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Faro DC, Di Pino FL, Rodolico MS, Costanzo L, Losi V, Di Pino L, Monte IP. Relationship between Capillaroscopic Architectural Patterns and Different Variant Subgroups in Fabry Disease: Analysis of Cases from a Multidisciplinary Center. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1101. [PMID: 39202460 PMCID: PMC11354189 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a genetic lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene, leading to impaired lysosomal function and resulting in both macrovascular and microvascular alterations. AFD patients often exhibit increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indicating non-atherosclerotic arterial thickening and the potential for cardiovascular events. Nailfold capillaroscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, has shown potential in diagnosing and monitoring microcirculatory disorders in AFD, despite limited research. This study evaluates nailfold capillaroscopy findings in AFD patients, exploring correlations with GLA gene variant subgroups (associated with classical or late-onset phenotypes and variants of uncertain significance (VUSs)), and assessing morpho-functional differences between sexes. It aims to determine whether capillaroscopy can assist in the early identification of individuals with multiorgan vascular involvement. A retrospective observational study was conducted with 25 AFD patients from AOUP "G. Rodolico-San Marco" in Catania (2020-2023). Patients underwent genetic testing, enzyme activity evaluation, and nailfold capillaroscopy using Horus basic HS 200 videodermatoscopy. Parameters like angiotectonic disorder, vascular areas, capillary density, and intimal thickening were assessed. The study identified significant differences in capillaroscopy findings among patients with different GLA gene variant subgroups. Classic AFD variant patients showed reduced capillary length and signs of erythrocyte aggregation and dilated subpapillary plexus. No correlation was found between enzymatic activity and capillaroscopy parameters. However, Lyso-Gb3 levels were positively correlated with average capillary length (ῤ = 0.453; p = 0.059). Sex-specific differences in capillaroscopy findings were observed in neoangiogenesis and average capillary length, with distinct implications for men and women. This study highlights the potential of nailfold capillaroscopy in the diagnostic process and clinical management of AFD, particularly in relation to specific GLA gene mutations, as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis and monitoring of AFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Cristiana Faro
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Francesco Lorenzo Di Pino
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Margherita Stefania Rodolico
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Section of Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Luca Costanzo
- Unit of Angiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Valentina Losi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.)
| | - Luigi Di Pino
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.)
- Unit of Cardiology, “G. Rodolico-S.Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ines Paola Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.)
- Unit of Cardiology, “G. Rodolico-S.Marco” University Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Faro DC, Di Pino FL, Monte IP. Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Vascular Damage: Unraveling Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Fabry Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8273. [PMID: 39125842 PMCID: PMC11312754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD), a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the α-galactosidase-A (GLA) gene, disrupts lysosomal function, leading to vascular complications. The accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in arterial walls triggers upregulation of adhesion molecules, decreases endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, and induces reactive oxygen species production. This cascade results in fibrotic thickening, endothelial dysfunction, hypercontractility, vasospasm, and a pro-thrombotic phenotype. AFD patients display increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indicating heightened cardiovascular risk. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) shows promise in diagnosing and monitoring microcirculatory disorders in AFD, though it remains underexplored. Morphological evidence of AFD as a storage disorder can be demonstrated through electron microscopy and immunodetection of Gb3. Secondary pathophysiological disturbances at cellular, tissue, and organ levels contribute to the clinical manifestations, with prominent lysosomal inclusions observed in vascular, cardiac, renal, and neuronal cells. Chronic accumulation of Gb3 represents a state of ongoing toxicity, leading to increased cell turnover, particularly in vascular endothelial cells. AFD-related vascular pathology includes increased renin-angiotensin system activation, endothelial dysfunction, and smooth muscle cell proliferation, resulting in IMT increase. Furthermore, microvascular alterations, such as atypical capillaries observed through NFC, suggest early microvascular involvement. This review aims to unravel the complex interplay between inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction in AFD, highlighting the potential connections between metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in vascular and cardiac complications. By exploring novel cardiovascular risk factors and potential diagnostic tools, we can advance our understanding of these mechanisms, which extend beyond sphingolipid accumulation to include other significant contributors to disease pathogenesis. This comprehensive approach can pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ines Paola Monte
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties (CHIRMED), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95100 Catania, Italy; (D.C.F.); (F.L.D.P.)
