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Pettenuzzo I, Carli S, Sánchez-Cuesta A, Isidori F, Montanari F, Grippa M, Lanzoni G, Ambrosetti I, Di Pisa V, Cordelli DM, Mondardini MC, Pippucci T, Ragni L, Cenacchi G, Costa R, Lima M, Capristo MA, Tropeano CV, Caporali L, Carelli V, Brunelli E, Maffei M, Ahmed Sheikhmaye H, Fetta A, Brea-Calvo G, Garone C. COQ7 defect causes prenatal onset of mitochondrial CoQ 10 deficiency with cardiomyopathy and gastrointestinal obstruction. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01615-w. [PMID: 38702428 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01615-w] [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] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
COQ7 pathogenetic variants cause primary CoQ10 deficiency and a clinical phenotype of encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or multisystemic disorder. Early diagnosis is essential for promptly starting CoQ10 supplementation. Here, we report novel compound heterozygous variants in the COQ7 gene responsible for a prenatal onset (20 weeks of gestation) of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and intestinal dysmotility in a Bangladesh consanguineous family with two affected siblings. The main clinical findings were dysmorphisms, recurrent intestinal occlusions that required ileostomy, left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, ascending aorta dilation, arterial hypertension, renal dysfunction, diffuse skin desquamation, axial hypotonia, neurodevelopmental delay, and growth retardation. Exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous rare variants in the COQ7 gene, c.613_617delGCCGGinsCAT (p.Ala205HisfsTer48) and c.403A>G (p.Met135Val). In silico analysis and functional in vitro studies confirmed the pathogenicity of the variants responsible for abolished activities of complexes I + III and II + III in muscle homogenate, severe decrease of CoQ10 levels, and reduced basal and maximal respiration in patients' fibroblasts. The first proband deceased at 14 months of age, whereas supplementation with a high dose of CoQ10 (30 mg/kg/day) since the first days of life modified the clinical course in the second child, showing a recovery of milestones acquirement at the last follow-up (18 months of age). Our study expands the clinical spectrum of primary CoQ10 deficiency due to COQ7 gene defects and highlights the essential role of multidisciplinary and combined approaches for a timely diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pettenuzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Carli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ana Sánchez-Cuesta
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-JA and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Seville, 41013, Spain
| | - Federica Isidori
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Montanari
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mina Grippa
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Lanzoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Ambrosetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Pisa
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mondardini
- Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pippucci
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ragni
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cenacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Lima
- Pediatric Surgery Department, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Leonardo Caporali
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Monica Maffei
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di neuroradiologia con tecniche ad elevata complessità, Bologna, Italia
| | - Hodman Ahmed Sheikhmaye
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di neuroradiologia con tecniche ad elevata complessità, Bologna, Italia
| | - Anna Fetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Brea-Calvo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC-JA and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Seville, 41013, Spain
| | - Caterina Garone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Pilu G, Spelzini F. Soft-tissue dystocia due to paradoxical contraction of the levator ani as a cause of prolonged second stage: concept, diagnosis, and potential treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:S856-S864. [PMID: 38462259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.12.323] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Smaller pelvic floor dimensions seem to have been an evolutionary need to provide adequate support for the pelvic organs and the fetal head. Pelvic floor dimension and shape contributed to the complexity of human birth. Maternal pushing associated with pelvic floor muscle relaxation is key to vaginal birth. Using transperineal ultrasound, pelvic floor dimensions can be objectively measured in both static and dynamic conditions, such as pelvic floor muscle contraction and pushing. Several studies have evaluated the role of the pelvic floor in labor outcomes. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions seem to be associated with a longer duration of the second stage of labor and a higher risk of cesarean and operative deliveries. Furthermore, smaller levator hiatal dimensions are associated with a higher fetal head station at term of pregnancy, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound. With maternal pushing, most women can relax their pelvic floor, thus increasing their pelvic floor dimensions. Some women contract rather than relax their pelvic floor muscles under pushing, which is associated with a reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus. This phenomenon is called levator ani muscle coactivation. Coactivation in nulliparous women at term of pregnancy before the onset of labor is associated with a higher fetal head station at term of pregnancy and a longer duration of the second stage of labor. In addition, levator ani muscle coactivation in nulliparous women undergoing induction of labor is associated with a longer duration of the active second stage of labor. Whether we can improve maternal pelvic floor relaxation with consequent improvement in labor outcomes remains a matter of debate. Maternal education, physiotherapy, and visual feedback are promising interventions. In particular, ultrasound visual feedback before the onset of labor can help women increase their levator hiatal dimensions and correct levator ani muscle coactivation in some cases. Ultrasound visual feedback in the second stage of labor was found to help women push more efficiently, thus obtaining a lower fetal head station at ultrasound and a shorter duration of the second stage of labor. The available evidence on the role of any intervention aimed to aid women to better relax their pelvic floor remains limited, and more studies are needed before considering its routine clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Spelzini
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
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Youssef A, Del Magno A, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E. Feasibility and reproducibility of new technique for measurement of transverse diameter of levator ani muscle hiatus using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in nulliparous women at term. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2024. [PMID: 38308852 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27595] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was twofold; firstly to develop and describe the technique for measurement of the transverse diameter of the levator ani muscle hiatus (TD) in the coronal view using 2D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in nulliparous women at term of pregnancy. Secondly, we aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D TPUS assessment of TD, in addition to the inter-method agreement between 2D TPUS and the 3D measurement of TD on the axial plane, the latter considered as the gold standard in nulliparous women at term of pregnancy. METHODS For the aim of the study, we recruited a group of nulliparous women at term of pregnancy before the onset of labor. The study was conducted in two phases: phase 1 involved developing and describing the 2D TPUS technique for measuring TD, while phase 2 focused on assessing the technique's feasibility, reproducibility, and inter-method agreement. In phase 1, we enrolled 30 women. Each woman underwent the acquisition of a 3D TPUS volume, which was analyzed using the multiplanar mode to identify the appearance of the lateral borders of the levator ani muscle at the level of the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions in the coronal plane. These borders were used as landmarks for TD measurement. Additionally, we measured the distance between the line indicating TD and the center of the urethra in the axial view. Phase 2 involved recruiting 100 women. Each woman underwent the acquisition of three 2D TPUS clips in the coronal plane, each encompassing a sweep of the entire levator hiatus, and a 3D volume, all obtained during rest. On the 2D clips, TD was measured twice by one operator and once by another operator. TD was measured once in the 3D volume in the axial plane, considered the gold standard. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements during their assessments. We analyzed intraobserver, interobserver, and intermethod (2D vs. 3D) reproducibility. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted, and Levene's W0 and Student t-tests were performed to explore clinical factors that might contribute to systematic differences. RESULTS In phase 1, we successfully identified the landmarks denoting the lateral borders of TD in the coronal view. These appeared as two symmetrical hypoechoic indentations located at the inner border of the hyperechoic structure of the levator ani muscle, at the point of maximum distance between the two sides of the levator ani muscle. Additionally, the distance between the urethra and the plane where TD was measured using 3D TPUS in the axial plane had a median of 4 mm and varied from 0 to 9 mm. This enabled us to describe the method for assessing TD in the coronal plane through the use of 2D TPUS. In phase 2, TD was successfully measured in all 2D and 3D acquisitions from the entire group of 100 women. The analyses for intraobserver, interobserver reproducibility, and intermethod comparison (2D vs. 3D) revealed almost perfect agreement in TD measurements using 2D TPUS, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92 to 0.96), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92), and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90), respectively. The average differences between measurements were 0.1 mm for intraobserver, 1.0 mm for interobserver, and 0.2 mm for intermethod repeatability. No systematic differences were observed in any of the measurement sets, except in the inter-operator analysis, although the difference was clinically insignificant (38.2 vs. 37.1 mm, P= 0.01). None of the examined clinical factors (maternal body mass index and maternal age) exhibited a statistically significant impact on intraobserver, interobserver, or intermethod reliability. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing our described technique to measure the transverse diameter of the levator hiatus in the coronal view using 2D TPUS is not only feasible but also highly reproducible and accurate in nulliparous women at term of pregnancy. Moreover, it yields measurements that are comparable to those obtained in the reconstructed axial plane generated by 3D TPUS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Del Magno
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - B Nedu
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Dapoto
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E. Time to focus on the role of the pelvic floor in vaginal delivery. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:125-126. [PMID: 38165999 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27556] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Preuss et al. Click here to view the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - B Nedu
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Dapoto
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Fiorentini M, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E, Pilu G, Youssef A. When time is brain: a systematic review about Wernicke encephalopathy as a dramatic consequence of thiamin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2223678. [PMID: 37322816 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2223678] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of all pregnancies, sometimes so severely that the condition of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is established. HG may in addition be a predisposing factor for Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), a severe and life-threatening condition due to vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency. If untreated, WE may progress to Korsakoff's syndrome, an irreversible cognitive disorder. We reported a case that recently occurred at our clinic and performed a systematic review of the literature to investigate the clinical presentation, maternal and perinatal outcomes and treatment of WE in women with HG. METHODS We performed a systematic review of case series and case reports searching the Medline database on Pubmed from inception until December 2021. We used as search terms (Wernicke encephalopathy) OR (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) AND (hyperemesis gravidarum) AND (pregnancy) AND (thiamin deficiency). Articles were considered eligible for inclusion in our review if they described at least one case of WE due to thiamin deficiency in relation to HG. An overall of 82 cases of WE due to HG in pregnancy from 66 manuscripts, including our own, were selected. RESULTS The maternal mean age was 26.38 ± 5.23 years, while mean gestational week at hospitalization was 14.57 ± 4.12 after a mean of 6.6 ± 3.14 weeks of vomiting duration. WE manifestation occurred at a mean gestational age of 16.54 ± 3.06 weeks. Regarding clinical presentation, ocular signs and symptoms were reported by 77/82 (93.9%) women, 61/82 (74.4%) presented with ataxia and 63/82 (76.8%) with confusion. Dysarthria affected 15/82 women (18,3%), while muscular weakness was present in 36/82 (43.9%) and impaired reflexes in 42/82 (51.2%). Memory impairment involved 25/82 (30.5%) of the study population. Almost all cases reported a thiamin administration treatment, however data regarding the clinical course of the neurological condition and the perinatal outcomes were often missing and showed a great heterogeneity when reported. CONCLUSION WE is a challenging diagnosis, as its clinical presentation is nonspecific. A high clinical suspicion and the awareness of its possible predisposing conditions such as HG may help clinicians to get a prompt diagnosis and starting treatment, which are vital to prevent possible life-impairing neurological sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bianca Nedu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dapoto
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E. Fundal pressure in the second stage of labor is not recommended. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:230. [PMID: 37330402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.010] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric and Prenatal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Mezzasalma M, Brunelli E, Odierna G, Guarino FM. Comparative cytogenetics of Hemorrhois hippocrepis and Malpolon monspessulanus highlights divergent karyotypes in Colubridae and Psammophiidae (Squamata: Serpentes). The European Zoological Journal 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2023.2180547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Mezzasalma
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - G. Odierna
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - F. M. Guarino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Montaguti E, Rizzo R, Diglio J, Di Donna G, Brunelli E, Cofano M, Seidenari A, Lenzi J, Battaglia C, Pilu G. Increased nuchal translucency can be ascertained using transverse planes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:750.e1-750.e6. [PMID: 35662633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detection of increased nuchal translucency is crucial for the assessment risk of aneuploidies and other fetal anomalies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the ability of a transverse view of the fetal head to detect increased fetal nuchal translucency at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study enrolling a nonconsecutive series of women who attended our outpatient clinic from January 2020 to April 2021 for combined screening and were examined by operators certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation. In each patient, nuchal translucency measurements were obtained both from a median sagittal view and from a transverse view. A second sonologist blinded to the results of the first examination obtained another measurement to assess intermethod and interobsever reproducibility. RESULTS A total of 1023 women were enrolled. An excellent correlation was found between sagittal and transverse nuchal translucency measurements, with a mean difference of 0.01 mm (95% confidence interval, -0.01 to 0.02). No systematic difference was found between the 2 techniques. The inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.957; 95% confidence interval, 0.892-0.983) and intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.976; 95% confidence interval, 0.941-0.990) of axial measurements were almost perfect. Transverse measurements of 3.0 mm identified all cases with sagittal measurements of ≥3.0 with a specificity of 99.7%; transverse measurements of >3.2 mm identified all cases with sagittal measurements of 3.5 mm with a specificity of 99.7%. The time required to obtain transverse nuchal translucency measurements was considerably shorter than for sagittal measurements, particularly when the fetus had an unfavorable position. CONCLUSION When the sonogram is performed by an expert sonologist, the difference in nuchal translucency measurement obtained with a transverse or sagittal plane is minimal. Increased nuchal translucency can be reliably identified by using transverse views, and in some cases, this may technically be advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Montaguti
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Josefina Diglio
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetana Di Donna
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cofano
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Seidenari
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Battaglia
