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Benoni R, Cavallin F, Casigliani V, Zin A, Giannini D, Chaguruca I, Cinturao V, Chinene F, Brigadoi G, Donà D, Putoto G, Giaquinto C. Assessing the resilience of HIV healthcare services provided to adolescents and young adults after the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Beira (Mozambique): an interrupted time series analysis. AIDS Res Ther 2024; 21:29. [PMID: 38724976 PMCID: PMC11080168 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has put the provision of health services globally at risk. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it had a major impact on HIV services. However, there is a lack of data on the post-pandemic period. This study aims to evaluate the resumption of HIV services and retention in care for adolescents and young people in the period following the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using interrupted time series analysis. Three periods were considered: pre-pandemic (form June 2019 to March 2020), pandemic (form April 2020 to March 2022) post-pandemic (from April 2022 to March 2023). Six outcome measures were considered: number of outpatient visits, HIV tests, HIV positivity ratio, the antiretroviral treatment (ART) non-adherence ratio, recall ratio, and the return ratio for adolescent and young adults on ART. RESULTS During the study period, 447,515 outpatient visits and 126,096 HIV tests were recorded. After a reduction at the beginning of the pandemic period, both visits and tests increased during the pandemic (p < 0.05) and decreased in the post-pandemic (p < 0.05), recovering the pre-pandemic trends. The HIV positivity ratio slightly decreased from 3.3% to 1.7% during the study period (p < 0.05). The ART non-adherence ratio decreased from 23.4% to 2.4% throughout the study period (p < 0.05), with a drop at the beginning of the post-pandemic period (p < 0.05). The recall ratio increased during the study period (p < 0.05) with a drop at the beginning of the pandemic and post-pandemic periods (p < 0.05). The return ratio decreased at the beginning of the pandemic (p < 0.05) but returned to the pre-pandemic ratio in the post-pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS The post-pandemic values of the investigated outcomes were comparable to pre-pandemic period, or even improved. Differently from other services, such as the community activities, that have been severely affected by COVID-19 pandemic, the HIV service system has shown resilience following emergency situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benoni
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique.
- Section of Hygiene, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | | | - Virginia Casigliani
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annachiara Zin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Brigadoi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putoto
- Section of Operational Research, Doctors With Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Benoni R, Casigliani V, Zin A, Giannini D, Ronzoni N, Di Chiara C, Chhaganlal K, Donà D, Merolle A, Dos Anjos HG, Chenene F, Tognon F, Putoto G, Giaquinto C. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors, based on HIV serostatus, in young people in Sofala province, Mozambique. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:809. [PMID: 37978353 PMCID: PMC10656907 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Sofala province (Mozambique), young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) are estimated at 7% among people aged 15-24 years. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic threatened HIV health services, data on the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV people are lacking. This study aimed at exploring the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated factors among young people based on their HIV status. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, including people aged 18-24 attending a visit at one of the adolescent-friendly health services in Sofala province between October and November 2022. People vaccinated against SARS-COV-2 or YPLHIV with WHO stage III-IV were excluded. A SARS-CoV-2 antibodies qualitative test and a questionnaire investigating socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were proposed. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was calculated with Clopper-Pearson method. The odds ratio (OR) of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was estimated through multivariable binomial logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 540 young people including 65.8% women and 16.7% YPLHIV participated in the survey.. The mean age was 20.2 years (SD 2.0). Almost all the sample (96.1%) reported adopting at least one preventive measure for COVID-19. The weighted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the whole sample was 46.8% (95%CI 42.6-51.2) and 35.9% (95%CI 25.3-47.5) in YPLHIV. The adjusted OR of testing positive at the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was higher in students compared to workers (aOR:2.02[0.95CI 1.01-4.21]) and in those with symptoms (aOR:1.52[0.95CI 1.01-2.30]). There were no differences based on HIV status(aOR:0.663[95%CI 0.406-1.069]). Overall, COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 68 (28.2%) people with a positive serological SARS-CoV-2 test and by 7 (21.7%) YPLHIV (p = 0.527). No one required hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 46.8% without differences in risk of infection or clinical presentation based on HIV status. This result may be influenced by the exclusion of YPLHIV with advanced disease. The higher risk among students suggests the schools' role in spreading the virus. It's important to continue monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV to better understand its effect on screening and adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benoni
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique.
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona, 8 - 37134, Italy.
| | - Virginia Casigliani
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annachiara Zin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dara Giannini
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Niccolò Ronzoni
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Kajal Chhaganlal
- Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde, Universidade Católica de Moçambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ada Merolle
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Francesca Tognon
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putoto
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Mazzalai E, Giannini D, Tosti ME, D’Angelo F, Declich S, Jaljaa A, Caminada S, Turatto F, De Marchi C, Gatta A, Angelozzi A, Marchetti G, Pizzarelli S, Marceca M. Risk of Covid-19 Severe Outcomes and Mortality in Migrants and Ethnic Minorities Compared to the General Population in the European WHO Region: a Systematic Review. J Int Migr Integr 2023; 24:1-31. [PMID: 36647529 PMCID: PMC9833641 DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on migrants and ethnic minorities (MEMs). Socio-economic factors and legal, administrative and language barriers are among the reasons for this increased susceptibility. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in terms of serious outcomes. We conducted a systematic review collecting studies on the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in the WHO European Region regarding hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, published between 01/01/2020 and 19/03/2021. Nine researchers were involved in selection, study quality assessment and data extraction. Of the 82 studies included, 15 of the 16 regarding hospitalisation for Covid-19 reported an increased risk for MEMs compared to the white and/or native population and 22 out of the 28 studies focusing on the ICU admission rates found an increased risk for MEMs. Among the 65 studies on mortality, 43 report a higher risk for MEMs. An increased risk of adverse outcomes was reported for MEMs. Social determinants of health are among the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a disadvantaged socio-economic status, a framework of structural racism and asymmetric access to healthcare are linked to increased susceptibility to the consequences of Covid-19. These findings underline the need for policymakers to consider the socio-economic barriers when designing prevention plans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12134-023-01007-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dara Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Centre for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca D’Angelo
- National Centre for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Declich
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
- National Centre for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anissa Jaljaa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Marchi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Gatta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Angelozzi
- Department for Organisational Development, Local Health Unit Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
- National Centre for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Scilla Pizzarelli
- Knowledge Unit, Documentation and Library, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
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Mazzalai E, Giannini D, Tosti ME, Jaljaa A, Caminada S, Turatto F, De Marchi C, Gatta A, Marchetti G, Marceca M. Migrant and ethnic minorities at higher risk of COVID-19 severe outcomes? A systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac131.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a recognised impact in widening health inequalities, both between and within countries, with a major impact on socially disadvantaged population groups such as Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (MEMs). While there is growing evidence on the matter worldwide, data specific to the WHO European Region is scarce. The issue, however, is pressing, since it is estimated that almost 10% of the population living in the WHO European Region is made up of migrants. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in terms of serious outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review collecting studies on the impact of Covid-19 on MEMs compared to the general population in the WHO European Region regarding hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, published between 01/01/2020 and 19/03/2021. Fourteen researchers were involved in selection, study quality assessment, data extraction and analysis.
Results
Of the 82 studies included, 15 of the 16 regarding hospitalisation for Covid-19 reported an increased risk for MEMs compared to the white and/or native population and 22 out of the 28 studies focusing on the ICU admission rates found an increased risk for MEMs. Among the 65 studies on mortality, 43 report a higher risk for MEMs. 82% of the studies were conducted in the UK.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on MEMs population, with an increased risk of all the adverse outcomes taken into consideration. Social determinants of health are among the main factors involved in the genesis of health inequalities: a disadvantaged socio-economic status, a framework of structural racism and asymmetric access to healthcare are linked to increased susceptibility to the consequences of Covid-19. These findings underline the need for policy-makers to consider the socio-economic barriers when designing health promotion plans.
Key messages
• The combination of disadvantage socioeconomic conditions with COVID-19 transmission characteristics put migrants and ethnic minorities at a higher risk of facing sever health outcomes.
