Distinct structural variants and repeat landscape shape the genomes of the ancient grapes Aglianico and Falanghina.

Mounting evidence recognizes structural variations (SVs) and repetitive DNA sequences as crucial players in shaping the existing grape phenotypic diversity at intra- and inter-species levels. To deepen our understanding on the abundance, diversity, and distribution of SVs and repetitive DNAs, including transposable elements (TEs) and tandemly repeated satellite DNA (satDNAs), we re-sequenced the genomes of the ancient grapes Aglianico and Falanghina. The analysis of large copy number variants (CNVs) detected candidate polymorphic genes that are involved in the enological features of these varieties. In a comparative analysis of Aglianico and Falanghina sequences with 21 publicly available genomes of cultivated grapes, we provided a genome-wide annotation of grape TEs at the lineage level. We disclosed that at least two main clusters of grape cultivars could be identified based on the TEs content. Multiple TEs families appeared either significantly enriched or depleted. In addition, in silico and cytological analyses provided evidence for a diverse chromosomal distribution of several satellite repeats between Aglianico, Falanghina, and other grapes. Overall, our data further improved our understanding of the intricate grape diversity held by two Italian traditional varieties, unveiling a pool of unique candidate genes never so far exploited in breeding for improved fruit quality.

Minimally invasive versus open adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma: the keys surgical factors influencing the outcomes-a collective overview.

PURPOSE: Adrenocortical carcinoma (A.C.C.) is a rare tumour, often discovered at an advanced stage and associated with a poor prognosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice. We aimed to review the different surgical approaches trying to compare their outcome. METHODS: This comprehensive review has been carried out according to the PRISMA statement. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Among all studies identified, 18 were selected for the review. A total of 14,600 patients were included in the studies, of whom 4421 were treated by mini-invasive surgery (M.I.S.). Ten studies reported 531 conversions from M.I.S. to an open approach (OA) (12%). Differences were reported for operative times as well as for postoperative complications more often in favour of OA, whereas differences for hospitalization time in favour of M.I.S. Some studies showed an R0 resection rate from 77 to 89% for A.C.C. treated by OA and 67 to 85% for tumours treated by M.I.S. The overall recurrence rate ranged from 24 to 29% for A.C.C. treated by OA and from 26 to 36% for tumours treated by M.I.S. CONCLUSIONS: OA should still be considered the standard surgical management of A.C.C. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has shown shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared to open surgery. However, the laparoscopic approach resulted in the worst recurrence rate, time to recurrence and cancer-specific mortality in stages I-III ACC. The robotic approach had similar complications rate and hospital stays, but there are still scarce results about oncologic follow-up.

Erector spinae plane block for perioperative pain management in neurosurgical lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion: a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block is a locoregional anaesthetic technique widely used in several different surgeries due to its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to assess its utility in spinal degenerative and traumatic surgery in western countries and for patients of Caucasian ethnicity. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion were randomised into two groups: the case group (n = 15) who received erector spinae plane block (ropivacaine 0.4% + dexamethasone 4 mg, 20 mL per side at the level of surgery) plus postoperative opioid analgesia, and the control group (n = 15) who received opioid-based analgesia. RESULTS: The erector spinae plane block group showed significantly lower morphine consumption at 48 h postoperatively, lower need for intraoperative fentanyl (203.3 ± 121.7 micrograms vs. 322.0 ± 148.2 micrograms, p-value = 0.021), lower NRS score at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h, and higher satisfaction rates of patients (8.4 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.05, p-value < 0.0001). No differences in the duration of the hospitalisation were observed. No erector spinae plane block-related complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Erector spinae plane block is a safe and efficient opioid-sparing technique for postoperative pain control after spinal fusion surgery. This study recommends its implementation in everyday practice and incorporation as a part of multimodal analgesia protocols. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the local ethical committee of Romagna (CEROM) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04729049). It also adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and the CONSORT 2010 guidelines.

Transcriptomic and methylation analysis of susceptible and tolerant grapevine genotypes following Plasmopara viticola infection.

