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Giofrè L, Paglionico S, Novellino F, Salsone M, Morelli M, Morgante L, Arabia G, Pugliese P, Cascini GL, Cipullo S, Sturniolo M, Labate A, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. Early involvement of sympathetic cardiac nerve endings in a patient with rem sleep behaviour disorders. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290242 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-a94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Benevento R, Santoriello A, Gambardella A, Mocerino C, Perna G, Gambardella C, Canonico S. The role of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in elderly breast cancer patients. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290171 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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53
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Labate A, Gambardella A, Aguglia U, Mumoli L, Palamara G, Fratto A, Sturniolo M, Quattrone A. Voxel-based morphometry of adulthood patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290243 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-a95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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54
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Gambardella A, Salluzzo M, Di Capua R, Affronte M, Giménez-Saiz C, Gòmez-Garcìa CJ, Coronado E, Vaglio R. Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy study of paramagnetic superconducting β''-ET(4)[(H(3)O)Fe(C(2)O(4))(3)]·C(6)H(5)Br crystals. J Phys Condens Matter 2010; 22:175701. [PMID: 21393674 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/17/175701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) and microscopy (STM) were performed on the paramagnetic molecular superconductor β''-ET(4)[(H(3)O)Fe(C(2)O(4))(3)]·C(6)H(5)Br. Under ambient pressure, this compound is located near the boundary separating superconducting and insulating phases of the phase diagram. In spite of a strongly reduced critical temperature T(c) (T(c) = 4.0 K at the onset, zero resistance at T(c) = 0.5 K), the low temperature STS spectra taken in the superconducting regions show strong similarities with the higher T(c) ET κ-derivatives series. We exploited different models for the density of states (DOS), with conventional and unconventional order parameters to take into account the role played by possible magnetic and non-magnetic disorder in the superconducting order parameter. The values of the superconducting order parameter obtained by the fitting procedure are close to the ones obtained on more metallic and higher T(c) organic crystals and far above the BCS values, suggesting an intrinsic role of disorder in the superconductivity of organic superconductors and a further confirmation of the non-conventional superconductivity in such compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gambardella
- CNR-SPIN, Complesso Universitario di Monte S Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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Labate A, Gambardella A, Aguglia U, Condino F, Ventura P, Lanza P, Quattrone A. Temporal lobe abnormalities on brain MRI in healthy volunteers: A prospective case-control study. Neurology 2010; 74:553-7. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181cff747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Dibbens LM, Michelucci R, Gambardella A, Andermann F, Rubboli G, Bayly MA, Joensuu T, Vears DF, Franceschetti S, Canafoglia L, Wallace R, Bassuk AG, Power DA, Tassinari CA, Andermann E, Lehesjoki AE, Berkovic SF. SCARB2 mutations in progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) without renal failure. Ann Neurol 2009; 66:532-6. [PMID: 19847901 DOI: 10.1002/ana.21765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in SCARB2 were recently described as causing action myoclonus renal failure syndrome (AMRF). We hypothesized that mutations in SCARB2 might account for unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) without renal impairment, especially those resembling Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD). Additionally, we searched for mutations in the PRICKLE1 gene, newly recognized as a cause of PME mimicking ULD. METHODS We reviewed cases of PME referred for diagnosis over two decades in which a molecular diagnosis had not been reached. Patients were classified according to age of onset, clinical pattern, and associated neurological signs into "ULD-like" and "not ULD-like." After exclusion of mutations in cystatin B (CSTB), DNA was examined for sequence variation in SCARB2 and PRICKLE1. RESULTS Of 71 cases evaluated, 41 were "ULD-like" and five had SCARB2 mutations. None of 30 "not ULD-like" cases were positive. The five patients with SCARB2 mutations had onset between 14 and 26 years of age, with no evidence of renal failure during 5.5 to 15 years of follow-up; four were followed until death. One living patient had slight proteinuria. A subset of 25 cases were sequenced for PRICKLE1 and no mutations were found. INTERPRETATION Mutations in SCARB2 are an important cause of hitherto unsolved cases of PME resembling ULD at onset. SCARB2 should be evaluated even in the absence of renal involvement. Onset is in teenage or young adult life. Molecular diagnosis is important for counseling the patient and family, particularly as the prognosis is worse than classical ULD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Dibbens
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
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Nottola SA, Coticchio G, Sciajno R, Gambardella A, Maione M, Scaravelli G, Bianchi S, Macchiarelli G, Borini A. Ultrastructural markers of quality in human mature oocytes vitrified using cryoleaf and cryoloop. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 19 Suppl 3:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Liguori M, Mazzei R, Ungaro C, Simone IL, Gambardella A, Plasmati I, Fera F, Aguglia U, Lanza P, Bono F, Chiumarulo L, Conforti FL, Consoli D, Quattrone A. CONVENTIONAL MRI AND NOTCH3 GENE SCREENING IN SPORADIC CADASIL. Neurology 2008; 72:469-71. [DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000336342.04778.2b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Labate A, Cerasa A, Gambardella A, Aguglia U, Quattrone A. Hippocampal and thalamic atrophy in mild temporal lobe epilepsy: A VBM study. Neurology 2008; 71:1094-101. [DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000326898.05099.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Barbieri M, Gambardella A, Paolisso G, Varricchio M. Metabolic aspects of the extreme longevity. Exp Gerontol 2008; 43:74-8. [PMID: 17697759 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Revised: 10/17/2006] [Accepted: 06/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Starting from young to very old subjects, aging is associated with a progressive remodeling. Such an age-dependent remodeling process mainly affects anthropometrics, endocrine and thus, also metabolic factors. Interestingly, it occurs in some individuals successfully, while in others unsuccessfully. Centenarians in good health conditions are a very selected group of subjects representing an exceptional condition. Why the centenarians reach the extreme human life span is still unknown. Thus, in this article we will review the best known causes of age-related insulin resistance, outline the main metabolic differences between aged subjects and healthy centenarians, underline the clinical relevance of insulin resistance in the elderly and finally, we will try to propose a unifying hypothesis for explaining the development of insulin resistance with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbieri
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia 2, I-80138 Napoli, Italy
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Gambardella A, Andermann F, Shorvon S, Le Piane E, Aguglia U. Limited chronic focal encephalitis: Another variant of Rasmussen syndrome? Neurology 2008; 70:374-7. [DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000298723.96653.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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62
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De Santis L, Coticchio G, Paynter S, Albertini D, Hutt K, Cino I, Iaccarino M, Gambardella A, Flamigni C, Borini A. Permeability of human oocytes to ethylene glycol and their survival and spindle configurations after slow cooling cryopreservation. Hum Reprod 2007; 22:2776-83. [PMID: 17675355 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To develop novel cryopreservation methods, we estimated the permeability coefficients Lp (hydraulic conductivity) and P(EG) (cryoprotectant permeability) of mature human oocytes after exposure to ethylene glycol (EG) and tested the efficiency of a multi-step slow cooling protocol based on this cryoprotectant. METHODS Oocytes were perfused with 1.5 mol/l EG for 10 min. Oocyte volume at each time point was calculated and normalized to the original volume. Slow cooling was conducted by exposing oocytes to increasing EG concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mol/l n = 155) or 1.5 mol/l of propane-1,2-diol (PrOH) n = 102. Oocytes which survived cryopreservation n = 80 and fresh oocytes n = 73 were prepared for confocal microscopy analysis of the meiotic spindle. RESULTS During EG exposure, oocytes underwent an abrupt 50% volume reduction. Complete recovery of the initial volume was not observed. From the values of a best fit plot, the coefficients Lp = 0.82 +/- 0.29 microm min(-1) atm(-1) (mean +/- SD) and P(EG) 0.10 +/- 0.01 microm s(-1) were generated. Survival rates after freezing with EG were lower than with PrOH (51.6 versus 71.5%, respectively, P < 0.05). The frequencies of normal spindle configuration were lower in frozen EG and frozen PrOH oocytes compared with fresh oocytes (53.8, 50.9 and 66.7%, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The oocyte plasmalemma possesses limited permeability to EG and EG exposure causes considerable osmotic stress. However, post-thaw rates of survival and normal meiotic spindle organization may be preserved by protocols which are designed in order to minimize osmotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Santis