• The amount of evidence on the inequal impact of COVID-19 on migrants and ethnic minorities produced by European countries is poor. This gap must be filled to develop effective health promotion plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - ME Tosti
- National Centre for Global Health, National Health Institute , Rome, Italy
| | - A Jaljaa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - S Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - F Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - C De Marchi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - A Gatta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - G Marchetti
- National Centre for Global Health, National Health Institute , Rome, Italy
| | - M Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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Ferri C, Raimondo V, Gragnani L, Giuggioli D, Dagna L, Tavoni A, Ursini F, L’andolina M, Caso F, Ruscitti P, Caminiti M, Foti R, Riccieri V, Guiducci S, Pellegrini R, Zanatta E, Varcasia G, Olivo D, Gigliotti P, Cuomo G, Murdaca G, Cecchetti R, De Angelis R, Romeo N, Ingegnoli F, Cozzi F, Codullo V, Cavazzana I, Colaci M, Abignano G, De Santis M, Lubrano E, Fusaro E, Spinella A, Lumetti F, De Luca G, Bellando Randone S, Visalli E, Dal Bosco Y, Amato G, Giannini D, Bilia S, Masini F, Pellegrino G, Pigatto E, Generali E, Pagano Mariano G, Pettiti G, Zanframundo G, Brittelli R, Aiello V, Caminiti R, Scorpiniti D, Ferrari T, Campochiaro C, Brusi V, Fredi M, Moschetti L, Cacciapaglia F, Ferrari SM, DI Cola I, Vadacca M, Lorusso S, Monti M, Lorini S, Paparo SR, Ragusa F, Elia G, Mazzi V, Aprile ML, Tasso M, Miccoli M, Bosello SL, D’angelo S, Doria A, Franceschini F, Meliconi R, Matucci-Cerinic M, Iannone F, Giacomelli R, Salvarani C, Zignego AL, Fallahi P, Antonelli A. POS1267 LONG-TERM SURVEY STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SYSTEMIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES. LOW DEATH RATE DESPITE THE INCREASED PREVALENCE OF SYMPTOMATIC INFECTION. ROLE OF PRE-EXISTING INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE AND ONGOING TREATMENTS. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.4522] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPatients with autoimmune systemic diseases (ASDs) can be counted among frail populations as regards the predisposition to COVID-19 due to the frequent visceral organ involvement and comorbidities, as well as the ongoing immunomodulating treatments.ObjectivesOur long-term multicenter telephone survey prospectively investigated the prevalence, prognostic factors, and outcomes of COVID-19 in Italian ASD patients during the first 3 pandemic waves.MethodsA large series of 3,918 ASD patients (815 M, 3103 F; mean age 59±12SD years) was consecutively recruited at the 36 referral centers of COVID-19 & ASD Italian Study Group. In particular, ASD series encompassed the following conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (n: 981), psoriatic arthritis (n: 471), ankylosing spondylitis (n: 159), systemic sclerosis (n: 1,738), systemic lupus (172), systemic vasculitis (n: 219), and a miscellany of other ASDs (n: 178). The development of COVID-19 was recorded by means of telephone survey using standardized symptom-assessment questionnaire (1).ResultsA significantly increased prevalence of COVID-19 (8.37% vs 6.49%; p<0.0001) was observed in our ASD patients, while the cumulative death rate revealed statistically comparable to the Italian general population (3.65% vs 2.95%; p: ns). In particular, among the 328 ASD patients complicated by COVID-19, 57 (17%) needed hospitalization, while mild-moderate manifestations were observed in the large majority of individuals (83%). In addition, 12/57 hospitalized patients died due to severe interstitial pneumonia and/or cardiovascular manifestations.Interestingly, a significantly higher COVID-19-related death rate was observed in systemic sclerosis patients compared to the Italian general population (6.29% vs 2.95%; p=0.018). Other adverse prognostic factors to develop COVID-19 were the patients’ older age, male gender, pre-existing ASD-related interstitial lung involvement, and chronic steroid treatment. Conversely, patients treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) showed a significantly lower prevalence of COVID-19 compared to those without (3.58% vs 46.99%; p=0.000), as well as the chronic administration of low dose aspirin in a subgroup of SSc patients (with 5.57% vs without 27.84%; p=0.000).ConclusionThe cumulative impact of COVID-19 on ASD patients after the first 3 pandemic waves revealed less severe than that observed during the first phase of pandemic (1), especially with regards to the death rate that was comparable to the Italian general population in spite of the increased prevalence of complicating COVID-19 in the same ASD series.Ongoing long-term treatments, mainly csDMARDs, might usefully contribute to generally positive outcomes of in this frail patients’ population.Of note, a significantly increased COVID-19-related mortality was recorded in only SSc patients’ subgroup, possibly favored by pre-existing lung fibrosis. Among different ASD, SSc deserves special attention, since it shares the main pathological alterations with COVID-19, namely the interstitial lung involvement and the endothelial injury responsible for diffuse microangiopathy.Besides SSc, the patients’ subgroups characterized by older age, chronic steroid treatment, pre-existing interstitial lung disease, and/or impaired COVID-19 vaccine response (1-3), may deserve well-designed prevention and management strategies.References[1]Ferri C, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020 Oct 14 doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-219113.[2]Ferri C et al. J Autoimmun. 2021 Dec;125:102744. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2021.102744.[3]Visentini M et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021 Nov 24. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-221248Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
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Jaljaa A, Caminada S, Tosti ME, D'Angelo F, Angelozzi A, Isonne C, Marchetti G, Mazzalai E, Giannini D, Turatto F, De Marchi C, Gatta A, Declich S, Pizzarelli S, Geraci S, Baglio G, Marceca M. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in migrants and ethnic minorities compared with the general population in the European WHO region during the first year of the pandemic: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:143. [PMID: 35057781 PMCID: PMC8771174 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants and ethnic minorities have suffered a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population from different perspectives. Our aim was to assess specifically their risk of infection in the 53 countries belonging to the World Health Organization European Region, during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42021247326). We searched multiple databases for peer-reviewed literature, published on Medline, Embase, Scisearch, Biosis and Esbiobase in 2020 and preprints from PubMed up to 29/03/2021. We included cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, intervention, case-series, prevalence or ecological studies, reporting the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities. RESULTS Among the 1905 records screened, 25 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. We found that migrants and ethnic minorities during the first wave of the pandemic were at increased exposure and risk of infection and were disproportionately represented among COVID-19 cases. However, the impact of COVID-19 on minorities does not seem homogeneous, since some ethnic groups seem to be more at risk than others. Risk factors include high-risk occupations, overcrowded accommodations, geographic distribution, social deprivation, barriers to access to information concerning preventive measures (due to the language barrier or to their marginality), together with biological and genetic susceptibilities. CONCLUSIONS Although mixed methods studies will be required to fully understand the complex interplay between the various biological, social, and cultural factors underlying these findings, the impact of structural determinants of health is evident. Our findings corroborate the need to collect migration and ethnicity-disaggregated data and contribute to advocacy for inclusive policies and programmatic actions tailored to reach migrants and ethnic minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Jaljaa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Susanna Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Health Institute, National Centre for Global Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca D'Angelo
- National Health Institute, National Centre for Global Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Angelozzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Isonne
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
- National Health Institute, National Centre for Global Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Dara Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Marchi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Gatta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Declich
- National Health Institute, National Centre for Global Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Scilla Pizzarelli
- National Health Institute; Knowledge Service, Documentation and Library, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Geraci
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
- Caritas of Rome, Health Area, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baglio
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
- AGENAS, Research and International Relations Office, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Italian Society of Migration Medicine (SIMM), Rome, Italy
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Ceparano M, Baccolini V, Migliara G, Giannini D, Venditti M, Pugliese F, Tufi D, De Giusti M, Marzuillo C, Villari P. Molecular characterization of A. baumanni isolates causing co-infections in SARS-COV-2 patients. Eur J Public Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Respiratory viral infections, such as COVID-19, predispose patients to co-infections leading to increased morbidity and mortality. A. baumannii poses as a serious threat to hospital facilities because of its ability to persist in the environment and acquire multi-drug resistance. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of A. baumannii cross-infection and identify any gene clonality between isolates in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Methods
Bacterial isolates of A. baumannii found in patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the main Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Umberto I Teaching Hospital of Rome were collected between March 2020 and February 2021. Isolates were typed by pulsed-field electrophoresis to analyse their homology relationships.
Results
Overall, 196 SARS-CoV-2 patients were admitted to the ICU. They were mainly male (N = 138) and aged 63 years on average. Of these, 122 died, and 74 were discharged. A total of 157 strains of A. baumannii were isolated from 74 patients (38%), who had a higher mean hospital stay than patients in whom the bacterial strain had not been isolated (24.6 vs. 12.2 days). The genotypic analysis of 120 isolates revealed two main patterns (A and F) and a few subtypes, especially A8 (43%), A4 (29%), and A11 (10%). Clone A8 was found mainly between October 2020 and February 2021, clone A4 in April-December 2020 and January-February 2021, and A11 in December 2020 and January 2021. The strains were susceptible to colistin only, were isolated mostly from tracheobronchial aspirates (41%) or rectal swabs (35%) and accounted for 56 healthcare-associated infections (33% of which sustained by A4, 38% by A8, and 9% by A11).
Conclusions
The isolation of A. baumannii from patients with COVID-19 highlighted the importance of monitoring co-infections caused by this pathogen, which frequently shows a multi-drug resistant profile that may lengthen the hospital stay. It is essential to implement preventive measures to contain these infections.
