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Amar Y, Schneider E, Köberle M, Seeholzer T, Musiol S, Hölge IM, Gschwendtner S, Krappmann D, Steiger K, Biedermann T, Schmidt-Weber CB, Alessandrini F. Microbial dysbiosis in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis mimics shifts in human microbiome and correlates with the key pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-33 and TSLP. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:705-716. [PMID: 35015907 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous bacterial dysbiosis is a characteristic hallmark of atopic dermatitis (AD) and it decisively influences the severity of the disease. Despite this, frequently used murine models of AD have not been characterized regarding the changes in skin microbiome communities. OBJECTIVE To analyze the skin microbiome of two frequently used murine models for AD for assessing their applicability in translational research. METHODS AD was induced in mice by topical application of calcipotriol, or oxazolone. Following comparable elicitation of AD-like dermatitis, including IgE induction, the skin microbial communities were analyzed and compared with human AD. RESULTS We detected critical differences in the microbiota composition of diseased skin. In contrast to calcipotriol treatment, application of oxazolone induced significant changes of the cutaneous microbiota and a drastic drop of bacterial richness. Furthermore, an expansion of Staphylococci, particularly S. xylosus was observed in the oxazolone group, also displaying positive correlations with AD key markers including pH, TEWL, IL-4, TSLP and IL-33. CONCLUSIONS In this article we show that i) the model of choice to investigate AD needs to be characterized for the cutaneous microbiota if applicable and ii) the oxazolone-mediated mixed Th1-Th2 immune response triggers microbiota-induced alterations which share similarities to dysbiosis in human AD and represents therefore a suitable model for translational research on AD if alterations of the microbiome are in the focus of the investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Amar
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E Schneider
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - M Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Seeholzer
- Research Unit Cellular Signal Integration, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Center München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - S Musiol
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing Munich GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - I M Hölge
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Gschwendtner
- Research Unit for Comparative Microbiome Analysis, Helmholtz Center München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - D Krappmann
- Research Unit Cellular Signal Integration, Institute of Molecular Toxicology and Pharmacology, Helmholtz Center München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - K Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - C B Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - F Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy & Environment (ZAUM), Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
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Robino C, Chierto E, Alessandrini F, Bini C, Carnevali E, Fabbri M, Fattorini P, Grignani P, Scarnicci F, Tozzo P, Verzeletti A, Pelotti S, Buscemi L. Evaluation of vaginal mRNA markers in women from different age groups: A GeFI collaborative study. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Russkamp D, Aguilar‐Pimentel A, Alessandrini F, Gailus‐Durner V, Fuchs H, Ohnmacht C, Chaker A, Angelis MH, Ollert M, Schmidt‐Weber CB, Blank S. IL-4 receptor α blockade prevents sensitization and alters acute and long-lasting effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy of murine allergic asthma. Allergy 2019; 74:1549-1560. [PMID: 30829405 DOI: 10.1111/all.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal treatment for allergy. However, success rates vary depending on the type of allergy and disease background of the patient. Hence, strategies targeting an increased therapeutic efficacy are urgently needed. Here, the effects of blockade of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling on different phases of AIT were addressed. METHODS The impact of the recombinantly produced IL-4 and IL-13 antagonist IL-4 mutein (IL-4M) on allergic sensitization and AIT outcome in experimental allergic asthma were analyzed in a murine model. The effects of IL-4M administration were assessed prior/during sensitization, immediately after AIT under allergen challenge, and two weeks post-treatment. RESULTS Intervention with IL-4M prior/during sensitization led to strong induction of IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3, decrease of specific and total IgE, as well as of IL-5 in serum. Similar effects on the serum immunoglobulin levels were observed immediately after IL4M-supplemented AIT during allergen challenge. Additionally, IL4M markedly suppressed type-2 cytokine secretion of splenocytes beyond the effect of AIT alone. These effects were equaled to those of AIT alone two weeks post-treatment. Intriguingly, here, IL-4M induced a sustained decrease of Th2-biased Tregs (ST2+ FOXP3+ GATA3intermediate ). CONCLUSIONS IL-4 and IL-13 blockade during experimental AIT demonstrates beneficial effects on immunological key parameters such as immunoglobulin and cytokine secretion immediately after AIT. Although two weeks later these effects were dropped to those of AIT alone, the number of potentially disease-triggering Th2-biased Tregs was further significantly decreased by IL-4M treatment. Hence, IL-4/IL13-targeting therapies prime the immune memory in therapy success-favoring manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Russkamp
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
| | - A. Aguilar‐Pimentel
- German Mouse Clinic Institute of Experimental Genetics Helmholtz Center Munich Neuherberg Germany
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
| | - V. Gailus‐Durner
- German Mouse Clinic Institute of Experimental Genetics Helmholtz Center Munich Neuherberg Germany
| | - H. Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic Institute of Experimental Genetics Helmholtz Center Munich Neuherberg Germany
| | - C. Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
| | - A. Chaker
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - M. H. Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic Institute of Experimental Genetics Helmholtz Center Munich Neuherberg Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics School of Life Science Weihenstephan Technical University of Munich Freising Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) Neuherberg Germany
| | - M. Ollert
- Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) Esch‐sur‐Alzette Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center Odense Research Center for AnaphylaxisUniversity of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark
| | - C. B. Schmidt‐Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
| | - S. Blank
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) Munich Germany
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4
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Milger K, Götschke J, Krause L, Nathan P, Alessandrini F, Tufman A, Fischer R, Bartel S, Theis FJ, Behr J, Dehmel S, Mueller NS, Kneidinger N, Krauss-Etschmann S. Identification of a plasma miRNA biomarker signature for allergic asthma: A translational approach. Allergy 2017; 72:1962-1971. [PMID: 28513859 DOI: 10.1111/all.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic disease with different phenotypes and treatment responses. Thus, there is a high clinical need for molecular disease biomarkers to aid in differentiating these distinct phenotypes. As MicroRNAs (miRNAs), that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, are altered in experimental and human asthma, circulating miRNAs are attractive candidates for the identification of novel biomarkers. This study aimed to identify plasmatic miRNA-based biomarkers of asthma, through a translational approach. METHODS We prescreened miRNAs in plasma samples from two different murine models of experimental asthma (ovalbumin and house dust mite); miRNAs deregulated in both models were further tested in a human training cohort of 20 asthma patients and 9 healthy controls. Candidate miRNAs were then validated in a second, independent group of 26 asthma patients and 12 healthy controls. RESULTS Ten miRNA ratios consisting of 13 miRNAs were differentially regulated in both murine models. Measuring these miRNAs in the training cohort identified a biomarker signature consisting of five miRNA ratios (7 miRNAs). This signature showed a good sensitivity and specificity in the test cohort with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.92. Correlation of miRNA ratios with clinical characteristics further revealed associations with FVC % predicted, and oral corticosteroid or antileukotriene use. CONCLUSION Distinct plasma miRNAs are differentially regulated both in murine and in human allergic asthma and were associated with clinical characteristics of patients. Thus, we suggest that miRNA levels in plasma might have future potential to subphenotype patients with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Milger
