Cytological, molecular, cytogenetic, and physiological characterization of a novel immortalized human enteric glial cell line.

Enteric glial cells (EGCs), the major components of the enteric nervous system (ENS), are implicated in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, thereby leading to severe pathological conditions when impaired. However, due to technical difficulties associated with EGCs isolation and cell culture maintenance that results in a lack of valuable models, their roles in physiological and pathological contexts have been poorly investigated so far. To this aim, we developed for the first time, a human immortalized EGC line (referred as ClK clone) through a validated lentiviral transgene protocol.

Luminex xMAP technology is an effective strategy for high-definition human leukocyte antigen typing of cord blood units prior to listing.

Introduction: Allele-level donor-recipient match at HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C and HLA-DRB1 loci impacts the outcome after cord blood transplantation for hematologic malignancies and modifies the strategy of donor selection. High definition of both class I and II HLA loci at time of listing is a way to improve the attractiveness of cord blood bank inventories, reducing the time for donor search and procurement and simplifying donor choice, in particular, for patients of non-European heritage.

Methods: In 2014, Luminex xMAP technology was introduced in our laboratory practice and was applied to cord blood units typing.

Implementing non-invasive RHD genotyping on cell-free foetal DNA from maternal plasma: the Pavia experience.

Background: The occurrence of cell-free foetal DNA in maternal circulation opens new possibilities in non-invasive antenatal diagnosis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis is an useful approach to foetal RhD blood group determination, thus being important in the prevention of haemolytic disease of foetus and new-born (HDFN).

Study Design And Methods: Using real-time PCR assays we typed 20 samples of plasma, provided in a blinded fashion, from the International Reference Laboratory, two plasma samples sent by the "2010 Workshop on Molecular Blood Group Genotyping"; seven samples from D-negative mothers at the 16th week of gestation provided by our Hospital as prospective validation cases, and two plasma samples received from the "1(st) Collaborative study establishing the sensitivity standard for non-invasive prenatal determination of foetal RHD genotype".

CR1 genotype and haplotype involvement in coronary artery disease: the pivotal role of hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary syndromes. Atherosclerosis is a complex multifactorial disorder. Data indicate that the complement proteins play a crucial role in the link between inflammation and atherogenesis.

The -374T/A RAGE polymorphism protects against future cardiac events in nondiabetic patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: The -374T/A polymorphism of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE) may exert a protective effect toward the development of atherosclerosis. No data are currently available on the potential prognostic role of this polymorphism in patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD). Hereto we sought to address this issue in a large consecutive cohort of patients undergoing coronary revascularization.

-374T/A polymorphism of the RAGE gene promoter in relation to severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Background: We have recently reported that homozygosity for the minor A-allele of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) -374T/A polymorphism may exert a protective effect toward the development of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). Here we focused on the putative involvement of this functional RAGE polymorphism on the severity of coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by angiography.

Methods: In a total of 234 consecutive Caucasian patients with angiographically proven CAD, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by the number of diseased vessels (greater than 50% stenosis).

Relationship between the -374T/A RAGE gene polymorphism and angiographic coronary artery disease.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is thought to play a critical role in diabetic atherosclerosis. Accordingly, a functional -374T/A polymorphism in RAGE gene promoter has been associated with macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetic patients. However, the extent to which this common variant influences the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the general population remains to be determined.