Downy mildew, caused by the biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most economically significant grapevine diseases worldwide. Current strategies to cope with this threat rely on the massive use of chemical compounds during each cultivation season. The economic costs and negative environmental impact associated with these applications increased the urge to search for sustainable strategies of disease control. Improved knowledge of plant mechanisms to counteract pathogen infection may allow the development of alternative strategies for plant protection. Epigenetic regulation, in particular DNA methylation, is emerging as a key factor in the context of plant-pathogen interactions associated with the expression modulation of defence genes. To improve our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning grapevine response to P. viticola, we studied the modulation of both 5-mC methylation and gene expression at 6 and 24 h post-infection (hpi). Leaves of two table grape genotypes (Vitis vinifera), selected by breeding activities for their contrasting level of susceptibility to the pathogen, were analysed. Following pathogen infection, we found variations in the 5-mC methylation level and the gene expression profile. The results indicate a genotype-specific response to pathogen infection. The tolerant genotype (N23/018) at 6 hpi exhibits a lower methylation level compared to the susceptible one (N20/020), and it shows an early modulation (at 6 hpi) of defence and epigenetic-related genes during P. viticola infection. These data suggest that the timing of response is an important mechanism to efficiently counteract the pathogen attack.

Novel and emerging biotechnological crop protection approaches.

Traditional breeding or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have for a long time been the sole approaches to effectively cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and implement the quality traits of crops. However, emerging diseases as well as unpredictable climate changes affecting agriculture over the entire globe force scientists to find alternative solutions required to quickly overcome seasonal crises. In this review, we first focus on cisgenesis and genome editing as challenging biotechnological approaches for breeding crops more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we take into consideration a toolbox of new techniques based on applications of RNA interference and epigenome modifications, which can be adopted for improving plant resilience. Recent advances in these biotechnological applications are mainly reported for non-model plants and woody crops in particular. Indeed, the characterization of RNAi machinery in plants is fundamental to transform available information into biologically or biotechnologically applicable knowledge. Finally, here we discuss how these innovative and environmentally friendly techniques combined with traditional breeding can sustain a modern agriculture and be of potential contribution to climate change mitigation.

Proteomic analysis identifies deregulated metabolic and oxidative-associated proteins in Italian intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. A molecular classification based on mutational, methylation and transcriptomic features could allow identifying tailored therapies to improve CCA patient outcome. Proteomic remains partially unexplored; here, we analyzed the proteomic profile of five intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) derived from Italian patients undergone surgery and one normal bile duct cell line. METHODS: Proteome profile was investigated by using 2D electrophoresis followed by Mass Spectrometry (MS). To validate proteomic data, the expression of four overexpressed proteins (CAT, SOD, PRDX6, DBI/ACBP) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort of formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ICC tissues. We also compared proteomic data with those obtained by transcriptomic profile evaluated by microarray analysis of the same tissues. RESULTS: We identified 19 differentially expressed protein spots, which were further characterized by MS; 13 of them were up- and 6 were down-regulated in ICC. These proteins are mainly involved in redox processes (CAT, SODM, PRDX2, PRDX6), in metabolism (ACBP, ACY1, UCRI, FTCD, HCMS2), and cell structure and organization (TUB2, ACTB). CAT is overexpressed in 86% of patients, PRDX6 in 73%, SODM in 100%, and DBI/ACBP in 81% compared to normal adjacent tissues. A concordance of 50% between proteomic and transcriptomic data was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study pointed out that the impairment of the metabolic and antioxidant systems, with a subsequent accumulation of free radicals, might be a key step in CCA development and progression.

Low anterior resection syndrome: can it be prevented?

