Interactions between Rhodamine Dyes and Model Membrane Systems-Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Background: rhodamines are dyes widely used as fluorescent tags in cell imaging, probing of mitochondrial membrane potential, and as P-glycoprotein model substrates. In all these applications, detailed understanding of the interaction between rhodamines and biomembranes is fundamental.

Methods: we combined atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fluorescence spectroscopy to characterize the interaction between rhodamines 123 and B (Rh123 and RhB, respectively) and POPC bilayers.

Primary Liver Lymphoma Presenting as Liver Nodules.

The liver is usually affected in advanced stages of lympho-proliferative diseases, but primary liver lymphomas (PLLs) are rare. The diagnosis is usually late, especially in patients without identifiable risk factors, with consequent worse prognosis. We report the case of a 59-year-old female with progressive worsening pain in the right hypochondrium and weight loss.

Tofacitinib: An Option for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis?

Tofacitinib has emerged as a new option for ulcerative colitis. Its rapid absorption, metabolism, and clinical improvement make it an interesting option for rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC), a situation with limited therapeutic options in patients with a long-term disease course and multiple drug failure. The management of ASUC in this setting becomes challenging, underlying the need for new drugs and data on their efficacy and safety.

Long-Term Self-Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) for Esophageal Variceal Bleeding: A Picture of the Natural History.

Introduction: We aim to discuss the utility of self-expandable esophageal metal stent (SEMS) in variceal bleeding in challenging cases.

Methods: Case description, discussion on patient management and decision-making process in an uncommon situation, from a multidisciplinary point of view.

Results: We report a case of a cirrhotic patient with refractory variceal bleeding who underwent a SEMS placement, which remained in situ for 9 months.

Cytomegalovirus Colitis Mimicking Rectal Tumour in an Undiagnosed HIV Patient.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common opportunistic agent in HIV-infected patients. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, but frequently involves the oesophagus and the colon.

Case Report: We report the case of a 70-year-old female, ultimately diagnosed with HIV infection, whose inaugural clinical manifestation was CMV colitis with endoscopic findings resembling a rectal tumour in which initial histological evaluation was not able to provide a proper diagnosis.

Ambulatory seton placement followed by fistulotomy: efficacy and safety for perianal fistula treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ambulatory seton placement followed by superficial fistulotomy as treatment of perianal fistula.

Methods: Retrospective observational analysis of patients with cryptogenic perianal fistula aged 18-90 years, followed in a central hospital proctology consultation between 2006 and 2017. Data were obtained through clinical record's analysis.