- IVF Unit, Vita-Salute University, H. S. Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Corradini V, Biagi R, del Pennino U, De Renzi V, Gambardella A, Affronte M, Muryn CA, Timco GA, Winpenny REP. Isolated Heterometallic Cr7Ni Rings Grafted on Au(111) Surface. Inorg Chem 2007; 46:4937-43. [PMID: 17506551 DOI: 10.1021/ic0624266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A study of the deposition of heterometallic antiferromagnetically coupled rings onto gold surfaces is reported. Two new {Cr7Ni} rings, [NH2nPr2][Cr7NiF8(3-tpc)16] (1) (where 3-tpc=3-thiophenecarboxylate) and [nBuNH2CH2CH2SH] [Cr7NiF8(O2CtBu)16] (2) have been made and structurally characterized. They have been deposited from the liquid phase on Au(111) and the adsorbed molecules compared by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). In both cases a two-dimensional distribution of individually accessible {Cr7Ni} heterometallic rings on the gold surface has been obtained, exploiting the direct grafting of sulfur-functionalized clusters. There is a competition between the chemisorption of the {Cr7Ni} clusters and a thiolic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formed by free ligands. In 2, the presence of a single sulfur ligand should force the molecule to graft with the ring axis normal to the surface. The cluster stability in the STM images and the S-2p energy positions demonstrate, for both functionalizations, the strength of the grafting with the gold surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdis Corradini
- CNR-INFM-S3 National Research Centre and Dipartimanto di Fisica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 213/A, 41100 Modena, Italy.
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Comella P, Filippelli G, De Cataldis G, Massidda B, Frasci G, Maiorino L, Putzu C, Mancarella S, Palmeri S, Cioffi R, Roselli M, Buzzi F, Milia V, Gambardella A, Natale D, Bianco M, Ghiani M, Masullo P. Efficacy of the combination of cisplatin with either gemcitabine and vinorelbine or gemcitabine and paclitaxel in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase III randomised trial of the Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group (SICOG 0101). Ann Oncol 2007; 18:324-30. [PMID: 17071935 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triplet regimens were occasionally reported to produce a higher response rate (RR) than doublets in locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This trial was conducted to assess (i) whether the addition of cisplatin (CDDP) to either gemcitabine (GEM) and vinorelbine (VNR) or GEM and paclitaxel (PTX) significantly prolongs overall survival (OS) and (ii) to compare the toxicity of PTX-containing and VNR-containing combinations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Stage III or IV NSCLC patients were randomly assigned to (i) GEM 1000 mg/m(2) and VNR 25 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 (GV arm); (ii) GEM 1000 mg/m(2) and PTX 125 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 (GT arm); (iii) GV plus CDDP 50 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 (PGV arm); and (iv) GT plus CDDP 50 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 (PGT arm). Treatments were repeated every 3 weeks for a maximum of six cycles. RESULTS A total of 433 (stage III, 160; stage IV, 273) patients were randomly allocated to the study. RR was 48% [95% confidence interval (CI), 42% to 54%] for triplets and 35% (95% CI, 32% to 38%) for doublets (P = 0.004). Median progression-free survival (6.1 versus 5.5 months, P = 0.706) and median OS (10.7 versus 10.5 months, P = 0.379) were similar. CDDP significantly increased the occurrence of severe neutropenia (35% versus 13%), thrombocytopenia (14% versus 4%), anaemia (9% versus 3%), vomiting (6% versus 0.5%), and diarrhoea (6% versus 2%). Conversely, frequency of severe neutropenia (30% versus 17%) and thrombocytopenia (11% versus 6%) was significantly higher with VNR-containing regimens. CONCLUSIONS Adding CDDP to GV or GT significantly increased RR, but did not prolong the OS of patients. Among doublets, the GT regimen should be preferred in view of its better safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comella
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy.
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Picard F, Bruel D, Servent D, Saba W, Fruchart-Gaillard C, Schöllhorn-Peyronneau MA, Roumenov D, Brodtkorb E, Zuberi S, Gambardella A, Steinborn B, Hufnagel A, Valette H, Bottlaender M. Alteration of the in vivo nicotinic receptor density in ADNFLE patients: a PET study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 129:2047-60. [PMID: 16815873 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awl156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in a familial form of frontal lobe epilepsy, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE). In several ADNFLE families, mutations were identified in the nAChR alpha4 or beta2 subunit, which together compose the main cerebral nAChR. Electrophysiological assessment using in vitro expression systems indicated a gain of function of the mutant receptors. However the precise mechanisms by which they contribute to the pathogenesis of a focal epilepsy remain obscure, especially since alpha4beta2 nAChRs are known to be widely distributed within the entire brain. PET study using [18F]-F-A-85380, a high affinity agonist at the alpha4beta2 nAChRs, allows the determination of the regional distribution and density of the nAChRs in healthy volunteers and in ADNFLE patients, thus offering a unique opportunity to investigate some in vivo consequences of the molecular defect. We have assessed nAChR distribution in eight non-smoking ADNFLE patients (from five families) bearing an identified mutation in nAChRs and in seven age-matched non-smoking healthy volunteers using PET and [(18)F]-F-A-85380. Parametric images of volume of distribution (Vd) were generated as the ratio of tissue to plasma radioactivities. The images showed a clear difference in the pattern of the nAChR density in the brains of the patients compared to the healthy volunteers. Vd values revealed a significant increase (between 12 and 21%, P < 0.05) in the ADNFLE patients in the mesencephalon, the pons and the cerebellum when compared to control subjects. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was then used to better analyse subtle regional differences. This analysis confirmed clear regional differences between patients and controls: patients had increased nAChR density in the epithalamus, ventral mesencephalon and cerebellum, but decreased nAChR density in the right dorsolateral prefrontal region. In five patients who underwent an additional [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET experiment, hypometabolism was observed in the neighbouring area of the right orbitofrontal cortex. The demonstration of a regional nAChR density decrease in the prefrontal cortex, despite the known distribution of these receptors throughout the cerebral cortex, is consistent with a focal epilepsy involving the frontal lobe. We also propose that the nAChR density increase in mesencephalon is involved in the pathophysiology of ADNFLE through the role of brainstem ascending cholinergic systems in arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Picard
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Medical School of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Comella P, Palmeri S, De Cataldis G, Filippelli G, Cioffi R, Farris A, Maiorino L, Massidda B, Roselli M, Gambardella A. Cisplatin(P)-including triplets versus P-free doublets in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): SICOG 0101 randomized trial. J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.7103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
