Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of the LAO binding protein and its isolated domains reveal non-additivity in stability, folding and function.

Substrate-binding proteins (SBPs) are used by organisms from the three domains of life for transport and signalling. SBPs are composed of two domains that collectively trap ligands with high affinity and selectivity. To explore the role of the domains and the integrity of the hinge region between them in the function and conformation of SBPs, here, we describe the ligand binding, conformational stability and folding kinetics of the Lysine Arginine Ornithine (LAO) binding protein from Salmonella thiphimurium and constructs corresponding to its two independent domains.

De novo design of potent and resilient hACE2 decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2.

We developed a de novo protein design strategy to swiftly engineer decoys for neutralizing pathogens that exploit extracellular host proteins to infect the cell. Our pipeline allowed the design, validation, and optimization of de novo human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) decoys to neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The best monovalent decoy, CTC-445.

design of ACE2 protein decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2.

There is an urgent need for the ability to rapidly develop effective countermeasures for emerging biological threats, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We have developed a generalized computational design strategy to rapidly engineer proteins that precisely recapitulate the protein surface targeted by biological agents, like viruses, to gain entry into cells. The designed proteins act as decoys that block cellular entry and aim to be resilient to viral mutational escape.

Crystal structure of (NH4)2[Fe(II) 5(HPO3)6], a new open-framework phosphite.

Di-ammonium hexa-phosphito-penta-ferrate(II), (NH4)2[Fe5(HPO3)6], was synthesized under mild hydro-thermal conditions and autogeneous pressure, yielding twinned crystals. The crystal structure exhibits an [Fe(II) 5(HPO3)6](2-) open framework with NH4 (+) groups as counter-cations. The anionic skeleton is based on (001) sheets of [FeO6] octa-hedra (one with point-group symmetry 3.

Catalytic performance of the high and low temperature polymorphs of (C6N2H16)0.5[(VO)(HAsO4)F]: structural, thermal, spectroscopic and magnetic studies.

(C(6)N(2)H(16))(0.5)[(VO)(HAsO(4))F] 1 has been synthesized using mild hydrothermal conditions under autogenous pressure. Above 70 degrees C, this phase has a polymorph with the same chemical composition 2 in which the organic 1,4-diamincyclohexane molecule adopts a different conformation.

Microporous vanadyl-arsenate with the template incorporated exhibiting sorption and catalytic properties.

(C(5)H(14)N(2))[(VO)(3)(AsO(4))(HAsO(4))(2)(OH)].3H(2)O behaves as a microporous organically templated compound, with reversible adsorption and desorption of N(2) at 77 K, and as an extremely efficient catalyst that catalyzes selective sulfoxide formation from organic sulfides, under mild conditions.

Mild hydronephrosis in newborns and infants: can ultrasound predict the presence of vesicoureteral reflux.

The objective of our study was to determine the significance of mild hydronephrosis in newborns and infants as an indicator of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) of 573 patients aged 0-18 months with mild, sonographically detected hydronephrosis were reviewed for VUR. Patients with secondary reflux or anomalies making an exact reflux grading impossible were excluded.

Pediatric liver transplantation: a pictorial essay of early and late complications.

Orthotopic liver transplantation is currently the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage liver disease for which no other therapy is available. In children, segmental liver transplantation with living donor, reduced-size cadaveric, and split cadaveric allografts has become an important therapeutic option. However, the resulting expansion of the donor pool has increased the risk for postoperative vascular and biliary complications, which affect children more frequently than adults.

Pancreatic regeneration after near-total pancreatectomy in children with nesidioblastosis.

Background: Nesidioblastosis is often resistant to medical therapy and requires near-total pancreatectomy. There is little information on the postoperative imaging findings of these patients.

Objective: To demonstrate by US the late imaging findings in these patients.

Pancreatic cystosis in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis: sonographic, CT, and MRI findings.

Objective: We sought to analyze the sonographic, CT, and MRI findings of pancreatic cystosis, an unusual form of pancreatic involvement in cystic fibrosis (CF) that is characterized by macrocysts of different sizes distributed throughout the gland.

Conclusion: CT and MRI essentially confirmed the findings of sonography in all cases, providing no relevant additional information about the nature, internal structure, or content of the cysts. When pancreatic macrocysts are clearly shown on sonography in asymptomatic patients with CF, no additional imaging is warranted.

Vesicoureteral reflux: can the urethra be adequately assessed by using contrast-enhanced voiding US of the bladder?

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate contrast material-enhanced voiding ultrasonography (US) for assessment of the urethra by using voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) as the reference standard.

Materials And Methods: This study was approved by the ethics committee on human research. Written informed consent was obtained for all patients.

[Contrast-enhanced sonourethrography versus conventional miction cystourethrography in the assessment of the urethra: preliminary study].