Surgery remains the cardinal treatment in colorectal cancers but changes in bowel habits after rectal cancer surgery are common and disabling conditions that affect patients' quality of life. Low anterior resection syndrome is a disorder of bowel function after rectal resection resulting in a lowering of the QoL and recently has been defined by an international working group not only by specified symptoms but also by their consequences. This review aims to explore an extensive bibliographic research on preventive strategies for LARS. All "modifiable variables," quantified by the LARS Score, such as type of anastomosis, neoadjuvant therapy, surgical strategy, and diverting stoma, were evaluated, while "non-modifiable variables" such as age, sex, BMI, ASA, preoperative TMN, tumor height, and type of mesorectal excision were excluded from the comparative analysis. The role of defunctioning stoma, local excision, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and non operative management seems to significantly affect risk of LARS, while type of anastomosis and surgical TME approach do not impact on LARS incidence or gravity in the long term period. Although it is established that some variables are associated with a greater onset of LARS, in clinical practice, technical difficulties and oncological limits often make difficult the application of some prevention plans. Transtomal irrigations, intraoperative neuromonitoring, pelvic floor rehabilitation before stoma closure, and early transanal irrigation represent new arguments of study in preventive strategies which could, if not eliminate the symptoms, at least mitigate them.

Perioperative outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a large international multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe the surgical outcomes of a retrospective series of consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic and robotic approach for adrenal masses in two tertiary referral centers. METHODS: We retrospectively gathered data of 477 patients submitted to adrenalectomy performed at two Institutions from March 2008 to February 2018 by six highly experienced surgeons. We excluded from the analysis 43 patients that had an open approach for tumors or for anesthetic contraindications to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Patients were selected for surgery after a radiologic and an endocrinology work up. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 477 patients were included in the study. The robotic and the laparoscopic group included 110 and 367 patients, respectively. The preoperative characteristics were similar in both groups except for ASA score with a median (IQR) of 3 and 2 in the robotic and in the laparoscopic group, respectively (p = 0.03). Tumor size of adrenal tumors treated robotically (4, IQR 2.6-6 cm) was significantly larger than those treated laparoscopically (3, IQR 2.3-4.1 cm) (p = 0.01). The intraoperative complication rates were similar between robotic and laparoscopic groups (6.3% and 6%, respectively). The postoperative complication rate was 5.4% for robotic group and similarly 3.5% for laparoscopic adrenalectomy strategy. We analyzed the tumor ≥ 6 cm, with 29 patients in the robotic group and 43 in the laparoscopic one, with an overall complication rate of 19.5%. At multivariable analyses tumor size (OR 1.287; CI 1.128-1.468; p < 0.001) was the only independent predictor of overall complication. CONCLUSION: Adrenal tumors can be safely treated either by robotic or laparoscopic strategy. MIS seems to be feasible also in larger adrenal masses (≥ 6 cm). Tumor size represents the only predictive factors for overall complication.

The Role of DAMPS in Burns and Hemorrhagic Shock Immune Response: Pathophysiology and Clinical Issues. Review.

Severe or major burns induce a pathophysiological, immune, and inflammatory response that can persist for a long time and affect morbidity and mortality. Severe burns are followed by a "hypermetabolic response", an inflammatory process that can be extensive and become uncontrolled, leading to a generalized catabolic state and delayed healing. Catabolism causes the upregulation of inflammatory cells and innate immune markers in various organs, which may lead to multiorgan failure and death. Burns activate immune cells and cytokine production regulated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Trauma has similar injury-related immune responses, whereby DAMPs are massively released in musculoskeletal injuries and elicit widespread systemic inflammation. Hemorrhagic shock is the main cause of death in trauma. It is hypovolemic, and the consequence of volume loss and the speed of blood loss manifest immediately after injury. In burns, the shock becomes evident within the first 24 h and is hypovolemic-distributive due to the severely compromised regulation of tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery caused by capillary leakage, whereby fluids shift from the intravascular to the interstitial space. In this review, we compare the pathophysiological responses to burns and trauma including their associated clinical patterns.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for giant adrenal tumours: Technical considerations and surgical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Giant adrenal tumours are tumours with size ≥6 cm. These are rare cancer associated with malignancy in 25% of cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of patients admitted to our high-volume centre of Careggi University Hospital with a giant adrenal tumour and submitted to adrenalectomy between January 2008 and December 2018. The group of patients who underwent to laparoscopic adrenalectomy was compared with a group of patients that was submitted to open adrenalectomy. RESULTS: In the past 10 years, we performed about 245 adrenalectomies for benign and malignant adrenal tumours. Fifty (20.4%) of these were giant tumours. The medium size was 9.9 cm (7-22 cm). The mean age was 57 years (21-81 years). Thirty-four (68%) of these cancers were laparoscopically removed and 16 (32%) with an open approach. The surgical outcomes in these patients were optimal if compared to the group of patients submitted to open approach in terms of good pain control, hospital stay, mean operative time and bloodless. No difference was observed about post-operative complications in the two groups. The follow-up after 30 months for malignant tumours did not show local recurrences. CONCLUSION: Our results pinpoint the advantages of performing a laparoscopic adrenalectomy for giant adrenal tumours. The tumour size is only a predictive parameter of possible malignancy, and the laparoscopic approach is a safe and feasible method in terms of surgical and oncological, only if performed by expert surgeons and in high-volume centres.