7103 Background: We previously reported that triplets with P-gemcitabine (G) plus vinorelbine (V) (PGV) or paclitaxel (T) (PGT) prolonged the survival (S) of advanced NSCLC patients (pts) in comparison with P-based doublets (PG or PV). Aims of the present study were: (1) to compare (log-rank test) the S of P-based triplets vs P-free doublets, and (2) to compare (Fisher test) safety and response rate (RR) of T- and V-regimens. Methods: A 2x2 factorial design was adopted. Pts aged ≤ 70 years, with PS (ECOG) < 2, inoperable stage IIIA, IIIB, or IV NSCLC were randomly treated with: GV = G 1,000 mg/m2 + V 25 mg/m2 on day (D) 1 and 8; GT = G 1,000 mg/m2 + T 125 mg/m2 on D 1 and 8; PGV = P 50 mg/m2 on D 1 and 8 + GV; PGT = P 50 mg/m2 on D 1 and 8 + GT. In all arms, cycles were repeated Q 3 weeks. Only responder pts after 3 cycles received further chemotherapy (CT). Thoracic RT was delivered after CT to pts with intra-thoracic disease. 330 events were required to have a 90% power to demonstrate (two-sided P < 0.05) a 30% reduction of hazard of death. Results: From April 2001 to December 2005, 431 pts were recruited in the 4 arms. Characteristics in % were well balanced in P-based triplets and P-free doublets: males, 84/91; PS 0, 25/23; squamous cell carcinoma, 38/42; weight loss, 22/29; stage IV, 66/65; CNS metastases, 5/8; ≥ 2 metastatic sites, 29/30. So far, 411 pts were assessed for response: RR of triplets vs doublets was 88/204 (43%) vs 68/207 (33%) (P = 0.020), and of T-based vs V-based regimens was 40% vs 36% (P = 0.218). To date, 313 deaths were registered: median and 1-year S were 10.6 mo. and 41% for pts treated with triplets, and 10.4 mo. and 39% for pts treated with doublets (P = 0.786). Over initial 3 courses, occurrence of grade ≥ 3 toxicity (T vs V, % pts) was: neutropenia, 18% vs 30% (P < 0.004); febrile neutropenia, 4% vs 7%; platelets, 7% vs 12% (P = 0.056); anemia, 5% vs 7%; vomiting, 1% vs 2%; diarrhea, 6% vs 3%; stomatitis, 3% vs 0.5%. Grade ≥ 2 neurotoxicity occurred in 1% of both groups. Conclusions: Activity was significantly higher with P-based triplets, but they did not affect the OS. T-based regimens were equally active and less toxic than V-based regimens. Therefore, the GT regimen may represent a new standard of care for advanced NSCLC pts. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Comella
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - S. Palmeri
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - G. De Cataldis
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - G. Filippelli
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - R. Cioffi
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Farris
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - L. Maiorino
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - B. Massidda
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - M. Roselli
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Gambardella
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Da Procida Hospital, Salerno, Italy; City Hospital, Paola, Italy; City Hospital, Caserta, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Second University Medical School, Naples, Italy
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Sandomenico C, Filippelli G, Massidda B, Farris A, Natale D, Palmeri S, Maiorino L, Condemi G, Leo S, Greco E, Gambardella A. Biweekly oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (OXXEL) versus oxaliplatin plus folinic acid-modulated 5-fluorouracil i.v. bolus (OXAFAFU) in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCC): Safety interim analysis of a Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group (SICOG) phase III trial. J Clin Oncol 2006. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.24.18_suppl.3590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
3590 Background: We have previously reported that OXAFAFU regimen significantly prolonged the overall survival of MCC patients (pts) in comparison with IRIFAFU regimen (Comella, Ann Oncol 2005). Moreover, the OXXEL regimen showed promising activity in phase II study (Comella, Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2005). Comparison of these two regimens in terms of safety and activity is the aim of the present trial. Methods: Pts with MCC were randomly treated with: oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 iv on day (D) 1, levo-folinic acid 250 mg/m2 plus 5-fluorouracil 850 mg/m2 bolus iv on D 2 (OXAFAFU); or oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 iv on D 1, Xeloda 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily po from D 1 (evening) to D 11 (morning). Treatment was delivered every 2 weeks up to progression, or for a maximum of 12 cycles. Results: From May 2004 to December 2005, 191 eligible pts were recruited (OXAFAFU, 96 pts; OXXEL, 95 pts). Characteristics of pts were well balanced in OXAFAFU vs OXXEL arm: primary colon, 74% vs 72%; PS 0/1–2, 57/43% vs 65/35%; previous adjuvant CT, 24% vs 20%; liver metastases, 80% vs 83%; ≥ 2 metastatic sites, 54% vs 49%. At this interim analysis, with a median number of 8 (range, 1–12) cycles delivered in both arms, 143 pts (OXAFAFU, 73; OXXEL, 70) were assessed for safety. In OXAFAFU vs OXXEL arm, occurrence of WHO grade ≥ 3 toxicity was: neutropenia, 29% vs 3%; anemia, 2% vs 7%; thrombocytopenia 3% vs 7%; diarrhea, 4% vs 13%; vomiting, 4% vs 3%; hand-foot syndrome, 1% vs 7%. Conclusions: At this interim analysis, the OXXEL regimen appeared to produce significantly less neutropenia than the OXAFAFU regimen, at a price of an acceptable non-hematologic toxicity. Accrual will continue up to reaching the final sample size of 300 pts. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sandomenico
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - G. Filippelli
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - B. Massidda
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - A. Farris
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - D. Natale
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - S. Palmeri
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - L. Maiorino
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - G. Condemi
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - S. Leo
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - E. Greco
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
| | - A. Gambardella
- Medical Oncology A, National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Paola, Italy; University School of Medicine, Cagliari, Italy; University School of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Pescara, Italy; University School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy; Medical Oncology, San Gennaro Hospital, Naples, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Siderno, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lecce, Italy; Medical Oncology, City Hospital, Lametia Terme, Italy
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Labate A, Ventura P, Gambardella A, Le Piane E, Colosimo E, Leggio U, Ambrosio R, Condino F, Messina D, Lanza P, Aguglia U, Quattrone A. MRI evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis in sporadic "benign" temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurology 2006; 66:562-5. [PMID: 16505312 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000198208.59347.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is MRI-detectable mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) in patients with sporadic benign temporal lobe epilepsy (BTLE). METHODS Brain MRIs were obtained from 101 consecutive, unrelated patients (51 women; mean age 37.3 +/- 17.5 years; range 10 to 83 years) with BTLE, who reported rarely or never having had seizures at the time of long-term (> 2 years) follow-up. The mean age at seizure onset was 22.3 +/- 17.4 years; the mean duration of epilepsy was 16.4 +/- 14.1 years. MRI diagnosis of MTS was based on the occurrence of hippocampal formation atrophy on T1 slices, an increased mesial temporal signal intensity alteration on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) or T2 images, or both. RESULTS Thirty-nine of 101 patients (38.6%) had MRI evidence of unilateral MTS (19/39 left MTS, 20/39 right MTS), which correlated with the epileptiform activity. Hyperintense FLAIR and T2 signal with or without atrophy was observed in 24 of 39 individuals. There was no difference between patients with or without MRI-detected MTS in age at onset and duration of epilepsy. Family history of epilepsy or febrile convulsions (FCs) was more frequent in patients with MRI-detected MTS (36%) as compared with patients with normal MRI (22.7%), but the difference was not significant. Antecedent FCs were more frequent (p = 0.03) in patients with MRI-detected MTS (9/39; 23%) vs those with normal MRI (5/62; 8%). CONCLUSIONS MRI-detected mesial temporal sclerosis is often encountered in patients with sporadic benign temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Labate
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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69
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Coronado E, Forment-Aliaga A, Romero FM, Corradini V, Biagi R, De Renzi V, Gambardella A, Del Pennino U. Isolated Mn12 Single-Molecule Magnets Grafted on Gold Surfaces via Electrostatic Interactions. Inorg Chem 2005; 44:7693-5. [PMID: 16241113 DOI: 10.1021/ic0508021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic interactions drive the adsorption of polycationic single-molecule magnets onto anionic monolayers self-assembled on gold surfaces. Well-isolated magnetic clusters have been deposited and characterized using scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Coronado
- Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain.
