Publications by authors named "Calamita P"

Conjoined twin patients with patent ductus arteriosus and hemodynamic repercussions have a worse prognosis. In the present case report, we demonstrate the first successful percutaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus with the Piccolo© device (Abbot Structural Heart, Plymouth, MN, USA) in this type of clinical situation.

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The balance between protein anabolism and catabolism sets the foundations on which cells build their homeostasis. RACK1 is a ribosome-associated scaffold protein involved in signal transduction. On the ribosome, RACK1 enhances specific translation.

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Problem: Competency-based training is a model of medical education program that uses an organized framework of competencies to develop entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for each specialty. Implementation of EPAs varies by medical specialty and country. Although national models for primary care pediatrics have been suggested in the past, standardized EPAs have not been established.

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Article Synopsis
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, like school closures, have worsened the already critical mental health issues faced by children and adolescents globally.
  • Mental or socially disadvantaged youth are particularly affected, alongside those with existing non-communicable diseases and mental health problems.
  • There is a call for greater community-based mental health initiatives, with recommendations from EAP and ECPCP for stakeholders to actively support the mental wellbeing of this generation.
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Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by the production of unfolded immunoglobulins, which cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and sensitivity to proteasome inhibition. The genomic landscape of multiple myeloma is characterized by the loss of several genes rarely mutated in other cancers that may underline specific weaknesses of multiple myeloma cells. One of these is that is lost in more than 10% of patients with multiple myeloma.

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The transition from a naïve to an effector T cell is an essential event that requires metabolic reprogramming. We have recently demonstrated that the rapid metabolic changes that occur following stimulation of naïve T cells require the translation of preexisting mRNAs. Here, we provide evidence that translation regulates the metabolic asset of effector T cells.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Rett syndrome is an incurable disorder caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene, which can lead to neurological issues when overexpressed.
  • - Researchers developed a gene therapy using a specific viral vector (AAV-PHP.eB) that delivers a modified transgene to maintain proper levels of the MeCP2 protein, which improved symptoms in mice.
  • - While the therapy worked well for female mutant and wild-type mice, male mutant mice showed a strong immune response that required immunosuppression to address.
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Eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6) is necessary for the nucleolar biogenesis of 60S ribosomes. However, most of eIF6 resides in the cytoplasm, where it acts as an initiation factor. eIF6 is necessary for maximal protein synthesis downstream of growth factor stimulation.

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During development, ribosome biogenesis and translation reach peak activities, due to impetuous cell proliferation. Current models predict that protein synthesis elevation is controlled by transcription factors and signalling pathways. Developmental models addressing translation factors overexpression effects are lacking.

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Ribosomes have been long considered as executors of the translational program. The fact that ribosomes can control the translation of specific mRNAs or entire cellular programs is often neglected. Ribosomopathies, inherited diseases with mutations in ribosomal factors, show tissue specific defects and cancer predisposition.

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The translational capability of ribosomes deprived of specific nonfundamental ribosomal proteins may be altered. Physiological mechanisms are scanty, and it is unclear whether free ribosomal proteins can cross talk with the signaling machinery. RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1) is a highly conserved scaffold protein, located on the 40S subunit near the mRNA exit channel.

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Naive T cells respond to T cell receptor (TCR) activation by leaving quiescence, remodeling metabolism, initiating expansion, and differentiating toward effector T cells. The molecular mechanisms coordinating the naive to effector transition are central to the functioning of the immune system, but remain elusive. Here, we discover that T cells fulfill this transitional process through translational control.

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Background: Variable patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) morphology and the need to close PDAs in small size patients has led physicians to use Amplatzer Vascular Plugs (AVP) and recently available Amplatzer Duct Occluder II - Additional Sizes (ADO II AS). The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety, efficacy, and complication rates of the ADO II AS and AVPs, specifically AVP II.

Methods: All patients undergoing PDA closure with an AVP or ADO II AS from 2011 to 2016 were included.

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Ribosomopathies are a family of inherited disorders caused by mutations in genes necessary for ribosomal function. Shwachman-Diamond Bodian Syndrome (SDS) is an autosomal recessive disease caused, in most patients, by mutations of the SBDS gene. SBDS is a protein required for the maturation of 60S ribosomes.

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Ribosomes function as platforms for binding of other molecules, but technologies for studying this process are lacking. Therefore we developed iRIA (in vitro Ribosomes Interaction Assay). In approach I, Artemia salina ribosomes spotted on solid phase are used for binding picomoles of analytes; in approach II, cellular extracts allow the measurement of ribosome activity in different conditions.

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The receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (RACK1) is a conserved structural protein of 40S ribosomes. Strikingly, deletion of RACK1 in yeast homolog Asc1 is not lethal. Mammalian RACK1 also interacts with many nonribosomal proteins, hinting at several extraribosomal functions.

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Polyglutamine diseases are accompanied by large-scale alterations of transcription that may be responsible for neurodegeneration. We have monitored early transcriptional alterations in a Drosophila model for dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) and reported the critical downregulation of the fat tumor suppressor gene. We show that, besides partially mediating neurodegeneration in the Drosophila model for DRPLA, fat and the downstream hippo pathway are essential for adult neuronal homeostasis.

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Large alterations in transcription accompany neurodegeneration in polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. These pathologies manifest both general polyQ toxicity and mutant protein-specific effects. In this study, we report that the fat tumour suppressor gene mediates neurodegeneration induced by the polyQ protein Atrophin.

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Polyglutamine pathologies are neurodegenerative diseases that manifest both general polyglutamine toxicity and mutant protein-specific effects. Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian Atrophy (DRPLA) is one of these disorders caused by mutations in the Atrophin-1 protein. We have generated several models for DRPLA in Drosophila and analysed the mechanisms of cellular and organism toxicity.

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The significance of asymptomatic microhematuria in children is unknown. In 1976 Dodge et al. found a "surprising" high prevalence of proteinuria and haematuria in 12,000 healthy schoolchildren and, in the absence of knowledge of the natural history, this finding prompted them to postpone urinary mass screening.

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Upper respiratory infections (URI) during the first years of life are mostly viral in origin. However, a number of observations suggest the influence of both predisposing and triggering factors. Atopy in particular seems to play an important role as do environmental factors.

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The aim of this study is to assess the value of the most common tests which can be used in epidemiological surveys to identify asthmatic children. We reviewed anamnestic information from a self-administered questionnaire, bronchial reactivity by means of exercise-test, bronchodilation-test with trimethochinol, carbachol-test (PD20 FEV1 was reported), cutaneous reactivity monitored by prick-test. (Data from a polycentric epidemiological study).

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