Key messages
A. baumanni is a pathogen that needs to be monitored because it may lengthen the hospital stay of SARS-CoV-2 patients. In critically ill patients, the continued growth of multidrug-resistant organisms shows the importance of preventing these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ceparano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - F Pugliese
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - D Tufi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Marte M, Marotta D, Giannini D, Mazzalai E, Barone LC, Baccolini V, Migliara G, Marzuillo C, De Giusti M, Villari P. Incidence rate of Healthcare Associated Infections in a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574248 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intensive Care Units (ICU) faced a high pressure under the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recognized that patients admitted in these wards are more susceptible to Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). This study aims at comparing the incidence of HAIs in a COVID-19 ICU to a No-COVID ward. Methods A retrospective cohort study including patients admitted to the ICU of the Teaching Hospital Policlinico Umberto I in Rome from April 2020 to March 2021 was performed. Data on age, gender, hospitalization, different types of devices (ventilation, central venous and urinary catheter), number and type of device-related HAI were collected. Statistical analyses were performed with Episheet and STATA 13. Results Out of 347 patients admitted in the ICUs, 329 were included in the study (217 had COVID-19 and 112 had not). In the COVID-19 group, patients were mainly male (69.58%) with a mean age of 62.5±13.5 years, whereas the other group was slightly older (63.2±16.2 years) and more balanced between the two sexes (52.68% male). A total of 133 patients developed at least one HAI, 94 of which were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Globally, 246 HAIs were diagnosed: 163 occurred in the COVID group and 83 in the No-COVID one. The cumulative days of hospitalization were 3233 for the COVID group and 2134 for the No-COVID. The incidence of HAI considered for 1000 days of hospitalization among COVID patients was 50.42 (IC 95%: 42.97-58.78), compared to 38.89 (IC 95%: 30.98-48.22) for the No-COVID one, for an incidence rate ratio of 1.30 (IC 95%: 0.99-1.71). Conclusions Even though the confidence interval contains the value 1, the results point out that there is an increase in the incidence rate of HAI among COVID-19 patients. Further investigations are needed to better understand the reasons behind the present findings. Key messages Patients admitted to Intensive Care Units are more susceptible to Healthcare Associated Infections. Our study aims at describing the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of developing such conditions. Being infected with COVID-19 leads to an increase in the incidence rate of Healthcare Associated Infections. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Marotta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - LC Barone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Caminada S, Turatto F, Jaljaa A, Mazzalai E, Giannini D, Iorio S, Errigo M, Paglione L, Marceca M, Brandimarte A. Perceived health and interaction with healthcare workers of a hard-to-reach group in a Roman suburb. Eur J Public Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies have showed that people living in Bastogi - a segregated and deprived peripheral area of Rome- have difficulties in accessing and relating to health services. Our aim was to analyze the health perception, health-related behaviors, and the interaction between healthcare professionals and the census population living in Bastogi, compared to the population living in the area of the same local health unit, ASL Roma 1 (hereafter ASL). The PASSI survey (from the Italian Surveillance System) was administered by phone and through door-to-door interviews to a sample of 210 residents of Bastogi. Data were analyzed and compared to the ones of the ASL collected in 2017-2018. Descriptive and univariate analysis were performed with STATA 13. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The socio-economic indicators, acknowledged determinants of health inequalities, showed a worse condition for the inhabitants of Bastogi. There was a significantly higher proportion of foreign and unemployed residents in Bastogi, with a lower educational level compared to the ASL. 58.1 % of the Bastogi group claimed their health to be good/very good (ASL: 71.6%; p = 0.000). 56.2% of the respondents from Bastogi were current smokers (ASL: 25.8%; p = 0.000). Risk factors for and prevalence of chronic diseases were significantly higher in Bastogi. The proportion of respondents who stated they had not had any recent contact with health professionals was significantly higher, and mammogram screening uptake was lower (75.3%; ASL: 90.4%; p = 0.001). Despite their lower help-seeking behavior, our study pointed out that the respondents from Bastogi who had had a contact with a health professional reported a higher perceived interest about their health than in the ASL. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this attention is attributable to the higher prevalence of chronic diseases or to the health professional's awareness of vulnerability of a hard-to-reach group.
Key messages
The population from Bastogi is marginalized and hard-to-reach: we found a worse overall self- reported health condition, a worse help-seeking behavior and a lack of reliance on health professionals. The PASSI survey administration has led to a greater involvement of the competent health institution, which resulted in the introduction of a community nurse and a Single Access Point.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Jaljaa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Iorio
- Unit of History of Medicine and Bioethics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Errigo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Paglione
- Department of Prevention, ASL ROMA1, Rome, Italy
| | - M Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Caminada S, Turatto F, Iorio S, Paglione L, Errigo M, Mazzalai E, Jaljaa A, Giannini D, Tofani M, Michelazzo MB, Landi A, Napoli M, Brandimarte MA, Salvatori LM, Angelozzi A, Baglio G, Di Rosa E, Battisti A, Marceca M. Urban Health and Social Marginality: Perceived Health Status and Interaction with Healthcare Professionals of a Hard-to-Reach Community Living in a Suburban Area of Rome (Italy). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18168804. [PMID: 34444550 PMCID: PMC8394967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study reports an urban health investigation conducted in Bastogi, an outskirt of Rome (Italy) characterised by social marginalization and deprivation. Our aim was to analyse the health perception, health-related behaviours, and interaction with healthcare professionals of the inhabitants of Bastogi compared to the population living in the area of the same local health unit (ASL). The Progresses of Health Authorities for Health in Italy questionnaire (PASSI) was administered to a sample of 210 inhabitants of Bastogi. Data were analysed and compared to those of the ASL collected in 2017–2018. The socio-economic indicators showed an overall worse condition for the inhabitants of Bastogi, with a significantly higher proportion of foreign and unemployed residents and a lower educational level compared to the ASL. Significant differences in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, mental health complaints, and participation in prevention strategies, including cancer screening, were found. The questionnaire showed a lower help-seeking behaviour and a lack of reliance on health professionals in Bastogi inhabitants. Our findings highlight how social determinants produce health inequities and barriers to accessing healthcare. The difficulties of conducting quantitative research in complex and hard-to-reach contexts, characterized by high social vulnerability, are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Caminada
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Turatto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Silvia Iorio
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Paglione
- Department of Civil, Constructional and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.N.); (M.A.B.); (E.D.R.)
| | - Miriam Errigo
- Department of Social Sciences and Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Anissa Jaljaa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Dara Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Tofani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Benedetta Michelazzo
- Section of Hygiene, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adelaide Landi
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.N.); (M.A.B.); (E.D.R.)
| | - Massimo Napoli
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.N.); (M.A.B.); (E.D.R.)
| | | | | | - Aurora Angelozzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Giovanni Baglio
- Research and International Relations Office, Agenzia Nazionale per i Servizi Sanitari Regionali (AGENAS), 00187 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Di Rosa
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Unit Roma 1, 00135 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.N.); (M.A.B.); (E.D.R.)
| | - Alessandra Battisti
- Department of Planning, Design, and Technology of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Marceca
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.T.); (E.M.); (A.J.); (D.G.); (M.T.); (A.A.); (M.M.)
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11
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Baccolini V, Migliara G, Isonne C, Dorelli B, Barone LC, Giannini D, Marotta D, Marte M, Mazzalai E, Alessandri F, Pugliese F, Ceccarelli G, De Vito C, Marzuillo C, De Giusti M, Villari P. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:87. [PMID: 34088341 PMCID: PMC8177262 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the intensive care units’ (ICUs) reorganization that was forced by the COVID-19 emergency, attention to traditional infection control measures may have been reduced. Nevertheless, evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is still limited and mixed. In this study, we estimated the pandemic impact on HAI incidence and investigated the HAI type occurring in COVID-19 patients. Methods Patients admitted to the main ICU of the Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome from March 1st and April 4th 2020 were compared with patients hospitalized in 2019. We assessed the association of risk factors and time-to-first event through multivariable Fine and Grey’s regression models, that consider the competitive risk of death on the development of HAI (Model 1) or device related-HAI (dr-HAI, Model 2) and provide estimates of the sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR) and its associated confidence interval (CI). A subgroup analysis was performed on the 2020 cohort. Results Data from 104 patients were retrieved. Overall, 59 HAIs were recorded, 32 of which occurred in the COVID-19 group. Patients admitted in 2020 were found to be positively associated with both HAI and dr-HAI onset (SHR: 2.66, 95% CI 1.31–5.38, and SHR: 10.0, 95% CI 1.84–54.41, respectively). Despite being not confirmed at the multivariable analysis, a greater proportion of dr-HAIs seemed to occur in COVID-19 patients, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-related urinary tract infections. Conclusions We observed an increase in the incidence of patients with HAIs, especially dr-HAIs, mainly sustained by COVID-19 patients. A greater susceptibility of these patients to device-related infections was hypothesized, but further studies are needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00959-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C Isonne
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - B Dorelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - L C Barone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Marotta
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Marte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mazzalai
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - F Alessandri
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Umberto I Teaching Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Pugliese
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Umberto I Teaching Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of General and Specialist Surgery "P. Stefanini", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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13
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Giannini D, Leone A, Di Bisceglie D, Nuti M, Strata G, Buttitta F, Masserini L, Balbarini A. The Effects of Acute Passive Smoke Exposure on Endothelium-Dependent Brachial Artery Dilation in Healthy Individuals. Angiology 2016; 58:211-7. [PMID: 17495271 DOI: 10.1177/0003319707300361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Passive smoking has both short-term and long-term vascular effects. It is not clear whether impairment of endothelial function reflects the acute effects of passive smoke exposure or the chronic effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the hypothesis that short-term exposure to passive smoke impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in healthy nonsmokers. Eighteen healthy young never smokers (12 men, 6 women) 21 to 55 years old (mean ± SD: 34 ±9 years) underwent ultrasonography measuring baseline brachial-artery diameter and brachial-artery diameter during hyperemia and after sublingual administration of nitroglycerin, twice: in a smoke-free environment, and then in the same environment polluted by 30 to 35 ppm carbon monoxide. Each subject served as his/her control. Carboxyhemoglobin was measured in blood samples of subjects tested. Mean value of carboxyhemoglobin was 0.6 ±0.5% in a smoke-free environment and 1.4 ± 0.5% in a smoking environment (p <0.02). Mean values of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were 12.6% ± 7.8% in a smoke-free environment versus 6.8 ± 7.8% in a smoking environment (p <0.01). On the contrary, nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation did not show any statistical difference (21 ± 9.8% versus 23 ±1.4%). Finally, the increase of carboxyhemoglobin was related statistically to the impairment of flow-mediated dilation (r = 0.51; p <0.002). Passive smoking impaired flow-mediated vasodilation in healthy never smokers in a smoking environment. The impairment was strongly related to carboxyhemoglobin level.