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Politt K, Gaik C. Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia in a first-time gravida with Fabry disease. Int J Obstet Anesth 2024; 57:103958. [PMID: 38071129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2023.103958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- K Politt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg Campus Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany.
| | - C Gaik
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg Campus Marburg, Marburg, Hessen, Germany
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Faro DC, Losi V, Rodolico MS, Torrisi EM, Colomba P, Duro G, Monte IP. Sex Differences in Anderson-Fabry Cardiomyopathy: Clinical, Genetic, and Imaging Analysis in Women. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1804. [PMID: 37761944 PMCID: PMC10531426 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry Disease (AFD) is a rare, systemic lysosomal storage disease triggered by mutations in the GLA gene, leading to α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) deficiency. The disease's X-linked inheritance leads to more severe, early-onset presentations in males, while females exhibit variable, often insidious, manifestations, notably impacting cardiac health. This study aims to examine gender-based AFD cardiac manifestations in correlation with the variant type: classical (CL), late-onset (LO), or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). We analyzed data from 72 AFD patients (53 females, 19 males) referred to the "G. Rodolico" University Hospital, employing enzyme activity measurements, genetic analysis, periodic lyso-Gb3 monitoring, comprehensive medical histories, and advanced cardiac imaging techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Our AFD cohort, with an average age of 45 ± 16.1 years, comprised 12 individuals with hypertrophy (AFD-LVH) and 60 without (AFD-N). Women, representing about 75% of the subjects, were generally older than men (47.2 ± 16.2 vs. 38.8 ± 14.6, p = 0.046). In the female group, 17% had CL variants, 43.3% LO, and 39.6% had VUS, compared to 21.1%, 36.8%, and 31.6% in the male group, respectively. Females exhibited significantly higher α-Gal A values (median 7.9 vs. 1.8 nmol/mL/h, p < 0.001) and lower lyso-Gb3 levels (1.5 [IQR 1.1-1.7] vs. 1.9 [1.5-17.3] nmol/L, p = 0.02). Regarding the NYHA class distribution, 70% of women were in class I and 28% in class II, compared to 84% and 16% of men, respectively. Among women, 7.5% exhibited ventricular arrhythmias (10.5% in men), and 9.4% had atrial fibrillation (10.5% in men). Cardiac MRIs revealed fibrosis in 57% of examined women, compared to 87% of men. Even among patients without LVH, significant differences persisted in α-Gal A and lyso-Gb3 levels (p = 0.003 and 0.04), as well as LVMi (61.5 vs. 77.5 g/sqm, p = 0.008) and GLS values (-20% vs. -17%, p = 0.01). The analysis underscored older age, decreased lyso-Gb3 deposition, reduced hypertrophy, and lesser GLS compromise in females, suggesting later disease onset. Severe cardiac patterns were associated with classic variants, while more nuanced manifestations were noted in those with VUS. Early GLS impairment in males, irrespective of hypertrophy, emphasized the role of subclinical damage in AFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Cristiana Faro
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Losi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Stefania Rodolico
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Section of Catania, Via P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Elvira Mariateresa Torrisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Colomba
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Duro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ines Paola Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Palaiodimou L, Kokotis P, Zompola C, Papagiannopoulou G, Bakola E, Papadopoulou M, Zouvelou V, Petras D, Vlachopoulos C, Tsivgoulis G. Fabry Disease: Current and Novel Therapeutic Strategies. A Narrative Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:440-456. [PMID: 35652398 PMCID: PMC10207921 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220601124117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder, leading to multisystemic manifestations and causing significant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to present the current and novel therapeutic strategies in FD, including symptomatic and specific treatment options. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies, including completed and ongoing randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective or retrospective cohort studies, case series and case reports that provided clinical data regarding FD treatment. RESULTS A multidisciplinary symptomatic treatment is recommended for FD patients, personalized according to disease manifestations and their severity. During the last two decades, FD-specific treatments, including two enzyme-replacement-therapies (agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta) and chaperone treatment with migalastat have been approved for use and allowed for symptoms' stabilization or even disease burden reduction. More therapeutic agents are currently under investigation. Substrate reduction therapies, including lucerastat and venglustat, have shown promising results in RCTs and may be used either as monotherapy or as complementary therapy to established enzymereplacement- therapies. More stable enzyme-replacement-therapy molecules that are associated with less adverse events and lower likelihood of neutralizing antibodies formation have also been developed. Ex-vivo and in-vivo gene therapy is being tested in animal models and pilot human clinical trials, with preliminary results showing a favorable safety and efficacy profile. CONCLUSION The therapeutic landscape in FD appears to be actively expanding with more treatment options expected to become available in the near future, allowing for a more personalized approach in FD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Palaiodimou
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kokotis
