Detection and prevalence of protozoan parasites in ready-to-eat packaged salads on sale in Italy.

To investigate the prevalence of protozoan contamination by Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis, in 'ready to eat' (RTE) salads on sale in Italy, 648 packages were purchased from industrial and local brands. Nine individual packages from each brand were collected per month, pooled and subjected to microscopy and molecular analyses. Microscopic examination of 864 slides detected Cryptosporidium spp. but also Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis. Molecular tools identified G. duodenalis assemblage A, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ubiquitum, T. gondii Type I and C. cayetanensis. B. hominis and D. fragilis were also molecularly confirmed. The overall prevalence of each protozoan species was 0.6% for G. duodenalis, 0.8% for T. gondii, 0.9% for Cryptosporidium spp., and 1.3% for C. cayetanensis, while prevalence for B. hominis was 0.5% and for D. fragilis 0.2%. Microscopy and/or molecular tools revealed that 4.2% of the samples were contaminated by at least one protozoan species, and 0.6% of samples presented contamination by two protozoan species, with a number of oocysts ranging from 62 to 554 per g of vegetable matter for T. gondii, and 46 to 1.580 for C. cayetanensis. This is Europe's first large-scale study on the presence of protozoans in packaged salads, and shows that RTE sanitation processes do not guarantee a product free from protozoans of fecal origin.

Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 as a promising differentiation therapy in embryonal RMS.

BACKGROUND: Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma derived from myogenic precursors that is characterized by a good prognosis in patients with localized disease. Conversely, metastatic tumors often relapse, leading to a dismal outcome. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 epigenetically suppresses skeletal muscle differentiation by repressing the transcription of myogenic genes. Moreover, de-regulated EZH2 expression has been extensively implied in human cancers. We have previously shown that EZH2 is aberrantly over-expressed in RMS primary tumors and cell lines. Moreover, it has been recently reported that EZH2 silencing in RD cells, a recurrence-derived embryonal RMS cell line, favors myofiber-like structures formation in a pro-differentiation context. Here we evaluate whether similar effects can be obtained also in the presence of growth factor-supplemented medium (GM), that mimics a pro-proliferative microenvironment, and by pharmacological targeting of EZH2 in RD cells and in RD tumor xenografts. METHODS: Embryonal RMS RD cells were cultured in GM and silenced for EZH2 or treated with either the S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) that induces EZH2 degradation, or with a new class of catalytic EZH2 inhibitors, MC1948 and MC1945, which block the catalytic activity of EZH2. RD cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Here we show that EZH2 protein was abnormally expressed in 19 out of 19 (100%) embryonal RMS primary tumors and cell lines compared to their normal counterparts. Genetic down-regulation of EZH2 by silencing in GM condition reduced RD cell proliferation up-regulating p21Cip1. It also resulted in myogenic-like differentiation testified by the up-regulation of myogenic markers Myogenin, MCK and MHC. These effects were reverted by enforced over-expression of a murine Ezh2, highlighting an EZH2-specific effect. Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 using either DZNep or MC inhibitors phenocopied the genetic knockdown of EZH2 preventing cell proliferation and restoring myogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that EZH2 function can be counteracted by pharmacological inhibition in embryonal RMS blocking proliferation even in a pro-proliferative context. They also suggest that this approach could be exploited as a differentiation therapy in adjuvant therapeutic intervention for embryonal RMS.

Isolated Intracranial Hypertensions as Onset of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) is characterized by multiple phenotypic conditions such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, and myelitis. MOGAD's spectrum is expanding, with potential symptoms of increased intracranial pressure that are similar to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We report a boy with new-onset continuous headache and a brain MRI at onset suggesting idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The patient showed resistance to treatment with acetazolamide and, after one month, developed optic neuritis in the left eye. Laboratory tests documented positive MOG antibodies (anti-MOG) in the serum. The final diagnosis was MOGAD, with the initial symptoms resembling IIH.

IgE-immunoadsorption for severe allergy to multiple foods: A case series of five children.