- Department of Internal Medicine V; Comprehensive Pneumology Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD); Helmholtz Center Munich; Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC-M); Munich Germany
| | - J. Götschke
- Department of Internal Medicine V; Comprehensive Pneumology Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD); Helmholtz Center Munich; Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC-M); Munich Germany
| | - L. Krause
- Institute of Computational Biology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
| | - P. Nathan
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD); Helmholtz Center Munich; Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC-M); Munich Germany
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
| | - A. Tufman
- Department of Internal Medicine V; Comprehensive Pneumology Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - R. Fischer
- Pneumologische Praxis München-Pasing; Munich Germany
| | - S. Bartel
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Early origins of chronic lung disease; Priority Area Asthma and Allergy; Research Center Borstel; Borstel Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN); Borstel Germany
| | - F. J. Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
- Department of Mathematics; Technical University of Munich; Garching Germany
| | - J. Behr
- Department of Internal Medicine V; Comprehensive Pneumology Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - S. Dehmel
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD); Helmholtz Center Munich; Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC-M); Munich Germany
| | - N. S. Mueller
- Institute of Computational Biology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Munich Germany
| | - N. Kneidinger
- Department of Internal Medicine V; Comprehensive Pneumology Center; University of Munich; Munich Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - S. Krauss-Etschmann
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD); Helmholtz Center Munich; Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC-M); Munich Germany
- Early origins of chronic lung disease; Priority Area Asthma and Allergy; Research Center Borstel; Borstel Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN); Borstel Germany
- Institute of Experimental Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel; Kiel Germany
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Gobbin F, Marangi A, Orlandi R, Richelli S, Turatti M, Calabrese M, Forgione A, Alessandrini F, Benedetti MD, Monaco S, Gajofatto A. A case of acute fulminant multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 17:9-11. [PMID: 29055482 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a woman who came to our attention for acute onset and very rapidly worsening left hemiplegia, vision loss and cognitive impairment. MRI, laboratory and clinical investigations were highly suggestive of an active inflammatory demyelinating disease. Following exclusion of other possible etiologies, a diagnosis of Marburg's variant multiple sclerosis was made. After repeated high-dose steroids and plasma-exchange, the patient was treated with a first course of alemtuzumab followed by improvement of the clinical and MRI picture. This is the first reported case of Marburg type multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gobbin
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - A Marangi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - R Orlandi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - S Richelli
- Unit of Intensive Rehabilitation, Ospedale Sacro Cuore, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - M Turatti
- Unit of Neurology B, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - M Calabrese
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - A Forgione
- Unit of Neurology, Casa di Cura Pederzoli, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy
| | - F Alessandrini
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - M D Benedetti
- Unit of Neurology B, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - S Monaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - A Gajofatto
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Maschio
- Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Maggiore; Verona
| | - E. Piovan
- Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Maggiore; Verona
| | - P.G. Zampieri
- Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Maggiore; Verona
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Wimmer M, Alessandrini F, Gilles S, Frank U, Ernst D, Ohnmacht C, Schmidt-Weber C, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Gutermuth J. 404 Pollen-derived adenosine plays an important role in induction of ragweed allerg. J Invest Dermatol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.06.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Advances in neuroradiological investigation have revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of brain abscesses. CT and MR scans offer diagnostic information, disclosing the exact location, morphology and stage of infection. When these examinations fail to define the type of lesions, nuclear medicine can be called into play with scintigraphy using labelled autologous leukocytes performed with SPECT for differential diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of brain abscess is established, management is based on neuroradiological findings such as abscess stage, size, localisation and number and clinical information such as source of infection and the general clinical conditions of the patient. Conservative management is confined to small lesions at the early stage in patients whose general clinical condition is good and stable and there are no signs of intracranial hypertension. Surgery is required to treat large abscesses when the patient's general condition is poor. Different procedures are available, endoscopic evacuation aided by stereotactic systems now being the method of choice with respect to traditional excision. Neuroradiological monitoring is necessary whatever the treatment option to assess outcome and possible recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. Zanotti
- Unità Operativa di Neurochirurgia, Azienda Ospedaliera “S. Maria della Misericordia”; Udine
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Civile Maggiore; Verona
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Pizzini F, Beltramello A, Piovan E, Alessandrini F. Diffusion-Weighted and Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging: Principles and Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/197140090301600202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) is one of the most recent products of Magnetic Resonance (MR) technology evolution. DWI has been proposed as a noninvasive tool for evaluating structural and physiologic states in biologic tissues as hyperacute ischemic changes within brain tissue. Recently, its more complex and detailed evolution, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), has been introduced and its clinical applications are the evaluation of anatomical structures and pathologic processes in white matter. White matter quantitative maps that indicate the integrity of brain tissue, color map, and tractography that identifies macroscopic three-dimensional architecture of fiber tracts (e.g., projections and association pathways) can be obtained with DTI. Diffusion weighted imaging visualization techniques (ADC and Trace) are applied for the study of stroke, in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions (e.g. epidermoid vs. arachnoid cyst) and in detecting traumatic and other lesions associated with restricted diffusion (e.g. MS plaques). On the other hand, DTI provides the identification of abnormalities in the otherwise normal appearing white matter with the understanding of the organization of the fibers, both in tumors and in other cortical or white matter diseases (including stroke, dementias, demyelinating-dismyelinating diseases, epilepsy, schizophrenia). Furthermore, in combination with functional MR, DTI might contribute to the comprehension of brain development, aging and connectivity, thus having a significant impact on brain functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Pizzini
- Service of Neuroradiology, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - A. Beltramello
- Service of Neuroradiology, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - E. Piovan
- Service of Neuroradiology, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Service of Neuroradiology, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Pezzè L, Alessandrini F, Ciribilli Y. Chemotherapy and inflammation show a NFκB- and STAT3-dependent pro-tumorigenic potential. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bartel S, Schulz N, Schamberger A, Alessandrini F, Noessner E, Stick SM, Kicic A, Eickelberg O, Freishtat RJ, Krauss-Etschmann S. Airway epithelial cells secrete altered exosomal microRNAs in murine experimental and human paediatric asthma. Pneumologie 2016. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1572294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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12
