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Alessandria C, Ottobrelli A, Debernardi-Venon W, Todros L, Cerenzia MT, Martini S, Balzola F, Morgando A, Rizzetto M, Marzano A. Noradrenalin vs terlipressin in patients with hepatorenal syndrome: a prospective, randomized, unblinded, pilot study. J Hepatol 2007; 47:499-505. [PMID: 17560680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2006] [Revised: 03/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is based on vasoconstrictors. Terlipressin is the one with the soundest evidence. Noradrenalin has been suggested as an effective alternative. The current study was aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of noradrenalin vs terlipressin in patients with HRS. METHODS Twenty-two consecutive cirrhotic patients with HRS (9 with HRS type 1; 13 with HRS type 2) were included. Patients were randomly assigned to be treated with noradrenalin (0.1-0.7 microg/kg/min) and albumin (10 patients) or with terlipressin (1-2 mg/4h) and albumin (12 patients). Treatment was administered until HRS reversal or for a maximum of two weeks. Patients were followed-up until liver transplantation or death. RESULTS Reversal of HRS was observed in 7 of the 10 patients (70%) treated with noradrenalin and in 10 of the 12 patients (83%) treated with terlipressin, p=ns. Treatment led in both groups to a significant improvement in renal and circulatory function. No patient developed signs of myocardial ischemia. CONCLUSIONS Data from this unblinded, pilot study suggest that noradrenalin is as effective and safe as terlipressin in patients with HRS. These results would support the use of noradrenalin, a cheap and widely available drug, in the management of these patients.
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Secondini S, Brecciaroli F, Brunella B, Forconi G, Martini C, Martini S, Pauri P, Giocoli G. IN MICROBIOLOGIA CONTINUIAMO A PREFERIRE PRATICHE INUTILI E COSTOSE RISPETTO A QUANTO POTREBBE MIGLIORARE CON MINOR SPESA DIAGNOSI E PREVENZIONE: ALCUNI ESEMPI DI APPLICAZIONE DELL’EBM. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Braconi D, Sotgiu M, Bernardini G, Paffetti A, Tasso F, Alisi C, Martini S, Martelli P, Rappuoli R, Sprocati A, Rossi C, Santucci A. Wild-type wine Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a tool to evaluate the effects on eukaryotic life of locally used herbicides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.2495/eco-v1-n3-266-283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bonechi C, Martini S, Brizzi V, Brizzi A, Massarelli P, Bruni G, Rossi C. Nuclear magnetic resonance for studying recognition processes between anandamide and cannabinoid receptors. Eur J Med Chem 2006; 41:1117-23. [PMID: 16837109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2006.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Revised: 02/21/2006] [Accepted: 05/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of the molecular basis of cannabinoid activity has greatly improved since the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors. In this paper, the ligand binding processes between the endogenous cannabimimetic ligand, anandamide (AEA), and the cannabinoid receptors from different parts of rat brain were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The NMR approach is based on the comparison of selective (R1(SE)) and non-selective (R1(NS)) proton spin-lattice relaxation rates of the ligand in the presence and absence of macromolecular receptors, as well as R1(NS) and R1(SE) temperature dependency analysis. From these studies, the ligand-receptor binding strength was evaluated on the basis of the calculation of the "affinity index". The derivation of the "affinity index" from chemical equilibrium kinetics for all systems allowed the comparison of the ability of anandamide to interact with cannabinoid receptors present in different brain sectors.
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Paccagnella R, Ortolani S, Zanca P, Alfier A, Bolzonella T, Marrelli L, Puiatti ME, Serianni G, Terranova D, Valisa M, Agostini M, Apolloni L, Auriemma F, Bonomo F, Canton A, Carraro L, Cavazzana R, Cavinato M, Franz P, Gazza E, Grando L, Innocente P, Lorenzini R, Luchetta A, Manduchi G, Marchiori G, Martini S, Pasqualotto R, Piovesan P, Pomaro N, Scarin P, Spizzo G, Spolaore M, Taliercio C, Vianello N, Zaniol B, Zanotto L, Zuin M. Active-feedback control of the magnetic boundary for magnetohydrodynamic stabilization of a fusion plasma. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2006; 97:075001. [PMID: 17026237 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.97.075001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Stable operation with control on magnetohydrodynamic modes has been obtained in the modified reversed field experiment employing a set of 192 feedback controlled saddle coils. Improvements of plasma temperature, confinement (twofold), and pulse length (threefold) and, as a consequence of the magnetic fluctuation reduction, strong mitigation of plasma-wall interaction and mode locking are reported.