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Zompola
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Papagiannopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Bakola
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marianna Papadopoulou
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Zouvelou
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Petras
- Nephrology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, “Attikon” University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Andonian C, Beckmann J, Mayer O, Ewert P, Freiberger A, Huber M, Kaemmerer H, Kurschat C, Lagler F, Nagdyman N, Pieper L, Regenbogen C, Freilinger S. Quality of life in patients with Fabry's disease: a cross-sectional study of 86 adults. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2022; 12:426-435. [PMID: 36033224 PMCID: PMC9412216 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-22-215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Fabry disease (FD) is a multi-organ disorder associated with severe physical and psychological impairments, particularly in adulthood. To date, comprehensive data on the psychological burden of FD are lacking. The present study assessed quality of life (QOL) in a representative cohort of adults with FD. Methods Patient-reported outcome measures were retrospectively analyzed in 86 adults with FD (49.6±16.6 years; 62.8% female) and compared to adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD) which is another lifelong disease and affliction. QOL was assessed using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Results Subjects affected by FD reported an overall reduced QOL (EQ-VAS: 71.8±20.0). Most frequently reported complaints occurred within the dimensions pain/discomfort (69.7%), daily activities (48.9%) and anxiety/depression (45.4%). Compared to ACHD, individuals with FD scored significantly lower in the areas of pain/discomfort, usual activities and mobility (all P<0.05). Older age and female sex were particularly associated with diminished QOL (P=0.05). Conclusions Patients with FD are at high risk for impaired QOL. They require additional support to cope with disease-related challenges. Increased attention should be directed towards improving their subjective well-being to potentially increase their QOL and long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Andonian
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Sport Psychology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Beckmann
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Sport Psychology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Oliver Mayer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Ewert
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annika Freiberger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Huber
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Kaemmerer
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Kurschat
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Lagler
- Institute for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nicole Nagdyman
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lars Pieper
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Regenbogen
- Department of Nephrology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Freilinger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Chair of Preventive Pediatrics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Monte MA, Veroux M, Rodolico MS, Losi V, Di Pino L, Bella R, Lanza G, Monte IP. Fabry's Disease: The Utility of a Multidisciplinary Screening Approach. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050623. [PMID: 35629291 PMCID: PMC9146284 DOI: 10.3390/life12050623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: As a lysosomal storage disorder, Fabry’s disease (FD) shows variable clinical manifestations. We applied our multidisciplinary approach to identify any organ damage in a sample of adult patients with different pathogenic variants. (2) Methods: 49 participants (mean age 44.3 ± 14.2 years; 37 females), underwent a multidimensional clinical and instrumental assessment. (3) Results: At diagnosis, mean enzymatic activity was 5.2 ± 4.6 nM/mL/h in females and 1.4 ± 0.5 nM/mL/h in males (normal values > 3.0), whereas globotriaosylsphingosine was 2.3 ± 2.1 nM/L in females and 28.7 ± 3.5 nM/L in males (normal values < 2.0). Overall, cardiovascular, neurological, and audiological systems were the most involved, regardless of the variant detected. Patients with classic variants (10) showed typical multiorgan involvement and, in some cases, prevalent organ damage (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and ocular). Those with late-onset variants (39) exhibited lower occurrence of multiorgan impairment, although some of them affected the cardiovascular and neurological systems more. In patients with lower enzymatic activity, the most frequent involvement was neurological, followed by peripheral vascular disease. (4) Conclusions: FD patients exhibited wide phenotypic variability, even at single-organ level, likely due to the individual genetic mutation, although other factors may contribute. Compared to the conventional management, a multidisciplinary approach, as that prompted at our Center, allows one to achieve early clinical detection and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Angelo Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.A.M.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Massimiliano Veroux
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.V.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Valentina Losi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.A.M.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Luigi Di Pino
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.A.M.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.V.); (R.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.A.M.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.); (G.L.)
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Ines Paola Monte
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.A.M.); (V.L.); (L.D.P.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence:
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