Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in blood donors and renal transplant recipients: a retrospective study from central Italy.

Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging health issue in developed countries and is thought to be a porcine zoonosis; its spread is underestimated and there is concern about the possibility of chronic infection in immunosuppressed patients; HEV transmission through blood has also been demonstrated. We conducted a retrospective study (2007-2013) on HEV seroprevalence using stored serum samples from 132 blood donors and 118 renal transplant recipients living mainly in central Italy. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 12/132 (9.

[Which screening for Leishmania infantum in asymptomatic blood donors?].

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection endemic in Italy with a greatly underestimated prevalence. The recent documentation of parasitaemia in blood donors is a cause of concern for blood safety. Because there is no screening against leishmania, we performed a study to assess the presence of protozoa in blood donors of Siena district (Tuscany) during the seasonal activity of the vector.

A simple clinical model for planning transfusion quantities in heart surgery.

Background: Patients undergoing heart surgery continue to be the largest demand on blood transfusions. The need for transfusion is based on the risk of complications due to poor cell oxygenation, however large transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and risk of mortality in heart surgery patients. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for transfusion and create a reliable model for planning transfusion quantities in heart surgery procedures.

Biochemical investigation of the effects of human platelet releasates on human articular chondrocytes.

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the mitogenic and differentiating properties of platelet-rich plasma releasates (PRPr) on human chondrocytes in mono- and three-dimensional cultures. In order to assess if PRPr supplementation could maintain the chondrocyte phenotype or at least inhibit the cell de-differentiation even after several days in culture, we performed a proteomic study on several cell cultures independently grown, for different periods of time, in culture medium with FCS, human serum (HS), and releasates obtained from PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). We found that PRP treatment actually induced in chondrocytes the expression of proteins (some of which novel) involved in differentiation.

The "Cascade" membrane: a new PRP device for tendon ruptures. Description and case report on rotator cuff tendon.

Rotator cuff tears are common soft-tissue injuries that often require surgical treatment. Initial efforts to better tendon healing centered on improving the strength of repair. More recent studies have focused on abiologic enhancement of the healing process.

The effects of autologous platelet gel on inflammatory cytokine response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The potential therapeutic value and versatility of platelet-derived products has recently stimulated the research and interest in the field of regenerative medicine. Platelet gels (PG), generated by thrombin-activated platelets, represent a new biotechnology for stimulation and acceleration of tissue healing and regeneration. However, despite the diffused and successful use of PG in clinical practice, a more detailed knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved is required.

High CXCL10 expression in rejected kidneys and predictive role of pretransplant serum CXCL10 for acute rejection and chronic allograft nephropathy.

Background: Several experimental models have shown that CXCL10 is required for initiation and development of graft failure caused by both acute and chronic rejection.

Methods: CXCL10 expression and distribution was investigated in tissue specimens obtained from 22 patients suffering from acute rejection (AR) or chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) by using in situ hybridization. Furthermore, pretransplantation sera of 316 cadaveric kidney-graft recipients were tested retrospectively for serum CXCL10 levels by a quantitative sandwich immunoassay.

High pretransplant serum levels of CXCL10/IP-10 are related to increased risk of renal allograft failure.

In experimental models, the chemokine CXCL10/IP-10 is required for graft failure owing to both acute and chronic rejection. In the present study, pretransplantation sera from 316 cadaver kidney graft recipients were tested for serum CXCL10 and CCL22/MDC levels by an ELISA assay. Kidney graft recipients with normally functioning grafts showed significantly lower serum CXCL10 levels than patients who experienced graft failure, whereas no differences for serum CCL22 levels were observed.