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Martini S, Kim D, Ollivon M, Marangoni A. Structural factors responsible for the permeability of water vapor through fat barrier films. Food Res Int 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2005.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Martini S, Kim DA, Ollivon M, Marangoni AG. The water vapor permeability of polycrystalline fat barrier films. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2006; 54:1880-6. [PMID: 16506848 DOI: 10.1021/jf0526341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The water vapor permeability of fat barrier films has been associated with structural characteristics such as polymorphism, crystal size, and chemical composition, among others. However, no mechanistic models have been proposed to describe this relationship. In this study, we have determined the effects of processing conditions on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of four fats and their relationship to water vapor permeability. Results suggest that the solids' volume fraction and the domain size of the fat crystals seem to be the most important factors controlling water vapor migration. Moreover, materials with relatively large crystalline domains will yield malleable films with relatively low storage and loss moduli and strain/stress at the limit of linearity high tan delta values. The structural effects on the permeability of fat films are related to the nanoscale of the material.
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Pasquale G, Iannicelli P, Martini S, Mogavero AR, Caprio N. [HCV reinfection after liver transplantation for HCV cirrhosis]. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2005; 13:215-28. [PMID: 16388277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is now the most frequent indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Recurrence of hepatitis C infection is the major cause of late mortality in patients undergoing OLT for hepatitis C cirrhosis. Recurrent HCV infection develops in 100% of patients HCV + in pre-transplantation time. Histological recurrence occurs in 75-80% of patients after OLT:1/3 of them progress to allograft cirrhosis within 5-7 years. Cholestatic hepatitis C develops in a sub-group of patients who progresses rapidly to graft failure. As a result of this accelerated course of HCV infection, long-term graft and patient survival are significantly reduced in patients undergoing OLT for HCV-related cirrhosis compared with other groups. Moreover, several recurrence's risk factors have been described as predictors of disease severity including those related to the virus, the host, the donor. There are numerous therapeutic strategies to prevent and to treat HCV disease recurrence after OLT. The most common strategy to treat HCV infection post-OLT is based on interferons and ribavirin. Even if clinical trials have shown that the combination of ribavirin with Peg-interferons is more effective than its association with standard interferons, the use of Peg-interferons in transplanted patients is limited by the side-effects of the drug. About treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in the allograft dark and not still cleared points are a lot: the timing and the target of therapy, the dose and duration of pharmacological treatment.
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Burn KW, Casalini L, Martini S, Mazzini M, Nava E, Petrovich C, Rosi G, Sarotto M, Tinti R. An epithermal facility for treating brain gliomas at the TAPIRO reactor. Appl Radiat Isot 2004; 61:987-91. [PMID: 15308180 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
An epithermal facility for treating patients with brain gliomas has been designed and is under construction at the fast reactor TAPIRO at ENEA Casaccia (Italy). The calculational design tools employed were the Monte Carlo codes MCNP/MCNPX together with the DSA in-house variance reduction patch. A realistic anthropomorphic phantom ("ADAM") was included to optimise dose profiles and in-phantom treatment-planning figures-of-merit. The adopted approach was to minimise the treatment time whilst maintaining a reasonable therapeutic ratio. It is shown that TAPIRO, in spite of its low power of 5 kW, is able to provide an epithermal beam that is of good quality and of sufficient intensity to allow a single beam patient irradiation, under conservative assumptions, of 50 min.