Background: Children with severe food allergy may present high risk of fatal anaphylaxis and a highly impaired quality of life. Anti IgE-treatment has been shown to be a promising approach as monotherapy for severe allergy to multiple foods. However, very high serum total IgE levels may limit its use.This study aims to assess the efficacy of IgE-selective immunoadsorption (IgE-IA) on total IgE levels and threshold of reactivity to the culprit foods in children with history of severe anaphylaxis due to multiple foods and allergic comorbidities. Methods: In this single-center, prospective, open-label efficacy study we evaluated children with severe asthma, allergy to 2+foods and total IgE levels >2300 kUI/L. To establish the food reactivity threshold, each patient underwent oral food challenges (OFCs) before and after IgE-IA. Results: Five patients (4 males; age, 12.2 ± 5 years, mean ± SD) underwent an average of 3 (range 2-4) sessions of IgE-IA. Each session reduced IgE levels by a mean of 1958.87 kUI/L. After the IgE-IA cycle, serum total IgE dropped from 3948 ± 1652.7 (mean ± SD) to 360.8 ± 71.9 kUI/L (-10.9 folds; p = 0.01). The threshold of reactivity (No Observed Adverse Effect Level, NOAEL) tested at OFCs for the culprit foods (4 baked-milk + 2 baked-egg + 1 lentil + 2 hazelnut + 1 wheat) increased overall from 21.5 (median, IQR 1.5-82.6) protein milligrams to 1115 (837.2-4222.8) milligrams (p < 0.001), ie, up to 51.8 times higher than baseline. 8/10 OFCs were negative after IgE-IA. Conclusions: IgE-IA increased food threshold quickly. It can be considered in well-selected patients with severe food allergies and high IgE-levels especially if otherwise eligible to anti IgE treatment.

Monogenic diabetes clinic (MDC): 3-year experience.

AIM: In the pediatric diabetes clinic, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) account for more than 90% of cases, while monogenic forms represent about 6%. Many monogenic diabetes subtypes may respond to therapies other than insulin and have chronic diabetes complication prognosis that is different from T1D. With the aim of providing a better diagnostic pipeline and a tailored care for patients with monogenic diabetes, we set up a monogenic diabetes clinic (MDC). METHODS: In the first 3 years of activity 97 patients with non-autoimmune forms of hyperglycemia were referred to MDC. Genetic testing was requested for 80 patients and 68 genetic reports were available for review. RESULTS: In 58 subjects hyperglycemia was discovered beyond 1 year of age (Group 1) and in 10 before 1 year of age (Group 2). Genetic variants considered causative of hyperglycemia were identified in 25 and 6 patients of Group 1 and 2, respectively, with a pick up rate of 43.1% (25/58) for Group 1 and 60% (6/10) for Group 2 (global pick-up rate: 45.5%; 31/68). When we considered probands of Group 1 with a parental history of hyperglycemia, 58.3% (21/36) had a positive genetic test for GCK or HNF1A genes, while pick-up rate was 18.1% (4/22) in patients with mute family history for diabetes. Specific treatments for each condition were administered in most cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that MDC may contribute to provide a better diabetes care in the pediatric setting.

Epigenetic deregulation of microRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma and translational perspectives.

Gene expression control mediated by microRNAs and epigenetic remodeling of chromatin are interconnected processes often involved in feedback regulatory loops, which strictly guide proper tissue differentiation during embryonal development. Altered expression of microRNAs is one of the mechanisms leading to pathologic conditions, such as cancer. Several lines of evidence pointed to epigenetic alterations as responsible for aberrant microRNA expression in human cancers. Rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma are pediatric cancers derived from cells presenting features of skeletal muscle and neuronal precursors, respectively, blocked at different stages of differentiation. Consistently, tumor cells express tissue markers of origin but are unable to terminally differentiate. Several microRNAs playing a key role during tissue differentiation are often epigenetically downregulated in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma and behave as tumor suppressors when re-expressed. Recently, inhibition of epigenetic modulators in adult tumors has provided encouraging results causing re-expression of anti-tumor master gene pathways. Thus, a similar approach could be used to correct the aberrant epigenetic regulation of microRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma. The present review highlights the current insights on epigenetically deregulated microRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma and their role in tumorigenesis and developmental pathways. The translational clinical implications and challenges regarding modulation of epigenetic chromatin remodeling/microRNAs interconnections are also discussed.

Case report: A pediatric case of Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: Looking for the culprit.

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare, immune-mediated disease characterized by the acute onset of external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and consciousness disturbance. It has a complex multifactorial etiology, and a preceding infectious illness is seen in the majority of cases. Immune-mediated neurological syndromes following COVID-19 vaccination have been increasingly described. Here we report the case of a child developing BBE 2 weeks after COVID-19 vaccination. Despite nerve conduction studies and CSF analysis showing normal results, BBE was diagnosed on clinical ground and immunotherapy was started early with a complete recovery. Later, diagnosis was confirmed by positive anti-GQ1b IgG in serum. Even if there was a close temporal relationship between disease onset and COVID-19 vaccination, our patient also had evidence of a recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection that is associated with BBE. Indeed, the similarity between bacterial glycolipids and human myelin glycolipids, including gangliosides, could lead to an aberrantly immune activation against self-antigens (i.e., molecular mimicry). We considered the recent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection a more plausible explanation of the disease onset. Our case report suggests that suspect cases of side effects related to COVID-19 vaccines need a careful evaluation in order to rule out well-known associated factors before claiming for a causal relationship.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 is phosphorylated by homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 and contributes to apoptosis.

Mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are associated with Rett syndrome and other neurological disorders. MeCP2 represses transcription mainly by recruiting various co-repressor complexes. Recently, MeCP2 phosphorylation at Ser 80, Ser 229 and Ser 421 was shown to occur in the brain and modulate MeCP2 silencing activities. However, the kinases directly responsible for this are largely unknown. Here, we identify the homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) as a kinase that binds MeCP2 and phosphorylates it at Ser 80 in vitro and in vivo. HIPK2 modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the neurological defects of Hipk2-null mice indicate its role in proper brain functions. We show that MeCP2 cooperates with HIPK2 in induction of apoptosis and that Ser 80 phosphorylation is required together with the DNA binding of MeCP2. These data are, to our knowledge, the first that describe a kinase associating with MeCP2, causing its specific phosphorylation in vivo and, furthermore, they reinforce the role of MeCP2 in regulating cell growth.

Threshold of Reactivity and Tolerance to Precautionary Allergen-Labelled Biscuits of Baked Milk- and Egg-Allergic Children.

Extremely sensitive food-allergic patients may react to very small amounts of allergenic foods. Precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) warns from possible allergenic contaminations. We evaluated by oral food challenge the reactivity to a brand of PAL-labelled milk- and egg-free biscuits of children with severe milk and egg allergy. We explored the ability of proteomic methods to identify minute amounts of milk/egg allergens in such biscuits. Traces of milk and/or egg allergens in biscuits were measured by two different liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. The binding of patient's serum with egg/milk proteins was assessed using immunoblotting. None of the patients reacted to biscuits. Egg and milk proteins were undetectable with a limit of detection of 0.6 µg/g for milk and egg (method A), and of 0.1 and 0.3 µg /g for milk and egg, respectively (method B). The immunoblots did not show milk/egg proteins in the studied biscuits. Milk/egg content of the biscuits is far lower than 4 µg of milk or egg protein per gram of product, the minimal doses considered theoretically capable of causing reactions. With high sensitivity, proteomic assessments predict the harmlessness of very small amount of allergens in foods, and can be used to help avoiding unnecessary PAL.

"Omic" investigations of protozoa and worms for a deeper understanding of the human gut "parasitome".

The human gut has been continuously exposed to a broad spectrum of intestinal organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites (protozoa and worms), over millions of years of coevolution, and plays a central role in human health. The modern lifestyles of Western countries, such as the adoption of highly hygienic habits, the extensive use of antimicrobial drugs, and increasing globalisation, have dramatically altered the composition of the gut milieu, especially in terms of its eukaryotic "citizens." In the past few decades, numerous studies have highlighted the composition and role of human intestinal bacteria in physiological and pathological conditions, while few investigations exist on gut parasites and particularly on their coexistence and interaction with the intestinal microbiota. Studies of the gut "parasitome" through "omic" technologies, such as (meta)genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are herein reviewed to better understand their role in the relationships between intestinal parasites, host, and resident prokaryotes, whether pathogens or commensals. Systems biology-based profiles of the gut "parasitome" under physiological and severe disease conditions can indeed contribute to the control of infectious diseases and offer a new perspective of omics-assisted tropical medicine.

A waterborn zoonotic helminthiase in an Italian diver: a case report of a cutaneous Sparganum infection and a review of European cases.

Many waterborne helminthes are opportunistic parasites that can travel directly from animals to man and may contain forms capable of penetrating the skin. Among these, Sparganum is the pseudophyllidean tapeworm that belongs to the genus Spirometra, which is responsible for parasitic zoonosis; it is rarely detected in Europe and is caused by the plerocercoid infective larva. Thus far, only six cases of cutaneous and ocular sparganosis have been reported in Europe; two and four cases have occurred in France and Italy, respectively. Herein, we describe a new case of sparganosis in Italy that affected a male diver who presented to the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital of Rome. The patient's skin biopsy was submitted to the Parasitology department who, in consultation with Pathology, concluded that the morphologic and microscopic findings were those of Sparganum spp. larvae. The patient recovered following a single dose of 600 mg praziquantel.