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14
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Bertolai R, Aversa A, Catelani C, Rossi A, Giannini D. Treatment of extreme maxillary atrophy with Zygoma implants. Minerva Stomatol 2015; 64:253-264. [PMID: 26094898] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of severe maxillary atrophy often requires difficult bone grafting techniques or microvascularized flaps with long healing time and severe discomfort for the patients. An alternative is represented by the use of particular thick bone areas like "zygomatic buttresses" that are away from the alveolar ridge but they are good for anchoring implants. From 2008, 31 patients, aged between 52 and 82 years, with severe maxillary atrophy, have been rehabilitated using zygomatic implant (Zygoma Brånemark System®) and conventional implants (4 mm of diameter and a length of 13 to 15 mm); a total of 152 implants were inserted, 78 Zygoma implants and 74 conventional implants in the premaxilla. As dictated by our protocol, all of them were followed by immediate prosthetic loading. Follow-up ranges from 20 months to 5 years. Two Zygoma implants failed out of 78 fixtures inserted with a success rate of around 98%. No failure of conventional implants. Two patients developed a postoperative sinusitis; one case healed only after endoscopically guided medium meatal antrostomy. In one case the removal and reinsertion of one Zygoma implant was necessary. We observed two cases of temporary zygomatic hypoesthesia, two cases of persistent oedema for three weeks and one case of facial postoperative haematoma; all of them spontaneously solved after a few weeks. Our results are in agreement with the Literature and lead to the conclusion that the use of Zygoma implants is a reproducible and predictable alternative to bone grafts, with the advantage of a considerable saving of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bertolai
- University of Florence, School of Health Human Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Careggi Hospital, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery Florence, Italy -
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15
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Barchiesi F, Spreghini E, Sanguinetti M, Giannini D, Manso E, Castelli P, Girmenia C. Effects of amphotericin B on Aspergillus flavus clinical isolates with variable susceptibilities to the polyene in an experimental model of systemic aspergillosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 68:2587-91. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Spreghini E, Orlando F, Tavanti A, Senesi S, Giannini D, Manso E, Barchiesi F. In vitro and in vivo effects of echinocandins against Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 67:2195-202. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Giannini D, Spinelli G, Ghilardi R, Beccuti ML, Raffaini M. Bilateral posterior maxillary segmental osteotomy to rehabilitate edentulous mandibular area: case report. Minerva Stomatol 2010; 59:571-577. [PMID: 21048549] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to describe a clinical case with reduced vertical height in both the posterior sectors, due to maxillary dento-alveolar extrusion in mandibular edentulous space, as a result of some extractions which have not been promptly replaced by a prosthetic rehabilitation, eventually resolved with a bilateral posterior segmental maxillary osteotomy (PMSO). Our surgical technique was practised under general anesthesia according to Kufner's version of Schuchardt's original description. In the light of the present outcomes, in severe clinical cases of dento-alveolar extrusion, the PMSO can be considered the optimal solution, because of the quality and the stability of the final result, the short therapeutic times, the limited morbidity and the modest compliance asked to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Maxillo-Facial Traumatology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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18
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Spreghini E, Orlando F, Giannini D, Barchiesi F. In vitro and in vivo activities of posaconazole against zygomycetes with various degrees of susceptibility. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010; 65:2158-63. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkq276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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19
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Spinelli G, Genitori L, Raffaini M, Giannini D. O.136 Complications concerning the Le Fort III facial osteo-distraction. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1010-5182(06)60165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Spinelli G, Abati A, Giannini D, Raffaini M. O.412 Surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: Is the endoscopes access really favourable? J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1010-5182(06)60434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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21
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Spinelli G, Abati A, Giannini D, Raffaini M. O.326 Pre-implant reconstruction of the posterior mandible: Possibility and limits. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1010-5182(06)60352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Boncompagni G, Incandela L, Bechini A, Giannini D, Cellini C, Trezzi M, Ciofi degli Atti ML, Ansaldi F, Valle L, Bonanni P. Measles outbreak in Grosseto, central Italy, 2006. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 11:E060803.4. [PMID: 16966773 DOI: 10.2807/esw.11.31.03015-en] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
From 2003 to 2007, Italy is implementing a national plan to eliminate measles and congenital rubella
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boncompagni
- Local Health Agency 9 - Hygiene and Public Health (zone 4) - Grosseto, Italy
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Fabiani L, Mosca G, Giannini D, Giuliani AR, Farello G, Marci MC, Ballatori E. Dental caries and bone mineral density: a cross sectional study. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2006; 7:67-72. [PMID: 16842026] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM The relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), age and dental caries has been studied. Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) is an economic, non invasive, and reproducible method for measuring both bone mineral density and bone elasticity in growing subjects in large populations. METHODS This study evaluated the relationship between BMD and prevalence of dental caries (Decayed Missing Filled Tooth - DMFT) in 540 healthy adolescent with mean age 12.3 years, age range 10 to 15 years, resident in two provinces in south Italy. BMD was measured using QUS by calculating the speed of sound (m/s) on the last four fingers of the non dominant hand, with the estimate thus obtained being defined as the AD-SoS (Amplitude-Dependent Speed of Sound and categorised as AD-SoS < or = 1900 m/s and AD-SoS > 1900 m/s). Occurrence of dental caries was defined using the DMFT index (DMFT=0 and DMFT > 0). RESULTS The results of the multifactorial analysis, carried out with logistic model, confirms the expected statistically significant association between response (DMFT) and explicative variables -- AD-SoS (P < 0.006) and Age (P < 0.004). CONCLUSION Greater bone mineralisation (AD-SoS1900 m/s) and younger age (Age < or =12 years) are dental caries prevention factors: the probability to have caries for the subjects in such conditions is 0.34, about the half of that recorded in the subjects with lower bone mineralisation and older age (0.62).
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fabiani
- Department of Public Health and Internal Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
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24
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Paggiaro PL, Giannini D, Di Franco A, Bacci E, Dente FL, Vagaggini B, Tonelli M, Zingoni M. Minimal tolerance to the bronchoprotective effect of inhaled salmeterol/fluticasone combination on allergene challenge. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2005; 19:425-9. [PMID: 16326121 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2005] [Revised: 08/26/2005] [Accepted: 10/22/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to assess whether the administration of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination (50/250 mcg by Diskus) for 1 week induces tolerance to the bronchoprotective effect of salmeterol on allergen challenge, a single-blind, cross-over study was carried out. We studied nine subjects (eight men and one woman; mean age+/-SD: 31.3+/-11.0 yr) with mild intermittent allergic asthma, never treated with regular beta2-agonists or inhaled corticosteroids. In a previous allergen challenge all subjects had shown a positive early airway response (EAR) to allergen. They underwent allergen challenge after 1-week treatment with placebo and a single dose of placebo immediately before allergen challenge (T1), or 1-week treatment with placebo and a single dose of salmeterol/fluticasone immediately before allergen challenge (T2), or 1-week treatment with salmeterol/fluticasone combination bid and a single dose of salmeterol/fluticasone immediately before allergen challenge (T3). EAR was evaluated both as maximum decrease in FEV1 (MaxDeltaFEV1 %) after allergen challenge and as area under FEV1 -time curve. MaxDeltaFEV1 % during allergen challenge protected by placebo (T1) was significantly greater than MaxDeltaFEV1 % during allergen challenges protected by single dose of salmeterol/fluticasone (T2) and by salmeterol/fluticasone 1-week treatment (T3). No difference was found in MaxDeltaFEV1 % between T2 and T3. The same results were observed also after computing the area under the curve for each challenge. When individually considered, all subjects were protected against EAR (protection index > or = 80%) at T2, while at 3 seven out of nine subjects were still protected against EAR. In conclusion, the simultaneous administration of salmeterol and fluticasone in the same device prevents in almost 80% of examined subjects the development of tolerance to the protective effect of salmeterol on allergen challenge. This observation may contribute to explain the positive interaction between inhaled beta2-agonists and corticosteroids in the long-term treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Paggiaro
- Pneumology Section, Dipartimento Cardiotoracico, University of Pisa, Ospedale di Cisanello, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa, Italy.
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25
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Abstract
The two main causes of peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO) are embolism and thrombosis. Surgical treatment of acute limb ischemia, because of related complications, has a 30-day mortality rate of 15% to 25%. Intra-arterial thrombolysis for lower extremity ischemia is a well-accepted and frequently used technique. It may offer definitive treatment without the need for major surgery in a significant series of patients with acute occlusion of a native leg artery or a by-pass graft. Thrombolysis can offer several potential advantages when compared with surgical therapy. Thrombolytic agents include streptokinase (SK), urokinase (UK), pro-UK and recombinant tissue plasminogen activators (rt-PA-Alteplase and r-PA-Reteplase). All these agents induce a systemic fibrinolytic state. Three prospective randomized trials, ROCHESTER, STILE, and TOPAS, which compared thrombolytic therapy with traditional surgical revascularization for lower limb ischemia, have recently been published. They suggest that thrombolysis, as an initial therapy, reduces the risk of subsequent surgery and improves limb salvage for patients with PAO. Using this approach, the underlying lesions can be identified and treated by transluminal balloon angioplasty or stenting, or by elective surgical revascularization. However, severe bleeding is still a non rare complication of intra-arterial thrombolysis and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage is 1-2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Cardiac and Thoracic Department, Unit of Angiology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Dente FL, Bacci E, Bartoli ML, Cianchetti S, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. One week treatment with salmeterol does not prevent early and late asthmatic responses and sputum eosinophilia induced by allergen challenge in asthmatics. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2004; 17:147-53. [PMID: 15123224 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2004.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2003] [Revised: 12/22/2003] [Accepted: 01/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Salmeterol is an effective long-acting beta(2)-agonist bronchodilator, able to inhibit, as a single dose, asthmatic responses induced by several stimuli including allergen, and the subsequent increase in sputum eosinophilia. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether these effects of salmeterol persisted after 1 week of continuous treatment, or whether a loss of the bronchoprotective effects of salmeterol can occur over time. We investigated in a cross-over double blind placebo-controlled study, the protective effect of 1 week treatment with salmeterol on allergen-induced early and late responses and the associated airway inflammation in 15 atopic asthmatic subjects. Eosinophil percentage and Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) concentration in peripheral blood and in hypertonic saline induced sputum were measured at baseline and 24 h after allergen inhalation. Salmeterol partially inhibited early asthmatic response, but it did not inhibit late asthmatic response in comparison with placebo. Salmeterol did not inhibit also the increase in sputum eosinophils percentage 24 h after allergen inhalation (E%, median: 22.7 and 15%, after placebo and after salmeterol respectively, p=n.s. between two post-allergen sputum samples). Also, the increase in blood eosinophils and both sputum and serum ECP at 24 h after allergen challenge was not affected by salmeterol pre-treatment. In conclusion, 1 week treatment with salmeterol causes a loss of its protective effect on allergen-induced airway bronchoconstriction, and does not prevent the subsequent increase in sputum and serum eosinophilic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Dente
- Sezione di Pneumologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Toracico, Ospedale di Cisanello, Fisiopatologia Respiratoria Universitaria, via Paradisa 2, Universitá di Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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27
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Bartoli ML, Bacci E, Carnevali S, Cianchetti S, Dente FL, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Clinical assessment of asthma severity partially corresponds to sputum eosinophilic airway inflammation. Respir Med 2004; 98:184-93. [PMID: 14971884 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2003.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the aim to evaluate the relationship between sputum eosinophil percentages and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentrations, as markers of airway inflammation, and different Levels of asthma severity, we examined 223 patients consecutively observed in our asthma clinic. Diagnosis of asthma was made according to internationally accepted criteria. Asthma severity was evaluated according to frequency of symptoms, FEV1, peak expiratory flow variability and level of asthma treatment needed to control asthma. Spontaneous or induced sputum was collected. Adequate sputum samples were obtained in 68 untreated subjects and in 117 subjects regularly treated with ICS. A control group of 14 normal subjects was also examined. In untreated subjects, mild intermittent asthmatics showed a lower sputum eosinophil percentage in comparison with other groups of asthma severity, while no difference in ECP levels was detected. In treated subjects, severe asthmatics showed higher levels of sputum eosinophils and ECP in comparison with other groups of asthma severity. Mild persistent and moderate persistent patients did not differ for sputum eosinophils or ECP in both untreated and treated subjects. Controls were significantly different from all groups of untreated and treated asthmatics. In conclusion, the assessment of asthma severity according to clinical and functional findings only partially corresponds to the severity of eosinophilic airway inflammation as assessed by induced sputum analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Bartoli
- Cardiothoracic Department, Respiratory Pathophysiology, Ospedale di Cisanello, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56124, Italy.
