a Communitary Initiative titled "Local network for return to work of persons with social disadvantage". The goal of the Initiative is to "create and experiment new facilities to support intervention strategies for return-to-work, and to start a virtuous circle matching the demands of both the disadvantaged persons and the local labour market". In the paper we describe the functional evaluations, performed in the Medical Center of Pavia by specialists in the field of Rehabilitation, Psychology and Ergonomy, and the following return-to-work phase, performed by operators of the Cooperation.

Persons with Disabilities↗

PubMedDate not supplied