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70
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Pugliese P, Annesi G, Cutuli N, Arabia G, Nicoletti G, Annesi F, Tarantino P, Gambardella A, Valentino P, Zappia M, Quattrone A. The fragile X premutation presenting as postprandial hypotension. Neurology 2005; 63:2188-9. [PMID: 15596781 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000145709.61117.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Pugliese
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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71
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Buzzi F, Natale D, Farris A, Gambardella A, Maiorino L, Tafuto S, Lorusso V, Leo S, Cannone M, Comella P. Capecitabine (XEL) plus oxaliplatin (OX) tailored regimen for the first-line treatment of elderly patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC). Final results of the Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group (SICOG) trial 0108. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.3582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F. Buzzi
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - D. Natale
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Farris
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - A. Gambardella
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - L. Maiorino
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - S. Tafuto
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - V. Lorusso
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - S. Leo
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - M. Cannone
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - P. Comella
- City Hosp, Terni, Italy; City Hosp, Pescara, Italy; Univ Sch of Medicine, Sassari, Italy; Second Univ Sch of Medicine, Naples, Italy; San Gennaro Hosp, Naples, Italy; City Hosp, Pozzuoli, Italy; Oncology Institute, Bari, Italy; City Hosp, Lecce, Italy; City Hosp, Canosa, Italy; National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy
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72
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Valentino P, Conforti FL, Pirritano D, Nisticò R, Mazzei R, Patitucci A, Sprovieri T, Gabriele AL, Muglia M, Clodomiro A, Gambardella A, Zappia M, Quattrone A. Brachial amyotrophic diplegia associated with a novel SOD1 mutation (L106P). Neurology 2005; 64:1477-8. [PMID: 15851752 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000158679.47281.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Valentino
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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73
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Polizzi A, Pavone P, Iannetti P, Gambardella A, Ruggieri M. CNS findings in three cases of septo-optic dysplasia, including one with semilobar holoprosencephaly. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 136A:357. [PMID: 15942946 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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D'Agostino D, Bertelli M, Gallo S, Cecchin S, Albiero E, Garofalo PG, Gambardella A, St Hilaire JM, Kwiecinski H, Andermann E, Pandolfo M. Mutations and polymorphisms of the CLCN2 gene in idiopathic epilepsy. Neurology 2004; 63:1500-2. [PMID: 15505175 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000142093.94998.1a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors analyzed the CLCN2 chloride channel gene in 112 probands with familial epilepsy, detecting 18 common polymorphisms. Two brothers with generalized epilepsy and their asymptomatic father, and a father and son with focal epilepsy carried variants of possible functional significance that were not found in 192 controls. The authors conclude that CLCN2 mutations may be a rare cause of familial epilepsy. Further studies are needed to test if polymorphisms in this gene are associated with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D'Agostino
- Department of Neurology, Montreal Neurological Institute
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75
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Aguglia U, Gambardella A, Breedveld GJ, Oliveri RL, Le Piane E, Messina D, Quattrone A, Heutink P. Suggestive evidence for linkage to chromosome 13qter for autosomal dominant type 1 porencephaly. Neurology 2004; 62:1613-5. [PMID: 15136694 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000123113.46672.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A large three-generation family with autosomal dominant type 1 porencephaly from southern Italy was studied. A high rate of miscarriages was observed. Of the nine affected individuals, four displayed a severe phenotype, and five had slight pyramidal signs or mild cognitive abnormalities. The MRI study disclosed unilateral porencephalic cyst, or colpocephaly. A genome-wide screen resulted in suggestive evidence for linkage to chromosome 13qter with a maximum logarithm-of-the-odds score of 3.16, from multipoint analysis, with marker D13S285.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Aguglia
- Regional Epilepsy Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, Reggio Cal., Italy.
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76
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Mazzei R, Gambardella A, Conforti FL, Magariello A, Patitucci A, Gabriele AL, Sprovieri T, Labate A, Valentino P, Bono F, Bonavita S, Zappia M, Muglia M, Quattrone A. Gene conversion events in adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy. Acta Neurol Scand 2004; 109:151-4. [PMID: 14705979 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.00181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible occurrence of a conversion event in three patients with adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type IV, which represents the mildest form within the spectrum of the SMA phenotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS We observed three patients with adult onset SMA and apparent isolated deletion of telomeric survival motor neuron (SMN1) exon 7. To distinguish between a deletion and a sequence conversion event of exon 7, these patients were analyzed in greater detail by a simple PCR-based assay. RESULTS Analysis by DdeI digestion showed products for both telomeric and centromeric copies of exon 8. These findings indicated a gene conversion event as the site for primer R111 was retained at least in one of two alleles. CONCLUSIONS These results provide first evidence that a conversion event may be also associated with adult-onset SMA, and further support the notion that a gene conversion event is usually associated with a milder SMA phenotype and a later onset of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mazzei
- Institutes of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Piano Lago di Mangone, Cosenza, Italy
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Comella P, Farris A, Lorusso V, Palmeri S, Maiorino L, De Lucia L, Buzzi F, Mancarella S, De Vita F, Gambardella A. Irinotecan plus leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil I.V. bolus every other week may be a suitable therapeutic option also for elderly patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2003; 89:992-6. [PMID: 12966414 PMCID: PMC2376956 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of biweekly irinotecan plus leucovorin-modulated 5-fluorouracil i.v. bolus in metastatic colorectal carcinoma according to the age of patients. For this purpose, we have analysed 108 patients randomly allocated to receive irinotecan 200 mg m(-2) i.v. (1-h infusion) on day 1, and L-leucovorin 250 mg m(-2) i.v. (1-h infusion) plus 5-fluorouracil 850 mg m(-2) i.v. bolus on day 2 every 2 weeks (IRIFAFU) in our previous SICOG 9801 trial. According to age, patients were retrospectively divided into three groups: younger (</=54 years, n=37), middle-aged (55-69 years, n=64), and elderly (>/=70 years, n=17). Apart from gender, pretreatment characteristics were well balanced across the three groups. WHO grade >/=3 neutropenia and diarrhoea affected on the whole 46 and 16 patients, respectively, without any significant difference according to age-grouping. Patients aged </=54 years stayed on therapy for a longer time (median 24 vs 14-15 weeks), and received more cycles (median 9 vs 7), than the older ones. Only one patient in the young group withdrew consent to therapy as opposed to four patients each in the aged and elderly one. Response rate was 38% for younger patients, 34% for aged, and 35% for the elderly ones. Median time to progression was 7.4, 8.0, and 5.3 months, and median survival time was 13.4, 15.3, and 13.9 months, respectively. We conclude that IRIFAFU given every other week may represent a suitable therapeutic option also for elderly patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comella
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Tumour Institute, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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78
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Rossiello R, Rossiello L, Capone R, Gambardella A, Nicoletti G, Colella G. Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck region: report of two cases. Anticancer Res 2003; 23:4105-8. [PMID: 14666609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Two cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck region are reported in order to stress their diversity in morphological, immunohistochemical and clinical findings. The remarkable variability of MCC has been analyzed, particularly in relation to the differential diagnosis and prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rossiello
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics F. Cedrangolo, Section of Anatomic Pathology, 2nd University of Naples, Italy.