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28
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Tonelli M, Zingoni M, Bacci E, Dente FL, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Short-term effect of the addition of leukotriene receptor antagonists to the current therapy in severe asthmatics. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2003; 16:237-40. [PMID: 12850127 DOI: 10.1016/s1094-5539(03)00054-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In a single blind study, the short-term efficacy of the addition of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA: montelukast 10 mg o.d. in 15 subjects, zafirlukast 20 mg b.i.d. in 11 subjects) to the current therapy was evaluated in severe asthmatics, unstable under regular treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators and, in seven of them, oral corticosteroids. Each subject monitored symptoms, PEF and rescue medication during two weeks with the addition of placebo, and during two following weeks with the addition of LTRA; clinic FEV1 was measured at the beginning and at the end of each 2 weeks period. There was no significant difference in the mean FEV1, PEF, symptom score and rescue medication use between two periods of placebo and LTRA treatments. When two subjects with asthma exacerbation during treatment with LTRA were excluded, FEV1 was higher after LTRA than after placebo treatment (p=0.055). An increase in FEV1>12% pred. at the end of LTRA treatment was observed in five out of 26 subjects (19%). We suggest that LTRA have no overall significant efficacy in severe asthmatics not controlled by high dose inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, but that a minority of these patients could be particularly sensitive to the positive effects of these drugs. The detection of these 'responders' could be relevant in the treatment of severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tonelli
- Cardiothoracic Department, Respiratory Pathophysiology, University of Pisa, Ospedale di Cisanello, via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56100, Italy
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29
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Acocella A, Nardi P, Tedesco A, Beninati F, Giannini D. [Anterior iliac bone grafts: techniques and sequelae. Report on 107 cases and review of the literature]. Minerva Stomatol 2003; 52:441-53. [PMID: 14608250] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
The anterior iliac crest is the harvest site preferred by many authors because of the quantity and quality of bone obtainable and the simplicity of harvesting techniques. The purpose of the present paper is to present a review of anterior iliac crest harvesting techniques and to illustrate the most serious sequelae reported in the literature. A clinical series is also presented in order to evaluate what is, in our experience, the degree of morbility connected with this donor site. We have controlled 107 patients who underwent bone harvesting from the anterior iliac crest between 1980 and 2000, investigating minor complications such as walking deficiency (immediate and long-term) the formation of seromas, haematomas, adynamic ileus and more serious complications such as retroperitoneal haemorrhages, abdominal hernias, ileus fractures, nervous lesions (immediate and long-term). From our survey it emerged that, among the major complications, incidentally rarely reported in the international literature, we found only a small percentage of cases involving damage to nervous structures. Minor complications were also limited and the only problem remains difficulty in walking after the operation which resolves fully in almost all cases. We can therefore state that the anterior iliac crest remains, to date, an excellent site for harvesting and there is no significant morbility and the surgeon has numerous techniques available for reducing the incidence of complications to the minimum.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Acocella
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Chirurgia Odontostomatologica, Dipartimento di Odontostomatologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, U.O. di Chirurgia Maxillo-Facciale, CTO, Firenze, Italy.
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30
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Giannini D, Di Franco A, Tonelli M, Bartoli ML, Carnevali S, Cianchetti S, Bacci E, Dente FL, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Fifty microg b.i.d. of inhaled fluticasone propionate (FP) are effective in stable asthmatics previously treated with a higher dose of FP. Respir Med 2003; 97:463-7. [PMID: 12735661 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2002.1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-seven subjects with moderate asthma at the time of diagnosis, well controlled under regular fluticasone propionate (FP) (250 microg b.i.d.) for 6 months at least, were randomized to receive in double-blind fashion: FP 125 microg b.i.d. (Group 1) or FP 50 microg b.i.d. (Group 2) or placebo (Group 3) for 3 months or until symptom recurrence. Daily symptom score and peak expiratory flow were monitored. At the beginning and at the end of the study subjects underwent methacholine challenge and sputum induction. Recurrence of symptoms occurred shortly after randomization in all subjects receiving placebo. None from Group 1 or 2 experienced symptom recurrence during the study. No significant difference in clinical and functional data, and in sputum eosinophil percentages was observed between the beginning and the end of the study in both Groups 1 and 2. Subjects from Group 3 showed a significant increase of sputum eosinophils (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in provocative dose of methacholine (P<0.05) when asthma symptoms recurred. Therefore, very low doses of FP (50 microg b.i.d.) are effective in maintaining for 3 months a good control of the disease in asthmatics already stable under high-dose fluticasone, considering both clinical and functional outcomes and markers of airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy
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31
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Bellia V, Pistelli F, Giannini D, Scichilone N, Catalano F, Spatafora M, Hopps R, Carrozzi L, Baldacci S, Di Pede F, Paggiaro P, Viegi G. Questionnaires, spirometry and PEF monitoring in epidemiological studies on elderly respiratory patients. Eur Respir J 2003; 40:21s-27s. [PMID: 12762570 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.03.00402303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Questionnaires are the most used subjective instrument of measurement in respiratory epidemiology. The standardisation of the questionnaires aims to limit bias by maximising validity and reliability, and comparability. Within the European Union project BIOMED1, a compendium of respiratory standard questionnaires (CORSQ) was developed for adults covering 18 topics from general information to early life events, through environmental risk factors and respiratory symptoms and diseases. Reliable spirometry data needs a rigorous quality control programme, as in the "Salute Respiratoria nell'Anziano" (Sa.R.A.) project, Italian for "Respiratory Health in the Elderly". Reproducibility rates were 95.8% for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Male sex and age were independent risk factors for a poorer reproducibility, as well as cognitive and physical impairment (shorter 6-min walking distance) and lower educational level for a poorer acceptability. Reference values for people aged 65-85 yrs have been produced; these results suggest that the effect of aging should be corrected for physical and mental disability. A revision of interpretative strategies included in current guidelines is needed. Peak expiratory flow monitoring has several methodological problems: reliability and sensitivity of the measurement in order to detect changes in airway calibre; compliance with long-term monitoring; choice of the best variability index; difference between asthmatic and nonasthmatic subjects; age-related differences. Despite these methodological problems, peak expiratory flow monitoring has been successfully used in the evaluation of the effects of air pollution in normal and asthmatic subjects, and in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bellia
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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32
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Bartoli ML, Bacci E, Carnevali S, Cianchetti S, Dente FL, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Quality evaluation of samples obtained by spontaneous or induced sputum: comparison between two methods of processing and relationship with clinical and functional findings. J Asthma 2002; 39:479-86. [PMID: 12375706 DOI: 10.1081/jas-120004907] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess, on a large group of spontaneous or induced sputum samples, the difference in quality between slides processed by two different methods, and the relationship between quality assessment and some clinical and functional characteristics of the examined subjects. We examined 631 sputum samples obtained from 337 subjects with proven (n = 291) or suspected bronchial asthma. Of these, 467 samples were processed using the whole-sample method (Group I), while 164 samples were processed using the plug method (Group II). Salivary contamination, cell distribution on the slide, and cell borders were evaluated, and samples were classified as inadequate, adequate, or good. Inadequate samples were equally represented in both groups, while good samples were represented more in Group II. No significant difference in most clinical and functional findings was observed between the different quality categories of both groups. A higher proportion of inadequate samples was observed in Group I samples spontaneously collected. Mild intermittent asthmatics produced a better quality of slides in comparison with other groups of asthma severity. In conclusion, sputum quality partially depends on the different methods of sputum collection and/or processing, although the percentage of inadequate samples is similar for the two methods of processing. Sputum quality is only marginally affected by clinical and functional characteristics of asthma, or by asthma severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Bartoli
- Cardiothoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy.