Correction to: SNP genotyping elucidates the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grapevine germplasm and its historical origin and dissemination.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Colonic splenic flexure carcinoma: is laparoscopic segmental resection a safe enough oncological approach?

BACKGROUND: The surgical approach to the colonic splenic flexure cancer (SFC) is yet to be technically standardized. The aim of this study has been to retrospectively evaluate the oncologic long-term results of our cases comparing our data with other authors' experiences. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with SFC operated on at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. The laparoscopic approach was used in the whole series, with limited resection distally and proximally to splenic flexure and the origin ligation of left colic artery and left branch of middle colic artery. Data on the oncological long-term safety were compared to our laparoscopic series of extended right colectomy for proximal two-third transverse colon cancer and high anterior resections for sigmoid-high rectal cancer and to the main evidences in the literature, found after a comprehensive review. RESULTS: From March 2008 to May 2018, we completed 53 laparoscopic splenic flexure resections (26 female and 27 male, age 71.5 ± 15.4 years). The conversion rate was 3.8%. Most of the cases were stage II (pT3 73.5%, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 19.1, with positivity for malignancy in 45.3%). During the FU (43.5 months), 2 patients dropped out. Out of the 51 residual cases, 37 were alive (72.5%) and 14 are deceased (27.5%). DISCUSSION: Compared to the literature, our survival rate does not show significant differences. The other oncological outcomes seem to be comparable with the data evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: More extended resections seem not to confer an increase of the overall survival rate.

Correction to: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: the SICE (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e Nuove Tecnologie) network prospectivetrial on 1225 cases comparing intra corporeal versus extra corporeal ileo­colic side­to­side anastomosis.

Due to an error in production the members of SICE CoDIG (Colon Dx Italian Group) listed in the Acknowledgments were not tagged correctly as authors in the XML of this article. This listing is presented again here.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: the SICE (Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e Nuove Tecnologie) network prospective trial on 1225 cases comparing intra corporeal versus extra corporeal ileo-colic side-to-side anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: While laparoscopic approach for right hemicolectomy (LRH) is considered appropriate for the surgical treatment of both malignant and benign diseases of right colon, there is still debate about how to perform the ileo-colic anastomosis. The ColonDxItalianGroup (CoDIG) was designed as a cohort, observational, prospective, multi-center national study with the aims of evaluating the surgeons' attitude regarding the intracorporeal (ICA) or extra-corporeal (ECA) anastomotic technique and the related surgical outcomes. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five Surgical Units experienced in colorectal and advanced laparoscopic surgery were invited and 85 of them joined the study. Each center was asked not to change its surgical habits. Data about demographic characteristics, surgical technique and postoperative outcomes were collected through the official SICE website database. One thousand two hundred and twenty-five patients were enrolled between March 2018 and September 2018. RESULTS: ICA was performed in 70.4% of cases, ECA in 29.6%. Isoperistaltic anastomosis was completed in 85.6%, stapled in 87.9%. Hand-sewn enterotomy closure was adopted in 86%. Postoperative complications were reported in 35.4% for ICA and 50.7% for ECA; no significant difference was found according to patients' characteristics and technologies used. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter for ICA (7.3 vs. 9 POD). Postoperative pain in patients not prescribed opioids was significantly lower in ICA group. CONCLUSIONS: In our survey, a side-to-side isoperistaltic stapled ICA with hand-sewn enterotomy closure is the most frequently adopted technique to perform ileo-colic anastomosis after any indications for elective LRH. According to literature, our study confirmed better short-term outcomes for ICA, with reduction of hospital stay and postoperative pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial (Identifier: NCT03934151).