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Buscemi L, Alessandrini F, Perna G, Tagliabracci A. Next-generation sequencing of 68 genes in sudden unexplained death of young individuals in forensics. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2015.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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13
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Oeder S, Alessandrini F, Wirz OF, Braun A, Wimmer M, Frank U, Hauser M, Durner J, Ferreira F, Ernst D, Mempel M, Gilles S, Buters JTM, Behrendt H, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Schmidt-Weber C, Akdis M, Gutermuth J. Pollen-derived nonallergenic substances enhance Th2-induced IgE production in B cells. Allergy 2015. [PMID: 26214762 DOI: 10.1111/all.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cells play a central role in IgE-mediated allergies. In damaged airway epithelium, they are exposed directly to aeroallergens. We aimed to assess whether direct exposure of B cells to pollen constituents affects allergic sensitization. METHODS B cells from murine splenocytes and from blood samples of healthy donors were incubated for 8 days under Th2-like conditions with aqueous ragweed pollen extracts (Amb-APE) or its constituents. Secreted total IgM, IgG, and IgE was quantified by ELISA. Additionally, birch, grass, or pine-pollen extracts were tested. The number of viable cells was evaluated by ATP measurements. B-cell proliferation was measured by CFSE staining. IgE class switch was analyzed by quantitation of class switch transcripts. In an OVA/Alum i.p.-sensitization mouse model, Amb-APE was intranasally instilled for 11 consecutive days. RESULTS Upon Th2 priming of murine B cells, ragweed pollen extract caused a dose-dependent increase in IgE production, while IgG and IgM were not affected. The low-molecular-weight fraction and phytoprostane E1 (PPE1) increased IgE production, while Amb a 1 did not. PPE1 enhanced IgE also in human memory B cells. Under Th1 conditions, Amb-APE did not influence immunoglobulin secretion. The IgE elevation was not ragweed specific. It correlated with proliferation of viable B cells, but not with IgE class switch. In vivo, Amb-APE increased total IgE and showed adjuvant activity in allergic airway inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Aqueous pollen extracts, the protein-free fraction of Amb-APE, and the pollen-contained substance PPE1 specifically enhance IgE production in Th2-primed B cells. Thus, pollen-derived nonallergenic substances might be responsible for B-cell-dependent aggravation of IgE-mediated allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Oeder
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - O. F. Wirz
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); Davos Switzerland
| | - A. Braun
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; University Medical Center; Georg August University; Göttingen Germany
| | - M. Wimmer
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - U. Frank
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - M. Hauser
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - J. Durner
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - F. Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - D. Ernst
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Center Munich; Neuherberg Germany
| | - M. Mempel
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology; University Medical Center; Georg August University; Göttingen Germany
| | - S. Gilles
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - J. T. M. Buters
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - H. Behrendt
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
| | - C. Traidl-Hoffmann
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; CK-CARE; Davos Switzerland
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - C. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - M. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF); Davos Switzerland
| | - J. Gutermuth
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussels Belgium
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Affatato A, D'alessandro L, Solaroli M, Marani S, Pasini G, Alessandrini F, Monterubbianesi M, Marzaloni A, Tomasello P, Tassinari D. Falls in hospice: analysis of the problem through the method of clinical audit. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv345.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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15
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Wimmer M, Alessandrini F, Gilles S, Frank U, Oeder S, Hauser M, Ring J, Ferreira F, Ernst D, Winkler JB, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Ohnmacht C, Behrendt H, Schmidt-Weber C, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Gutermuth J. Pollen-derived adenosine is a necessary cofactor for ragweed allergy. Allergy 2015; 70:944-54. [PMID: 25939785 DOI: 10.1111/all.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [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: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a strong elicitor of allergic airway inflammation with worldwide increasing prevalence. Various components of ragweed pollen are thought to play a role in the development of allergic responses. The aim of this study was to identify critical factors for allergenicity of ragweed pollen in a physiological model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS Aqueous ragweed pollen extract, the low molecular weight fraction or the major allergen Amb a 1 was instilled intranasally on 1-11 consecutive days, and allergic airway inflammation was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage, lung histology, serology, gene expression in lung tissue, and measurement of lung function. Pollen-derived adenosine was removed from the extract enzymatically to analyze its role in ragweed-induced allergy. Migration of human neutrophils and eosinophils toward supernatants of ragweed-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells was analyzed. RESULTS Instillation of ragweed pollen extract, but not of the major allergen or the low molecular weight fraction, induced specific IgG1 , pulmonary infiltration with inflammatory cells, a Th2-associated cytokine signature in pulmonary tissue, and impaired lung function. Adenosine aggravated ragweed-induced allergic lung inflammation. In vitro, human neutrophils and eosinophils migrated toward supernatants of bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with ragweed extract only if adenosine was present. CONCLUSIONS Pollen-derived adenosine is a critical factor in ragweed-pollen-induced allergic airway inflammation. Future studies aim at therapeutic strategies to control these allergen-independent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Wimmer
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
| | - S. Gilles
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
| | - U. Frank
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - S. Oeder
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
| | - M. Hauser
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Diagnosis and Therapy; Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - J. Ring
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein; TU Munich; Munich Germany
| | - F. Ferreira
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Allergy Diagnosis and Therapy; Department of Molecular Biology; University of Salzburg; Salzburg Austria
| | - D. Ernst
- Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - J. B. Winkler
- Research Unit Environmental Simulation at the Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
| | - P. Schmitt-Kopplin
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry; Helmholtz Zentrum München; Munich Germany
- Analytical Food Chemistry; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - C. Ohnmacht
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - H. Behrendt
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
| | - C. Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
| | - C. Traidl-Hoffmann
- Institute of Environmental Medicine; UNIKA-T; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
- Christine Kühne - Center for Allergy Research and Education; Zurich Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein; TU Munich; Munich Germany
| | - J. Gutermuth
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM); Technische Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München; Member of the German Center for Lung research (DZL); Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein; TU Munich; Munich Germany
- Department of Dermatology; Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussel Belgium
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16