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33
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Bacci E, Di Franco A, Bartoli ML, Carnevali S, Cianchetti S, Dente FL, Giannini D, Vagaggini B, Ruocco L, Paggiaro PL. Comparison of anti-inflammatory and clinical effects of beclomethasone dipropionate and salmeterol in moderate asthma. Eur Respir J 2002; 20:66-72. [PMID: 12166584 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.02.00094202] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2-agonists effectively control asthma symptoms and improve airway function. The effects of beclomethasone were compared with those of salmeterol on markers of eosinophilic inflammation in induced sputum in steroid-naive asthmatic subjects with moderate asthma. Fifteen moderate asthmatics were treated with either beclomethasone dipropionate (500 microg b.i.d.) or salmeterol (50 microg b.i.d.) for 4 weeks, according to a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study design. All patients underwent spirometry, methacholine test, sputum induction, and blood sampling before and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. They also recorded daily symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Sputum eosinophils, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX), and blood eosinophils, as well as the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and morning PEF, significantly improved after beclomethasone but not after salmeterol. PEF variability, the symptom score and rescue beta2-agonist use significantly improved after both treatments, although the improvement in the symptom score tended to be greater after beclomethasone. After 2 and 4 weeks of beclomethasone treatment, both serum ECP and EPX decreased. With salmeterol, only serum EPX decreased, after 4 weeks. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine did not change after either treatment. The authors conclude that beclomethasone, but not salmeterol, substantially improves airway inflammation in asthma. Beclomethasone also had an overall greater clinical effect, although the improvement in symptoms and peak expiratory flow variability was similar after both treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bacci
- Cardiothoracic Dept, University of Pisa, Cisaneelo Hospital, Italy
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34
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Vagaggini B, Taccola M, Conti I, Carnevali S, Cianchetti S, Bartoli ML, Bacci E, Dente FL, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Paggiaro PL. Budesonide reduces neutrophilic but not functional airway response to ozone in mild asthmatics. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001; 164:2172-6. [PMID: 11751182 DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.164.12.2009090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient ozone concentration is related to asthma exacerbation, but few findings are available regarding the effects of pharmacologic asthma treatment on this relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether inhaled corticosteroids inhibit ozone-induced airway neutrophilic inflammation, as detected in induced sputum, and reduce functional response to ozone exposure. Eleven subjects with mild persistent asthma were exposed for 2 h, on separate days, to 0.27 ppm ozone and to air in random order, before and after 4 wk of treatment with budesonide (400 microg twice daily). Before exposure, 1 and 2 h after the beginning of exposure, and 6 h after the end of exposure, pulmonary function was measured, and a total symptom score questionnaire was completed; 6 h after exposure, sputum was induced with hypertonic saline. Budesonide treatment did not inhibit the functional response to ozone exposure, as determined by reduction in FEV(1) and increase in total symptom score, but it significantly blunted the increase in the percentage of sputum neutrophils and interleukin-8 concentrations in the supernatant (p < 0.05). Therefore, 4 wk of inhaled budesonide blunted the airway neutrophilic inflammatory response but did not prevent the functional impairment of the airways after ozone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vagaggini
- Cardiothoracic Department, Ospedale Cisanello, Pisa, Italy
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35
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Barchiesi F, Schimizzi AM, Caselli F, Giannini D, Camiletti V, Fileni B, Giacometti A, Di Francesco LF, Scalise G. Activity of the new antifungal triazole, posaconazole, against Cryptococcus neoformans. J Antimicrob Chemother 2001; 48:769-73. [PMID: 11733459 DOI: 10.1093/jac/48.6.769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The new antifungal derivative posaconazole was tested against three clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans using a broth microdilution procedure performed according to the guidelines established by the NCCLS. Posaconazole MICs were 0.125, 0.25 and 1.0 mg/L for isolates 491, 2337 and 486, respectively. To investigate the in vivo activity of this new compound, we established an experimental model of systemic cryptococcosis in CD1 mice by iv injection of cells of each strain of C. neoformans. Low (3 mg/kg/day) and high (10 mg/kg/day) doses of posaconazole were compared with amphotericin B given at 0.3 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days. Survival studies showed that all treatment regimens were effective in prolonging the survival of mice infected with C. neoformans 486 (P < 0.001). Only posaconazole at 10 mg/kg and amphotericin B were effective in prolonging the survival in mice infected with C. neoformans 2337 (P from <0.01 to <0.001), while neither agent was effective in mice infected with C. neoformans 491. Tissue burden experiments performed 24 h after the end of therapy revealed that posaconazole at 10 mg/kg was effective at reducing the fungal burden in both lung and brain tissues of all three strains of C. neoformans. In particular, for C. neoformans 491 and 2337 posaconazole was superior to amphotericin B at reducing the fungal burden in the brain (P < 0.05). The efficacy of posaconazole was also confirmed by determining the capsular antigen serum levels of treated mice versus untreated mice. Our study underlines the excellent activity of posaconazole against this pathogenic yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barchiesi
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive e Medicina Pubblica, Centro di Gestione Presidenza Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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36
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Giannini D, Di Franco A, Bacci E, Dente FL, Bartoli ML, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro P. Tolerance to the protective effect of salmeterol on allergen challenge can be partially restored by the withdrawal of salmeterol regular treatment. Chest 2001; 119:1671-5. [PMID: 11399689 DOI: 10.1378/chest.119.6.1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess whether the withdrawal of salmeterol treatment for 3 days (72 h) can restore its bronchoprotective ability on specific bronchial provocative test (sBPT) with allergen, which was completely lost after 1 week of regular treatment with salmeterol. STUDY DESIGN Single-blind design. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated 10 nonsmoking subjects (8 men and 2 women; mean +/- SD age, 24 +/- 8 years) with mild intermittent allergic asthma in the stable phase of the disease, who were never previously treated with regular beta(2)-agonists. Subjects with a previous positive early airway response (EAR) to a screening allergen challenge were considered. They underwent sBPT with allergen after a single dose of inhaled salmeterol, 50 microg (T(1)), and then underwent sBPT after 1 week of regular treatment with inhaled salmeterol, 50 microg bid (T(2)); after that, they continued inhaled salmeterol treatment for 4 days, and then changed to inhaled salmeterol with placebo (two puffs bid) for 3 days (72 h) and underwent sBPT with allergen after a single dose of salmeterol, 50 microg (T(3)). RESULTS EAR to allergen (DeltaFEV(1) > or = 20% with respect to postdiluent value) was completely abolished by a single dose of salmeterol (T(1); protection index [PI] > or = 50% in all subjects), but it was still present after 1 week of regular treatment with salmeterol (T(2); PI < 50% in all subjects). The maximum FEV(1) percentage fall during sBPT with allergen was significantly lower after withdrawal of regular inhaled salmeterol (T(3)) than after regular treatment with salmeterol (T(2)) (mean, 23% vs 29.5%; range, 4 to 41% vs 18 to 49%, respectively; p < 0.05); a similar result was obtained considering the PI of salmeterol on sBPT with allergen (mean, 44% vs 20%; range, 2 to 86% vs - 11 to 49%, respectively; p < 0.05). However, the maximum FEV(1) percentage fall and PI were significantly different in T(3) than after T(1), and only 4 of 10 patients showed in T(3) a PI > or = 50%. CONCLUSIONS The bronchoprotective effect of salmeterol on allergen-induced EAR, completely lost after 1 week of regular treatment with salmeterol, may be partially restored by the withdrawal of salmeterol therapy for 3 days (72 h). However, this withdrawal time period is not sufficient to recover the baseline bronchoprotective efficacy of the first dose of salmeterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy
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Barchiesi F, Schimizzi AM, Najvar LK, Bocanegra R, Caselli F, Di Cesare S, Giannini D, Di Francesco LF, Giacometti A, Carle F, Scalise G, Graybill JR. Interactions of posaconazole and flucytosine against Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:1355-9. [PMID: 11302795 PMCID: PMC90473 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.5.1355-1359.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A checkerboard methodology, based on standardized methods proposed by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards for broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing, was applied to study the in vitro interactions of flucytosine (FC) and posaconazole (SCH 56592) (FC-SCH) against 15 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Synergy, defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of <0.50, was observed for 33% of the isolates tested. When synergy was not achieved, there was still a decrease in the MIC of one or both drugs when they were used in combination. Antagonism, defined as a FIC of >4.0, was not observed. The in vitro efficacy of combined therapy was confirmed by quantitative determination of the CFU of C. neoformans 486, an isolate against which the FC-SCH association yielded a synergistic interaction. To investigate the potential beneficial effects of this combination therapy in vivo, we established two experimental murine models of cryptococcosis by intracranial or intravenous injection of cells of C. neoformans 486. At 1 day postinfection, the mice were randomized into different treatment groups. One group each received each drug alone, and one group received the drugs in combination. While combination therapy was not found to be significantly more effective than each single drug in terms of survival, tissue burden experiments confirmed the potentiation of antifungal activity with the combination. Our study demonstrates that SCH and FC combined are significantly more active than either drug alone against C. neoformans in vitro as well in vivo. These findings suggest that this therapeutic approach could be useful in the treatment of cryptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barchiesi