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Pilu G, El-Balat A. The correlation between levator ani co-activation and fetal head regression on maternal pushing at term. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9654-9660. [PMID: 35282757 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2050363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the correlation between fetal head regression and levator ani muscle (LAM) co-activation under Valsalva maneuver. STUDY DESIGN This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study on the association between the angle of progression (AoP) and labor outcome. We scanned a group of nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor at rest and under maximum Valsalva maneuver. In addition to the previously calculated AoP, in the present study, we measured the anteroposterior diameter of LAM hiatus (APD) on each ultrasound image. LAM co-activation was defined as APD at Valsalva less than that at rest, whereas fetal head regression was defined as AoP at Valsalva less than that at rest. We calculated the correlation between the two phenomena. Finally, we examined various labor outcomes according to the presence, absence, or co-existence of these two phenomena. RESULTS We included 469 women. A total of 129 (27.5%) women presented LAM co-activation while 50 (10.7%) showed head regression. Only 15 (3.2%) women showed simultaneous head regression and LAM co-activation. Women with coexisting LAM co-activation and head regression had the narrowest AoP at Valsalva in comparison with other study groups (p < .001). In addition, they had the highest risk of Cesarean delivery (40%) and longest first, second, and active second stage durations, although none of these reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION In nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor fetal head regression and LAM co-activation at Valsalva are two distinct phenomena that uncommonly coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Montaguti E, Cariello L, Brunelli E, Youssef A, Livi A, Salsi G, Pilu G. Sonography of fetal holoprosencephaly: a guide to recognize the lesser varieties. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9717-9723. [PMID: 35272544 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2050900] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) is easily detected during a first-trimester screening examination, conversely, recognizing the lesser varieties may be difficult even in the second trimester. OBJECTIVES To describe the imaging findings of a cohort of fetuses with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and to elucidate the appearances of the different anatomical varieties. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed medical records and stored images of pregnant women referred to our clinic because of a diagnosis or the suspicion of various forms of HPE. We reported the imaging characteristics, the presence of other associated anomalies, magnetic resonance findings, karyotype and autoptic examinations when available. RESULTS Alobar forms show great distortion of normal brain anatomy, with a single ventricle detectable during the first trimester of pregnancy. Extracerebral, face and karyotype abnormalities are often associated. In semilobar and lobar forms the septum pellucidum is typically absent in axial planes, with fused frontal horns, while posterior fossa is often normal. At multiplanar neurosonogram, anomalies involving corpus callosum and cortex development can be detected. Face abnormalities are mild in lobar forms: receding forehead, various degrees of hypotelorism and the presence of a single central maxillary incisor are reported. CONCLUSIONS The alobar forms are detectable since the first trimester, with a peculiar single ventricle and extremely frequent extracerebral and karyotype abnormalities. The semilobar and lobar forms are more challenging and the diagnosis is easily missed in a mid-trimester screening exam unless a careful evaluation of both cavum septi pellucidi and frontal horns as well is conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Montaguti
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luisa Cariello
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Livi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ginevra Salsi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Macirella R, Curcio V, Ahmed AIM, Pellegrino D, Brunelli E. Effect of short-term exposure to low concentration of tebuconazole: morphological, histometric and functional modifications in Danio rerio liver. The European Zoological Journal 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2043469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - V. Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - A. I. M. Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - D. Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Montaguti E, Brunelli E, Pilu G. A case of lobar holoprosencephaly: brain and facial typical features. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:446-447. [PMID: 33798482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Montaguti
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Fiorentini M, Lenzi J, Pilu G, El-Balat A. Breech progression angle: new feasible and reliable transperineal ultrasound parameter for assessment of fetal breech descent in birth canal. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2021; 58:609-615. [PMID: 33847431 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and reliability of transperineal ultrasound in the assessment of fetal breech descent in the birth canal, by measuring the breech progression angle (BPA). METHODS Women with a singleton pregnancy with the fetus in breech presentation between 34 and 41 weeks' gestation were recruited. Transperineal ultrasound images were acquired in the midsagittal view for each woman, twice by one operator and once by another. Each operator measured the BPA after anonymization of the transperineal ultrasound images. BPA was defined as the angle between a line running along the long axis of the pubic symphysis and another line extending from the most inferior portion of the pubic symphysis tangentially to the lowest recognizable fetal part in the maternal pelvis. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements performed for each woman. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of BPA measurement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To investigate the presence of any bias, intra- and interobserver agreement was also analyzed using Bland-Altman analysis. Student's t-test and Levene's W0 test were used to investigate whether a number of different clinical factors had an effect on systematic differences and homogeneity, respectively, between BPA measurements. RESULTS Overall, 44 women were included in the analysis. BPA was measured successfully by both operators on all images. Both intra- and interobserver agreement analyses showed excellent reproducibility in BPA measurement, with ICCs of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.93) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.90), respectively. The mean difference between measurements was 0.4° (95% CI, -1.4 to 2.2°) for intraobserver repeatability and -0.4° (95% CI, -2.6 to 1.8°) for interobserver repeatability. The upper limits of agreement were 12.0° (95% CI, 8.9-15.1°) and 13.6° (95% CI, 9.9-17.3°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. The lower limits of agreement were -11.2° (95% CI, -14.3 to -8.1°) and -14.4° (95% CI, -18.2 to -10.7°) for intra- and interobserver repeatability, respectively. No systematic difference between BPA measurements was found on either intra- or interobserver agreement analysis. None of the clinical factors examined (maternal body mass index, maternal age, gestational age at the ultrasound scan and parity) showed a statistically significant effect on intra- or interobserver reliability. CONCLUSIONS BPA represents a new feasible and highly reproducible measurement for the evaluation of fetal breech descent in the birth canal. Future studies assessing its usefulness in the prediction of successful external cephalic version and breech vaginal delivery are needed. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - J Lenzi
- Section of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Pilu G, Dietz HP. The maternal pelvic floor and labor outcome. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100452. [PMID: 34365028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal birth is the major cause of pelvic floor damage. The development of transperineal ultrasound has improved our understanding of the relationship between vaginal birth and pelvic floor dysfunction. The female pelvic floor dimensions and function can be assessed reliably in pregnant women. Maternal pushing associated with pelvic floor muscle relaxation is the central requirement of vaginal birth. Many studies have evaluated the role of the pelvic floor on labor outcomes. Smaller levator hiatal dimensions and incomplete or absent levator ani muscle relaxation seem to be associated with a longer duration of the second stage of labor and a higher risk of cesarean and operative deliveries. Here, we presented an overview of the current knowledge of the correlation between female pelvic floor dimension and function, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound, and labor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu).
