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Ristori J, Motta G, Meriggiola MC, Bettocchi C, Crespi C, Falcone M, Lombardo F, Maggi M, Morelli G, Colao AM, Isidori AM, Fisher AD. A comment from SIGIS, SIE and SIAMS: "Puberty blockers in transgender adolescents-a matter of growing evidence and not of ideology". J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:479-481. [PMID: 37695460 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02173-6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M C Meriggiola
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCSS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Bettocchi
- Department of Urology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - C Crespi
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Falcone
- Department of Urology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Morelli
- Urology Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A M Colao
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla Salute e allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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Guerrini Usubini A, Bottacchi M, Morelli G, Caroli D, Marazzi N, Castelnuovo G, Sartorio A. The psychosocial functioning in adolescents with severe obesity evaluated throughout the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ): a preliminary report. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1205113. [PMID: 38288364 PMCID: PMC10822931 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1205113] [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] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood obesity is associated with poor psychological adjustment. Severely impacts the psychological adjustment of young patients. To assess the psychological functioning of children and adolescents, several questionnaires have been proposed so far. Although the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most well-used tools, its application in obesity research is scarce. The study is aimed at assessing the psychological profile of a sample of Italian children and adolescents seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program for obesity, via SDQ. Methods One hundred and fourteen consecutive Italian children and adolescents with obesity (43 males/71 females, age range: 11-17 years, mean age ± SD: 15.1 ± 1.66, body mass index-BMI ± SD: 37.4 ± 6.13 kg/m2), were recruited at the Division of Auxology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piancavallo (VB). Results Obese Females reported worse conditions of emotional symptoms (t = 5.48; p < 0.001) and peer problems (t = 2.34; p = 0.021), as well as higher which were associated with greater scores of pro-social behaviors than obese males (t = 3.07; p = 0.003). The total difficulties score (t = 4.00; p < 0.001) and the total impact score (t = 4.53; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in females than males. No statistically significant differences in SDQ variables were found in relation to the degree of obesity (BMI SDS: 2-2.99; BMI SDS: > 3). Discussion These findings can contribute to understand the psychological condition of adolescents with obesity in a better way and also to develop effective interventions for the treatment of pediatric obesity which not only take into account the medical and physical aspects but also the emotional and social difficulties expressed by adolescents with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Guerrini Usubini
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Bottacchi
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Division of Auxology, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
- Sacra Famiglia Foundation, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Service, Cocquio Trevisago-Varese, Italy
| | - Diana Caroli
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marazzi
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Piancavallo-Verbania, Italy
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
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Zguro K, Baldassarri M, Fava F, Beligni G, Daga S, Leoncini R, Galasso L, Cirianni M, Rusconi S, Siano M, Francisci D, Schiaroli E, Luchi S, Morelli G, Martinelli E, Girardis M, Busani S, Parisi SG, Panese S, Piscopo C, Capasso M, Tacconi D, Spertilli Raffaelli C, Giliberti A, Gori G, Katsikis PD, Lorubbio M, Calzoni P, Ognibene A, Bocchia M, Tozzi M, Bucalossi A, Marotta G, Furini S, Renieri A, Fallerini C. Carriers of ADAMTS13 Rare Variants Are at High Risk of Life-Threatening COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061185. [PMID: 35746657 PMCID: PMC9227269 DOI: 10.3390/v14061185] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis of small and large vessels is reported as a key player in COVID-19 severity. However, host genetic determinants of this susceptibility are still unclear. Congenital Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura is a severe autosomal recessive disorder characterized by uncleaved ultra-large vWF and thrombotic microangiopathy, frequently triggered by infections. Carriers are reported to be asymptomatic. Exome analysis of about 3000 SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects of different severities, belonging to the GEN-COVID cohort, revealed the specific role of vWF cleaving enzyme ADAMTS13 (A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13). We report here that ultra-rare variants in a heterozygous state lead to a rare form of COVID-19 characterized by hyper-inflammation signs, which segregates in families as an autosomal dominant disorder conditioned by SARS-CoV-2 infection, sex, and age. This has clinical relevance due to the availability of drugs such as Caplacizumab, which inhibits vWF–platelet interaction, and Crizanlizumab, which, by inhibiting P-selectin binding to its ligands, prevents leukocyte recruitment and platelet aggregation at the site of vascular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Zguro
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
| | - Margherita Baldassarri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Fava
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giada Beligni
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sergio Daga
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Leoncini
- Laboratorio Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.L.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Lucrezia Galasso
- Laboratorio Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.L.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Michele Cirianni
- Laboratorio Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.L.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Stefano Rusconi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST Ovest Milanese, 20025 Legnano, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Matteo Siano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniela Francisci
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy; (D.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Elisabetta Schiaroli
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy; (D.F.); (E.S.)
| | - Sauro Luchi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital of Lucca, 55100 Lucca, Italy; (S.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital of Lucca, 55100 Lucca, Italy; (S.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Enrico Martinelli
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliera di Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy;
| | - Massimo Girardis
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefano Busani
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.G.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Sandro Panese
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Mestre Hospital, 30171 Venezia, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Piscopo
- Medical Genetics and Laboratory Genetics Unit, “Antonio Cardarelli” hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mario Capasso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Tacconi
- Department of Specialized and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital Arezzo, 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (D.T.); (C.S.R.)
| | - Chiara Spertilli Raffaelli
- Department of Specialized and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital Arezzo, 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (D.T.); (C.S.R.)
| | - Annarita Giliberti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Gori
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy; (A.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Peter D. Katsikis
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Lorubbio
- UOC Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche, 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (M.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Paola Calzoni
- Laboratorio Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.L.); (L.G.); (M.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Agostino Ognibene
- UOC Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche, 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (M.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Hematology Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Monica Tozzi
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.T.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Alessandro Bucalossi
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.T.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.T.); (A.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Simone Furini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
| | | | - Alessandra Renieri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Chiara Fallerini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (K.Z.); (M.B.); (F.F.); (G.B.); (S.D.); (S.F.); (C.F.)
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Rimondi V, Costagliola P, Lattanzi P, Catelani T, Fornasaro S, Medas D, Morelli G, Paolieri M. Bioaccessible arsenic in soil of thermal areas of Viterbo, Central Italy: implications for human health risk. Environ Geochem Health 2022; 44:465-485. [PMID: 33881674 PMCID: PMC8858286 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00914-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thermal waters near the city of Viterbo (Central Italy) are known to show high As contents (up to 600 µg/l). Travertine is precipitated by these waters, forming extended plateau. In this study, we determine the As content, speciation and bioaccessibility in soil and travertine samples collected near a recreational area highly frequented by local inhabitants and tourists to investigate the risk of As exposure through accidental ingestion of soil particles. (Pseudo)total contents in the studied soils range from 17 to 528 mg/kg, being higher in soil developed on a travertine substrate (197 ± 127 mg/kg) than on volcanic rocks (37 ± 13 mg/kg). In travertines, most As is bound to the carbonatic fraction, whereas in soil the semimetal is mostly associated with the oxide and residual fractions. Accordingly, bioaccessibility (defined here by the simplified bioaccessibility extraction test, SBET; Oomen et al., 2002.) is maximum (up to 139 mg/kg) for soil developed on a travertine substrate, indicating a control of calcite dissolution on As bioaccessibility. On the other hand, risk analysis suggests a moderate carcinogenic risk associated with accidental soil ingestion, while dermal contact is negligible. By contrast, ingestion of thermal water implies a higher carcinogenic and systemic health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rimondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy.