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Bartel S, Schulz N, Schamberger AC, Alessandrini F, Pagel P, Theis FJ, Milger K, Noessner E, Stick SM, Kicic A, Eickelberg O, Freishtat RJ, Krauss-Etschmann S. SEC14-like 3 is decreased in airway ciliated cells in experimental and paediatric asthma. Pneumologie 2015. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1548654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Crespillo M, Barrio P, Luque J, Alves C, Aler M, Alessandrini F, Andrade L, Barretto R, Bofarull A, Costa S, García M, García O, Gaviria A, Gladys A, Gorostiza A, Hernández A, Piñero MH, Hombreiro L, Ibarra A, Jiménez M, Luque G, Madero P, Martínez-Jarreta B, Masciovecchio M, Modesti N, Moreno F, Pagano S, Pedrosa S, Plaza G, Prat E, Puente J, Rendo F, Ribeiro T, Sala A, Santamaría E, Saragoni V, Whittle M. GHEP-ISFG collaborative exercise on mixture profiles of autosomal STRs (GHEP-MIX01, GHEP-MIX02 and GHEP-MIX03): Results and evaluation. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2014; 10:64-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Alessandrini F, Marzaioli V, Weichenmeier I, Kamml M, Wiemann M, Landsiedel R, Wohlleben W, Eiden S, Meyer F, Kuhlbusch T, Behrendt H, Gutermuth J, Schmidt-Weber C. Surface modifications of nanoparticles are crucial for their pro-inflammatory and adjuvant properties in a mouse allergy model. Pneumologie 2013. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1357053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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19
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Montanino M, Moreno M, Alessandrini F, Appetecchi G, Passerini S, Zhou Q, Henderson W. Physical and electrochemical properties of binary ionic liquid mixtures: (1−x) PYR14TFSI–(x) PYR14IM14. Electrochim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2011.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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20
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Manganotti P, Storti SF, Formaggio E, Acler M, Zoccatelli G, Pizzini FB, Alessandrini F, Bertoldo A, Toffolo GM, Bovi P, Beltramello A, Moretto G, Fiaschi A. Effect of median-nerve electrical stimulation on BOLD activity in acute ischemic stroke patients. Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 123:142-53. [PMID: 21741301 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) activation during somatosensory electrical stimulation of the median nerve in acute stroke patients and to determine its correlation with ischemic damage and clinical recovery over time. METHODS Fourteen acute stroke patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during contralesional median-nerve electrical stimulation 12-48 h after stroke. Findings were then validated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and motor evoked potential by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). RESULTS Poor clinical recovery at three months was noted in four patients with no activation in the early days after stroke, whereas good clinical recovery was observed in eight patients with a normal activation pattern in the primary sensory motor area in the acute phase. In two patients BOLD activation correlated weakly with clinical recovery. Findings from TMS and DTI partially correlated with clinical recovery and functional scores. CONCLUSIONS Clinically relevant insights into the "functional reserve" of stroke patients gained with peripheral nerve stimulation during fMRI may carry prognostic value already in the acute period of a cerebrovascular accident. SIGNIFICANCE BOLD activation maps could provide insights into the functional organization of the residual systems and could contribute to medical decision making in neurological and rehabilitative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Manganotti
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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21
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De Filippo C, Modugno P, Inglese L, Rossi M, Centritto E, Sallustio G, Calvo E, Spatuzza P, Testa N, Alessandrini F. Staged hybrid treatment of complex ascending aortic and distal aortic arch pseudoaneurysm after repair of aortic coarctation. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2011; 52:395-398. [PMID: 18948867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A 49-year-old operated for aortic coartaction patient presented with thoracic and ascending aortic aneurysm. He was asymptomatic. Angio-magnetic resonance nuclear scan and angiography revealed an ascending aortic aneurysm (5.2 cm), bicuspid aortic valve, 6-cm proximal descending aortic pseudoaneurysm at the site of the previous operation with involvement of the left subclavian artery. Restenosis at the original site of coarctation and aortic arch hypoplasia distally to the brachiocefalic trunk was also found. The operation performed was a "modified Bentall - De Bono". The pseudoaneurysm was not accessible through median sternotomy due to the massive lung adhesions following the previous surgery. The left common carotid artery was explanted from the aortic arch and connected with a graft to the ascending aortic conduit. A proximal neck suitable for landing zone of the endovascular stent-graft was then established. The postoperative course was uneventful. After two weeks, the patient was readmitted. The exclusion of the thoracic descending aortic pseudoaneurysm by endovascular implantation of the stent-graft prosthesis was performed. The left subclavian artery was excluded because left vertebral artery was closed. The patient did not develop hand claudicatio. The procedure was successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De Filippo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Giovanni Paolo II Center for High Technology Research and Education in Biomedical Sciences, Sacro Cuore Catholic University, Campobasso, Italy
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22
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Manganotti P, Storti S, Formaggio E, Zoccatelli G, Alessandrini F, Pizzini F, Bovi P, Beltramello A, Fiaschi A, Moretto G. P21.11 Effect of median-nerve electrical stimulation on bold activity in acute ischemic stroke patients. Clin Neurophysiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1388-2457(11)60553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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23
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Vagnozzi R, Signoretti S, Cristofori L, Alessandrini F, Floris R, Isgro E, Ria A, Marziale S, Zoccatelli G, Tavazzi B, Del Bolgia F, Sorge R, Broglio SP, McIntosh TK, Lazzarino G. Assessment of metabolic brain damage and recovery following mild traumatic brain injury: a multicentre, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic study in concussed patients. Brain 2010; 133:3232-42. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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Alessandrini F, Pesaresi M, Cappelli V, Tagliabracci A. The role of CAV3 gene in channelopathies. Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2009.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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25
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Re MC, Vitone F, Biagetti C, Schiavone P, Alessandrini F, Bon I, de Crignis E, Gibellini D. HIV-1 DNA proviral load in treated and untreated HIV-1 seropositive patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 16:640-6. [PMID: 19732081 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
As proviral human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA can replenish and revive viral infection upon activation, its detection might offer significant therapeutic information, complementing the input provided by plasma RNA determination in the follow-up of infected individuals. A selected group of acutely infected subjects was studied to verify both total and 2-long terminal repeat (2-LTR) DNA proviral load during the acute phase of infection and thereafter. Patients were divided in two sex- and age-matched groups: 19 naive individuals who did not receive antiretroviral therapy during the observation period and 20 subjects treated according to current guidelines. Total and 2-LTR HIV-1 DNA proviral load, in addition to RNA viral load and CD4 cell count, were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at baseline, 6 and 12 months after the first sampling. Total and 2-LTR HIV-1 DNA proviral load exhibited no significant variation at any time in the naive patients (total HIV-1 DNA ranging from 896 + or - 731 to 715 + or - 673 copies/10(5) PBMC and 2-LTR HIV-1 DNA ranging from 94 + or - 105 to 65 + or - 44 copies/10(5) PBMC), whereas a significant reduction in both total HIV-1 DNA (ranging from 997 + or - 676 to 262 + or - 174 copies/10(5) PBMC) and 2-LTR HIV-1 DNA proviral load (ranging from 116 + or - 55 to 26 + or - 35 copies/10(5) PBMC) was detected in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) patients, together with a CD4(+) T cell count increase and RNA load decrease. HAART negatively affects both the labile HIV burden and the integrated proviral DNA, at least in the initial period of successful treatment, suggesting that quantification of HIV-1 DNA proviral load may be an important parameter in monitoring HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Re
- Department of Haematology and Oncologic Science, Microbiology Section, National Institute Biostructure and Biosystem (INBB), Rome, Italy.