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu)
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu); Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy (Drs Youssef, Brunelli, and Pilu)
| | - Hans Peter Dietz
- Sydney Medical School Nepean, Department of O&G, University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia (Dr Dietz)
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Youssef A, Fiorentini M, Di Donna G, Brunelli E, Salsi G, Pilu G, El-Balat A. The correlation between transperineal ultrasound assessment of the levator ani muscle and postpartum urinary incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn 2021; 40:1786-1795. [PMID: 34245601 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24744] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The primary aim of the present study was to assess the association between levator ani muscle (LAM) integrity and function on the one hand, and the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) on the other. A secondary objective was to assess the association between fundal pressure in the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and the risk of postpartum UI. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, women underwent a clinical and transperineal ultrasound examination at rest, at pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC), and at Valsalva maneuver 3-6 months after their first vaginal delivery. LAM avulsion and levator hiatal area (LHA) were evaluated. In addition, women were interviewed about the presence of UI, whether stress (SUI) or urgency (UUI). RESULTS Overall, data of 244 women were analyzed. SUI was reported in 50 (20.5%), while UUI was reported in 19 (7.8%) women. Women who reported SUI had a higher prevalence of LAM avulsion and less proportional reduction in LHA from rest to a maximum contraction in comparison to women with no SUI. Women who reported UUI had a greater LHA at rest, during contraction, and during maximal Valsalva in comparison to women without UUI. No significant association was found between the Kristeller maneuver and the incidence of any UI. CONCLUSION Levator ani avulsion and less proportional reduction of LHA with PFMC appear to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum urinary stress incontinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetana Di Donna
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ginevra Salsi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Azzarone C, Di Donna G, Casadio P, Pilu G. Fetal head progression and regression on maternal pushing at term and labor outcome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2021; 58:105-110. [PMID: 32730691 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was two-fold. First, to evaluate the association between the change in the angle of progression (AoP) on maternal pushing and labor outcome. Second, to assess the incidence and clinical significance of the reduction of AoP on maternal pushing. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy at term. AoP was measured at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver before the onset of labor, and the difference between AoP on maximum Valsalva and that at rest (ΔAoP) was calculated for each woman. Following delivery and data collection, we assessed the association between ΔAoP and various labor outcomes, including Cesarean section (CS), duration of the first, second and active second stages of labor, Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The prevalence of women with reduction of AoP on maximum Valsalva maneuver (AoP-regression group) was calculated and its association with the mode of delivery and duration of different stages of labor was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 469 women were included in the analysis. Among these, 273 (58.2%) had spontaneous vaginal birth, 65 (13.9%) had instrumental delivery and 131 (27.9%) underwent CS. Women in the CS group were older, had narrower AoP at rest and on maximum Valsalva, higher rate of epidural administration and lower 1-min and 5-min Apgar scores in comparison with the vaginal-delivery group. ΔAoP was comparable between the two groups. On Pearson's correlation analysis, AoP at rest and on maximum Valsalva maneuver had a significant negative correlation with the duration of the first stage of labor. ΔAoP showed a significant negative correlation with the duration of the active second stage of labor (Pearson's r, -0.125; P = 0.02). Cox regression model analysis showed that ΔAoP was associated independently with the duration of the active second stage (hazard ratio, 1.014 (95% CI, 1.003-1.025); P = 0.012) after adjusting for maternal age and body mass index. AoP reduction on maximum Valsalva was found in 73 (15.6%) women. In comparison with women who showed no change or an increase in AoP on maximum Valsalva, the AoP-regression group did not demonstrate significant difference in maternal characteristics, mode of delivery, rate of epidural analgesia, duration of the different stages of labor or rate of NICU admission. CONCLUSIONS In nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor, narrower AoP at rest and on maximum Valsalva, reflecting fetal head engagement, is associated with a higher risk of Cesarean delivery. The increase in AoP from rest to Valsalva, reflecting more efficient maternal pushing, is associated with a shorter active second stage of labor. Fetal head regression on maternal pushing is present in about 16% of women and does not appear to have clinical significance. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Azzarone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Di Donna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Casadio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Azzarone C, Serra C, Consolini S, Casadio P, Pilu G. Lung Ultrasound Is Not a Useful Screening Tool for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Pregnant Women: A Pilot Study. J Ultrasound Med 2021; 40:215. [PMID: 32852055 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15451] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Azzarone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Serra
- Department of Organ Failure and Transplantation, Sant'Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Consolini
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sant'Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Casadio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Modestino F. Three-dimensional color Doppler before and after embolization of postpartum-acquired enhanced myometrial vascularity/arteriovenous malformation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:925-928. [PMID: 32387322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Montaguti E, Di Donna G, Dodaro MG, Bianchini L, Pilu G. Transperineal ultrasound assessment of maternal pelvic floor at term and fetal head engagement. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:921-927. [PMID: 31975450 DOI: 10.1002/uog.21982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association between pelvic floor dimensions in nulliparous women at term and fetal head engagement, as assessed by transperineal ultrasound. METHODS This was a prospective observational study of nulliparous women at term. Before the onset of labor, transperineal ultrasound was used to measure the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the levator hiatus and the angle of progression (AoP) at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva maneuver (before and after visual feedback). We assessed the correlation between pelvic floor static and dynamic dimensions (levator hiatal APD and levator ani muscle coactivation) and AoP, which is an objective index of fetal head engagement. RESULTS In total, 282 women were included in the analysis. Among these, 211 (74.8%) women had a vaginal delivery while 71 (25.2%) had a Cesarean delivery. AoP was narrower in the Cesarean-delivery group at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva, whereas no differences in levator hiatal APD were found between the two groups. We found a negative correlation between levator hiatal APD at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva and the duration of the second stage of labor. There was a positive correlation between AoP and levator hiatal APD on maximum Valsalva maneuver after visual feedback (r = 0.15, P = 0.01). Women with levator ani muscle contraction on Valsalva maneuver (i.e. coactivation), both pre and post visual feedback, had a narrower AoP at rest and on maximum Valsalva. After visual feedback, women with levator ani muscle coactivation had a longer second stage of labor than did those without (80.8 ± 61.4 min vs 62.9 ± 43.4 min (P = 0.04)). CONCLUSIONS Smaller pelvic floor dimensions and levator ani muscle coactivation are associated with higher fetal head station and with a longer second stage of labor in nulliparous women at term. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Montaguti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Di Donna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M G Dodaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Bianchini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Pilu G. Fundal pressure in the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and levator ani avulsion. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 32:471-472. [PMID: 33098436 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 13, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Brunelli E, Del Prete B, Casadio P, Pilu G, Youssef A. The dynamic change of the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus under Valsalva maneuver at term and labor outcome. Neurourol Urodyn 2020; 39:2353-2360. [PMID: 32865824 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between the proportional change of anteroposterior diameter (APD) of levator hiatus from rest to maximum Valsalva maneuver in nulliparous women at term and labor outcome. METHODS We prospectively recruited nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor. Women underwent a two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound, measuring the APD of the levator hiatus at rest and under maximum Valsalva's maneuver. APD change from rest to maximum Valsalva was described both in terms of absolute figures and proportional change. Correlation of APD change with the mode of delivery and with labor durations was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 486 women were included in the analysis. No significant association between change in APD and the mode of delivery. We found a significant negative correlation between change of APD from rest to Valsalva and the duration of active second stage both in terms of absolute change (Pearson's r = -0.138, P = .009) and in terms of proportional change (Pearson's r = -0.154, P = .004). Survival outcomes based on Cox-regression model showed that APD was independently associated with the duration of active second stage of labor after adjusting for epidural analgesia, maternal age and body mass index (hazard ratio, 1.008; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.016; P = .04) CONCLUSION: Women with higher increase of the anteroposterior diameter of the levator hiatus from rest to Valsalva have a shorter active second stage of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Del Prete