- CNR- IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy.
| | - P Costagliola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
- CNR- IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - P Lattanzi
- CNR- IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - T Catelani
- Piattaforma di Microscopia, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - S Fornasaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - D Medas
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato - Blocco A, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - G Morelli
- CNR- IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - M Paolieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
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Di Mauro M, Tonioni C, Cocci A, Kluth L, Russo G, Rivas JG, Cacciamani G, Cito G, Morelli G, Polloni G, Di Maida F, Giunti D. Penile length, circumference dimensions and somotometry in a large study in young italian men. EUR UROL SUPPL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(21)00765-5] [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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Salini S, Laurini F, Morelli G, Riani M, Cerioli A. Covariance matrices of S robust regression estimators. J STAT COMPUT SIM 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00949655.2021.1972300] [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: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Salini
- Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - F. Laurini
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G. Morelli
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - M. Riani
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - A. Cerioli
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Mele M, Gurrieri AR, Morelli G, Magazzino C. Nature and climate change effects on economic growth: an LSTM experiment on renewable energy resources. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:41127-41134. [PMID: 33782824 PMCID: PMC8006872 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13337-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Global energy demand increases overtime, especially in emerging market economies, producing potential negative environmental impacts, particularly on the long term, on nature and climate changes. Promoting renewables is a robust policy action in world energy-based economies. This study examines if an increase in renewables production has a positive effect on the Brazilian economy, partially offsetting the SARS-CoV2 outbreak recession. Using data on Brazilian economy, we test the contribution of renewables on the economy via a ML architecture (through a LSTM model). Empirical findings show that an ever-greater use of renewables may sustain the economic growth recovery, generating a better performing GDP acceleration vs. other energy variables.
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Cocci A, Di Maida F, Capogrosso P, Lotti F, Rizzo M, Di Mauro M, Salonia A, Cito G, Falcone M, Romano A, Polloni G, Martínez Salamanca J, Fernández-Pascual E, Minervini A, Bartoletti R, Morelli G, Mondaini N, Russo G. Efficacy of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH, Xiapex®) in patients with acute phase of Peyronie’s disease. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33094-9] [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: 10/23/2022] Open
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Cocci A, Morelli G, Matteucci V, Grisanti Caroassai S, Delle Rose A, Cito G, Polito C, Rosi F, Frediani D, Durante J, Di Vico T, Bartoletti R, Carini M, Serni S, Minervini A, Francesca F. PS-7-14 Surgical Outcome after Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: A Retrospective Study of 102 Transgender Women. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.074] [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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Vedovo F, Di Blas L, Perin C, Pavan N, Zatta M, Bucci S, Morelli G, Cocci A, Delle Rose A, Caroassai Grisanti S, Gentile G, Colombo F, Rolle L, Timpano M, Verze P, Spirito L, Schiralli F, Bettocchi C, Garaffa G, Palmieri A, Mirone V, Trombetta C. P-06-1 Operated Male to Female Sexual Function Index (OMTFSFI): A Study on the Validity of the First Questionnaire Developed in Order to Assess the Sexual Function after Male to Female Gender Reassignment Surgery. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.344] [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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Rimondi V, Costagliola P, Lattanzi P, Morelli G, Cara G, Cencetti C, Fagotti C, Fredduzzi A, Marchetti G, Sconocchia A, Torricelli S. A 200 km-long mercury contamination of the Paglia and Tiber floodplain: Monitoring results and implications for environmental management. Environ Pollut 2019; 255:113191. [PMID: 31542668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the results of a joint project carried out by three regional environmental agencies of Italy to evaluate long-range mercury (Hg) transport from the abandoned Mt. Amiata Hg district in southern Tuscany (the third largest worldwide site for Hg production) to the fluvial ecosystems of the Paglia and Tiber rivers. Most of the work focused on stream sediments, surface waters and soils. A preliminary survey of Hg0 content in air was also conducted. Data obtained by public health authorities on Hg in vegetables and fish were also included. The highest Hg concentrations (up to thousands of μg/g Hg) were observed in stream sediments and soils directly impacted by Hg mine runoff. Although progressive Hg dilution was observed from north to south along the river, sediments and soils show anomalous Hg levels for over 200 km downstream of Mt. Amiata, testifying to an extreme case of long-range Hg contamination. A pervasive redistribution of Hg is observed in all sediment compartments. Presumably, the width of the impacted fluvial corridor corresponds to the entire alluvial plains of the rivers. The floodplains can be considered new sources for downstream Hg redistribution, especially during large flood events. On the other hand, results from water, air, and vegetable sampling indicate low potential for human exposure to Hg. The extent and distribution of the contamination make remediation not viable. Therefore, people and human activities must coexist with such an anomaly. On the technical side, the most urgent action to be taken is a better definition of the exact extent of the contaminated area. On the management side, it is necessary to identify which public institution(s) can best deal with such a widespread phenomenon. According to the precautionary principle, the impact of the contamination on human activities in the affected areas should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rimondi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; CNR-Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - P Costagliola
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; CNR-Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - P Lattanzi
- CNR-Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - G Morelli
- CNR-Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Via G. La Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - G Cara
- ARPA Toscana, Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - C Cencetti
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli s.n.c., 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - C Fagotti
- ARPA Toscana, Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - A Fredduzzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli s.n.c., 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - G Marchetti
- ARPA Marche, Via Ruggeri, 5, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - A Sconocchia
- ARPA Umbria, via Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa nsc, 5100 Terni, Italy
| | - S Torricelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Giuridiche, Università di Firenze, Via delle Pandette 32, 50127 Firenze, Italy
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Falcone M, Timpano M, Cocci A, Mattia A, Chiara P, Ceruti C, Sedigh O, Morelli G, Gontero P. PO-02-008 Suprapubic pedicled phalloplasty in females with gender dysphoria: A multicentric retrospective cohort analysis. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.252] [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: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Cocci A, Cito G, Mondaini N, Morelli G, Vignolini G, Campi R, Morgia G, Gacci M, Serni S, Russo G. HP-04-001 Effectiveness of extra-shock wave therapy for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain: A population-based propensity score adjusted analysis. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.130] [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]
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Abstract
Commercially available dog treats have become very popular and a common part of the pet's diet, yet very little is known about peoples' opinions and feeding habits; therefore, a survey was shared on a popular social network.Most of the self-selected interviewed owners (n = 1833, 83%) use treats regularly, mainly to reward their dog's behavior or during training-sports activities. Owners usually buy several types of treats, of which biscuits and dental care sticks are the most common, and usually hand out one to five pieces to their dogs every day. Most owners read the labels of the treats to seek the ingredients list and the claimed health benefits; contrarily, many owners look for non-nutritional values, such as flavor (n = 321, 18%), brand (n = 72, 4%) or shape (n = 46, 3%). Seventy-five percent of the owners (n = 1369) follow the feeding instructions provided by the producers on the label.Treat feeding is a common practice among dog owners and there is great variability among regimens (e.g., types and quantities provided). Understanding the owner's attitudes could help veterinarians educate them to manage treats in the dog's diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Morelli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - G Marchesini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - B Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - E Fusi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M Diez
- Department of Animal Production, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - R Ricci
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
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15
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Cocci A, Polloni G, Delle Rose A, Grisanti Caroassai S, Cito G, Serni S, Carini M, Matteucci V, Morelli G. 134 A Multi-center analysis on surgical technique, outcomes and learning curve of male-to-female penoscrotal vaginoplasty. J Sex Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.04.136] [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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16
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Capece M, Cocci A, Russo G, Cito G, Giubilei G, Cacciamani G, Garaffa G, Falcone M, Timpano M, Tasso G, Sessa F, Campi R, Di Maida F, Cai T, Morelli G, Giammusso B, Verze P, Palmieri A, Ralph D, Mirone V, Mondaini N. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum for the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a prospective Italian multicentric study. Andrology 2018; 6:564-567. [PMID: 29733116 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Capece
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche; Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - A. Cocci
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - G. Russo
- Department of Urology; Universita degli Studi di Catania Scuola di Facolta di Medicina; Catania Italy