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26
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Manganotti P, Formaggio E, Storti S, Avesani M, Acler M, Sala F, Magon S, Zoccatelli G, Pizzini F, Alessandrini F, Fiaschi A, Beltramello A. Steady State Activation in Primary Somatosensory Cortex after Changes in Stimulus Rate during Median Nerve Stimulation. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)70960-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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27
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Storti S, Formaggio E, Avesani M, Acler M, Alessandrini F, Pizzini F, Beltramello A, Fiaschi A, Manganotti P. Wavelet analysis as a tool for investigating movement-related cortical oscillations in EEG signals acquired during 3T fMRI recordings. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)71833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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28
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Storti S, Formaggio E, Acler M, Avesani M, Pizzini F, Alessandrini F, Beltramello A, Moretto G, Bovi P, Fiaschi A, Manganotti P, Bertoldo A, Toffolo G. Selection of optimal hemodynamic response function for fMRI analysis on acute stroke patients. Neuroimage 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-8119(09)70524-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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29
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Pizzini FB, Tassinari G, Zoccatelli G, Magon S, Alessandrini F, Rizzo P, Beltramello A. Review of corpus callosum topography, analysis of diffusion values for the different callosal fibers and sex differences. Neuroradiol J 2009; 21:745-54. [PMID: 24257042 DOI: 10.1177/197140090802100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional MRI shows the morphology of the corpus callosum (CC), but does not reveal cortical connectivity or structural information on the CC. Here, we applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in conjunction with a tract-tracing algorithm to incorporate cortical connectivity information on the CC in 40 subjects and to detect the main area and sex structural differences. CC parcellation was based on trajectories to different cortical (prefrontal, frontal motor/premotor/supplementary motor connections, parieto-occipital, temporal) and sub-cortical areas (capsular/basal ganglia connections). In agreement with recent DTI studies, we found that motor fibers occupy a much larger portion of the CC than previously believed on the basis of anatomical data. Differences in anisotropy values were instead in agreement with previous morphological evidence of smaller fibers in the anterior and posterior portions of the CC. The main sex difference was observed in anisotropy values in frontal fibers that proved to be lower in females than in males. Statistically significant differences in the regional diffusion parameters and between sexes give rise to many important questions regarding fiber organization patterns, CC microstructure and the functional relevance of these differences and provide evidence for the role of DTI, which reaches beyond the information given by morphological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B Pizzini
- Department of Neuroradiology; University Hospital; Verona, Italy -
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Avesani M, Formaggio E, Storti S, Alessandrini F, Bongiovanni L, Cordioli C, Beltramello A, Fiaschi A, Manganotti P. f-MRI in Epilepsy with Spike and Wave Activity Evoked by Eye Closure: Different Bold Activation in a Patient with Idiopathic Partial Epilepsy with Occipital Spikes and a Control Group. Neuroradiol J 2008; 21:159-65. [DOI: 10.1177/197140090802100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2007] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a 30-year-old man with idiopathic partial epilepsy with occipital spikes whose scalp EEG activity was characterized by persistent epileptiform discharges on eye closure, ceasing upon eye opening. We compared BOLD activation in the patient and in a control group of three normal volunteers. f-MRI showed that occipital cortex and frontal areas were activated in relation to eye movement in normal subjects during eye opening but not during eye closing. While persistent interictal spike and wave activity was present over the posterior and anterior scalp in the patient upon eye closing, f-MRI showed bilateral activation of the parietal and temporal regions. This fMRI study documents the activation of posterior and temporal areas related to continuous intercritical spikes evoked by eye closure, which are diffuse over the scalp. This activation was absent in the control group during eye closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Avesani
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Rehabilitative Neurology, University of Verona; Verona, Italy
| | - E. Formaggio
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Rehabilitative Neurology, University of Verona; Verona, Italy
| | - S. Storti
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Rehabilitative Neurology, University of Verona; Verona, Italy
| | - F. Alessandrini
- Department of Neuroradiology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore; Verona, Italy
| | - L.G. Bongiovanni
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - C. Cordioli
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - A. Beltramello
- Department of Neuroradiology, Ospedale Civile Maggiore; Verona, Italy
| | - A. Fiaschi
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Rehabilitative Neurology, University of Verona; Verona, Italy
- I.R.C.S.S S. Camillo Hospital; Venice, Italy
| | - P. Manganotti
- Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Rehabilitative Neurology, University of Verona; Verona, Italy
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Gutermuth J, Köllisch G, Bewersdorff M, Braun A, Alessandrini F, Jakob T. Immunology highlights at high altitude: review of the fourth EAACI-GA2LEN Davos Meeting. Allergy 2006; 61:1197-9. [PMID: 16942568 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Gutermuth
- Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy GSF/TUM, ZAUM - Center for Allergy and Environment, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Alessandrini F, Bon I, Gorini G, Schiavone P, Vitone F. MUTAZIONI ASSOCIATE A FARMACORESISTENZA NEL PLASMA E NEI LINFOCITI DI SOGGETTI HIV-1 SIEROPOSITIVI. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Ascari-Raccagni A, Stinchi C, Alessandrini F, Russo A, Zanelli R, Righini M. P53 - Simple modification du lambeau nasal de Rieger. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0151-9638(05)79782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Nicolato A, Ria A, Foroni R, Manno P, Alessandrini F, Sava T, Lupidi F, Leone P, Maluta S, Cetto GL, Gerosa M. Gamma knife radiosurgery in brain metastases from testicular tumors. Med Oncol 2005; 22:45-56. [PMID: 15750196 DOI: 10.1385/mo:22:1:045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2004] [Accepted: 11/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To our knowledge, there are no published reports on the effectiveness of radiosurgery in the management of brain metastases from testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. The authors evaluate the results of gamma knife (GK) treatment in three patients with these unusual intracranial lesions. Between April 1995 and July 2001, three patients with brain metastasis from testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor underwent adjuvant radiosurgery at our department. The primary tumor had been surgically removed in all cases. At diagnosis, one patient was stage IB and two were stage III poor risk. Chemotherapy and whole brain radiotherapy were administered before radiosurgery in all cases. Pre-GK radiotherapy was administered with a daily fraction dosage of 1.8-2.0 Gy. The indications for radiosurgery were tumor volume <20 cm3, microsurgery too risky, refusal of surgery. All the lesions were located in eloquent brain areas. Post-GK high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral-blood stem-cell rescue was administered in two cases due to systemic recurrence of the disease. All patients are still alive with a median and mean follow-up period after radiosurgery of 63 and 68.3 mo, respectively. They had no neurological deficits at the latest examination. Neuroradiological follow-up invariably showed tumor growth control (complete response in two cases and partial response in one) with typically delayed post-radiosurgical imaging changes (transient in two cases and long-lasting in one). In conclusion, GK seems to be highly effective and safe in brain metastases from testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. In cases with diffuse metastatic brain involvement, the whole brain radiotherapy preceding radiosurgery should be delivered with 1.8 Gy daily fraction to prevent the risk of long-lasting post-radiosurgical imaging changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicolato
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
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Appetecchi G, Alessandrini F, Passerini S, Caporiccio G, Boutevin B, Guida-PietraSanta F. Novel polymeric systems for lithium ion batteries gel electrolytes. Electrochim Acta 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2005.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Passarin MG, Alessandrini F, Nicolini GG, Musso A, Gambina G, Moretto G. Reversible choreoathetosis as the early onset of HIV-encephalopathy. Neurol Sci 2005; 26:55-6. [PMID: 15877190 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-005-0384-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2004] [Accepted: 02/03/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Thiel M, Drews O, Behrendt H, Görg A, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Kasche A, Klaus S, Buters J, Weichenmeier I, Krämer U, Gehlhar K, Betzel C, Werner S, Weber W, Bufe A, Rozynek P, Gaspar Â, Rihs HP, Pires G, Brüning T, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Boldt A, Bade S, Gorris HH, Reese G, Riecken S, Becker WM, Viebranz J, Randow S, Lauer I, Moncin MSM, Lehrer SB, Vieths S, van Kampen V, Haamann F, Merget R, Sander I, Jappe U, Hoffmann M, Burow G, Enk A, Kespohl S, Foerster S, Eyerich K, Lubitz S, Schober W, Belloni B, Eberlein-König B, Stassen M, Klein M, Klein-Heßling S, Palmetshofer A, Serfling E, Bopp T, Richter C, Schild H, Schmitt E, Blume C, Förster S, Petersen A, Güttsches A, Zähringer U, Löseke S, Ebling A, Draheim R, Rundfeldt C, Rieber EP, Schäkel K, Abraham S, Meurer M, Rieber P, Gutermuth J, O’Keeffe M, Alessandrini F, Schlatter B, Ring J, Hochrein H, Jakob T, Heib V, Schmitt S, Kubach J, Lutter P, Huter E, Ohlemacher S, Weingarten P, Müller C, Bailey S, Becker C, Knop J, Blüggel M, Hüls C, Jonuleit H, Bellinghausen I, König B, Böttcher I, Saloga J, Hüter E, Schneider FJ, Wicklein D, Stöcker M, Klockenbring T, Huhn M, Barth S, Trujillo-Vargas CM, Erb KJ, Milovanovic M, Heine G, Landeck L, Sabat R, Worm M, Veres T, Weikum O, Weigt H, Krug N, Braun A, Hahn C, Schuhmann B, Mkhlof S, Pirayesh A, Renz H, Nockher WA, Erpenbeck VJ, Sommer S, Malherbe DC, Wright JR, Hohlfeld JM, Bilitewski C, Reinitz-Rademacher K, Rohde G, Ewig S, Schmelz S, Zindler E, Montermann E, Reske-Kunz AB, Sudowe S, Darcan Y, Galle J, Ahmed J, Seitzer U, Sel S, Wegmann M, Nassenstein C, Pollock K, Dawbarn D, Allen SJ, Gupta S, Schulz-Maronde S, Kutzleb C, Kapp A, Forssmann WG, Forssmann U, Elsner J, Fuchs B, Bälder R, Escher SE, Heitland A, Borelli C, Scharrer E, Oppel T, Przybilla B, Ludwig R, Schindewolf M, Hirsch K, Lindhoff-Last E, Kaufmann R, Boehncke WH, Ruäff F, Albert K, Bauer C, Weimer G, Tas E, Bircher A, Kleine-Tebbe J, Herold DA, Ribel M, Hartz C, Miguel-Moncin MMS, Cistero-Bahima A, Conti A, Scheurer S, Fiedler EM, Illner AK, Lee H, Ernst D, Backhaus B, Raithel M, Hahn EG, Nabe A, Straube S, Weidenhiller M, Konturek P, Simon K, Kressel J, Wildner S, Simon D, Mart H, Heer P, Simon HU, Braathen LR, Straumann A, Brockow K, Huss-Marp J, Braun-Falco M, Schmelz M, Darsow U, Preussner LM, Ristau T, Sotlar K, Hartmann K, Gerbaulet A, Baldus SE, Magerl M, Siebenhaar F, Maurer M, Wittmann M, Purwar R, Hartmann C, Stünkel T, Werfel T, Mrabet-Dahbi S, Ahmad-Nejad P, Breuer K, Klotz M, Herz U, Heeg K, Neumaier M, Langer K, Wollenberg A, Soost S, Zuberbier T, Biedermann T, Günther C, Tangemann K, Schwärzler C, Lametschwandtner G, Rot A, Carballido JM, Gibbs BF, Zillikens D, Grabbe J, Zahradnik E, Fleischer C, Dorn I, Eberhardt F, Hartwig D, Rueff F, Hipler UC, Vetter M, Heitmann M, Bauer A, Elsner P, Herzinger T, Summer B, Maier S, Ghoreschi K, Roider G, Thomas P, Freising C, Glaser S, Schäfer T. 17. Mainzer Allergie-Workshop. Allergo J 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03370389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Appetecchi G, Alessandrini F, Passerini S, Caporiccio G, Boutevin B, Guida-Pietrasanta F. Novel polymeric systems for lithium-ion batteries gel electrolytes. Electrochim Acta 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2004.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Alessandrini F, Ziesenis A, Takenaka S, Karg E, Heyder J, Ring J, Behrendt H. Effects of inhaled CdO particles on the sphingolipid synthesis of rat lungs. Inhal Toxicol 2003; 15:343-56. [PMID: 12635003 DOI: 10.1080/08958370304457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Surfactant lipids of the alveolar space protect the lung from various environmental stimuli. We investigated the influence of ultrafine (UF) CdO particles inhalation on two key enzymes involved in lung sphingolipid metabolism, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), and sphingomyelinase (SMase). Rats inhaled either 0.63 mg UF-CdO/m(3) for 6 h (group 1), or 1.08 mg UF-CdO/m(3) 12 h/day for 10 days (group 2). Two corresponding control groups inhaled filtered clean air. Additional rats intratracheally instilled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as positive controls. Semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of lung tissue showed a significant increase in the level of SPT mRNA (LCB2 subunit) expression in group 2 compared to the corresponding controls (p <.01). Group 1 and LPS were not statistically different from control. No alteration in the mRNA level of SMase was detected in any exposure group. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that SPT (LCB2 subunit) localization was stronger in the alveolar type II cells of group 2 lungs compared to the corresponding controls. These results were correlated with alterations in BALF cellular and biochemical parameters and lung morphology. Since SPT is the key enzyme for de novo sphingolipid synthesis in lung surfactant and SMase is responsible for sphingomyelin catabolism, we can postulate that high-dose UF-CdO exposure for 10 days induces an increase in sphingolipid synthesis in the type II cells of rat lungs that would not be promptly followed by its degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Alessandrini
- Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy, GSF Research Center for Environment and Health, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
A case of symptomatic syringomyelia which appeared six years after Listeria meningoencephalitis is described. Chronic spinal arachnoiditis, as shown by standard MRI and dynamic phase contrast (PC) cine-MRI, may occur after spinal infection and is likely the cause of syringomyelia. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of delayed spinal complications following Listeria monocytogenes infection. The possibility of developing syringomyelia should be always considered in any patient with a history of central nervous system infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nardone
- Department of Neurology, F. Tappeiner Hospital, Via Rossini 6, I-39012 Merano (BZ), Italy