Background And Aims: Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is the first choice imaging modality for assessing the urethra, but this technique exposes patients to ionizing radiation. Cystosonography with echocontrast (CS) has proved to be a reliable technique to detect and grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) without exposing patients to ionizing radiation, but its capacity to adequately study the urethra has yet to be demonstrate in large series of patients. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the reliability of contrast-enhanced CS for assessing the urethra by comparing the results with those of the VCUG.

Congenital anomalies of the tracheobronchial tree, lung, and mediastinum: embryology, radiology, and pathology.

Congenital anomalies of the chest are an important cause of morbidity in infants, children, and even adults. The evaluation of affected patients frequently requires multiple imaging modalities to diagnose the anomaly and plan surgical correction. The authors analyze and illustrate practical aspects of certain common and uncommon congenital anomalies affecting the tracheobronchial tree, lung, and mediastinum, with emphasis on radiologic manifestations.

Imaging of orbital disorders in pediatric patients.

The spectrum of orbital lesions occurring in childhood is wide, including a variety of both benign and malignant disorders. Although physical examination and fundoscopy may aid in establishing the diagnosis of retro-ocular lesions, imaging remains a critical step in the evaluation of the pediatric orbit. Ultrasonography, CT, and MR imaging are the primary modalities for the evaluation of the diseased orbit, and careful observation of the characteristic radiological features usually leads to correct diagnosis; however, some of the lesions look very similar and are difficult to differentiate from each other.

[Mesenteric-cava shunt's results with autologous jugular vein graft in children with pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension].

Unlabelled: Presinusoidal portal hypertension (PPH) in children evaluates without functional hepatic damage, and with the time, trends to compensate through the creation of spontaneous portosystemic shunts. Nevertheless, some patients suffer episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) that because of its frequency or severity, force to propose the change of surgical treatment.

Aim: To evaluate the results of the mesocaval shunt (MCS) with autologous jugular vein in children with PPH.

[Pre-hepatic portal hypertension as a late complication of liver transplantation in children].

Unlabelled: In the long-term after liver transplantation (LT), some children develop prehepatic portal hypertension (PPH) and raise problems not very well known yet; many of the lessons learned with the management of these patients may be useful outside the LT.

Aim: 1. To analyze the incidence and risk factors of PPH after LT.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa involving the gallbladder and biliary tree.

A case of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the common bile duct, cystic duct and gallbladder is reported in a 3-year-old girl with abdominal pain and jaundice. Abdominal US and CT showed dilatation of the biliary tree and a well-defined mass in the common bile duct that narrowed its lumen. The gallbladder was contracted in both examinations.

Anomalies of the distal ureter, bladder, and urethra in children: embryologic, radiologic, and pathologic features.

Congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract are a significant cause of morbidity in infancy. Radiologic investigation is an important source of clinical information in lower urinary tract disorders but should not inconvenience the patient, expose the patient to unnecessary radiation, or delay surgical correction. In pediatric patients with suspected underlying urologic structural anomalies, screening ultrasonography is commonly the initial diagnostic study.

Vesicoureteral reflux: diagnosis and grading with echo-enhanced cystosonography versus voiding cystourethrography.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of echo-enhanced cystosonography compared with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) for detecting and grading vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Materials And Methods: Two hundred sixteen pediatric patients underwent cystosonography enhanced with SH U 508A, a galactose-based echo-enhancing agent. Sonograms of the kidneys and bladder were obtained before filling, during bladder filling, and during voiding.

[Pediatric liver transplantation: now the patients are different and the problems are different as well].

Aim: 1. To show how in a program of pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) with 12 years of experience, the continuous use of technical innovations has allowed to improve the results and to treat the most complex cases. 2.

Congenital anomalies of the small intestine, colon, and rectum.

Congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract are a significant cause of morbidity in children and, less frequently, in adults. These abnormalities include developmental obstructive defects of the small intestine, anomalies of the colon, anomalies of rotation and fixation, anorectal anomalies, and intestinal duplications. Neonates with complete high intestinal obstruction do not usually require further radiologic evaluation following radiography, whereas those with complete low obstruction should undergo a contrast material enema examination.

Congenital anomalies of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

A wide spectrum of congenital anomalies may affect the upper gastrointestinal tract, including anomalies of the esophagus (e.g., atresia, fistulas, webs, duplications, vascular rings), stomach (e.

Complete duplication of bladder and urethra in the coronal plane in a girl: case report and review of the literature.

An unusual case of complete duplication of the bladder and urethra in the coronal plane associated with left ectopic kidney, duplication of the clitoris and a chondrolipomatous malformation in the pelvic region in a girl is reported. The accessory bladder was located posterolateral to the normal bladder and a ureteric opening into the accessory bladder was found. The malformation was initially identified by US and cystography and confirmed by cystoscopy.