| | - G. Cito
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - G. Giubilei
- Department of Urology; Azienda USL Toscana centro Sede di Empoli; Empoli Italy
| | - G. Cacciamani
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona; Verona Italy
| | | | - M. Falcone
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta della Salute e della Scienza di Torino; Torino Italy
| | - M. Timpano
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Citta della Salute e della Scienza di Torino; Torino Italy
| | - G. Tasso
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - F. Sessa
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - R. Campi
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - F. Di Maida
- Department of Urology; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi; Firenze Italy
| | - T. Cai
- Department of Urology; Santa Chiara Hospital; Trento Italy
| | - G. Morelli
- Department of Urology; Università di Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - B. Giammusso
- Department of Urology; Universita degli Studi di Catania Scuola di Facolta di Medicina; Catania Italy
| | - P. Verze
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche; Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - A. Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche; Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - D. Ralph
- The Institute of Urology; London UK
| | - V. Mirone
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche; Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - N. Mondaini
- Department of Urology; Ospedale Santa Maria Annunziata; Bagno a Ripoli Italy
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17
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Riccio A, Morelli G, Sangiolo M, Morante R, Esposito C, Tarantino G. A Lupus Hepatitis Case and its Association with Igm Antibodies against Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster Viruses. EUR J INFLAMM 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x0900700106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis for a role of viral infections on the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus has been discussed in many works, particularly that of cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus infections as trigger of autoimmune processes. Here, we describe the case of a young woman affected by systemic lupus erythematosus with marked hepatic involvement presenting IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and herpes zoster virus in the absence of virus. The meaning of these laboratory findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Riccio
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Federico II° University Medical School of Naples, Naples
| | - G. Morelli
- “Domenico Cotugno “ Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - M.G. Sangiolo
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Federico II° University Medical School of Naples, Naples
| | - R. Morante
- Departments of Public Medicine, Federico II° University Medical School of Naples, Naples
| | | | - G. Tarantino
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Federico II° University Medical School of Naples, Naples
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18
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Reddy KR, Lim JK, Kuo A, Di Bisceglie AM, Galati JS, Morelli G, Everson GT, Kwo PY, Brown RS, Sulkowski MS, Akuschevich L, Lok AS, Pockros PJ, Vainorius M, Terrault NA, Nelson DR, Fried MW, Manns MP. All-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy in HCV-advanced liver disease is effective in real-world practice: observations through HCV-TARGET database. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:115-126. [PMID: 27790729 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus therapy in patients with advanced liver disease remains a clinical challenge. HCV-TARGET collects data in patients treated at tertiary academic and community centres. AIM To assess efficacy of all-oral HCV therapy in advanced liver disease. METHODS Between December 2013 and October 2014, 240 patients with a MELD score of ≥10 initiated HCV treatment with an all-oral regimen. Data from the 220 patients who completed 12-week follow-up were analysed. RESULTS Genotype 1 (GT1) patients had higher sustained virological response (SVR) when treated with sofosbuvir plus simeprevir ± ribavirin than with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (66-74% vs. 54%); GT1b vs GT1a (84% vs. 64%). SVR for GT2 was 72% with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin, while GT3 patients had a substantially lower response (35%). A decrease in MELD score was not clearly related to SVR over the short course of follow-up although some had improvements in MELD score, serum bilirubin and albumin. A predictor of virological response was albumin level while negative predictors were elevated bilirubin level and GT1a. Most patients with GT1 were treated with approximately 12-week duration of sofosbuvir and simeprevir ± ribavirin therapy while GT2 and GT3 patients were treated with approximately 12 and 24 weeks of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin respectively. CONCLUSIONS All-oral therapies are effective among patients with advanced liver disease with high levels of success in GT2 and GT1b, and may serve to reduce the severity of liver disease after SVR. Treatment for GT3 patients remains an unmet need. Clinical trial number: NCT01474811.
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19
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Sulkowski MS, Vargas HE, Di Bisceglie AM, Kuo PA, Reddy KR, Lim JK, Morelli G, Darling JM, Feld JJ, Brown RS, Frazier LM, Stewart TG, Fried MW, Nelson DR, Jacobson IM. Effectiveness of Simeprevir Plus Sofosbuvir, With or Without Ribavirin, in Real-World Patients With HCV Genotype 1 Infection. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:419-29. [PMID: 26497081 PMCID: PMC4727992 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The interferon-free regimen of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir was recommended by professional guidelines for certain patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection based on the findings of a phase 2 trial. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this regimen in clinical practice settings in North America. METHODS We collected demographic, clinical, and virologic data, as well as reports of adverse outcomes, from sequential participants in HCV-TARGET--a prospective observational cohort study of patients undergoing HCV treatment in routine clinical care settings. From January through October 2014, there were 836 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who began 12 weeks of treatment with simeprevir plus sofosbuvir (treatment duration of up to 16 weeks); 169 of these patients received ribavirin. Most patients were male (61%), Caucasian (76%), or black (13%); 59% had cirrhosis. Most patients had failed prior treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin without (46%) or with telaprevir or boceprevir (12%). The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as the level of HCV RNA below quantification at least 64 days after the end of treatment (beginning of week 12 after treatment--a 2-week window). Logistic regression models with inverse probability weights were constructed to adjust for baseline covariates and potential selection bias. RESULTS The overall SVR rate was 84% (675 of 802 patients, 95% confidence interval, 81%-87%). Model-adjusted estimates indicate patients with cirrhosis, prior decompensation, and previous protease inhibitor treatments were less likely to achieve an SVR. The addition of ribavirin had no detectable effects on SVR. The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, and insomnia. Serious adverse events and treatment discontinuation occurred in only 5% and 3% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a large prospective observational cohort study, a 12-week regimen of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir was associated with high rates of SVR and infrequent treatment discontinuation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01474811.
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Affiliation(s)
- MS Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - PA Kuo
- University of California, San Diego CA
| | - KR Reddy
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - JK Lim
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - G Morelli
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - JM Darling
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - JJ Feld
- Toronto Western Hospital Liver Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - RS Brown
- Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - TG Stewart
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - MW Fried
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - DR Nelson
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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20
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Abstract
The homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) class of transcription factors is unique to plants. HD-Zip proteins bind to DNA exclusively as dimers recognizing dyad symmetric sequences and act as positive or negative regulators of gene expression. On the basis of sequence homology in the HD-Zip DNA-binding domain, HD-Zip proteins have been grouped into four families (HD-Zip I-IV). Each HD-Zip family can be further divided into subfamilies containing paralogous genes that have arisen through genome duplication. Remarkably, all the members of the HD-Zip IIγ and -δ clades are regulated by light quality changes that induce in the majority of the angiosperms the shade-avoidance response, a process regulated at multiple levels by auxin. Intriguingly, it has recently emerged that, apart from their function in shade avoidance, the HD-Zip IIγ and -δ transcription factors control several auxin-regulated developmental processes, including apical embryo patterning, lateral organ polarity, and gynoecium development, in a white-light environment. This review presents recent advances in our understanding of HD-Zip II protein function in plant development, with particular emphasis on the impact of loss-of-function HD-Zip II mutations on auxin distribution and response. The review also describes evidence demonstrating that HD-Zip IIγ and -δ genes are directly and positively regulated by HD-Zip III transcription factors, primary determinants of apical shoot development, known to control the expression of several auxin biosynthesis, transport, and response genes. Finally, the interplay between HD-Zip II and III transcription factors in embryo apical patterning and organ polarity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Turchi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S Baima
- Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - G Morelli
- Food and Nutrition Research Centre, Agricultural Research Council, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - I Ruberti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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21
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Bonadio M, Pichierri G, Costarelli S, Morelli G, Tanzilli P, Tartaglia T, Mori S. Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI): Distribution of Uropathogens and Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance in an Italian Hospital (1996-2003). J Chemother 2013; 17:560-2. [PMID: 16323447 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2005.17.5.560] [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: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Bonadio
- Section of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.