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Pesaresi M, Buscemi L, Alessandrini F, Cecati M, Tagliabracci A. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of DNA recovered from fingerprints. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0531-5131(02)00572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Nicolato A, Foroni R, Crocco A, Zampieri PG, Alessandrini F, Bricolo A, Gerosa MA. Gamma knife radiosurgery in the management of arteriovenous malformations of the Basal Ganglia region of the brain. Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2002; 45:211-23. [PMID: 12494356 DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The authors report the results of gamma knife (GK) radiosurgery on a clinical series of selected patients with basal ganglia arteriovenous malformations (BGAVMs) in the brain. Clinical, epidemiological, anatomical and functional characteristics of BGAVMs and of supratentorial cortical AVMs are comparatively analyzed, and their influence on radiosurgical outcome is discussed. METHODS At our Department, 33 BGAVMs (21 with FU > 2 years) and 209 cortical AVMs (110 with FU > 2 years) with a radiosurgical volume </= 10 cc were treated with GK between February 1993 and July 2001. Mean age, male/female ratio (M/F), and incidence of haemorrhagic onset in the two subgroups of patients were as follows: 25.5 years (5 - 62 years), 16 M/17 F, and 30/33 (91%) in BGAVMs; 34.4 years (8 - 74 years), 124 M/85 F, and 107/209 (51%) in cortical AVMs. Statistical analysis performed using the contingency table method and deviance analysis according to generalized linear models showed that the differences in age and incidence of haemorrhagic onset were highly significant. RESULTS The rates of complete obliteration, permanent morbidity, bleeding/rebleeding during the latency period, and unsuccessful embolisation attempts in the two subgroups of patients were as follows: 81%, 4%, 8%, and 41.7%, respectively, in BGAVMs; 85.5%, 2%, 2%, and 2% in cortical AVMs. Statistical analysis did not show any significant difference between the two subgroups of patients in the rates of complete obliteration, permanent morbidity, or latency period bleeding/rebleeding, while difference in failed embolization rates resulted to be highly significant (P = 0.00003). CONCLUSIONS In our experience, the different clinical, epidemiological and anatomico-functional characteristics of BGAVMs and cortical AVMs do not seem to influence the radiosurgical outcome, since complete obliteration and permanent neurological sequelae rates were very similar in these two subgroups of patients. GK may be considered the first choice treatment modality for BGAVMs with < 10 cc volume, since it offers a very high cure rate, very low permanent morbidity, and zero mortality. Although haemorrhagic onset is much more frequent in BGAVMs than in cortical AVMs, the difference between the bleeding/rebleeding rates in the two subgroups of patients during the latency period is not statistically significant, and seems to be limited to the first year after GK.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicolato
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Verona, Italy.
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Nicolato A, Foroni R, Pellegrino M, Ferraresi P, Alessandrini F, Gerosa M, Bricolo A. Gamma knife radiosurgery in meningiomas of the posterior fossa. Experience with 62 treated lesions. Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2001; 44:211-7. [PMID: 11830780 DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-19934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to assess the role of the gamma knife (GK) in the treatment of meningiomas of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and to statistically analyze the predictability of arbitrarily-selected prognostic factors in such treatment. METHODS From February 1993 to November 1998, 57 patients underwent GK treatment for 62 meningiomas of the PCF (19 M/38 F; average age, 57.5 years, ranging from 25 - 82 years). Tumor sites included: foramen jugular-petrous bone (26/62), petroclival (23/62), cerebellar convexity (6/62), tentorium (6/62), and foramen magnum (1/62). Single lesions were treated in 44/62 cases while meningiomatosis was treated in the remaining 18. Post-operative residual or recurrent tumor was found in 27/62 patients and, in 7/27, histology documented characteristics of biological aggressiveness (GII/III). Indications for radiosurgery included: advanced age, high operative risk, tumor volume < 20 ml, inoperable or refused for additional surgery. The prognostic factors statistically analyzed included: meningiomatosis (yes/no), radiosurgery as primary or adjuvant treatment, GI vs. GII/III histology, and tumor volume (< or = 5 ml vs. > 5 ml). RESULTS The observation periods varied from 6 to 64.3 months (median 28.7 months). At the end of the study, 53/57 patients were alive and reported to be in stable or improved neurological condition. The cause of death for the remaining 4 patients included: 2 deaths associated with tumor progression, while 2 died due to causes unrelated to the disease. Neuroradiological evaluation documented the disappearance or reduction of the meningioma mass in 34/62 (55 %) cases, a stable imaging picture in 25/62 (40 %), and a progression only in 3/62 (5 %). To date, there have been no reported cases of post-GK permanent morbidity or mortality. Side effects observed were of a transient nature due to post-radiosurgical edema (6.5 %). With regard to statistical analysis, the only factor to appear to significantly influence efficacy of radiosurgery for tumor growth control (TGC) was the biological nature of the meningioma (chi(2) = 2.708). The presence of meningiomatosis, SR as a primary or adjuvant treatment nor tumor volume were shown to statistically influence tumor behavior after GK. CONCLUSIONS The excellent results obtained for TGC with minimal associated side effects suggest that GK is an effective therapeutic tool also for treatment of PCF meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicolato
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Gaudino M, Glieca F, Luciani N, Alessandrini F, Possati G. Clinical and angiographic effects of chronic calcium channel blocker therapy continued beyond first postoperative year in patients with radial artery grafts: results of a prospective randomized investigation. Circulation 2001; 104:I64-7. [PMID: 11568032 DOI: 10.1161/hc37t1.094819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conceived to elucidate the clinical and angiographic effects of chronic calcium channel blocker therapy (CCCBT) continued after the first postoperative year in patients in whom the radial artery (RA) was used for myocardial revascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients who received RA grafts at our institution and who at 1 year had no scintigraphic evidence of ischemia in the RA territory or angiographic evidence of RA malfunction (n=120) were randomly assigned to continue (n=63) or suspend (n=57) the CCCBT with diltiazem (120 mg/d). After 5 years, all patients were reassessed clinically and by stress myocardial scintigraphy, and 87 of them (45 from the continued group that continued CCCBT and 42 from the group that suspended CCCBT) were restudied angiographically. No differences regarding either the clinical and scintigraphic results or the RA angiographic status were demonstrated between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS After the first postoperative year, the continuation of CCCBT does not affect RA graft patency or clinical and scintigraphic results.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gaudino