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79
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Gambardella A, Manna I, Labate A, Chifari R, La Russa A, Serra P, Cittadella R, Bonavita S, Andreoli V, LePiane E, Sasanelli F, Di Costanzo A, Zappia M, Tedeschi G, Aguglia U, Quattrone A. GABA(B) receptor 1 polymorphism (G1465A) is associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurology 2003; 60:560-3. [PMID: 12601092 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000046520.79877.d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (B) receptors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the genetic contribution of cloned human GABA(B) receptors to TLE. METHODS The authors genotyped 141 patients (78 women and 63 men; mean age = 49.1 +/- 18.0 years) with nonlesional TLE and 372 age- and sex-matched normal individuals for the known polymorphism G1465A in the human GABA(B) receptor 1 [GABA(B[1])] gene. RESULTS There was a highly significant overrepresentation of the G1465A heterozygote in patients with TLE compared with controls. The A/G genotype was found in 17% of the 141 patients with TLE and in only 0.5% of the 372 controls (p < 0.0001). The authors also found that patients carrying the A allele had a significantly higher risk (p = 0.003, OR = 6.47, 95% CI = 2.02 to 20.76) of developing drug-resistant TLE. Furthermore, the age at onset of seizures tended to be lower in patients with A/G genotype, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that the GABA(B[1]) polymorphism (G1465A) confers a highly increased susceptibility to TLE. Moreover, it seems to influence the severity of this common epileptic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, Catanzaro, Italy
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80
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Zappia M, Cittadella R, Manna I, Nicoletti G, Andreoli V, Bonavita S, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. Genetic association of alpha2-macroglobulin polymorphisms with AD in southern Italy. Neurology 2002; 59:756-8. [PMID: 12221172 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.59.5.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors investigated the segregation of two polymorphisms of the alpha2-macroglobulin gene (A2M-I/D and A2M-Ile1000Val) in patients with sporadic AD from southern Italy. The A2M-I and A2M-Val1000 alleles were more frequent in cases than in controls, and this effect was independent from the APOE-epsilon4 status as well as from the age at onset of AD. Moreover, subjects carrying the A2M genotype I/I-Val/Val had a threefold increase of risk for AD. These data support a population-based susceptibility for AD linked to A2M polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zappia
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
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81
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Zappia M, Crescibene L, Bosco D, Arabia G, Nicoletti G, Bagalà A, Bastone L, Napoli ID, Caracciolo M, Bonavita S, Di Costanzo A, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. Anti-GM1 ganglioside antibodies in Parkinson's disease. Acta Neurol Scand 2002; 106:54-7. [PMID: 12067330 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2002.01240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether anti-GM1 antibodies are increased in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG anti-GM1 antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 147 patients with PD and in 186 age-matched normal control subjects. Sera were assayed at initial dilution of 1:800 for IgM and 1:200 for IgG and were considered positive at absorbance values exceeding the value of 0.05 for IgM and 0.1 for IgG. RESULTS Forty patients with PD (27.2%) had sera positive for IgM anti-GM1 antibodies, whereas only five normal controls (2.7%) resulted positive (P < 0.0001). Most of patients (75%) with positive sera had a tremor-dominant form of PD. Only two patients with PD (1.4%) and none of normal controls had sera positive for IgG anti-GM1 antibodies. CONCLUSION A consistent portion of parkinsonians, mainly with a tremor-dominant form of PD, may have increased circulating IgM anti-GM1 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zappia
- Institute of Neurology, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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82
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Capovilla G, Gambardella A, Romeo A, Beccaria F, Montagnini A, Labate A, Viri M, Sgrò V, Veggiotti P. Benign partial epilepsies of adolescence: a report of 37 new cases. Epilepsia 2001; 42:1549-52. [PMID: 11879365 DOI: 10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.18801.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To delineate the electroclinical features of patients with partial seizures in adolescence with a benign outcome. METHODS Patients were recruited in five different Italian epilepsy centers. Patients were selected among those with partial seizures between ages 11 and 17 years. We excluded benign childhood epilepsies, those with neurologic or mental deficits, and those with neuroradiologically documented lesions. We also excluded patients with less than 3 years' follow-up or who were still receiving antiepileptic therapy. RESULTS There were 37 (22 male, 15 female) patients. Seizures started at the mean age of 14.5 years (range, 11-16.11). Two main electroclinical patterns emerged: 16 of 37 patients had somatomotor seizures frequently associated with focal theta discharges involving the centroparietal regions. Ten of 37 patients showed versive seizures and interictal spiking involving the posterior regions. A third group had clinical characteristics resembling the cases described by Loiseau. All had a favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS This relevant multicenter study further confirms the existence of benign partial epilepsies with onset during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Capovilla
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, "C. Poma" Hospital, Mantova, Italy.