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22
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Giannarini G, Mogorovich A, Valent F, Morelli G, De Maria M, Manassero F, Barbone F, Selli C. Prulifloxacin versus Levofloxacin in the Treatment of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. J Chemother 2013; 19:304-8. [PMID: 17594926 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2007.19.3.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Ninety-six patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and evidence of infection were randomized to receive a 4-week oral course of either prulifloxacin (a new fluoroquinolone) 600 mg or levofloxacin 500 mg once daily. They were evaluated with the Meares-Stamey test and the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) at baseline and one week after therapy completion. Patients with microbiological eradication were evaluated again with the Meares-Stamey test 6 months after therapy completion. The microbiological eradication rate was 72.73% for prulifloxacin and 71.11% for levofloxacin (p=0.86) and the reduction in the NIH-CPSI was 10.75 and 10.73, respectively (p=0.98). Safety was comparable, with 18.18% adverse events for prulifloxacin and 22.22% for levofloxacin (p=0.79). Thus, a 4-week course of prulifloxacin 600 mg once daily is at least as effective and safe as levofloxacin 500 mg once daily in the treatment of CBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giannarini
- Department of Urology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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23
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Cabrera R, Limaye AR, Horne P, Mills R, Soldevila-Pico C, Clark V, Morelli G, Firpi R, Nelson DR. The anti-viral effect of sorafenib in hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:91-7. [PMID: 23094860 PMCID: PMC3682667 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib is currently the only approved systemic therapy shown to have efficacy in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies suggest that hepatitis C (HCV)-related HCC patients derive more clinical benefit from sorafenib than other subgroups, but the mechanism for this effect is unknown. In vitro data suggest that sorafenib may exert anti-viral properties, and thus our aim in this study was to evaluate potential anti-viral activity of sorafenib in patients with HCV-related HCC. AIM To evaluate potential anti-viral activity of sorafenib in patients with HCV-related HCC. METHODS We prospectively enrolled patients with HCV-related HCC treated with sorafenib for up to 6 months. Baseline clinical, viral and oncologic data were collected. Patients' HCV viral loads were obtained at various time points, and compared with their baseline viral levels. No patients received any known anti-viral therapy during this time. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were identified with baseline and subsequent HCV levels available for analysis. Six patients completed 6 months of full dose sorafenib, and comparisons of their HCV viral loads showed no significant change at week 24 (difference of means = 0.3500, CI: -0.1799-0.8799, P = 0.150), or the interim time points. Similarly, the HCV viral loads of all patients who received sorafenib and the viral loads of those patients who had tumour response to sorafenib showed no significant changes at any time point. CONCLUSION Despite preclinical data and previous subgroup analyses suggesting that sorafenib has an anti-viral effect against HCV, this study suggests that sorafenib lacks significant anti-viral activity in HCV patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cabrera
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
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24
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Folgiero V, Di Carlo SE, Bon G, Spugnini EP, Di Benedetto A, Germoni S, Pia Gentileschi M, Accardo A, Milella M, Morelli G, Bossi G, Mottolese M, Falcioni R. Inhibition of p85, the non-catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, exerts potent antitumor activity in human breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e440. [PMID: 23222510 PMCID: PMC3542615 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are heterodimers consisting of the catalytic subunit p110 and the regulatory subunit p85. The PI3K/Akt pathway is strongly deregulated in breast cancer (BC) representing one of the mechanisms of resistance to therapies. Therefore, the identification of inhibitors of PI3K components represents one of the main goals to produce therapeutic agents. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a phosphopeptide 1257 (P-1257) that targeting p85 strongly inhibits PI3K activity. We tested the effects of P-1257 administration in vitro and in vivo using BC cells expressing different levels of ErbB-2 and resistant or responsive to Trastuzumab. We demonstrated that inhibition of p85 activity by P-1257 induces cell death and sensitizes JIMT-1 and KPL-4 ErbB-2-overexpressing BC cells to Trastuzumab treatment. It is noteworthy that P-1257 delivery in vivo by electroporation or liposomes significantly inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells engrafted at subcutaneous and visceral sites. Overall, our data indicate that the p85 subunit is a valid target for therapeutic approaches and suggest that the structure of the peptide used in our study could be utilized for the development of novel drugs to apply in combination with therapies that fail to cure BCs with high PI3K activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Folgiero
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Regina National Elena Cancer Institute, Via delle Messi d'Oro 156, Rome, Italy.
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25
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Laukkanen-Ninios R, Didelot X, Jolley KA, Morelli G, Sangal V, Kristo P, Imori PFM, Fukushima H, Siitonen A, Tseneva G, Voskressenskaya E, Falcao JP, Korkeala H, Maiden MCJ, Mazzoni C, Carniel E, Skurnik M, Achtman M. Population structure of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex according to multilocus sequence typing. Environ Microbiol 2011; 13:3114-27. [PMID: 21951486 PMCID: PMC3988354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2011.02588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multilocus sequence analysis of 417 strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis revealed that it is a complex of four populations, three of which have been previously assigned species status [Y. pseudotuberculosis sensu stricto (s.s.), Yersinia pestis and Yersinia similis] and a fourth population, which we refer to as the Korean group, which may be in the process of speciation. We detected clear signs of recombination within Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. as well as imports from Y. similis and the Korean group. The sources of genetic diversification within Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. were approximately equally divided between recombination and mutation, whereas recombination has not yet been demonstrated in Y. pestis, which is also much more genetically monomorphic than is Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. Most Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. belong to a diffuse group of sequence types lacking clear population structure, although this species contains a melibiose-negative clade that is present globally in domesticated animals. Yersinia similis corresponds to the previously identified Y. pseudotuberculosis genetic type G4, which is probably not pathogenic because it lacks the virulence factors that are typical for Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s. In contrast, Y. pseudotuberculosis s.s., the Korean group and Y. pestis can all cause disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riikka Laukkanen-Ninios
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xavier Didelot
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TG, UK
| | - Keith A. Jolley
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Max-Planck-Institut für Infektionsbiologie, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Vartul Sangal
- Max-Planck-Institut für Infektionsbiologie, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Kristo
- Sequencing Core Facility, Haartman Institute, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Priscilla F. M. Imori
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological, and Bromatological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hiroshi Fukushima
- Shimane Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science, 582-1 Nishihamasada, Matsue, Shimane 699-0122, Japan
| | - Anja Siitonen
- Bacteriology Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Juliana P. Falcao
- Department of Clinical, Toxicological, and Bromatological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hannu Korkeala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martin C. J. Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Camila Mazzoni
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elisabeth Carniel
- Institut Pasteur, Yersinia research Unit, Yersinia National Reference Laboratory, Paris France
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Haartman Institute, P.O. Box 21, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Central Hospital Laboratory Diagnostics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mark Achtman
- Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Road, Cork, Ireland
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Ruberti I, Sessa G, Ciolfi A, Possenti M, Carabelli M, Morelli G. Plant adaptation to dynamically changing environment: the shade avoidance response. Biotechnol Adv 2011; 30:1047-58. [PMID: 21888962 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The success of competitive interactions between plants determines the chance of survival of individuals and eventually of whole plant species. Shade-tolerant plants have adapted their photosynthesis to function optimally under low-light conditions. These plants are therefore capable of long-term survival under a canopy shade. In contrast, shade-avoiding plants adapt their growth to perceive maximum sunlight and therefore rapidly dominate gaps in a canopy. Daylight contains roughly equal proportions of red and far-red light, but within vegetation that ratio is lowered as a result of red absorption by photosynthetic pigments. This light quality change is perceived through the phytochrome system as an unambiguous signal of the proximity of neighbors resulting in a suite of developmental responses (termed the shade avoidance response) that, when successful, result in the overgrowth of those neighbors. Shoot elongation induced by low red/far-red light may confer high relative fitness in natural dense communities. However, since elongation is often achieved at the expense of leaf and root growth, shade avoidance may lead to reduction in crop plant productivity. Over the past decade, major progresses have been achieved in the understanding of the molecular basis of shade avoidance. However, uncovering the mechanisms underpinning plant response and adaptation to changes in the ratio of red to far-red light is key to design new strategies to precise modulate shade avoidance in time and space without impairing the overall crop ability to compete for light.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ruberti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Piazzalle Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy.