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive e Medicina Pubblica, Biostatistica e Informatica Medica, Università degli Studi di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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Di Franco A, Dente FL, Giannini D, Vagaggini B, Conti I, Macchioni P, Scuotri L, Taccola M, Bacci E, Paggiaro PL. Effects of inhaled corticosteroids on cough threshold in patients with bronchial asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2001; 14:35-40. [PMID: 11162417 DOI: 10.1006/pupt.2000.0264] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In asthmatic subjects cough can be related to the degree of airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with high dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) on cough threshold in asthmatic subjects. Cough threshold to inhaled capsaicin (one breath of 10(-8)-10(-4)M solution) and to citric acid (one breath of 10(-4)-1 M), expressed as provocative concentration of two (PC2) and four coughs (PC4), was measured in 16 normal and 36 asthmatic subjects. After baseline evaluation, asthmatic subjects were randomized in two groups: (a) Group A, n=20: treated with salbutamol (200 microg t.i.d.) plus BDP (500 microg t.i.d.); (b) Group B, n=16: treated with salbutamol plus placebo in the same doses. After 1 month, cough threshold and clinical and functional evaluation were repeated. After treatment, asthmatics of group A showed a significant improvement in PC4 citric acid, in total symptom and cough scores, and in PD20FEV1 methacholine. In asthmatics of group B, treatment caused no improvement in symptoms, PD20FEV1 methacoline and cough threshold. In addition, cough threshold was not different between normal and asthmatic subjects and, in asthmatics, cough threshold did not correlate with PD20FEV1 methacholine. These data confirm that cough in asthma can be partially related to airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Franco
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy
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Giannini D, Di Franco A, Cianchetti S, Bacci E, Dente FL, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Analysis of induced sputum before and after withdrawal of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in asthmatic patients. Clin Exp Allergy 2000; 30:1777-84. [PMID: 11122217 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2000.00919.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To assess whether sputum eosinophilia predicts the recurrence of asthma symptoms after withdrawal of therapy in moderate stable asthmatics on low-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 30 subjects with stable asthma, asymptomatic, with low PEF variability measured over two run-in weeks, on treatment with low-dose inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP, 250 microgram b.i.d. in the last 3 months). At the end of the run-in, all patients underwent a methacholine challenge test and sputum induction (T1). They then stopped therapy and received either placebo (20 subjects, study group) or BDP at the same dose as in the previous 3 months (10 subjects, control group). They continued to monitor PEF and symptom score for 3 months, or until asthma symptoms recurred (diurnal and nocturnal symptom score >/=2 on two consecutive days). At the end of the study (T2), i.e., either within 5 days from the beginning of asthma symptoms or after 3 months in subjects without recurrence of asthma symptoms, all subjects repeated the methacholine challenge test and sputum induction. In the placebo-treated group, sputum eosinophils at T1 were significantly higher in subjects who subsequently developed recurrence of asthma symptoms (n = 7) after cessation of treatment than in subjects who remained asymptomatic for 3 months (8.2% [0-56.6] vs 0.9% [0-11], P < 0.05). At the time of recurrence of asthma symptoms, sputum eosinophil percentages significantly increased (from 8.2% [0-56.6] to 16.6% [5.8-73.6], P < 0.05). The positive predictive value of sputum eosinophils for the recurrence of asthma symptoms was 71%, while the negative predicting value was 84%. In the BDP-treated control group, none of the subjects experienced recurrence of asthma symptoms, and sputum eosinophil percentages measured at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the study were similar. Sputum eosinophil percentages may vary over a wide range in asthmatic subjects, although regularly treated and apparently well controlled. However, high sputum eosinophil percentages are related to early recurrence of asthma symptoms after cessation of inhaled corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Pneumology, University of Pisa, Italy
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Pedrinelli R, Dell'Omo G, Penno G, Bandinelli S, Giannini D, Balbarini A, Mariani M. Dissociation between microalbuminuria and common carotid thickness in essential hypertensive men. J Hum Hypertens 2000; 14:831-5. [PMID: 11114701 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reasons why microalbuminuria (albuminuria > or = 15 microg/min), an expression of a renal microcirculatory abnormality, predicts cardiovascular disease in essential hypertension are unsettled. To test the hypothesis that microalbuminuria represents a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, we evaluated its association with common carotid artery (CCA) intima media thickness (IMT), a measure of preclinical atherosclerosis and an independent predictor of cardiac and cerebrovascular events, in uncomplicated essential hypertensive individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Albuminuria, ultrasonographic CCA IMT (the mean of six bilateral far wall measurements within 1.5 cm proximally to the flow divider), brachial blood pressure (BP), smoking habits and lipids were evaluated in 136 stage 1-3 untreated essential hypertensive men free of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS CCA IMT did not differ between normo- (n = 99) and microalbuminuric (n = 37) patients. The correlation between CCA IMT and albuminuria was not significant, and the prevalence of microalbuminuria across IMT quartiles was not different. Microalbuminuric patients showed higher systolic BP and that parameter was the only independent correlate in a multivariate logistic regression model including also age, CCA IMT, diastolic BP, lipids and smoking habits as independent variables and microalbuminuria as the dependent one. CONCLUSION This cross-sectional study in hypertensive subjects free of cardiovascular disease has shown a dissociation between microalbuminuria and CCA IMT, a surrogate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, and a parameter linearly related to cardiovascular events. The data do not support the theory of microalbuminuria as a surrogate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, while confirming the importance of systolic BP levels as an independent correlate of increased albuminuria in essential hypertension. Journal of Human Hypertension (2000) 14, 831-835
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pedrinelli
- Dipartimento Cardio-Toracico, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Dente FL, Bacci E, Di Franco A, Giannini D, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Natural exposure to pollen reduces the threshold but does not change the pattern of response to the allergen in allergic subjects. Respir Med 2000; 94:1073-8. [PMID: 11127494 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.2000.0907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It is known that exposure to seasonal allergen in sensitized asthmatics increases non-specific bronchial responsiveness, but it is controversial if exposure to seasonal allergen influences the presence and the severity of the late asthmatic response (LAR) to allergen. Fifteen asthmatic subjects sensitized to grass pollen performed a specific bronchial provocative test (sBPT) with Phleum pratensis extract before and during the pollen season. Changes of methacholine were also assessed. Allergen PD20FEV1 significantly decreased during the pollen season with respect to outside (allergen PD20FEV1, geometric mean: 0.10 vs. 0.23 biological units; P < 0.05), but the pattern of specific airway response did not change. Particularly, a consistent LAR was observed in three subjects outside the pollen season and in two subjects during the pollen season. Seven subjects with isolated early asthmatic response (EAR) outside the season did not show LAR after allergen inhalation during the pollen season. However, four of five subjects with slight LAR outside the pollen season (deltaFEV1% between 15 and 20%) lost LAR during season. Methacholine sensitivity increased slightly but significantly from outside to during the pollen season. This increase was greater in subjects with LAR outside the pollen season. The natural exposure to pollen induces an increase in bronchial sensitivity to allergen in sensitized subjects, but it does not induce LAR in subjects without LAR outside the pollen season.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Dente
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy.
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42
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Barchiesi F, Schimizzi AM, Caselli F, Novelli A, Fallani S, Giannini D, Arzeni D, Di Cesare S, Di Francesco LF, Fortuna M, Giacometti A, Carle F, Mazzei T, Scalise G. Interactions between triazoles and amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000; 44:2435-41. [PMID: 10952592 PMCID: PMC90082 DOI: 10.1128/aac.44.9.2435-2441.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of amphotericin B (AmB) and azole antifungal agents in the treatment of fungal infections is still a controversial issue. A checkerboard titration broth microdilution-based method that adhered to the recommendations of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards was applied to study the in vitro interactions of AmB with fluconazole (FLC), itraconazole (ITC), and the new investigational triazole SCH 56592 (SCH) against 15 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Synergy, defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of < or =0.50, was observed for 7% of the isolates in studies of the interactions of both FLC-AmB and ITC-AmB and for 33% of the isolates in studies of the SCH-AmB interactions; additivism (FICs, >0.50 to 1.0) was observed for 67, 73, and 53% of the isolates in studies of the FLC-AmB, ITC-AmB, and SCH-AmB interactions, respectively; indifference (FICs, >1.0 to < or =2.0) was observed for 26, 20, and 14% of the isolates in studies of the FLC-AmB, ITC-AmB, and SCH-AmB interactions, respectively. Antagonism (FIC >2.0) was not observed. When synergy was not achieved, there was still a decrease, although not as dramatic, in the MIC of one or both drugs when they were used in combination. To investigate the effects of FLC-AmB combination therapy in vivo, we established an experimental model of systemic cryptococcosis in BALB/c mice by intravenous injection of cells of C. neoformans 2337, a clinical isolate belonging to serotype D against which the combination of FLC and AmB yielded an additive interaction in vitro. Both survival and tissue burden studies showed that combination therapy was more effective than FLC alone and that combination therapy was at least as effective as AmB given as a single drug. On the other hand, when cells of C. neoformans 2337 were grown in FLC-containing medium, a pronounced increase in resistance to subsequent exposures to AmB was observed. In particular, killing experiments conducted with nonreplicating cells showed that preexposure to FLC abolished the fungicidal activity of the polyene. However, this apparent antagonism was not observed in vivo. Rather, when the two drugs were used sequentially for the treatment of systemic murine cryptococcosis, a reciprocal potentiation was often observed. Our study shows that (i) the combination of triazoles and AmB is significantly more active than either drug alone against C. neoformans in vitro and (ii) the concomitant or sequential use of FLC and AmB for the treatment of systemic murine cryptococcosis results in a positive interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barchiesi
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive e Medicina Pubblica, Italy.