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Gonnelli S, Montagnani A, Gennari L, Martini S, Merlotti D, Cepollaro C, Perrone S, Buonocore G, Nuti R. Feasibility of quantitative ultrasound measurements on the humerus of newborn infants for the assessment of the skeletal status. Osteoporos Int 2004; 15:541-6. [PMID: 15052377 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-003-1558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS), although widely used in adults has, so far, been scarcely employed in newborn infants and children. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the use of QUS in newborn children and the factors influencing QUS parameters. In 140 consecutive healthy full-term newborn babies (76 male and 64 female; gestational age: 39.5 +/- 1.5 weeks) QUS parameters were assessed within 3 days of the child's birth at the distal diaphysis of the humerus by use of Bone Profiler, after an appropriate modification of caliper and software. In all subjects we evaluated the amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) (meters per second), the characterizing graphic trace parameters [signal dynamic (SDy), fast wave amplitude (FWA) and bone transmission time (BTT)], SoS (meters per second), that is, the speed of sound calculated on the first peak, and hBTT, that is, the interval time between the first peak of the ultrasound and when this reaches the speed of 1,570 m/s, which is the velocity of ultrasound in the soft tissue. This latter parameter allows one to measure bone tissue independently of soft tissue. QUS measurements were also performed at the phalanges on all mothers (age range 24-38 years), who also completed a self-report questionnaire on their obstetric history, smoking and dietary habits and family history of osteoporosis. In 73 mothers and their children QUS was repeated after 12 months. All QUS parameters were slightly higher in male than in female newborn infants but the difference was not significant. BTT and hBTT of neonates showed a significant relationship with birth weight (r = 0.20; P < 0.05 and r = 0.37; P < 0.01, respectively) and with cranial circumference (r = 0.22; P < 0.05 and r = 0.36; P < 0.01, respectively). In newborn infants none of the QUS parameters was significantly influenced by maternal QUS or by maternal smoking and calcium intake. In a model of multiple regression analysis the cranial circumference was the only parameter entered into the model, explaining approximately 15% of hBTT value. At month 12 AD-SoS and SoS were slightly lower than at birth (-11% and -0.1%, respectively), whereas both BTT and hBTT showed a significant (P < 0001) increase. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of the use of QUS, as assessed by a new measurement approach at the humerus, in the evaluation of skeletal status in neonates. BTT and, above all, hBTT, appears to be the best parameter for both evaluation of skeletal status at birth and monitoring of bone growth in the first year of life.
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van Leth F, Conway B, Laplumé H, Martin D, Fisher M, Jelaska A, Wit FW, Lange JMA, Laplumé H, Lasala MB, Losso MH, Bogdanowicz E, Lattes R, Krolewiecki A, Zala C, Orcese C, Terlizzi S, Duran A, Ebensrteijn J, Bloch M, Russell O, Russell DB, Roth NR, Eu B, Austin D, Gowers A, Quan D, Demonty J, Peleman R, Vandercam B, Vogelaers D, van der Gucht B, van Wanzeele F, Moutschen MM, Badaro R, Grinsztejn B, Schechter M, Uip D, Netto EN, Coelho SS, Badaró F, Pilotto JH, Schubach A, Barros ML, Leite OHM, Kiffer CRV, Wunsch CT, Nunes D, Catalani A, de Cassia Alves LR, Dossin TJ, D'Alló de Oliveira MT, Martini S, Conway B, de Wet JJ, Montaner JSG, Murphy C, Woodfall B, Sestak P, Phillips P, Montessori V, Harris M, Tesiorowski A, Willoughby B, Voigt R, Farley J, Reynolds R, Devlaming S, Livrozet JM, Rozenbaum W, Sereni D, Valantin MA, Lascoux C, Milpied B, Brunet C, Billaud E, Huart A, Reliquet V, Charonnat MF, Sicot M, Esnault JL, Slama L, Staszewski S, Bickel M, Lazanas MK, Stavrianeas N, Mangafas N, Zagoreos I, Kourkounti S, Paparizos V, Botsi C, Clarke S, Brannigan E, Boyle N, Chiriani A, Leoncini F, Montella F, Francesco L, Ambu S, Farese A, Gargiulo M, Di