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Cabrera R, Pannu DS, Caridi J, Firpi RJ, Soldevila-Pico C, Morelli G, Clark V, Suman A, George TJ, Nelson DR. The combination of sorafenib with transarterial chemoembolisation for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34:205-13. [PMID: 21605146 PMCID: PMC3807574 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard of practice involves using transarterial therapy for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) alone and sorafenib only for more advanced HCC, but the sorafenib and transarterial therapy combination may provide greater efficacy. AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrent sorafenib and transarterial therapy in HCC. METHODS Consecutive cases of HCC were treated with sorafenib and transarterial therapy, receiving sorafenib 2 to 4weeks before transarterial therapy. Baseline clinical parameters, adverse events (AEs) and survival were collected. RESULTS A total of 47 patients received sorafenib and transarterial therapy. The majority of the patients were male (70%) with HCV (60%), median age of 60years, good performance status (0-1), stable cirrhosis (Child: A 72%; B 28%), unresectable tumour (stage: B 81%; C 19%) and median AFP of 24ng/mL. Median follow-up was 12months and median time on sorafenib was 6months. LC Bead TACE was used with a median frequency of 3. The majority of the patients (89%) experienced AEs. The most common AEs were fatigue (51%), hand-foot skin reaction (51%) and diarrhoea (43%). Grade 3 and 4 AEs included fatigue (13%) and hand-foot skin reaction (26%). Most patients required a dose reduction (66%). The main AE related to transarterial therapy was post-TACE syndrome (23%). The disease control rate was 68% at 6months. Overall median survival rate was 18.5months (95% CI 16.1-20.9months). CONCLUSION Concurrent sorafenib and transarterial therapy is overall safe with no unexpected side effects and encouraging efficacy that warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cabrera
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0214, USA.
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Cabrera R, Pannu DS, Caridi J, Firpi R, Soldevila-Pico C, Morelli G, Clark V, George TJ, Nelson D. Combination of transarterial therapy with sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e14598] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
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Morelli G, Chen H, Rossiter G, Rege B, Lu Y. An open-label, parallel, multiple-dose study comparing the pharmacokinetics and gastric acid suppression of rabeprazole extended-release with esomeprazole 40 mg and rabeprazole delayed-release 20 mg in healthy volunteers. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:845-54. [PMID: 21272047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04580.x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel rabeprazole extended-release (ER) formulations were developed to provide prolonged gastric acid suppression and potentially improved clinical outcomes in GERD patients. AIM To evaluate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of six rabeprazole-ER formulations vs. esomeprazole 40 mg and rabeprazole delayed-release (DR) 20 mg. METHODS Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy subjects were randomised to receive one of eight treatments once daily for 5 days. Twenty-four-hour intragastric pH was monitored on days -1, 1 and 5. Rabeprazole plasma concentrations were measured on day 5. RESULTS A total of 248 subjects (N=31/group) were enrolled in the study. On day 5, rabeprazole-ER groups provided mean durations of 18.5-20.2 h (77.0-84.1% of 24-h) with intragastric pH >4.0 vs. esomeprazole 40 mg (15.9 h/66.1% of 24-h) and rabeprazole-DR 20 mg (15.2 h/63.2% of 24-h). A similar increase was observed on day 1. While percentage of daytime (8 am-10 pm) with intragastric pH >4.0 on day 5 was overall similar across the groups, percentage of night-time (10 pm-8 am) with intragastric pH >4.0 was higher with the rabeprazole-ER groups (57.0-72.4%) vs. esomeprazole 40 mg (32.8%) and rabeprazole-DR 20 mg (34.0%). CONCLUSION Rabeprazole-ER once daily for 5 days demonstrated a significantly longer duration of gastric acid suppression in 24 h vs. esomeprazole 40 mg and rabeprazole-DR 20 mg. The increase in acid suppression was predominantly due to prolonged acid suppression during the night-time; this was supported by the extended-release pharmacokinetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Morelli
- St. Mary's Hospital, McGill University, Westmount, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Levy C, Peter JA, Nelson DR, Keach J, Petz J, Cabrera R, Clark V, Firpi RJ, Morelli G, Soldevila-Pico C, Lindor K. Pilot study: fenofibrate for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:235-42. [PMID: 21083674 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newer therapies are needed for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Fenofibrate is a fibric acid postulated to regulate immune response and cell proliferation. AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to UDCA. METHODS We undertook a pilot study involving 20 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥ 2× ULN. Nonparametric statistical tests and Spearman correlation test were used as appropriate. RESULTS Twenty patients received fenofibrate (160 mg/day) in addition to UDCA for 48 weeks. Median serum ALP decreased significantly at 48 weeks compared with baseline values [351 (214-779) U/L at baseline vs. 177 (60-384) U/L at 48 weeks, P < 0.05]. A rebound in ALP occurred upon drug discontinuation. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and Immunoglobulin M also decreased significantly, while bilirubin and albumin remained unchanged. Median IL-1 decreased from 28.9 (2.7-10 000) to 11.3 (2.5-277.7) pg/mL (P = 0.049), and median IL-6 from 4.6 (3.2-5205) to 3.5 (3.2-73.4) pg/mL (P = 0.027). Heartburn was the most frequent adverse event, leading to discontinuation of two study subjects. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of fenofibrate and UDCA induced significant biochemical improvement in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and incomplete response to UDCA. Further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Levy
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
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Salvucci S, Farina L, Morelli G, Ruberti I. Behavioral dynamic modelling of fast responses: the Escherichia coli SOS system as a case study. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.09.842] [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: 11/16/2022]
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De Leonardis A, D’Orso F, Morelli G, Ruberti R, Cattivelli L, Mastrangelo A. A conserved group of CCCH zinc finger proteins is involved in response to abiotic stresses in durum wheat and arabidopsis. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.09.757] [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: 10/18/2022]
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Bernardini G, Comanducci M, Bambini S, Renzone G, Scaloni A, Morelli G, Achtman M, Ratti G, Santucci A. Identification of new epidemiological molecular markers by comparative proteomics of serogroup A meningococcal isolates from three pandemic waves. Proteomics Clin Appl 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.200800205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 11/08/2022]
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Di Spirito M, Morelli G, Doyle RT, Johnson J, McKenney J. Effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters on steady-state plasma pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in healthy adults. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2009; 9:2939-45. [PMID: 19006470 DOI: 10.1517/14656560802233827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) have been used as adjunctive therapy to statin drugs in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of concomitant administration of 4 g P-OM3 on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the maximum recommended daily dose of atorvastatin (80 mg) in healthy volunteers. METHODS This was a randomized, open-label, repeated-dose, two-way crossover, drug interaction study of two treatments: 4 g of P-OM3 with 80 mg atorvastatin daily or 80 mg atorvastatin daily, each administered for 14 days under fasting conditions to 50 healthy adults. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary determinants of drug interaction were the ln-transformed area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUCtau) and maximum measured steady-state plasma concentration (C(max,ss)) over the final 24 h dosing interval (day 14) for atorvastatin and 2-hydroxyatorvastatin. Safety assessment included clinical laboratory evaluations and adverse event reporting. RESULTS The extent and rate of exposure (AUCtau, C(max,ss)) to atorvastatin and its active metabolites following daily administration of P-OM3 with atorvastatin (80 mg) were similar to those following the administration of atorvastatin (80 mg) alone. Both treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS After 14 days of dosing, the rate and extent of exposure (AUCtau, C(max,ss)) to atorvastatin and its active metabolites were similar with both treatments, indicating that administration of P-OM3 did not affect the steady-state bioavailability of orally administered atorvastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Spirito
- MDS Pharma Services, 2350 Cohen Street, Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, H4R 2N6, Canada.