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83
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Labate A, Gambardella A, Messina D, Tammaro S, Le Piane E, Pirritano D, Cosco C, Doldo P, Mazzei R, Oliveri RL, Bosco D, Zappia M, Valentino P, Aguglia U, Quattrone A. Silent celiac disease in patients with childhood localization-related epilepsies. Epilepsia 2001; 42:1153-5. [PMID: 11580763 DOI: 10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.45700.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate how many patients with a clinical picture of idiopathic childhood localization-related epilepsies may also have silent celiac disease (CD). This will help determine whether investigation for CD should be restricted to those patients with childhood partial epilepsy with occipital paroxysms (CPEO) or should be extended to all patients with childhood partial epilepsy (CPE) regardless of seizure type and electroencephalographic (EEG) paroxysms. METHODS The study group consisted of 72 patients (31 girls and 41 boys; mean age, 12.6 +/- 4.28 years; age at onset, 6.4 +/- 3.7 years) who were observed consecutively over a 5-year period and who received an initial diagnosis of idiopathic CPE. A diagnosis of CD was confirmed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the presence of antigliadin antibodies and the immunofluorescent undirected test to assess the presence of antiendomysium antibodies. RESULTS Twenty-five patients had CPEO, whereas the remaining 47 had CPE with centrotemporal spikes (CPEC). None of the patients with CPEC had positive antibody tests. Of the 25 patients with CPEO, two (8%) had antiendomysium immunoglobulin (Ig) A antibodies. In both of these patients, the jejunal biopsy showed atrophy of the villi and hyperplasia of the crypts, consistent with a diagnosis of CD. Brain computed tomography (CT) was normal in one of these patients and revealed occipital corticosubcortical calcifications in the other. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that CD screening should be performed routinely only in patients with CPEO.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Labate
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy
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84
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Oliveri RL, Muglia M, De Stefano N, Mazzei R, Labate A, Conforti FL, Patitucci A, Gabriele AL, Tagarelli G, Magariello A, Zappia M, Gambardella A, Federico A, Quattrone A. A novel mutation in the Notch3 gene in an Italian family with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy: genetic and magnetic resonance spectroscopic findings. Arch Neurol 2001; 58:1418-22. [PMID: 11559313 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.58.9.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary syndrome caused by mutations of the Notch3 gene, usually localized to exons 3 and 4. OBJECTIVES To report a novel pathogenetic mutation occurring in exon 6 of the Notch3 gene, a location not previously recognized in patients with CADASIL, and to report the results of magnetic resonance spectroscopy in CADASIL. METHODS Mutation analysis of the Notch3 gene was performed in 2 patients belonging to a large kindred manifesting CADASIL, as well as in 7 clinically unaffected members of the family and 200 control chromosomes. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to estimate metabolite resonance intensities in the 2 affected subjects. RESULTS Sequence analysis of the Notch3 gene showed a new missense mutation CGC-->TGC in codon 332 of exon 6, resulting in the replacement of an arginine residue with a cysteine. This mutation was never observed in the 7 unaffected members of the family and the 200 control chromosomes examined. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a diffuse decrease in cerebral N-acetylaspartate, indicating the presence of widespread axonal damage. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the role of direct DNA sequence analysis for the diagnosis of CADASIL. Moreover, the results of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that widespread axonal damage may be an early finding of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Oliveri
- Institute of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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85
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Gambardella A, Muglia M, Labate A, Magariello A, Gabriele AL, Mazzei R, Pirritano D, Conforti FL, Patitucci A, Valentino P, Zappia M, Quattrone A. Juvenile Huntington's disease presenting as progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Neurology 2001; 57:708-11. [PMID: 11524486 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.4.708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 9-year-old girl, who had no family history of neurologic diseases in the first-degree relatives, had a 3-year history of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME). A thorough laboratory investigation was normal. As two sisters of her paternal grandmother were said to have Huntington's disease (HD), the authors looked for HD and found a CAG repeat expansion of 115 repeats. This diagnosis should be considered in addition to other causes in patients with PME. Moreover, the current case further supports the notion that HD should be considered even when a family history is not obvious.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, Catanzaro, Italy
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86
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Oliveri RL, Zappia M, Annesi G, Bosco D, Annesi F, Spadafora P, Pasqua AA, Tomaino C, Nicoletti G, Pirritano D, Labate A, Gambardella A, Logroscino G, Manobianca G, Epifanio A, Morgante L, Savettieri G, Quattrone A. The parkin gene is not involved in late-onset Parkinson's disease. Neurology 2001; 57:359-62. [PMID: 11468333 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.2.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the parkin gene have been reported in patients with early onset PD. The authors investigated the parkin gene in 118 patients who had an onset of PD after age 45 years: 95 subjects were sporadic patients and 23 subjects were from 18 families with a probable autosomal recessive inheritance. No pathogenetic mutations in the parkin gene were detected either in familial or in sporadic patients. Moreover, no differences were found between patients and 100 age-matched normal controls in the allele and genotype frequencies of four exonic parkin polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Oliveri
- Institute of Neurology, University of Catanzaro, Italy
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87
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Quattrone A, Bono F, Oliveri RL, Gambardella A, Pirritano D, Labate A, Lucisano A, Valentino P, Zappia M, Aguglia U, Lavano A, Fera F, Pardatscher K. Cerebral venous thrombosis and isolated intracranial hypertension without papilledema in CDH. Neurology 2001; 57:31-6. [PMID: 11445624 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that patients with chronic daily headache (CDH) may have isolated intracranial hypertension without papilledema (IHWOP). Recent studies have emphasized that isolated IH may be due to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). OBJECTIVE To detect the occurrence of CVT in patients with CDH. METHODS The authors investigated the occurrence of CVT in 114 consecutive patients with CDH by using MR venography (MRV). A portion of these patients underwent a lumbar puncture (LP) to measure CSF pressure. MRV and LP were also performed in 28 age-matched control subjects. RESULTS In all the control subjects, both MRV and CSF pressure were normal. One hundred three of the 114 patients with CDH had normal MRV. Twenty-seven (Group 1) of these 103 patients underwent LP, and all of them had normal CSF pressure. Eleven (9.6%) of the 114 patients with CDH had CVT of one or both transverse sinuses. Six of these 11 patients had flowing abnormalities of one transverse sinus (Group 2), whereas the remaining five patients showed involvement of both transverse sinuses (Group 3). The CSF pressure of Group 2 was higher than that of either Group 1 or the control subjects, and one of the six patients showed isolated IHWOP. Patients of Group 3 displayed the highest CSF pressure, and four of five had isolated IHWOP. The headache profiles of patients with CDH and CVT did not differ from those of patients with CDH but normal MRV. CONCLUSIONS CVT, as detected by MRV, occurred in 9.6% of patients who presented with CDH. Almost half of the patients with CVT had isolated IHWOP. These results suggest that MRV may be a useful tool for selecting patients with CDH who should have LP to exclude isolated IHWOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Quattrone
- Institutes of Neurology, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy.
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88
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Capovilla G, Rubboli G, Beccaria F, Lorenzetti ME, Montagnini A, Resi C, Gardella E, Gambardella A, Romeo A, Tassinari CA. A clinical spectrum of the myoclonic manifestations associated with typical absences in childhood absence epilepsy. A video-polygraphic study. Epileptic Disord 2001; 3:57-62. [PMID: 11431166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the electroclinical features of 12 patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), presenting with typical absence seizures associated with myoclonic manifestations of the face or neck. All patients underwent repeated and prolonged split-screen video-polygraphic EEG recordings. The polygraphic recordings and clinical correlations of the absence seizures were analysed. All patients presented with multi-quotidian, typical absence seizures. During the absences, the patients could show mild, rhythmic, myoclonic jerks involving facial areas (eyebrows, nostrils, perioral region, chin) or neck muscles (sternocleidomastoideus), with the same frequency as the spike-wave complexes. Polygraphic tracings demonstrated that the myoclonias were correlated to the spike component. Clinically, all patients showed a benign course, with complete seizure control under antiepileptic treatment. In the follow-up, 7 patients withdrew from treatment without relapse. We conclude that all our patients showed an electroclinical picture consistent with CAE. The occurrence of myoclonic manifestations of the face or neck associated with the absences did not influence the benign course of their disease. The electroclinical features observed in our group of patients differentiates our cases both from epilepsy with myoclonic absences and from absences with perioral myoclonia (with Video).