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Casadio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aly Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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22
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Brunelli E, Seidenari A, Germano C, Prefumo F, Cavoretto P, Di Martino D, Masturzo B, Morano D, Rizzo N, Farina A. External validation of a simple risk score based on the ASPRE trial algorithm for preterm pre-eclampsia considering maternal characteristics in nulliparous pregnant women: a multicentre retrospective cohort study. BJOG 2020; 127:1210-1215. [PMID: 32275798 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate the performance of a first-trimester simple risk score based on the ASPRE trial algorithm for pre-eclampsia. DESIGN Multicentre retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING Four Italian hospitals. POPULATION Unselected nulliparous women at 11-13 weeks of gestation from January 2014 through to January 2018. METHODS Model performance was evaluated based on discrimination and calibration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Delivery before 37 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. RESULTS Based on 73 preterm pre-eclampsia cases and 7546 controls (including 101 cases of late pre-eclampsia), the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.659 (95% CI 0.579-0.726). The sensitivity was 32.9% (95% CI 22.1-43.7) at a false-positive rate of 8.8%. The positive likelihood ratio was 3.74 (95% CI 2.67-5.23), the positive predictive value was 3.49% (95% CI 2.12-4.86%) and the negative predictive value was 99.3% (95% CI 99.1-99.5%). The sensitivity and positive likelihood ratio were approximately 40% lower than in the original study. The calibration analysis showed a good agreement between observed and expected risks (P = 0.037). Comparison with the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm yielded a difference in the area under the curve of 0.084 (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS In our Italian population, the simple risk score had a lower performance than expected for the prediction of preterm pre-eclampsia in nulliparous women. The FMF algorithm applied to the same data set resulted in a better prediction. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Simple risk score predicts preterm pre-eclampsia in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brunelli
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Seidenari
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Germano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM Sant'Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Prefumo
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Cavoretto
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - D Di Martino
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - B Masturzo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM Sant'Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D Morano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology S, Anna University Hospital, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - N Rizzo
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Curcio V, Macirella R, Tripepi M, Brunelli E. Ultrastructural observations on the lung of Pelophylax kl. esculentus tadpoles during development. The European Zoological Journal 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1841841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V. Curcio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - R. Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - M. Tripepi
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, East Falls Campus College of Life Sciences, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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24
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Kamel R, Negm S, Montaguti E, Dodaro MG, Brunelli E, Di Donna G, Soliman E, Sharaf MF, ElHarty AS, Youssef A. Reliability of transperineal ultrasound for the assessment of the angle of progression in labor using parasagittal approach versus midsagittal approach. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3175-3180. [PMID: 31640437 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1678143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the inter-method agreement between midsagittal (msAoP) and parasagittal (psAoP) measurements of the angle of progression (AoP) during labor. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between AoP measurements by both midsagittal and parasagittal approaches with the mode of delivery. METHODS We recruited a nonconsecutive series of women in active labor with a singleton uncomplicated term pregnancy with fetuses in vertex presentation. Women underwent transperineal ultrasound in the absence of uterine contractions or maternal pushing to measure both msAoP and psAoP. The inter-method agreement between the two acquisitions was then assessed. Lastly, both measurements were compared between women who had a vaginal delivery versus those who underwent cesarean section (CS). RESULTS Overall, 151 women were included in the study. We found an excellent agreement between msAoP and psAoP (ICC 0.935; 95% CI 0.912-0.953, p < .001). On the other hand, psAoP overestimated the measurements in comparison with msAoP (101.2 ± 15.6 versus 98.2 ± 16.0, p < .001). There was a significant correlation between both methods of AoP assessment and duration of the active second stage of labor and AoP measured by either method was significantly wider in patients who delivered vaginally compared to those who had a CS. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed a significant difference in the measured angle between the psAoP and the originally described msAoP. The automated measurements of AoP that have been introduced are designed using the parasagittal visualization of the more echogenic pubic arch, rather than the hypoechogenic pubic symphysis. We think that in the light of our data, care should be taken before applying data from midsagittal measurement in centers using the parasagittal automated approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Kamel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif Negm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Elisa Montaguti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Gaia Dodaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaetana Di Donna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ehab Soliman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Fouad Sharaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Salah ElHarty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kasr Al-Ainy University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aly Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Youssef A, Brunelli E, Bianchini L, Dodaro MG, Bellussi F, Salsi G. Fundal pressure in the second stage of labor: time to face the invisible enemy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3094-3095. [PMID: 31608718 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1677600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aly Youssef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Gaia Dodaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Bellussi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ginevra Salsi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Orsola Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Masturzo B, Franzè V, Germano C, Attini R, Gennarelli G, Lezo A, Rolfo A, Plazzotta C, Brunelli E, Youssef A, Todros T, Farina A. Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes by pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index among Italian population: a retrospective population-based cohort study on 27,807 deliveries. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 299:983-991. [PMID: 30770990 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the impact of increasing pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) on the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, in patients who delivered in an Italian tertiary care Obstetric department. METHODS Data, related to women who delivered at Sant'Anna Hospital, Turin, between 2011 and 2015, were collected retrospectively from the hospital database. According to BMI, women were considered as normal weight, overweight, and class 1, 2 and 3 obese (WHO criteria). Logistic regression analysis studied the impact of BMI on maternal and neonatal outcomes, adjusting results for maternal age and parity. Adjusted absolute risks of each outcome were reported according to incremental values in pre-pregnancy BMI. RESULTS A total of 27,807 women were included. 75.8% of pregnancies occurred among normal-weight women, whereas 16.7% were overweight, and 7.5% obese women (5.4% class 1, 1.7% class 2 and 0.4% class 3). A 10% decrease in pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with a reduction of at least 15% of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, maternal admission to intensive care unit (ICU), macrosomia, APGAR 5' < 6 and neonatal admission to ICU. GDM and preeclampsia resulted in the highest reduction being almost 30%. Larger differences in BMI (20-25%) corresponded to at least a 10% in reduction of risk of preterm and very preterm delivery and emergency cesarean section. Differences in maternal pre-pregnancy BMI had no impact on the frequency of shoulder dystocia and stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS This study offers a quantitative estimation of negative impact of pre-pregnancy obesity on the most common pregnancy and perinatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Masturzo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Vera Franzè