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D'Andria R, Lavini A, Morelli G, Tognetti R, Aronne G, De Micco V, Ambrosino M, Paduano A, Conte F, Sacchi R, Sebastiani L. THE EFFECT OF IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT ON PLANT PERFORMANCE AND OIL QUALITY OF TWO OLIVE CVS. GROWN IN A TYPICAL ENVIRONMENT OF SOUTHERN ITALY. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.17660/actahortic.2008.791.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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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Giannarini G, Mogorovich A, Manassero F, De Maria M, Morelli G, Selli C. EXCELLENT LONG-TERM ONCOLOGICAL OUTCOME AFTER ELECTIVE TESTIS-SPARING SURGERY FOR LEYDIG CELL TUMOURS: A SINGLE-CENTRE EXPERIENCE WITH 19 CASES. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-9056(08)60064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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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Pannekoek Y, Morelli G, Kusecek B, Morré SA, Ossewaarde JM, Langerak AA, van der Ende A. Multi locus sequence typing of Chlamydiales: clonal groupings within the obligate intracellular bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. BMC Microbiol 2008; 8:42. [PMID: 18307777 PMCID: PMC2268939 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-8-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 02/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The obligate intracellular growing bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis causes diseases like trachoma, urogenital infection and lymphogranuloma venereum with severe morbidity. Several serovars and genotypes have been identified, but these could not be linked to clinical disease or outcome. The related Chlamydophila pneumoniae, of which no subtypes are recognized, causes respiratory infections worldwide. We developed a multi locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme to understand the population genetic structure and diversity of these species and to evaluate the association between genotype and disease. Results A collection of 26 strains of C. trachomatis of different serovars and clinical presentation and 18 strains of C. pneumoniae were included in the study. For comparison, sequences of C. abortus, C. psittaci, C. caviae, C. felis, C. pecorum (Chlamydophila), C. muridarum (Chlamydia) and of Candidatus protochlamydia and Simkania negevensis were also included. Sequences of fragments (400 – 500 base pairs) from seven housekeeping genes (enoA, fumC, gatA, gidA, hemN, hlfX, oppA) were analysed. Analysis of allelic profiles by eBurst revealed three non-overlapping clonal complexes among the C. trachomatis strains, while the C. pneumoniae strains formed a single group. An UPGMA tree produced from the allelic profiles resulted in three groups of sequence types. The LGV strains grouped in a single cluster, while the urogenital strains were distributed over two separated groups, one consisted solely of strains with frequent occurring serovars (E, D and F). The distribution of the different serovars over the three groups was not consistent, suggesting exchange of serovar encoding ompA sequences. In one instance, exchange of fumC sequences between strains of different groups was observed. Cluster analyses of concatenated sequences of the Chlamydophila and Chlamydia species together with those of Candidatus Protochlamydia amoebophila and Simkania negevensis resulted in a tree identical to that obtained with 23S RNA gene sequences. Conclusion These data show that C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae are highly uniform. The difference in genetic diversity between C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae is in concordance with a later assimilation to the human host of the latter. Our data supports the taxonomy of the order of Chlamydiales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Pannekoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Marier JF, Dimarco M, Guilbaud R, Dodard C, Morelli G, Tippabhotla SK, Singla AK, Thudi NR, Monif T. Pharmacokinetics of lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine administered as a fixed-dose combination formulation versus coadministration of the individual products. J Clin Pharmacol 2008; 47:1381-9. [PMID: 17962426 DOI: 10.1177/0091270007307572] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of 150 mg lamivudine, 300 mg zidovudine, and 200 mg nevirapine were assessed following single oral administration of a fixed-dose combination tablet and coadministration of the separate innovator products in healthy male subjects (n = 64) under fasting conditions in an open-label, randomized, 2-way crossover study. Multiple blood samples were collected up to 72 hours and plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals were assayed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods, and bioequivalence was assessed using an analysis of variance model. The ratio of the least squares mean (fixed-dose combination to individual products) and 90% confidence intervals of AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), and C(max) for lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine were all within 80.0% to 125.0%, suggesting a similar rate and extent of antiretroviral exposure in the bloodstream. Mean oral clearance (CL/F) values of lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine for the fixed-dose combination were 23.7, 127, and 1.65 L/h, respectively. The fixed-dose combination and individual products were equally safe and well tolerated, with only a few subjects experiencing drug-related adverse events. The current fixed-dose combination of lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine is expected to provide a similar efficacy/safety profile as coadministration of the individual products, a better adherence to treatment, and considerable cost savings in the treatment of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Marier
- Vice President, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, Plot No. 20, Sector-18, Udyog Vihar Industrial Area, Gurgaon-122001, Haryana, India
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Wirth T, Morelli G, Kusecek B, van Belkum A, van der Schee C, Meyer A, Achtman M. The rise and spread of a new pathogen: seroresistant Moraxella catarrhalis. Genome Res 2007; 17:1647-56. [PMID: 17895425 PMCID: PMC2045147 DOI: 10.1101/gr.6122607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The nosocomial human pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis is one the most important agents of human respiratory tract infections. This species is composed of two distinct lineages, one of only moderate virulence, the so-called serosensitive subpopulation, and a second, the seroresistant one, which is enriched among strains that harbor two major virulence traits: complement resistance and adherence to epithelial cells. Using a suite of population genetics tools, we show that the seroresistant lineage is also characterized by higher homologous recombination and mutation rates at housekeeping genes relative to its less pathogenic counterpart. Thus, sex and virulence have evolved in tandem in M. catarrhalis. Moreover, phylogenetic and Bayesian analyses that take into account recombination between the two clades show that the ancestral group was avirulent, is possibly 70 million years old, and must have infected mammals prior to the evolution of humans, which occurred later. The younger seroresistant isolates went through an important population expansion some 5 million years ago, coincident with the hominid expansion. This rise and spread was possibly coupled with a host shift and the acquisition of virulence genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Wirth
- Department of Biology, University Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Systematics and Evolution, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, F-75231 Paris cedex 05, France
- Corresponding authors.E-mail ; fax 49-30-28460750.E-mail ; fax 33-1-40-79-33-37
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max-Planck Institut für Infektionsbiologie, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Barica Kusecek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max-Planck Institut für Infektionsbiologie, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alex van Belkum
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy van der Schee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Meyer
- Department of Biology, University Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mark Achtman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max-Planck Institut für Infektionsbiologie, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Corresponding authors.E-mail ; fax 49-30-28460750.E-mail ; fax 33-1-40-79-33-37
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Abstract
Gene expression is to a large extent controlled at the level of mRNA accumulation. Genes whose products function together are likely under a common regulatory system (e.g., signal transduction pathways, sets of regulatory proteins) such that they are expressed in a coordinated manner. This property has been frequently used in the analysis of genome-wide expression data, as the experimental observation that a group of genes is co-expressed frequently implies that the genes share a common regulatory mechanism. The authors have investigated the situation in which dissimilarity in gene-expression time profiles may still result from the presence of the same regulatory signal, as in the case of common transcription factors. To this aim, a dynamic model that takes into account the effect of specific mRNA degradation on the shape of gene-expression time series has been developed, and the concept of 'dynamically co-regulated' genes has accordingly been introduced as the goodness-of-fit to such a model (called dynamic R2). The statistical analysis of dynamic R2 over a number of different experimental data sets and organisms shows that the presence of dynamically co-regulated genes is by far more significant than that expected from the randomised data. Furthermore, as an example of the usefulness of the proposed method, genome-wide yeast measurements such as cell-cycle time series and transcription factors targets data, were used to prove that dynamic co-regulation is statistically related to the presence of common transcription factor(s). This latter property is very useful when trying to infer computational indications of co-regulation for not-yet annotated genes that do not display a co-expression pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Farina
- Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica Antonio Ruberti, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Via Eudossiana 18, Rome 00184, Italy.