Sora F, Lavria F, Folgori F, Beniowski M, Boron Kaczmarska A, Halota W, Prokopowicz D, Bander DB, Leszuzyszyn-Pynka MLP, Wnuk AW, Bakowska E, Pulik P, Flisiak R, Wiercinska-Drapalo A, Mularska E, Witor A, Antunes F, Sarmento RSE, Doroana M, Horta AA, Vasconcelos O, Andrews SM, Huisamen CB, Johnson D, Martin O, Bekker LG, Maartens G, Wilson D, Visagie CJ, David NJ, Rattley M, Nettleship E, Martin DJ, Keyser V, Moraites TM, Moorhouse MA, Pitt JA, Orrell CJ, Bester C, Parboosing R, Moodley P, Gathiram V, Woolf D, Bernasconi E, Magenta L, Cardiello P, Kroon E, Ungsedhapand C, Fisher M, Wilkins EGL, Stockwell E, Day J, Daintith RS, Perry N, Timaeus C, Intosh-Roffet JM, Powell A, Youle M, Tyrer M, Madge S, Drinkwater A, Cuthbertson Z, Carroll A, Becker S, Katner H, Rimland D, Saag MS, Thompson M, Witt M, Aguilar MM, LaVoy A, Illeman M, Guerrero M, Gatell J, Belsey E, Hirschel B, Potarca A, Cronenberg M, Kreekel L, Meester R, Khodabaks J, Botma HJ, Esrhir N, Farida I, Feenstra M, Jansen K, Klotz A, Mulder M, Ruiter G, Bass CB, Pluymers E, de Vlegelaer E, Leeneman (VCL) R, Carlier H, van Steenberge E, Hall D. Quality of Life in Patients Treated with First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Containing Nevirapine And/Or Efavirenz. Antivir Ther 2004. [DOI: 10.1177/135965350400900512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess whether differences in safety profiles between nevirapine (NVP) and efavirenz (EFV), as observed in the 2NN study, translated into differences in ‘health related quality of life’ (HRQoL). Design A sub-study of the 2NN study, with antiretro-viral-naive patients randomly allocated to NVP (once or twice daily), EFV or NVP+EFV, in addition to stavudine and lamivudine. Methods Comparing differences in changes of HRQoL over 48 weeks as measured with the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) questionnaire, using analysis of variance. Results The 2NN study enrolled 1216 patients. No validated questionnaires were available for 244 patients, and 55 patients had no HRQoL data at all, leaving 917 patients eligible for this sub-study. A total of 471 (51%) had HRQoL measurements both at baseline and week 48. The majority (69%) of patients without HRQoL measurements did, however, complete the study. The change in the physical health score (PHS) was 3.9 for NVP, 3.4 for EFV and 2.4 for NVP+EFV ( P=0.712). For the mental health score (MHS) these values were 6.1, 7.0 and 3.9, respectively ( P=0.098). A baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration (pVL) ≥100 000 copies/ml and a decline in pVL (per log10) were independently associated with an increase of PHS. An increase of MHS was only associated with pVL decline. Patients experiencing an adverse event during follow-up had a comparable change in PHS but a significantly smaller change in MHS, compared with those without an adverse event. Conclusions First-line ART containing NVP and/or EFV leads to an improvement in HRQoL. The gain in HRQoL was similar for NVP and EFV, but slightly lower for the combination of these drugs.
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Bonechi C, Donati A, Lampariello R, Martini S, Picchi MP, Ricci M, Rossi C. Solution structure of folic acid. Molecular mechanics and NMR investigation. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2004; 60:1411-1419. [PMID: 15147681 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2003.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2003] [Revised: 08/04/2003] [Accepted: 08/05/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The structure of folic acid in solution was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and theoretical calculations. Dynamical information and geometrical constraints were obtained by carbon-13 relaxation study, homo-nuclear NOESY spectra and hetero-nuclear 1H-13C NOE experiments. This set of experimental data was used for the molecular mechanics and molecular dynamic calculations. The accuracy of the final structure was established by the R(NMR) factor, which was calculated comparing the experimental NOESY cross-peaks intensities and the corresponding values simulated by using the complete relaxation matrix analysis (CORMA) approach.