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Germano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rossella Attini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Lezo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rolfo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Plazzotta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Brunelli
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aly Youssef
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tullia Todros
- Department of Surgical Sciences, OIRM S. Anna Hospital University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Bernabò I, Brunelli E. Comparative morphological analysis during larval development of three syntopic newt species (Urodela: Salamandridae). The European Zoological Journal 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2019.1568599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I. Bernabò
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - E. Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Rago V, Giordano F, Brunelli E, Zito D, Aquila S, Carpino A. Identification of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor in human and pig spermatozoa. J Anat 2014; 224:732-6. [PMID: 24697543 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are known to influence functional properties of mammalian spermatozoa inducing rapid responses through the classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). Recently, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been identified as mediator of fast non-genomic estrogen effects in different cells. This work investigated the expression of GPER in human and pig spermatozoa using immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis and RT-PCR. GPER was found to be confined to the mid-piece of human sperm cells, whereas it was detected in the acrosomal region, the equatorial segment and the mid-piece of pig spermatozoa. Furthermore, in the male gametes of both species, the immunoblots of sperm extracts revealed a band at ~42 kDa, consistent with the GPER molecular weight, and RT-PCR detected the GPER transcripts. This is the first report demonstrating the expression of GPER in human and pig mature sperm cells and evidencing its species-specific cellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Furlan A, Marin D, Cabassa P, Taibbi A, Brunelli E, Agnello F, Lagalla R, Brancatelli G. Enhancement pattern of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), MDCT, and MRI: Intermodality agreement and comparison of diagnostic sensitivity between 2005 and 2010 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines. Eur J Radiol 2012; 81:2099-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2011.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Garattini S, Barbieri PG, Bottone F, Brunelli E, Carminati F, Chiari R, Sarnico M. [Dust and silica exposure on metallurgical furnace maintenance using refractory materials]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:24-26. [PMID: 23405575] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In the metallurgical industries the silica risk has long been known, particularly for the refractoryes maintenance workers. The maintenance of furnaces, ladles and tundisches refractory linings, on the current organization of production, is provided by companies under contract. The information available about the characterization of risk for this group of workers are at present inadequate. The study investigates the exposure to dust, also containing free crystalline silica (SLC), through the analysis of samples of commercial products used in the reconstruction of refractory linings of furnaces, ladles and tundisches, materials from the demolition of refractory articles and dust from work areas. It also presents the results of an environmental investigation conducted during the demolition and reconstruction of the refractory in three steel mills. The Authors, by the numerous inspections and the systematic survey of working conditions, have formulated a SLC risk profile and some proposals for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Garattini
- Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Brescia, Italy.
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Brunelli E, Garattini S, Borghetti F, Barbieri PG. [Critical in demolition and removal of asbestos cement materials]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:555-557. [PMID: 23405714] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Those involved in the asbestos removal is the main category of workers currently exposed to asbestos in the province of Brescia. Although Italy, since 1991, has special rules for the protection of workers exposed to asbestos, improved further by D. Lgs. n. 81 of 2008, the working conditions found in shipyards are still far from a satisfactory degree of protection of workers. Sanitary facilities are largely lacking, management of work clothing is left to chance, use of filtering face masks is often incorrect, wetting of surfaces with encapsulant is frequently inadequate, daily cleaning of work areas and areas of construction that may have been contaminated by asbestos fibers with extractors absolute filters is shortly implemented. Little attention is also paid to the protection of workers from the premises concerned to the replacement of the cover, as well as to the dispersion in the external environment of asbestos fibers that contaminate the gutters removed and sent for disposal. Finally, it is still very high risk of falling from, documented by the tribute of serious and fatal accidents that occur in these sites. Increased surveillance of Health Prevention Services of ASL is required to achieve higher levels of prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brunelli
- Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Brescia.
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Brunelli E, Sarnico M, Garattini S, Carminati F, Borghetti F, Barbieri PG. [Occupational risk and work-related diseases on steel foundries]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2012; 34:20-23. [PMID: 23405574] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The iron foundries are still well represented in the area of Brescia and, despite having been involved in a major technological developments, have still risks to the health of workers. In order to verify the state of the art and effectiveness of prevention measures implemented by various companies, in recent years have carried out numerous inspections, environmental monitoring and biological. Furthermore, there were in the regional information system diseases reported and/or by the reported health. In particular it is shown that, in addition to chemical and physical risk factors, although in a much reduced compared to the 80s, are still present in our workplace pollutants (PAHs, silica, metal fumes, formaldehyde) at the base of classification of iron foundries in group 1, carcinogenic to humans, IARC, 1987 e 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brunelli
- Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Brescia, Italy.
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Fasulo S, Maisano M, Sperone E, Mauceri A, Bernabò I, Cappello T, D'agata A, Tripepi S, Brunelli E. Toxicity of Foroozan crude oil to ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo, Osteichthyes, Labridae): ultrastructure and cellular biomarkers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2011.623139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Brunelli E, Sperone E, Maisano M, Tripepi S. Morphology and ultrastructure of the gills in two Urodela species:Salamandrina terdigitataandTriturus carnifex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000802484869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Sperone E, Bonacci A, Brunelli E, Tripepi S, Jamieson BGM. Male reproductive system in the Italian newt Lissotriton italicus (Peracca 1898) (Amphibia, Urodela): ultrastructural and morphological study with description of spermiogenesis, spermatozoon and spermatophore. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-009-0087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ridolfi F, Abbattista T, Marini F, Vedovelli A, Quagliarini P, Busilacchi P, Brunelli E. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound to evaluate the severity of chronic hepatitis C. Dig Liver Dis 2007; 39:929-35. [PMID: 17669702 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive techniques are being developed to assess the severity of liver disease. Haemodynamic changes in the hepatic circulation during the development of liver disease can be evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound. AIM To evaluate the possible correlation between ultrasound contrast-agent transit times and different stages of chronic hepatitis C. PATIENTS Sixteen patients with clinically evident hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, 22 non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C and 14 controls with no clinical evidence of liver disease were studied. METHODS Contrast-enhanced hepatic ultrasonography was performed with a sulphur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent, and time curves of hepatic vein signal intensity were analysed to determine the time of enhancement onset (hepatic vein arrival time) and peak enhancement (hepatic vein peak enhancement). RESULTS Hepatic vein arrival time in cirrhotic patients was significantly shorter (p<0.001) than in non-cirrhotic patients and controls. Within the group with chronic hepatitis C, METAVIR scores of fibrosis and necro-inflammatory changes had no significant effect on hepatic vein arrival times. CONCLUSION Analysis of the time of onset of ultrasound contrast enhancement of the hepatic vein appears to be a simple, non-invasive method for reliably excluding cirrhosis with signs of portal hypertension, but not for assessing the severity of either chronic hepatitis C or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ridolfi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Ospedale Civile di Senigallia, via Cellini 1, Senigallia, Italy.