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Sanna N, Castrignano T, De Meo PD, Carrabino D, Grandi A, Morelli G, Caruso P, Barone V. Gaussian grid: a computational chemistry experiment over a web service-oriented grid. Theor Chem Acc 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00214-006-0227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Perrella A, Vitiello L, Atripaldi L, Conti P, Sbreglia C, Altamura S, Patarino T, Vela R, Morelli G, Bellopede P, Alone C, Racioppi L, Perrella O. Elevated CD4+/CD25+ T cell frequency and function during acute hepatitis C presage chronic evolution. Gut 2006; 55:1370-1. [PMID: 16905711 PMCID: PMC1860041 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2006.099887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Modesti C, Sacco T, Morelli G, Bocci MG, Ciocchetti P, Vitale F, Perilli V, Sollazzi L. Balanced anestesia versus total intravenous anestesia for kidney transplantation. Minerva Anestesiol 2006; 72:627-35. [PMID: 16865081] [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: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM An ideal anesthetic regimen for kidney transplantation should be able to assure haemodynamic stability to obtain an optimal graft reperfusion. The aim of this study was to compare 2 regimens of anesthesia for patients submitted to kidney transplantation. METHODS We studied 40 patients: 20 subjects (Group A) received balanced anesthesia with thiopental, fentanyl and isoflurane, to the others 20 (Group B), a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanyl was given. In both groups muscle relaxation was obtained with a bolus of cisatracurium followed by a continuous infusion. We performed standard clinical, invasive blood pressure and central venous pressure monitoring. Hemodyna-mic data have been collected at standard times. During the postoperative period we evaluated the recovery (Aldrete Score) in the recovery room and the analgesia (VAS) at 1, 6, 24 h after the end of surgery. RESULTS The trend of hemodynamic parameters did not show statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. We observed statistically significant differences concerning the quality of the recovery and the postoperative analgesia. The recovery in group B was faster than in group A, but in group A the pain control was better than in group B at least during the first postoperative hour. CONCLUSIONS For their pharmacokinetic properties, propofol, remifentanyl and cisatracurium allow to obtain a good control of the hemodynamic parameters and a fast and safe recovery of consciousness. Total intravenous anesthesia regimen seems to be an alternative to the balanced anesthesia for patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Modesti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Rome, Italy
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Eppinger M, Baar C, Linz B, Raddatz G, Lanz C, Keller H, Morelli G, Gressmann H, Achtman M, Schuster SC. Who ate whom? Adaptive Helicobacter genomic changes that accompanied a host jump from early humans to large felines. PLoS Genet 2006; 2:e120. [PMID: 16789826 PMCID: PMC1523251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2006] [Accepted: 06/15/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection of humans is so old that its population genetic structure reflects that of ancient human migrations. A closely related species, Helicobacter acinonychis, is specific for large felines, including cheetahs, lions, and tigers, whereas hosts more closely related to humans harbor more distantly related Helicobacter species. This observation suggests a jump between host species. But who ate whom and when did it happen? In order to resolve this question, we determined the genomic sequence of H. acinonychis strain Sheeba and compared it to genomes from H. pylori. The conserved core genes between the genomes are so similar that the host jump probably occurred within the last 200,000 (range 50,000-400,000) years. However, the Sheeba genome also possesses unique features that indicate the direction of the host jump, namely from early humans to cats. Sheeba possesses an unusually large number of highly fragmented genes, many encoding outer membrane proteins, which may have been destroyed in order to bypass deleterious responses from the feline host immune system. In addition, the few Sheeba-specific genes that were found include a cluster of genes encoding sialylation of the bacterial cell surface carbohydrates, which were imported by horizontal genetic exchange and might also help to evade host immune defenses. These results provide a genomic basis for elucidating molecular events that allow bacteria to adapt to novel animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Eppinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Claudia Baar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Bodo Linz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Günter Raddatz
- Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christa Lanz
- Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Keller
- Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helga Gressmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Achtman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan C Schuster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Genomics Group, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Eppinger M, Baar C, Linz B, Raddatz G, Lanz C, Keller H, Morelli G, Gressmann H, Achtman M, Schuster SC. Who ate whom? Adaptive Helicobacter genomic changes that accompanied a host jump from early humans to large felines. PLoS Genet 2006. [PMID: 16789826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0020120.eor] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection of humans is so old that its population genetic structure reflects that of ancient human migrations. A closely related species, Helicobacter acinonychis, is specific for large felines, including cheetahs, lions, and tigers, whereas hosts more closely related to humans harbor more distantly related Helicobacter species. This observation suggests a jump between host species. But who ate whom and when did it happen? In order to resolve this question, we determined the genomic sequence of H. acinonychis strain Sheeba and compared it to genomes from H. pylori. The conserved core genes between the genomes are so similar that the host jump probably occurred within the last 200,000 (range 50,000-400,000) years. However, the Sheeba genome also possesses unique features that indicate the direction of the host jump, namely from early humans to cats. Sheeba possesses an unusually large number of highly fragmented genes, many encoding outer membrane proteins, which may have been destroyed in order to bypass deleterious responses from the feline host immune system. In addition, the few Sheeba-specific genes that were found include a cluster of genes encoding sialylation of the bacterial cell surface carbohydrates, which were imported by horizontal genetic exchange and might also help to evade host immune defenses. These results provide a genomic basis for elucidating molecular events that allow bacteria to adapt to novel animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Eppinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Marier JF, Borges M, Plante G, Dimarco M, Morelli G, Tippabhotla SK, Vijan T, Singla AK, Garg M, Monif T. Bioequivalence of abacavir generic and innovator formulations under fasting and fed conditions. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006; 44:284-91. [PMID: 16800101 DOI: 10.5414/cpp44284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abacavir sulfate is a synthetic carbocyclic nucleoside analogue indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. The objective of the current study was to determine the bioequivalence between a generic formulation of abacavir and the innovator product. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 80 subjects were randomly assigned to receive a single 300 mg oral dose of abacavir sulfate as the generic (Ranbaxy-Abacavir, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd., equivalent to 300 mg of abacavir) and innovator (Ziagen, GlaxoSmithKline) tablet formulations in 2-way crossover studies performed under fasting (n=40) and fed (n=40) conditions. Multiple blood samples were collected over 14 hours and plasma concentrations of abacavir were assayed using an LC/MS/MS method with a limit of quantitation of 25.0 ng/ml. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated using noncompartmental methods. RESULTS Under fasting conditions, geometric mean area under the curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC(0-t)), area under the curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC(0-infinity) and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of abacavir for the generic (5565 ng x h/ml, 5668 ng x h/ml and 2526 ng/ml, respectively) and innovator (5675 ng x h/ml, 5770 ng x h/ml and 2528 ng/ml, respectively) products were very similar. Under fed conditions, mean values of AUC(0-t) AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax for the generic (4487 ng x h/ml, 4571 ng x h/ml and 1841 ng/ml, respectively) and innovator (4574 ng x h/ml, 4654 ng x h/ml and 1781 ng/ml, respectively) formulations were also very similar. Ratios of LSM and 90% confidence intervals of PK parameters between the 2 formulations were within 80.0 - 125.0% under fasting and fed conditions, suggesting that the 2 tablet formulations resulted in similar rate and extent of bioavailability. Adverse events for the generic and innovator products were similar in nature and frequency in the fasting and fed studies. CONCLUSIONS Based on the above results, the generic tablet formulation of abacavir developed by Ranbaxy should be equally effective as the innovator product.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Marier