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Affiliation(s)
- G Capovilla
- Dept. of Child Neuropsychiatry, "C. Poma" Hospital, Viale Albertoni n.1, 46100 Mantova, Italy.
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89
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Manzella D, Barbieri M, Rizzo MR, Ragno E, Passariello N, Gambardella A, Marfella R, Giugliano D, Paolisso G. Role of free fatty acids on cardiac autonomic nervous system in noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients: effects of metabolic control. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86:2769-74. [PMID: 11397885 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.86.6.7553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels decrease HRV in healthy subjects. Thus, we investigated the effect of changes in plasma FFA levels on HRV, in non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) patients. Thirty NIDDM patients free from diabetic neuropathy volunteered for a study made by two phases. In study A, changes in HRV along a 10% lipid emulsion infusion + heparin (n = 15) or saline infusion (control study; n = 15) were investigated. In study B, all patients (n = 30) underwent further determination of HRV after 3 months of improved metabolic control achieved by intensified insulin treatment. In study A, lipid emulsion infusion increased plasma FFA (P < 0.001) and catecholamine concentrations (P < 0.005), mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.005), low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (P < 0.001). Delta plasma FFA levels correlated with delta LF/HF ratio (r = 0.57; P < 0.02). Along with saline infusion, metabolic and cardiovascular parameters remained unchanged throughout the test. In study B, improved metabolic control lowered fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.005), FFA (P < 0.001), norepinephrine (P < 0.02), epinephrine (P < 0.04), and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P < 0.001), mean arterial blood pressure(P < 0.05), and LF/HF ratio (P < 0.001). Again percent decline in plasma FFA correlated with the percent change in LF/HF ratio (r = 0.72; P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, percent changes in LF/HF ratio were associated with percent changes in plasma FFA independently of gender and percent changes in body mass index, waist/hip ratio, plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, glycosylated hemoglobin, and daily insulin therapy. Our study demonstrates that changes in plasma FFA levels may have a parallel effect on cardiac sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system balance in NIDDM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Manzella
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, II University of Naples, Naples, Italy 1-80138
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90
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Maiuri F, Iaconetta G, Gambardella A, Buonamassa S. Cervical spine stenosis due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in Italian patients: surgical treatment and outcome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2001; 120:441-4. [PMID: 10968535 DOI: 10.1007/s004029900121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine is a frequent pathological entity in people of Japanese and Asian extraction and is reported with increasing frequency also in the USA; on the contrary, reports in the European and particularly in the Italian literature remain rare. This paper describes 8 Italian patients with cervical spine stenosis due to OPLL extending three to five vertebral segments (and above C3 in four cases). Magnetic resonance imaging shows the extent of the ossification well in terms of height and cord compression, while computed tomography is useful to measure the thickness of the bone mass and the residual spinal canal. Anterior cervical decompression by discectomy, corpectomy, and removal of the ossified ligament is the treatment of choice and results in clinical improvement in most cases. Decompressive laminectomy may be reserved for patients with ossification extending to four or five levels and above C3. The surgical technique and intraoperative findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Maiuri
- Dipartimento di Neurochirurgia, Facolta' di Medicina, Universita' Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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91
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Muglia M, Zappia M, Timmerman V, Valentino P, Gabriele AL, Conforti FL, De Jonghe P, Ragno M, Mazzei R, Sabatelli M, Nicoletti G, Patitucci AM, Oliveri RL, Bono F, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. Clinical and genetic study of a large Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2A family from southern Italy. Neurology 2001; 56:100-3. [PMID: 11148244 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.56.1.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report a large pedigree from southern Italy with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). The clinical picture was uniform and characterized by distal muscular weakness and atrophy in the lower limbs, reduced or absent tendon reflexes mainly in the lower limbs, and mild sensory impairment in the feet. Significant linkage to the CMT2A locus on chromosome 1p35-p36 was detected. Based on informative recombination in affected individuals, the authors mapped the CMT2A gene between D1S160 and D1S170.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muglia
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, National Research Council, Piano Lago di Mangone-Cosenza, Italy
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92
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Gambardella A, Annesi G, De Fusco M, Patrignani A, Aguglia U, Annesi F, Pasqua AA, Spadafora P, Oliveri RL, Valentino P, Zappia M, Ballabio A, Casari G, Quattrone A. A new locus for autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy maps to chromosome 1. Neurology 2000; 55:1467-71. [PMID: 11094099 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.55.10.1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is caused by mutations in the alpha4 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRNA4) gene, mapping on chromosome 20q13.2. A second ADNFLE locus was mapped on chromosome 15q24. OBJECTIVE To report a new third ADNFLE locus on chromosome 1 in a large Italian family. METHODS The authors performed a clinical and genetic study in a large, three-generation ADNFLE family from southern Italy, including eight affected individuals and three obligate carriers. RESULTS The age at onset of seizures was around 9 years of age and all affected individuals manifested nocturnal partial seizures of frontal lobe origin. Interictal awake and sleep EEG recordings showed no definite epileptiform abnormalities in most patients. Ictal video-EEG showed that the attacks were partial seizures with a frontal lobe semiology. Intellectual and neurologic examinations, and brain CT or MRI results were always normal. Carbamazepine was effective in all treated patients. Exclusion mapping of the known loci linked to ADNFLE-ENFL1, and ENFL2, on chromosomes 20q13.2 and 15q24-was performed on the pedigree before starting the genome-wide linkage analysis. The whole genome scan mapping allowed the identification of a new ADNFLE locus spanning the pericentromeric region of chromosome 1. CONCLUSIONS The authors provided evidence for a third locus associated to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy on chromosome 1. Among the known genes mapping within this critical region, the ss2 subunit of the nicotinic receptor (CHRNB2) represents the most obvious candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, Catanzaro, Italy
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93
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De Fusco M, Becchetti A, Patrignani A, Annesi G, Gambardella A, Quattrone A, Ballabio A, Wanke E, Casari G. The nicotinic receptor beta 2 subunit is mutant in nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. Nat Genet 2000; 26:275-6. [PMID: 11062464 DOI: 10.1038/81566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Clustered attacks of epileptic episodes originating from the frontal lobe during sleep are the main symptoms of autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE, MIM 600513). Despite the clinical homogeneity, three forms of ADNFLE have been associated with chromosomes 20 (ENFL1; ref. 1), 15 (ENFL2; ref. 2) and 1 (ENFL3; ref. 3). Mutations of the gene encoding the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit (CHRNA4 ) have been found in ADNFLE-ENFL1 families, but these mutations account for only a small proportion of ADNFLE cases. The newly identified locus associated with ENFL3 harbours several candidate genes, including CHRNB2 (ref. 8), whose gene product, the beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit, co-assembles with the alpha 4 nAChR subunit to form the active receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M De Fusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, San Raffaele Biomedical Science Park, Milan, Italy
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94
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Abstract
Ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL) is not infrequent in the cervical and lumbar regions but is very rare in the thoracic spine, with no more than 40 cases reported in the literature. We describe a 50-year-old male with progressive paraparesis and sensory dysfunction, secondary to OYL at T10-T11, studied by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Decompressive laminectomy and removal of the ligament resulted in marked clinical improvement. Patients with OYL may initially develop sensory dysfunction associated with leg weakness. This pathological entity can be well defined by CT and MRI, and surgery by decompressive laminectomy is advised for all cases. The OYL should be removed both posteriorly and laterally to the dural sac to obtain sufficient decompression of the spinal canal.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Maiuri
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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95
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Bono F, Gambardella A, Oliveri RL, Aguglia U, Zappia M, Tamburrini O, Quattrone A. MRI of skeletal muscles in autosomal recessive hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with focally folded myelin sheaths. Eur Neurol 2000; 39:191-2. [PMID: 9605401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Bono
- Institute of Neurology, Catanzaro, Italy
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96
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Aguglia U, Gambardella A, Quartarone A, Girlanda P, Le Piane E, Messina D, Oliveri RL, Zappia M, Quattrone A. Interhemispheric threshold differences in idiopathic generalized epilepsies with versive or circling seizures determined with focal magnetic transcranial stimulation. Epilepsy Res 2000; 40:1-6. [PMID: 10771252 DOI: 10.1016/s0920-1211(99)00105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The interhemispheric difference of the motor-cortical threshold (IDMT) was studied with focal magnetic transcranial stimulation (TCS) in ten patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) who also displayed versive or circling seizures (IGEvc). The data were compared with those obtained from two control groups; 13 patients with IGE without asymmetrical motor seizures, and 25 normal volunteer subjects. The IDMT, referred to as the percentage of maximum stimulator output, was assessed by focal TCS applied to the hand areas. Seven patients with IGEvc and only one patient with IGE had an interhemispheric motor threshold beyond the normal range. The IDMT in IGEvc patients was significantly higher compared to that of IGE patients and normal individuals. An interhemispheric imbalance of cortical excitability may explain lateralized ictal motor manifestations in patients with IGEvc.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Aguglia
- Clinica Neurologica, Policlinico Materdomini, Università degli Studi di Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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97
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Bolino A, Levy E, Muglia M, Conforti F, LeGuern E, Salih M, Georgiou D, Hausmanowa‐Petrusewicz I, Mandich P, Gambardella A, Quattrone A, Devoto M, Monaco A. Genetic Refinement And Physical Mapping Of The CMT4B Gene On Chromosome 11Q22. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2000. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1529-8027.2000.005002116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bolino
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - E.R. Levy
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - M. Muglia
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - F.L. Conforti
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - E. LeGuern
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - M.A.M. Salih
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - D.M. Georgiou
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | | | - P. Mandich
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - A. Gambardella
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - A. Quattrone
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - M. Devoto
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
| | - A.P. Monaco
- Genomics 63: 271–278, 2000. Reprinted with permission from Academic Press
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98
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Zappia M, Oliveri RL, Bosco D, Nicoletti G, Branca D, Caracciolo M, Napoli ID, Gambardella A, Quattrone A. The long-duration response to L-dopa in the treatment of early PD. Neurology 2000; 54:1910-5. [PMID: 10822428 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.54.10.1910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the long-duration response (LDR) to L-dopa resulting from different regimens of L-dopa. BACKGROUND In clinical practice, L-dopa is usually administered without considering the LDR due to the drug. Moreover, it has not been established whether in early PD a multiple daily intake of small doses of L-dopa may induce a sustained LDR. METHODS Twenty-four patients with early PD underwent a double-blind, crossover trial, comparing three different 15-day treatment periods with L-dopa: treatment A (250 mg every 24 hours); treatment B (250 mg every 8 hours); and treatment C (125 mg every 8 hours). After completion, 20 patients underwent a subsequent open-label randomized trial with prolonged treatments (250 mg every 24 hours or 125 mg every 8 hours) up to 3 months. LDR was measured at the end of each treatment. RESULTS All patients achieved a sustained LDR after treatments A and B, whereas only 17% of patients reached a sustained LDR after treatment C. Overall, the LDRs resulting from treatments A and B had similar magnitude and were larger than the LDR deriving from treatment C. After 3 months of prolonged treatments, only three of 10 patients treated with 125 mg every 8 hours increased their LDR, whereas all 10 patients treated with 250 mg every 24 hours had a maximal and stable LDR. CONCLUSIONS Sustained LDR to L-dopa is dependent on the amount of the single doses of the drug. A regimen scheduling small, divided doses during the day, as done in clinical practice, is a questionable therapy for the achievement of a sustained LDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zappia
- Institute of Neurology, University of Catanzaro, Italy
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99
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Paolisso G, Manzella D, Montano N, Gambardella A, Varricchio M. Plasma leptin concentrations and cardiac autonomic nervous system in healthy subjects with different body weights. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000; 85:1810-4. [PMID: 10843157 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.85.5.6511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that leptin stimulates sympathetic nervous system; heart rate variability (HRV) is a widely used technique for assessing the sympathovagal balance at the cardiac level. The aim of our study was to investigate a possible relationship between plasma leptin levels and the autonomic regulation using spectral analysis of HRV. In 120 healthy nonobese subjects the plasma leptin concentration was determined, and HRV was recorded at baseline and during tilt. All subjects were categorized in quartiles of plasma leptin concentration. Analysis of data showed a significant increase in body mass index, body fat, fasting plasma insulin, triglyceride concentration, and homeostatic model assessment values throughout the different quartiles of plasma leptin concentration. Concerning cardiovascular parameters, heart rate, arterial blood pressures, and RR intervals were not significantly different among the quartiles. Total power and high frequency (HF) in normalized units were significantly decreased, whereas low frequency (LF) normalized units was progressively increased from the first to the fourth quartile. Thus, the LF/HF ratio rose gradually and significantly from the lowest to the highest quartile. Such results were independent of the body fat estimate (P < 0.03 for the trend). The change in the LF/HF ratio was significantly enhanced during tilt (P < 0.001 vs. rest values for all quartiles); the effect was stronger in subjects in the fourth quartile of plasma leptin concentration (P < 0.005 for the trend). The latter parameter was also independent of body fat content and distribution (P < 0.01). Our study shows that increasing fasting plasma leptin concentrations are associated with a shift of the sympathovagal balance toward a progressive increase in sympathetic activation and an increased response to orthostatic stimulus in nonobese subjects with different body fat contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Paolisso
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Metabolic Diseases II, University of Naples, Italy.
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Bolino A, Muglia M, Conforti FL, LeGuern E, Salih MA, Georgiou DM, Christodoulou K, Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz I, Mandich P, Schenone A, Gambardella A, Bono F, Quattrone A, Devoto M, Monaco AP. Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4B is caused by mutations in the gene encoding myotubularin-related protein-2. Nat Genet 2000; 25:17-9. [PMID: 10802647 DOI: 10.1038/75542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A gene mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B (CMT4B), an autosomal recessive demyelinating neuropathy with myelin outfoldings, has been mapped on chromosome 11q22. Using a positional-cloning strategy, we identified in unrelated CMT4B patients mutations occurring in the gene MTMR2, encoding myotubularin-related protein-2, a dual specificity phosphatase (DSP).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bolino
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Oxford, UK
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