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Sategna-Guidetti C, Franco E, Martini S, Bobbio M. Binding by serum IgA antibodies from patients with coeliac disease to monkey heart tissue. Scand J Gastroenterol 2004; 39:540-3. [PMID: 15223677 DOI: 10.1080/00365520410008764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently reported increased prevalence of coeliac disease in heart transplant candidates and in patients with autoimmune myocarditis may suggest an autoimmune process towards antigenic components of both myocardium and small bowel. The objective of this study was to determine the possible presence of IgA antibodies directed against heart tissue in sera from patients with coeliac disease. METHODS Sera samples from 28 biopsy-proven coeliac disease patients and 81 controls (both healthy and diseased) were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence, with fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled rabbit anti-human IgA, on commercial monkey cardiac muscle sections. RESULTS A strong fluorescence around heart muscle fibres was found in 13 out of 15 untreated patients but none in either those treated for coeliac disease or in controls. Pretreatment with tissue transglutaminase, a prominent coeliac auto-antigen, abolished the typical fluorescent pattern almost completely. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that in untreated coeliac disease there is a reaction of IgA antibodies sera, yielding a strong fluorescence, with monkey heart structures, and that tissue transglutaminase is the target antigen in this reaction.
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Bonechi C, Donati A, Martini S, Rossi C, Arduini A, Pochini A, Lonetti B, Baglioni P. Analysis of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene bis-crown Derivative (Dc3)-Acetonitrile Host−Guest Complexing Behavior by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Computational Methods. J Phys Chem B 2004. [DOI: 10.1021/jp037464e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Peters H, Kron S, Wang Y, Martini S, Kawachi H, Shimizu F, Loof T, Kraemer S, Neumayer H. M.618 Rosuvastatin slows the progressive course of chronic anti-thy1-induced glomerulosclerosis of the rat. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(04)90616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Martini S, Valente R, Maraglino G, Previato L, Cortella I, Zucchetta P, Marzola M, Sabini B, Calabrò A, Crepaldi G. W14.374 Progression of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in FH class IIb with poor response to statin treatment. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(04)90373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Martini S, Prévot A, Mosig D, Werner D, van Melle G, Guignard JP. Glomerular filtration rate: measure creatinine and height rather than cystatin C! Acta Paediatr 2003; 92:1052-7. [PMID: 14599069 DOI: 10.1080/08035250310004838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Inulin clearance (Cin) is the gold standard for assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Other methods are based on the plasma creatinine concentration (Pcreat), creatinine clearance (Ccreat), the Haycock-Schwartz formula and the plasma concentration of cystatin C (PcysC), a 13 kDa basic protein produced at a constant rate by all nucleated cells. The present prospective study was thus designed to evaluate the reliability of PcysC as a marker of GFR in comparison with that of Pcreat, Ccreat and the Haycock-Schwartz formula, using Cin as the gold standard. METHODS Ninety-nine children (51 m/48 f), with a median age of 8.3 y (1.0-17.9) were studied. Using a cut-off for Cin of 100 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 54 children (54.5%) had impaired GFR. Those with normal GFR were comparable for age, height, weight and body mass index. RESULTS Logistic regression, ROC analysis and linear regression all showed that Ccreat was the best parameter to discriminate between impaired and normal GFR, followed by the Haycock-Schwartz formula, PcysC, and finally Pcreat, each one being significantly more predictive than the next. CONCLUSION GFR is better assessed by the Haycock-Schwartz formula than by PcysC or Pcreat alone. It is therefore concluded that when urine collection is not possible, simply measuring the child's Pcreat and height is the best, easiest and cheapest way to assess GFR.