- Pharma Services, St. Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Marier JF, Manthos H, Kebir S, Ferron S, DiMarco M, Morelli G, Tippabhotla SK, Vijan T, Singla AK, Garg M, Monif T. Comparative bioavailability study of zidovudine administered as two different tablet formulations in healthy adult subjects. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006; 44:240-6. [PMID: 16724579 DOI: 10.5414/cpp44240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Zidovudine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue of thymidine with activity against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In patients with HIV infections or the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), zidovudine is a first-line therapy that was shown to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization. A generic formulation of zidovudine offers the possibility of considerable savings to HIV/AIDS patients in developed and Third World countries. The objective of the current study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of zidovudine administered as a generic tablet formulation relative to the innovator product. VOLUNTEERS AND METHODS A total of 68 healthy adult volunteers received a 300 mg oral dose of zidovudine as the generic formulation (AVIRO-Z 300 mg tablet, Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited) and as the innovator product (Retrovir tablet, GlaxoSmithKline) in a randomized, 2-way crossover study. Multiple blood samples were collected over 12 hours and plasma concentrations of zidovudine were assayed using an LC/MS/MS method with an analytical range of 5.00 to 2,000 ng/ml. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods. RESULTS Mean plasma concentrations of zidovudine declined in a mono-exponential manner, with mean concentration values falling below the limit of quantitation 12 hours after administration of both formulations. Mean area under the curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC(0-t)), mean area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) and peak plasma concentrations (C(max)) of zidovudine for the generic tablet formulation (2,220.6 ng x h/ml, 2,236.0 ng x h/ml and 1,087.9 ng/ml, respectively) were very similar to those observed for the innovator product (2,139.7 ng x h/ml, 2,158.6 ng x h/ml and 1,066.5 ng/ml, respectively). Ratios of least-squares means and 90% confidence intervals of AUC(0-t) AUC(0-infinity) and C(max) between the 2 formulations were within 80-125%, suggesting that the two tablet formulations displayed similar rate and extent of bioavailability. The oral clearance (CL/F) of zidovudine for the generic and innovator formulations were 2.11 1/h/kg and 2.16 1/h/kg, respectively. For the two formulations, adverse events were similar in nature and frequency. CONCLUSION Since the two formulations displayed similar in vivo delivery rate of zidovudine in the bloodstream, the generic tablet formulation of zidovudine developed by Ranbaxy should be equally effective as the innovator product and is expected to produce considerable cost-savings in AIDS patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Marier
- MDS Pharma Services, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Pomara G, Cappello F, Barzon L, Morelli G, Rappa F, Benvegna L, Giannarini G, Palù G, Selli C. Cytomegalovirus and BK-Virus co-infection of a clinically non-functioning adrenal adenoma: innocent bystanders or new pathogenetic agents? Eur J Histochem 2006; 50:131-2. [PMID: 16864124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 64-year-old woman who underwent left adrenalectomy with removal of a 8,5 cm clinically non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma and a 4-cm myelolipoma. Molecular testing for viral infection demonstrated the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA sequences in the adrenal adenoma, but not in the myelolipoma (confirmed by immunohistochemistry). Moreover, the adrenal adenoma was also positive for parvovirus B19, and both adrenal tumor samples were positive for polyomavirus BK (BKV) and adenovirus DNA sequences. This is the first report of co-infection of an adrenocortical adenoma by CMV and BKV. The role of these viruses in adrenal tumorigenesis was postulated.
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Marier JF, Morin I, Al-Numani D, Stiles M, Morelli G, Tippabhotla SK, Vijan T, Singla AK, Garg M, Di Marco M, Monif T. Comparative bioavailability of a generic capsule formulation of the reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz and the innovator product. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006; 44:180-4. [PMID: 16625987 DOI: 10.5414/cpp44180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that has been used successfully for more than a decade to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The objective of the current study was to determine the bioequivalence between a generic capsule formulation of efavirenz and the innovator product. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 41 healthy subjects (34 males and 8 females) received a single 200 mg oral dose of efavirenz as the generic (Ranbaxy-Efavirenz, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.) and innovator (Sustiva, Bristol-Myers Squibb) capsule formulations under fasting conditions in a randomized, 2-way crossover study. Multiple blood samples were collected over 72 hours and plasma concentrations of efavirenz were assayed using an LC/MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods. RESULTS Plasma concentrations of efavirenz peaked within 2.5 hours and then declined in a multi-exponential manner for both formulations. At 72 hours post dose, all plasma concentrations of efavirenz were above the LOQ of the assay (10 ng/ml). Mean area under the curve from 0 - 72 hours (AUC0-72) and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of efavirenz for the generic capsule formulation were 22,840 ng x h/ml and 1,199 ng/ml, respectively. Ratios and 90% confidence intervals of PK parameters between the two formulations were within 80.0 - 125.0%, suggesting that the two capsule formulations resulted in similar rate and extent of bioavailability under fasting conditions. Adverse events were similar in nature and frequency for the two formulations. CONCLUSIONS Based on the above results, the generic capsule formulation of efavirenz developed by Ranbaxy should be as effective as the innovator product.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Marier
- MDS Pharma Services, St-Laurent (Montréal), Quebec, Canada
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Bonadio M, Costarelli S, Morelli G, Tartaglia T. The influence of diabetes mellitus on the spectrum of uropathogens and the antimicrobial resistance in elderly adult patients with urinary tract infection. BMC Infect Dis 2006; 6:54. [PMID: 16545130 PMCID: PMC1434753 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-6-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2005] [Accepted: 03/17/2006] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of Diabetes mellitus (DM) in the etiology and in the antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in patients with urinary tract infection has not been well clarified. For this reason we have evaluated the spectrum of uropathogens and the profile of antibiotic resistance in both diabetic and non diabetic patients with asymptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS Urinary isolates and their patterns of susceptibility to the antimicrobials were evaluated in 346 diabetics (229 females and 117 males) and 975 non diabetics (679 females and 296 males) who were screened for significant bacteriuria (> or = 10(5) CFU/mL urine). The mean age of diabetic and non diabetic patients was respectively 73.7 yrs +/- 15 S.D. and 72.7 +/- 24 (p = NS). RESULTS Most of our patients had asymptomatic UTI. The most frequent causative organisms of bacteriuria in females with and without DM were respectively : E. coli 54.1% vs 58.2% (p = NS), Enterococcus spp 8.3% vs 6.5% (p = NS), Pseudomonas spp 3.9 vs 4.7% (p = NS). The most frequent organisms in diabetic and non diabetic males were respectively E. coli 32.5% vs 31.4% (p = NS), Enterococcus spp 9.4% vs 14.5% (p = NS), Pseudomonas spp 8.5% vs 17.2% (p < or = 0.02). A similar isolation rate of E. coli, Enterococcus spp and Pseudomonas spp was also observed in patients with indwelling bladder catheter with and without DM. No significant differences in resistance rates to ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin of E. coli and Enteroccus spp were observed between diabetic and non diabetic patients. CONCLUSION In our series of patients with asymptomatic UTI (mostly hospital acquired), diabetes mellitus per se does not seem to influence the isolation rate of different uropathogens and their susceptibility patterns to antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Bonadio
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Medicine, Ospedale S.Chiara, via Roma 56, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Costarelli
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Medicine, Ospedale S.Chiara, via Roma 56, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Morelli
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Medicine, Ospedale S.Chiara, via Roma 56, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Tartaglia
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Medicine, Ospedale S.Chiara, via Roma 56, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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