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Barchiesi F, Calabrese D, Sanglard D, Falconi Di Francesco L, Caselli F, Giannini D, Giacometti A, Gavaudan S, Scalise G. Experimental induction of fluconazole resistance in Candida tropicalis ATCC 750. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000; 44:1578-84. [PMID: 10817712 PMCID: PMC89916 DOI: 10.1128/aac.44.6.1578-1584.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/1999] [Accepted: 03/19/2000] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is less commonly isolated from clinical specimens than Candida albicans. Unlike C. albicans, which can be occasionally found as a commensal, C. tropicalis is almost always associated with the development of fungal infections. In addition, C. tropicalis has been reported to be resistant to fluconazole (FLC). To analyze the development of FLC resistance in C. tropicalis, an FLC-susceptible strain (ATCC 750) (MIC = 1.0 microg/ml) was cultured in liquid medium containing increasing FLC concentrations from 8.0 to 128 microg/ml. The strain developed variable degrees of FLC resistance which paralleled the concentrations of FLC used in the medium. The highest MICs of FLC were 16, 256, and 512 microg/ml for strains grown in medium with 8.0, 32, and 128 microg of FLC per ml, respectively. Development of resistance was rapid and could be observed already after a single subculture in azole-containing medium. The resistant strains were cross-resistant to itraconazole (MIC > 1.0 microg/ml) and terbinafine (MIC > 512 microg/ml) but not to amphotericin B. Isolates grown in FLC at concentrations of 8.0 and 32 microg/ml reverted to low MICs (1.0 microg/ml) after 12 and 11 passages in FLC-free medium, respectively. The MIC for one isolate grown in FLC (128 microg/ml) (128 R) reverted to 16 microg/ml but remained stable over 60 passages in FLC-free medium. Azole-resistant isolates revealed upregulation of two different multidrug efflux transporter genes: the major facilitators gene MDR1 and the ATP-binding cassette transporter CDR1. The development of FLC resistance in vitro correlated well with the results obtained in an experimental model of disseminated candidiasis. While FLC given at 10 mg/kg of body weight/day was effective in reducing the fungal burden of mice infected with the parent strain, the same dosing regimen was ineffective in mice infected with strain 128 R. Finally, the acquisition of in vitro FLC resistance in strain 128 R was related to a loss of virulence. The results of our study elucidate important characteristics and potential mechanisms of FLC resistance in C. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barchiesi
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive e Medicina Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Ancona, Ancona, Italy.
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Polito A, Fabbri A, Ferro-Luzzi A, Cuzzolaro M, Censi L, Ciarapica D, Fabbrini E, Giannini D. Basal metabolic rate in anorexia nervosa: relation to body composition and leptin concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71:1495-502. [PMID: 10837290 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin is thought to represent a peripheral signal involved in the regulation of energy balance. Its action has been studied in animals and obese subjects. Little is known about leptin's role during negative energy balance. OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the relation between energy turnover, body composition, and plasma leptin concentrations in anorexia nervosa (AN). DESIGN Sixteen weight-stable women with AN were compared with 22 control subjects and 14 rehabilitated AN patients (R-AN). Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry; fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were calculated according to a 4-compartment model. Plasma leptin was determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS The BMR of AN patients (2.73 +/- 0.37 kJ/min) was significantly lower than that of control subjects (3.45 +/- 0.34 kJ/min) (P < 0.001), even after adjustment for FFM (2.92 +/- 0.33 kJ/min in AN patients and 3.30 +/- 0.26 kJ/min in control subjects; P < 0.004). Plasma leptin concentrations in AN patients were 76% lower than in control subjects, even after body fat was controlled for. In R-AN patients, BMR was not significantly different from that of control subjects and leptin concentrations were generally close to normal. Plasma leptin concentrations correlated significantly with FM (r(2) = 0.53, P < 0.0000) and BMR, even after adjustment for FFM (r(2) = 0.21, P < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS BMR and plasma leptin concentrations are depressed in patients with AN; this is not explained by body-composition changes. The relation between leptin and BMR suggests that leptin plays a role in the energy sparing response to exposure to chronic energy deficiency. The return of BMR to normal and the significant increase in leptin concentrations in R-AN patients suggests a full reversibility of this adaptation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Polito
- National Institute of Nutrition, Rome, Italy.
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45
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Dente FL, Bacci E, di Franco A, Giannini D, Conti I, Macchioni P, Scuotri L, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro PL. Reproducibility of early and late asthmatic responses to allergen challenge in a large group of asthmatics. Respir Med 2000; 94:441-7. [PMID: 10868707 DOI: 10.1053/rmed.1999.0760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The specific bronchial provocative test (sBPT) coupled with allergen is used to investigate asthma. Very few studies have examined the reproducibility of responses to allergen challenge. The aim of this study was to measure the reproducibility of PD20FEV1 allergen and late asthmatic response (LAR) in 53 asthmatics and to relate the reproducibility to the time interval between two allergen challenges. Fifty-three atopic asthmatics performed two allergen challenges not less than 2 and not more than 26 weeks apart. Randomly, 19 subjects were assigned to a short-interval group (14-35 days between the two tests) and 34 to a long-interval group (40-180 days). In each challenge, the PD20FEV1 was sought for and the maximum % fall in FEV1 from 3 to 7 h after the allergen challenge was evaluated as a measurement of magnitude of the LAR. High intraclass correlation coefficients (R(I)) were found for both PD20FEV1 (R(I) = 0.78) and LAR (R(I) = 0.77) in all subjects. PD20FEV1 allergen showed a high R(I) in the long-interval group (R(I) = 0.80), but a low R(I) in the short-interval group (R(I) = 0.63). In contrast LAR showed a lower R(I) in the long-interval group (R(I) = 0.68) than in the short-interval group (R(I) = 0.77). Moreover, the R(I) for PD20FEV1 was particularly low in subjects with a dual pattern to the allergen challenge and a short interval between the two allergen challenges. Our study confirmed that asthmatic responses induced by allergen challenge have a good reproducibility. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the interval between two allergen challenges can determine a change in reproducibility in asthmatic responses induced by allergen challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L Dente
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Giannini D, Di Franco A, Bacci E, Dente FL, Taccola M, Vagaggini B, Paggiaro P. The protective effect of salbutamol inhaled using different devices on methacholine bronchoconstriction. Chest 2000; 117:1319-23. [PMID: 10807817 DOI: 10.1378/chest.117.5.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the protective effect of salbutamol, 100 microg, inhaled by different devices (pressurized metered-dose inhaler [pMDI; Ventolin; GlaxoWellcome; Greenford, UK], pMDI + spacer [Volumatic; GlaxoWellcome], or breath-activated pMDI [Autohaler; 3M Pharmaceuticals; St. Paul, MN]) on bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. PATIENTS Eighteen subjects with stable, moderate asthma, asymptomatic, receiving regular treatment with salmeterol, 50 microg bid, and inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate, 250 microg bid, in the last 6 months, with high hyperreactivity to methacholine (baseline provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) [PD(20)] geometric mean [GM], 0.071 mg). Subjects were classified into two groups: subjects with incorrect (n = 5) pMDI inhalation technique, and subjects with correct (n = 13) inhalation technique. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS After cessation of therapy for 3 days, all subjects underwent four methacholine challenge tests, each test 1 week apart, each time 15 min after inhalation of salbutamol, 100 microg (via pMDI, pMDI + spacer, or Autohaler), or placebo. The protective effect on methacholine challenge test was evaluated as the change in the PD(20), and expressed in terms of doubling doses of methacholine in comparison with placebo treatment. RESULTS The PD(20) was significantly higher after salbutamol inhalation than after placebo inhalation, but no significant difference was observed among the three different inhalation techniques. Only when salbutamol was inhaled via pMDI + spacer, PD(20) was slightly but not significantly higher (pMDI GM, 0.454 mg; pMDI + spacer GM, 0.559 mg; and Autohaler GM, 0.372 mg; not significant [NS]) than other inhalation techniques. Similar results (mean +/-SEM) were obtained with doubling doses of methacholine (pMDI, 2 +/- 0.47; pMDI + spacer, 3 +/- 0.35; and Autohaler, 2.4 +/- 0.40; NS). No significant difference was found among techniques when subjects with correct or incorrect inhalation technique were separately considered. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the protective effect of salbutamol, 100 microg, on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction is not affected by the different inhalation techniques, although inhalation via pMDI + spacer tends to improve the bronchoprotective ability of salbutamol. These data confirm the clinical efficacy of salbutamol, whatever the device, and the patient's inhalation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Cardio-Thoracic Department, University of Pisa, Italy
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47
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Balbarini A, Buttitta F, Giannini D, Iabichella ML, Mariani M. [Carotid disease: when to apply medical, interventionist, and surgical treatment]. CARDIOLOGIA (ROME, ITALY) 1999; 44 Suppl 1:71-7. [PMID: 12497886] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Balbarini
- Dipartimento Cardio Toracico, Università degli Studi, Pisa
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48
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Buttitta F, Giannini D, Iabichella ML, Balbarini A, Mariani M. [Second-level angiologic diagnosis: current indications.Arteriography]. Cardiologia 1999; 44 Suppl 1:943-6. [PMID: 12497854] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Buttitta
- Dipartimento Cardio Toracico Università degli Studi Ospedale Cisanello Via Paradisa, 2, 56124 Pisa
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49
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Iabichella ML, Mariotti R, Giannini D, Buttitta F, Balbarini A, Mariani M. [Dermal microcirculatory response to various stimulation tests assessed with Doppler laser]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1999; 47:613-4. [PMID: 10670227] [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: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Iabichella
- Dipartimento Cardio Toracico, Università degli Studi, Pisa
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50
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Giannini D, Leone A, Nuti M, Strata G, Buttitta F, Balbarini A. [Passive smoking and endothelial dysfunction]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1999; 47:557-8. [PMID: 10670201] [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: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D Giannini
- Dipartimento Cardio Toracico, Università degli Studi, Pisa
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