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Montagnani A, Gonnelli S, Cepollaro C, Mangeri M, Martini S, Franci MB, Campagna MS, Lucani B, Di Paolo N, Bellucci G, Gennari C. A new serum assay to measure N-terminal fragment of telopeptide of type I collagen in patients with renal osteodystrophy. Eur J Intern Med 2003; 14:172-177. [PMID: 12798216 DOI: 10.1016/s0953-6205(03)00034-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Up until now, there was little known about the use of bone resorption markers in the assessment of bone status in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). The present study evaluated the ability of a new immunoassay for N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen to assess bone turnover in a group of hemodialyzed patients. METHODS: The following parameters were measured in a fasting blood sample from 111 patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 2 years and in 120 healthy subjects: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, BALP, PTH, and N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx-ELISA, OSTEOMARK NTx Siero-Ostex International). RESULTS: Serum PTH, BALP, and NTx were significantly higher (P<0.001) in hemodialyzed (HD) patients than in healthy subjects. In HD patients, PTH was correlated to BALP and NTx (r=0.40 and 0.55, respectively). When combining PTH and BALP serum levels, 17 patients showed high turnover (HT) and 65 were found to have a normal to low turnover (N-LT). In HT patients, serum NTx and dialytic age were significantly (P<0.01) higher than in N-LT patients. Moreover, even after adjusting for age, body mass index, dialytic age, and calcium-vitamin D treatment, serum NTx discriminated between HT and N-LT with a sensitivity of 97.6% and a specificity of 90.9%. CONCLUSION: Although bone biopsy remains the reference method for the diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy, the combined use of markers of bone resorption and bone formation could improve the clinical management of renal bone diseases.
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Puppo M, Martini S, Hartel R, Herrera M. Effects of Sucrose Esters on Isothermal Crystallization and Rheological Behavior of Blends of Milk-fat Fraction Sunflower Oil. J Food Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb09600.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Martini S, Puppo M, Hartel R, Herrera M. Effect of Sucrose Esters and Sunflower Oil Addition on Crystalline Microstructure of a High-melting Milk Fat Fraction. J Food Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb09599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Gonnelli S, Cepollaro C, Montagnani A, Martini S, Gennari L, Mangeri M, Gennari C. Heel ultrasonography in monitoring alendronate therapy: a four-year longitudinal study. Osteoporos Int 2002; 13:415-21. [PMID: 12086353 DOI: 10.1007/s001980200048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in monitoring the response to antiresorptive drugs has yet to be defined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether heel ultrasonography, considering its characteristics of long-term precision, is able to monitor osteoporotic patients treated with alendronate. We studied 150 postmenopausal osteoporotic women (age 59.6 +/- 5.3 years) treated with alendronate and calcium (n = 74) or with calcium alone (n = 76) for 4 years. At baseline and after 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Hologic 4500), and speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and Stiffness at the calcaneus by Achilles plus. Moreover, the longitudinal precision of QUS parameters was assessed by measuring 10 subjects once a month for 1 year and, on the basis of the coefficients of variation we obtained, we calculated the Least Significant Change between two measurements. In the alendronate-treated patients, at year 1, BMD increased by 4.2%, SOS by 0.4%, BUA by 1.1% and Stiffness by 3.2%; at year 2, BMD increased by 5.0%, SOS by 0.7%, BUA by 1.4% and Stiffness by 5.7%. At year 3, BMD increased by 6.2%, SOS by 0.9%, BUA by 1.8% and Stiffness by 7.6%. At the end of the study period, BMD increased by 7.6%, SOS by 1.2%, BUA by 1.9% and Stiffness by 9.0%. The minimal significant difference between two measurements was 0.8% for SOS, 5.6% for BUA and 5.0% for Stiffness. Among the QUS parameters, Stiffness showed the greatest total treatment effect and a longitudinal sensitivity which was only slightly lower than BMD. The MTI, which represents the period between scans required to show that a 'true' change has occurred, was 1.8, 2.7, 11.9 and 2.2 years for BMD, SOS, BUA and Stiffness respectively. Therefore, although the spinal BMD remains the optimal method, QUS at the heel, and in particular Stiffness, seems to be a sensitive tool for monitoring the response to alendronate.