Bedside wireless lung ultrasound for the evaluation of COVID-19 lung injury in senior nursing home residents.

Lung Ultrasound (LUS) is regarded to be potentially useful to diagnose lung injury in older adults living in nursing homes with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed at evaluating presence lung injury among senior nursing home residents by LUS performed with portable wireless scanner echography. The study population consisted of 150 residents with a mean age of 88 years (85% female) residing in 12 nursing homes in Northern Italy. Subjects had to have a history of recent onset of symptoms compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia or have been exposed to the contagion of patients carrying the disease. COVID-19 testing was performed with SARS-CoV-2 nasal-pharyngeal (NP) swabs. Positive subjects to LUS scanning were considered those with non-coascelent B-lines in >3 zones, coalescent B-lines in >3 zones and with iperdensed patchy non-consolidated lungs. Sixty-three percent had positive NP testing and 65% had LUS signs of pulmonary injury. LUS had a sensitivity of 79% in predicting positive NP testing. Sixteen percent of residents tested negative for SARSCoV-2 carried the signs of COVID-19 lung injury at LUS. There were 92 patients (61%) with current or recent symptoms.Positivity to LUS scanning was reported in 73% of residents with symptoms, while it was 53% in those without (P=0.016). A positive NP testing was observed in 66% of residents with symptoms and in 57% of those without (P=0.27). We conclude that assessment of LUS by portable wireless scanner echography can be profitability utilized to diagnose lung injury among senior nursing home residents with or without symptoms compatible with COVID-19 pneumonia.

SNP genotyping elucidates the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grapevine germplasm and its historical origin and dissemination.

BACKGROUND: Magna Graecia is the ancient name for the modern geopolitical region of South Italy extensively populated by Greek colonizers, shown by archeological and historical evidence to be the oldest wine growing region of Italy, crucial for the spread of specialized viticulture around Mediterranean shores. Here, the genetic diversity of Magna Graecia grape germplasm was assessed and its role in grapevine propagation around the Mediterranean basin was underlined. RESULTS: A large collection of grapevines from Magna Graecia was compared with germplasm from Georgia to the Iberian Peninsula using the 18 K SNP array. A high level of genetic diversity of the analyzed germplasm was determined; clustering, structure analysis and DAPC (Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components) highlighted the genetic relationships among genotypes from South Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean (Greece). Gene flow from east (Georgia) to west (Iberian Peninsula) was identified throughout the large number of detected admixed samples. Pedigree analysis showed a complex and well-structured network of first degree relationships, where the cultivars from Magna Graecia were mainly involved. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence that Magna Graecia germplasm was shaped by historical events that occurred in the area due to the robust link between South Italian and Greek genotypes, as well as, by the availability of different thermal resources for cultivars growing in such different winegrowing areas. The uniqueness of this ampelographic platform was mainly an outcome of complex natural or human-driven crosses involving elite cultivars.

Involvement of non-coding RNAs and transcription factors in the induction of Transglutaminase isoforms by ATRA.

The multifunctional protein Transglutaminase type 2, is associated with cancer epithelial mesenchymal transition, invasiveness, stemness and drugs resistance. Several variant isoforms and non-coding RNAs are present in cancer and this report explored the expression of these transcripts of the TGM2 gene in cancer cell lines after induction with all-trans retinoic acid. The expression of truncated variants along with two long non-coding RNAs, was demonstrated. One of these is coded from the first intron and the Last Exon Variant is constituted by a sequence corresponding to the last three exons and the 3'UTR. Analysis of ChIP-seq data, from ENCODE project, highlighted factors interacting with intronic sequences, which could interfere with the progression of RNApol II at checkpoints, during the elongation process. Some relevant transcription factors, bound in an ATRA-dependent way, were found by RNA immunoprecipitation, notably GATA3 mainly enriched to Last Exon Variant non-coding RNA. The involvement of NMD in the regulation of the ratio among these transcripts was observed, as the prevalent recovering of Last Exon Variant to phUPF1-complexes, with decrease of the binding towards other selective targets. This study contributes to identify molecular mechanisms regulating the ratio among the variants and improves the knowledge about regulatory roles of the non-coding RNAs of the TGM2 gene.