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Gaudino M, Glieca F, Luciani N, Cellini C, Morelli M, Spatuzza P, Di Mauro M, Alessandrini F, Possati G. Should severe monolateral asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis be treated at the time of coronary artery bypass operation? Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2001; 19:619-26. [PMID: 11343942 DOI: 10.1016/s1010-7940(01)00665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The optimal treatment of severe monolateral asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (SMACS) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is based on the in-hospital and mid-term (>5 years) clinical results of a cohort of 139 consecutive CABG patients with SMACS operated at our Institution between January 1989 and December 1995. In the first 73 patients (no carotid surgery group), the SMACS was left untouched at the time of coronary surgery, whereas in the remaining 66 (carotid endoarterectomy group), the carotid stenosis was treated either immediately before or concomitantly with the CABG procedure (depending on the severity of the anginal symptoms). RESULTS The overall preoperative characteristics of the patients were comparable. The in-hospital results were similar between the two groups with regard to mortality, stroke and major postoperative complications. However, at mid-term follow-up, significantly more patients of the no carotid surgery group suffered cerebral events (transient or permanent) ipsilateral to the SMACS or the lesion had to be operated on. CONCLUSIONS The concomitant treatment (either staged or simultaneous) of SMACS at the time of CABG does not influence the in-hospital results, but confers significant neurological protection during the years after the operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gaudino
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Ceramides are the most abundant lipids constituting the intercellular matrix of the skin stratum corneum and their critical role in skin homeostasis has been extensively documented. Their concentration in the skin highly depends on the rate of availability of the enzymes involved in ceramide generation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the concentration of prosaposin was altered in the skin of patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Prosaposin, the precursor of saposins (sphingolipid activator proteins), was measured in lesional and nonlesional skin of psoriatic patients and in normal skin from surgical patients, both at the mRNA and at the protein level. Densitometric analysis of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction bands separated by gel-electrophoresis showed a progressive decrease of prosaposin mRNA expression in nonlesional and lesional psoriatic skin, being substantially decreased in lesional psoriatic skin compared with normal control skin. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant decrease of prosaposin level in the stratum corneum of psoriatic lesional skin (both in active-type and in chronic-type plaque) compared with nonlesional and with normal skin (p < 0.01), and in psoriatic nonlesional skin compared with normal control (p < 0.05). Immunolocalization of sphingomyelinase in lesional and nonlesional psoriatic skin showed a decrease in the level of this enzyme in the stratum corneum of psoriatic lesional, compared with nonlesional skin. These results support the concept that disturbance of epidermal barrier function caused by derangement in ceramide generation can be crucial for the development of psoriatic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Alessandrini
- Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy, GSF Research Center for Environment and Health/Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Alessandrini F, Jakob T, Wolf A, Wolf E, Balling R, Hrabé de Angelis M, Ring J, Behrendt H. Enu mouse mutagenesis: generation of mouse mutants with aberrant plasma IgE levels. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2001; 124:25-8. [PMID: 11306917 DOI: 10.1159/000053659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ENU Mouse Mutagenesis Project aims at a large-scale, systematic production of mouse mutants using the alkylating agent ethyl-nitrosourea (ENU). Offspring of mutagenized mice are subjected to a multiparameter screen to detect alterations in various phenotypes with the ultimate goal of identifying novel genes relevant for the expression of the phenotype. Using this approach, we have analyzed plasma IgE concentrations to identify mouse mutants with aberrant plasma IgE levels. METHODS AND RESULTS ENU-mutagenized male C3HeB/FeJ were mated to wild-type females to produce F1 offspring. F1 animals were analyzed for alterations in their plasma IgE concentrations that showed a dominant mode of inheritance, or bred further to screen for recessive phenotypes. Plasma IgE concentrations were determined by ELISA and a normal range for plasma IgE was established using C3HeB/FeJ wild-type animals. So far we have tested 6568 F1 animals. Repeated testing confirmed a stable aberrant IgE phenotype in 124 animals. To confirm the genetic basis of the observed phenotype, these mice were subjected to confirmation crossing. Currently we have established 9 independent mutant mouse lines (3 with high plasma IgE and 6 with plasma IgE below detection limit) that have been genetically confirmed and additional 24 variant mouse lines are currently undergoing confirmation testing. CONCLUSION ENU mouse mutagenesis allowed us to generate and identify mouse mutants with aberrant plasma IgE levels, which may be used to characterize novel genes involved in IgE regulation and may serve as animal models for IgE-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Alessandrini
- Division of Environmental Dermatology and Allergy GSF/TUM, GSF National Research Center for Environment and Health, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany.
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Abstract
A case of coronary angiodysplasia combining large aneurysms of epicardial arteries with diffuse malformation of intramural vessels is reported. Clinical presentation may mimic a vascularized cardiac tumor. Although leaking of the aneurysms in the pericardial space may occur, this entity seems to have a benign prognosis not requiring surgical repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Frustaci
- Department of Cardiology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Gaudino M, Glieca F, Alessandrini F, Luciani N, Cellini C, Pragliola C, Possati G. The unclampable ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass patients: A surgical challenge of increasing frequency. Circulation 2000; 102:1497-502. [PMID: 11004139 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.102.13.1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unclampable ascending aorta (UAA) is a condition increasingly encountered during CABG procedures. We report our experience with CABG patients with UAA and place particular emphasis on the preoperative diagnosis and surgical management. METHODS AND RESULTS UAA was diagnosed in 211 of 4812 consecutive CABG patients (4.3%). On the basis of the chest radiograph, echocardiogram, and coronary angiograph, a preoperative diagnosis was achieved in only 58 patients (27.4%). An age of >70 years, diabetes, smoking, unstable angina, diffuse coronaropathy, and peripheral vasculopathy were all predictors of UAA. Patients were treated with hypothermic ventricular fibrillation (no-touch technique n=129) or beating heart revascularization (no-pump technique n=82) depending on the possibility of founding an arterial cannulation site. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8% (6 of 211) with no differences between the 2 surgical strategies. The no-touch technique was associated with a greater incidence of neurological complications (stroke and transient ischemic attack), renal insufficiency, and stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. However, at midterm follow-up, more patients of the no-pump group had ischemia recurrence. CONCLUSIONS A preoperative diagnosis of UAA is achievable only in a minority of patients, which highlights the necessity revising the current diagnostic protocols. The use of the no-touch technique is associated with an high perioperative risk but a superior possibility of complete revascularization, whereas adoption of the no-pump strategy ensures a smoother postoperative course at the expense of an higher incidence of ischemia recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gaudino
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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