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97
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Martini S, Fischer C, Guignard JP. [Vesico-ureteral reflux in children: current aspects and recommendations]. Arch Pediatr 2002; 9:346-9. [PMID: 11998418 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(01)00791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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98
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Floreani A, Betterle C, Baragiotta A, Martini S, Venturi C, Basso D, Pittoni M, Chiarelli S, Sategna Guidetti C. Prevalence of coeliac disease in primary biliary cirrhosis and of antimitochondrial antibodies in adult coeliac disease patients in Italy. Dig Liver Dis 2002; 34:258-61. [PMID: 12038809 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(02)80145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although an association between primary biliary cirrhosis and coeliac disease has recently been reported in Northern Europe, there are still conflicting data concerning this issue. AIM To evaluate both the prevalence of coeliac disease in a series of primary biliary cirrhosis patients and that of antimitochondrial antibodies in a series of adult biopsy proven coeliac disease patients from Northern Italy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 87 primary biliary cirrhosis patients (79 female, 8 male) were screened for both IgA-transglutaminase antibodies and antiendomysium antibodies and, in those with either IgA-transglutaminase antibodies or antiendomysium antibodies positivity, upper endoscopy with distal duodenum biopsy was offered. In those who refused upper endoscopy, the intestinal permeability test with lactulose/mannitol excretion was performed. RESULTS Antiendomysium antibodies positivity was detected in 3 subjects (3.4%), all of whom had serum IgA-transglutaminase antibodies above the normal range, and fulfilled the diagnosis of coeliac disease. Of 21 other patients with serum IgA-transglutaminase antibodies above the normal range, 17 underwent upper endoscopy which revealed normal duodenum architecture. The remaining 4 patients underwent the lactulose/mannitol excretion test which was within the normal range. Sera from 108 adult coeliac disease patients were tested for antimitochondrial antibodies and positivity was found in 4 patients (3.7%): all had normal liver biochemistry tests, whereas 2 of them also presented thyroid disease. Antibodies directed to the 74-kDa polypeptide of antimitochondrial antibodies were found in 3 out of 4 antimitochondrial antibodies+ve patients. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest an association between primary biliary cirrhosis and coeliac disease similar to that observed in the Northern European series. In conclusion, screening for coeliac disease with antiendomysium antibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis is justified, and screening for antimitochondrial antibodies is advisable in adult coeliac disease patients.
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Bolzonella T, Martin P, Martini S, Marrelli L, Pasqualotto R, Terranova D. Quasistationary magnetic fluctuation control in the reversed field pinch: a proof of principle experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2001; 87:195001. [PMID: 11690415 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.87.195001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We present the results of the first successful experiments aimed to control in a quasistationary way the magnetic fluctuation dynamics in a reversed field pinch (RFP) device. This is done by the application of an oscillating poloidal electric field to the plasma edge. Although the additional power input is negligible, a stationary positive effect on the electron temperature is obtained. Temperature increases up to 50% over the standard values. This experiment demonstrates that in principle a stationary current profile and magnetic fluctuation control technique is feasible in the RFP.
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Cepollaro C, Gonnelli S, Bruni D, Pacini S, Martini S, Franci MB, Gennari L, Rossi S, Hayek G, Zappella M, Gennari C. Dual X-ray absorptiometry and bone ultrasonography in patients with Rett syndrome. Calcif Tissue Int 2001; 69:259-62. [PMID: 11768194 DOI: 10.1007/s002230010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated bone status and bone turnover in 82 females (ages 2-21 years) with the Rett Syndrome (RS) and 82 age-matched controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the ultradistal and proximal radius and ultrasonographic (QUS) parameters at the calcaneus [speed of sound(SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation(BUA), and stiffness] and at the phalanxes (amplitude dependent speed of sound: AD-SOS) were measured. We also measured serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and biochemical markers of bone turnover. DXA and QUS parameters were significantly lower in patients with RS compared with controls and, among RS alone, in those treated with anticonvulsants and in those who are nonambulatory. Ambulatory RS patients showed QUS and DXA parameters significantly greater than nonambulatory patients but significantly lower than controls. Patients with RS treated with anticonvulsants presented QUS and DXA parameters lower than those of other RS. In RS patients, walking significantly influences BMD-UD, BMD-P, SOS. BUA. and Stiffness. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower in RS than in controls. These results suggest that ambulatory status, to a major extent, and anticonvulsant therapy certainly play an important role in the reduction of bone mass and bone quality, but they cannot completely explain the altered bone status. Whatever the cause, girls with RS present abnormal bone status with an increase in the risk of fracture.
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