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Brunelli E, Perrotta I, Bonacci A, Tripepi S. Differential expression of aquaporin 3 in Triturus italicus from larval to adult epidermal conversion. Eur J Histochem 2007; 51:25-32. [PMID: 17548266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
By using immunohistochemical techniques applied to confocal microscopy, the presence of aquaporin 3 water channel in the epidermis of Triturus italicus (Amphibia, Urodela) has been shown. We analysed the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) during the larval, pre-metamorphic and adult phases; we also showed the localization of the water-channel protein AQP3 in free-swimming conditions and during aestivation in parallel with histological analysis of the skin, focusing on the possible relationship between protein expression and terrestrial habitats. Our results indicate that aquaporin is produced as the epidermis modifies during the functional maturation phase starting at the climax. Moreover, our data suggest an increase in enzyme expression in aestivating newts emphasizing the putative functional importance of differential expression related to a distinct phase of the biological cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Brunelli
- Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Belleri
- Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Italy.
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Tripepi S, Carelli A, Perrotta E, Brunelli E, Tavolaro R, Facciolo RM, Canonaco M. Morphological and functional variations of Leydig cells in testis of the domestic pig during the different biological stages of development. J Exp Zool 2000; 287:167-75. [PMID: 10900436] [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: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The relationship of morphometrical and androgen receptor evaluations of the main testicular interstitium cellular element (Leydig cells) in the domestic pig provided interesting numerical and morphological features during the different aging stages. As early as 25 days (a period in which the pig is sexually immature) there was a low number of Leydig cells (1.46 x 10(8)) with respect to a 78% and 35% increase in the adult (2.48 x 108) and aged (1.78 x 10(8)) animal, respectively. Interestingly, when the volume density of Leydig cells was considered, the average volume of these cells seemed to be high (75%) in the aged pig with respect to the young immature animal whereas a lower increase (27%) was observed for the adult animal. Moreover, the evaluation of testosterone receptor binding sites in the testis at the various stages of development also displayed a differentiated pattern since elevated testosterone receptor binding levels of the high dissociation affinity type were obtained for the adult pig. Thus, from the combined morphological variations of Leydig cells and testosterone receptor binding activity, it appears that this androgenic receptor component exerts distinct autocrine effects on the different functional features of some testicular tissue constituents at the different aging stages of the domestic pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tripepi
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Ecology Department, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
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40
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Baroni GS, Pastorelli A, Manzin A, Benedetti A, Marucci L, Solforosi L, Di Sario A, Brunelli E, Orlandi F, Clementi M, Macarri G. Hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis are associated with necroinflammatory injury and Th1-like response in chronic hepatitis C. Liver 1999; 19:212-9. [PMID: 10395041 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.1999.tb00038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The involvement of a direct viral cytopathic effect or an immune-mediated mechanism in the progression of hepatic damage in chronic hepatitis C is controversial. The type of immune response is itself a matter of controversy, and histological data are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the progression of liver injury in 30 HCV/RNA-positive untreated patients with chronic hepatitis. METHODS Necroinflammatory and architectural damage were evaluated using Ishak's score. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were visualized by immunohistochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) and quantitated by morphometry. Plasma HCV/RNA was evaluated using a competitive RT-PCR method. To study the type of immune response involved in the progression of liver injury, interferon gamma (IFNgamma)-positive cells (as expression of a Th1-like response) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitated by morphometry. RESULTS HSC were mostly detected close to areas of lobular necroinflammation or lining fibrotic septa. The alphaSMA- and Sirius Red-positive parenchyma correlated significantly with necroinflammatory and architectural scores. IFNgamma-positive cells were detected in periportal areas associated with the inflammatory infiltrates and significantly correlated with architectural damage. No relationship was found between the histological features of liver injury and viral load. CONCLUSIONS HSC activation and progression of liver injury are unrelated to viral load but associated with a Th1-like response, a plausible target for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Baroni
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ancona, Italy
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41
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Orlandi F, Brunelli E, Feliciangeli G, Svegliati-Baroni G, Di Sario A, Benedetti A, Guidarelli C, Macarri G. Observer agreement in endoscopic assessment of ulcerative colitis. Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1998; 30:539-41. [PMID: 9836114] [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: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice to evaluate ulcerative colitis, but the reliability of the assessment of endoscopic signs is not clear. AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver agreement for the identification of endoscopic lesions typical of ulcerative colitis, and the influence of training. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four experienced observers and 11 endoscopists under training assessed 49 still images selected from endoscopic video recordings. RESULTS The agreement rate between experienced observers was excellent or good (k > 0.39) for recognition of 10 out of 14 signs or patterns (loss of vascular pattern, erythema, oedema, granular mucosa, blood, pseudopolyp, erosion, ulcer, normal pattern, severe activity), and was poor for pus, stricture, mild activity, moderate activity. The rates between endoscopists under training were excellent or good for 6 items (loss of vascular pattern, erythema, oedema, pseudopolyp, normal pattern, severe activity). CONCLUSIONS Trained observers can reproducibly record most endoscopic signs of ulcerative colitis. A reliable overall scoring of severity should be based on a simple three-grading scale, i.e. normal pattern, moderate activity, severe activity. Acceptable agreement rates can be obtained by endoscopists under training on some well-defined endoscopic appearances.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Orlandi
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ancona, Italy
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42
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Apostoli P, Porru S, Brunelli E, Alessio L. Multiple exposure to metals in eight types of welding. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 1997; 19:8-14. [PMID: 9307891] [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: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This article evaluates multiple exposures to metals in different types of metal welding such as manual metal arc for mild and stainless steel, continuous wire, submerged arc, laser and brazing. Environmental monitoring was carried out in eight different occupational situations and the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique was adopted in order to characterize exposure to several elements simultaneously and with high accuracy. The results showed that up to 23 elements could be measured. The highest concentrations were found for Al, Mn, Fr, Ni, Cr, Cu and Zn. For some elements such as In, Nd, I, Rb the concentrations were very low. A qualitative and quantitative variation in fume composition was observed at a certain distance from the welding point, which should be to taken into account when evaluating indirect exposures. It would also be possible, with this technique, to identify specific elements in the mixture which could also be measured in biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Apostoli
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
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43