Spotlight on the transglutaminase 2 gene: a focus on genomic and transcriptional aspects.

The type 2 isoenzyme is the most widely expressed transglutaminase in mammals displaying several intra- and extracellular activities depending on its location (protein modification, modulation of gene expression, membrane signalling and stabilization of cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix) in relation to cell death, survival and differentiation. In contrast with the appreciable knowledge about the regulation of the enzymatic activities, much less is known concerning its inducible expression, which is altered in inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. In this context, we first summarize the gene's basic features including single-nucleotide polymorphism characterization, epigenetic DNA methylation and identification of regulatory regions and of transcription factor-binding sites at the gene promoter, which could concur to direct gene expression. Further aspects related to alternative splicing events and to ncRNAs (microRNAs and lncRNAs) are involved in the modulation of its expression. Notably, this important gene displays transcriptional variants relevant for the protein's function with the occurrence of at least seven transcripts which support the synthesis of five isoforms with modified catalytic activities. The different expression of the TG2 (type 2 transglutaminase) variants might be useful for dictating the multiple biological features of the protein and their alterations in pathology, as well as from a therapeutic perspective.

Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective study and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Bedside diagnostic laparoscopy could be helpful in extremely critically ill patients. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in the identification of intra-abdominal pathology in critically ill patients and to compare its accuracy and outcomes with the ones of laparotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Careggi University Hospital and submitted to bedside diagnostic laparoscopy between January 2006 and May 2017. This group of patients was compared with a group of patients that were admitted to the ICU and submitted directly to explorative laparotomy for suspected intra-abdominal pathologies. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients (M/F = 81/48, mean age = 71.64 years) underwent bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in ICU. 154 patients instead were submitted directly to explorative laparotomy in operatory room (mean age 75.70 years, M/F = 94/60). Among the 129 patients submitted to bedside laparoscopy, 53.49% were positive for intra-abdominal pathologies whereas 46.51% were negative, while among the 154 patients submitted directly to laparotomy, 76.62% were positive for intra-abdominal pathologies whereas 23.38% were negative. In 55.03% of all patients submitted to bedside laparoscopy, a non-therapeutic laparotomy was avoided, while the 33.76% of patients submitted directly to laparotomy had a non-therapeutic laparotomy that could be avoidable. CONCLUSIONS: Our results pinpoint the advantages of performing bedside diagnostic laparoscopy in the ICU setting, which can be considered an option every time there is the suspicion of an intra-abdominal pathology.

A long non-coding RNA inside the type 2 transglutaminase gene tightly correlates with the expression of its transcriptional variants.

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are matter of intense investigation as potential regulators of gene expression. In the case of the transglutaminase 2 gene (TGM2) the databases of genome sequence indicate location of a lncRNA (LOC107987281) within the first intron. This lncRNA is 1000 bp long, arises from 2 exons and starts few nucleotides 3' of the first splicing site of translated TGM2. We have analysed correlations between expression of LOC107987281 lncRNA and TGM2 mRNA by real-time PCR in K562 cell line untreated or treated with the anticancer drugs TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate), Docetaxel and Doxorubicin. In the treated cells the lncRNA increase follows the trend of TGM2 transcript. To validate this finding we used HumanExon1_0ST Affymetrix; chip data were background-adjusted, quantile-normalized and summarized using robust multi-array average analysis implemented in the R package. The probesets recognize sequences inside each exon, near intronic splicing sites and others located in the untranslated regions of TGM2 gene. The analysis of total RNA samples in GEO datasets from K562, HL-60, THP-1 and U937 cell lines, untreated or treated with TPA in replicated experiments confirmed our earlier results. These demonstrate correlation between LOC107987281 and TGM2 mRNA in the cell lines (K562, HL60 and THP-1) where increased levels of TGM2 mRNA are produced. Additional array study on 358 samples of several normal and paired tumor tissues leads to the same conclusions, indicating a correlation between full-length TGM2 mRNA and LOC107987281 lncRNA in relation to the development of several tumors.