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Gallelli A, Donato G, Borelli DA, Tripepi S, Brunelli E, Pelaia G, Signorelli CD, Marsico SA. Kartagener's syndrome in a woman with a normal ciliary structure and an intracranial meningioma. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1996; 51:27-9. [PMID: 8901317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kartagener's syndrome is usually associated with ciliary abnormalities. We describe a case of Kartagener's syndrome observed in a woman with an intracranial meningioma and a normal axonemal structure. This finding confirms that ultrastructural defects of bronchial cilia are not always present in Kartagener's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gallelli
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, University of Reggio Calabria-Catanzaro, Italy
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44
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Abstract
High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study 16 resected rectosigmoid specimens of patients treated with total colectomy for severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Six normal colon specimens were also studied as a control group. Moreover, a parallel study of the pelvis of 24 patients with a proven diagnosis of UC was performed with the same MR system. Both in vitro and in vivo MRI findings [thickening and signal intensity (SI)] of the mural layers were qualitatively evaluated by two radiologists and compared with gross and microscopic aspects. In vitro results showed that MRI was able to identify all layers of the colonic wall. In particular in UC specimens, MRI identified thickening and the peculiar abnormal hyperintensity of the mucosal and submucosal layers on spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted images. In vivo results confirmed the high-signal intensity of the mucosal and submucosal layers. These findings were not observed in the control group in which the superficial layers appeared low in intensity on SE T1 images. Our preliminary experience suggests that MRI should be considered a new imaging modality for detecting UC colonic wall changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giovagnoni
- Department of Radiology, NMR Center, Regional Hospital Torrette, University of Ancona, Italy
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Brunelli E, Contucci S, Macarri G, Curto R, Orland F. Enteral nutrition by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Lancet 1993; 341:1534. [PMID: 8099403 DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)90668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Macarri G, Biasi L, Brunelli E, Marucci L, Svegliati Baroni G. [L-sulpiride versus metoclopramide in functional dyspepsia: a randomized double-blind study]. Minerva Med 1992; 83:295-8. [PMID: 1589135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fifty patients suffering from functional dyspepsia have been treated in a double-blind study either with 1-sulpiride (75 mg die per os) or with metoclopramide (30 mg die per os) for 30 days. The frequency and severity of the symptoms in the two patient groups were similar. The administration of either drug was followed by a reduction of the symptoms, but 1-sulpiride was more effective on nausea, headache, pyrosis, epigastric pain, and showed an earlier effect than metoclopramide in inducing total regression of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Macarri
- Ospedale Torrette, Università degli Studi di Ancona
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Benedetti A, Ferretti G, Curatola G, Brunelli E, Jézéquel AM, Orlandi F. Plasma membrane fluidity in isolated rat hepatocytes: comparative study using DPH and TMA-DPH as fluorescent probes. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1989; 4:221-7. [PMID: 2491149 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1989.tb00829.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The study of membrane fluidity is a rapidly expanding field of research and its interest in hepatology has been stressed recently. The present study is the first report concerned with the determination of membrane fluidity of isolated rat hepatocytes. The data have been compared with those obtained in plasma membrane fractions and subfractions (basolateral or canalicular) derived from homogenates. The fluorescent probes used to measure the fluidity were diphenylhexatriene (DPH) a 'classical' probe, and its derivative trimethylammoniodiphenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH) at 25 degrees C and at 37 degrees C. The values obtained with DPH were lower than those with TMA-DPH, probably due to the localization of the probes in different regions of the phospholipid bilayer. In addition, DPH revealed significant differences in the fluorescence polarization values obtained in isolated hepatocytes compared with membrane fractions, which was in contrast to TMA-DPH, where the respective values were of the same order of magnitude. This behaviour is probably due to the mobility of DPH in the membrane core and its rapid internalization into the cell, whereas TMA-DPH remains anchored for a long time on the cell surface. These findings suggest that TMA-DPH is a better probe than DPH for measuring the fluorescence polarization of whole isolated hepatocytes and that the use of different probes might be of help in exploring different zones of the membrane bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Benedetti
- Postgraduate School of Gastroenterology, University of Ancona, School of Medicine, Italy
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48
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Abstract
The livers of rats given ethanol for 5 weeks showed marked structural alterations of hepatocytes of acinar zone 3 including mitochondrial pleomorphism, increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum and deposition of small (less than 0.5 micron) lipid droplets. In addition, apoptotic bodies involving altered parenchymal cells were frequently observed, together with prominent mononuclear infiltrates adjacent to the terminal hepatic veins. It is suggested that 'age' of liver cells may play a role in the preferential perivenular localization of early ethanol-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Benedetti
- Postgraduate School of Gastroenterology, University of Ancona, Italy
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Benedetti A, Birarelli AM, Brunelli E, Curatola G, Ferretti G, Del Prete U, Jezequel AM, Orlandi F. Modification of lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes in chronic alcoholism. Pharmacol Res Commun 1987; 19:651-62. [PMID: 3441481 DOI: 10.1016/0031-6989(87)90095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The lipid composition and microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes have been studied in chronic alcoholics with macrocytosis and minimal liver dysfunction. The findings have been compared with those obtained in subjects with macrocytosis not related to ethanol abuse. In all instances, macrocytosis was accompanied by an increased microviscosity of erythrocyte membranes, together with an increase of the cholesterol/phospholipid and of saturated/unsaturated fatty acids ratio. Both microviscosity and saturated/unsaturated ratio were significantly higher in alcoholics compared to subjects with macrocytosis not related to ethanol abuse. These findings confirm that altered lipid composition and fluidity of erythrocyte membrane may be observed in chronic alcoholics with minimal liver dysfunction, possibly due to the "stabilising" properties of ethanol - among a number of drugs- on biological membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Benedetti
- Postgraduate School of Gastroenterology, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ancona, Italy
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Benedetti A, Birarelli AM, Brunelli E, Curatola G, Ferretti G, Jezequel AM, Orlandi F. Effect of chronic ethanol abuse on the physico-chemical properties of erythrocyte membranes in man. Pharmacol Res Commun 1986; 18:1003-14. [PMID: 3797445 DOI: 10.1016/0031-6989(86)90018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic alcoholics (greater than 150 g/day) showing minor serum and histological changes have been studied, compared to healthy non alcoholic subjects, and the following parameters have been considered: S. (Serum)cholesterol (CH), S.phospholipids (PH), S.folate level, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Erythrocyte ghosts have been studied for CH and PH content and membrane fluidity using diphenylhexatriene as a probe. All alcoholics showed decreased fluidity of red cell membrane with increased CH/PH ratio, even in patients showing normal MCV or minimal alterations of functional tests, suggesting that changes in red cell membrane fluidity represent an early sign of ethanol abuse. These likely reflect the diffuse interaction of ethanol with biological membranes. The administration of N5-Methyltetrahydrofolate produced an increase of membrane fluidity over the 3 weeks considered, associated with modest changes of MCV. The latter were delayed with respect to changes in fluidity. If changes of red cell membrane fluidity are a sensitive index of alcohol abuse, they could be a useful marker for detection and follow-up of chronic alcoholism.
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