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Figorilli M, Mutti C, Brunetti V, Proserpio P, Liguori C, Lecomte I, Blanchard N, Sacco T, Giuseppe P. The Italian multicenter cohort of the Post Authorization Safety Study on pitolisant (PASS-pitolisant) in narcolepsy: response to treatment. Sleep Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.05.454] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Astolfi A, Puglisi GE, Murgia S, Minelli G, Pellerey F, Prato A, Sacco T. Influence of Classroom Acoustics on Noise Disturbance and Well-Being for First Graders. Front Psychol 2020; 10:2736. [PMID: 31920797 PMCID: PMC6923245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown so far that poor acoustics inside classrooms negatively affects the teaching and learning processes, especially at the lowest grades of education. However, the extent to which noise exposure or excessive reverberation affect well-being of children at school in their early childhood is still unanswered, as well as their awareness of noise disturbance. This work is a pilot study to investigate to which extent classroom acoustics affects the perceived well-being and noise disturbance in first graders. About 330 pupils aged from 6 to 7 years participated in the study. They belonged to 20 classes of 10 primary schools located in Torino (Italy), where room acoustic measurements were performed and where noise level was monitored during classes. The school buildings and the classrooms were balanced between socioeconomic status and acoustic conditions. Trained experimenters administered questionnaires in each class, where pupils answered all together during the last month of the school year (May). Questions included the happiness scale, subscales assessing self-esteem, emotional health, relationship at home and with friends, enjoyment of school, intensity and noise disturbance due to different sound sources, and quality of voice. The findings of the study suggest that long reverberation times, which are associated with poor classroom acoustics as they generate higher noise levels and degraded speech intelligibility, bring pupils to a reduced perception of having fun and being happy with themselves. Furthermore, bad classroom acoustics is also related to an increased perception of noise intensity and disturbance, particularly in the case of traffic noise and noise from adjacent school environments. Finally, happy pupils reported a higher perception of noise disturbance under bad classroom acoustic conditions, whereas unhappy pupils only reported complaints in bad classroom acoustics with respect to the perception of pleasances with himself or herself and of fitting in at school. Being a mother tongue speaker is a characteristic of children that brings more chances of attending classes in good acoustics, of being less disturbed, and of having more well-being, and richer districts presented better acoustic conditions, in turn resulting in richer districts also revealing a greater perception of well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Astolfi
- Department of Energy, Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Murgia
- Department of Energy, Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Greta Minelli
- Department of Energy, Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Pellerey
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Prato
- INRiM - National Institute of Metrological Research, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Puglisi GE, Prato A, Sacco T, Astolfi A. Influence of classroom acoustics on the reading speed: A case study on Italian second-graders. J Acoust Soc Am 2018; 144:EL144. [PMID: 30180687 DOI: 10.1121/1.5051050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The need of tuning into speech in noisy and reverberant classrooms is a challenge for good speech communication and literacy development at school. Reading development can be compromised if children are exposed to inadequate acoustics, especially those with poor neural processing in speech discrimination. This work reports preliminary results on the influence of classroom acoustics on the reading speed of 94 Italian second-graders. Speech clarity (C50) was found to be significantly correlated with all the investigated reading tasks, while no significant correlations were found with reverberation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Emma Puglisi
- Politecnico di Torino, Department of Energy, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Prato
- INRiM-National Institute of Metrological Research, Strada Delle Cacce, 91, 10135, Torino, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sacco
- Università degli Studi di Torino, Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, Corso Raffaello, 30, 10125, Torino, Italy , , ,
| | - Arianna Astolfi
- Politecnico di Torino, Department of Energy, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129, Torino, Italy
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Grosso A, Cambiaghi M, Milano L, Renna A, Sacco T, Sacchetti B. Region- and Layer-Specific Activation of the Higher Order Auditory Cortex Te2 after Remote Retrieval of Fear or Appetitive Memories. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:3140-3151. [PMID: 27252348 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The auditory cortex is involved in encoding sounds which have acquired an emotional-motivational charge. However, the neural circuitry engaged by emotional memory processes in the auditory cortex is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the layers and regions that are recruited in the higher order auditory cortex Te2 by a tone previously paired to either fear or appetitive stimuli in rats. By tracking the protein coded by the immediate early gene zif268, we found that fear memory retrieval engages layers II-III in most regions of Te2. These results were neither due to an enhanced fear state nor to fear-evoked motor responses, as they were absent in animals retrieving an olfactory fear memory. These layers were also activated by appetitive auditory memory retrieval. Strikingly, layer IV was recruited by fear, but not appetitive memories, whereas layer V activity was related to the behavioral responses displayed to the CS. In addition to revealing the layers and regions that are recruited in the Te2 by either fear or appetitive remote memories, our study also shows that the neural circuitry within the Te2 that processes and stores emotional memories varies on the basis of the affective motivational charge of tones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Grosso
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Cambiaghi
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Luisella Milano
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Annamaria Renna
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sacco
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Sacchetti
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience-Turin, I-10125 Turin, Italy
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D’Onofrio G, Simeoni M, Rizza P, Caroleo M, Capria M, Mazzitello G, Sacco T, Mazzuca E, Panzino MT, Cerantonio A, Segura-Garcia C, Andreucci M, De Fazio P, Fuiano G. Quality of life, clinical outcome, personality and coping in chronic hemodialysis patients. Ren Fail 2017; 39:45-53. [PMID: 27778533 PMCID: PMC6014518 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2016.1244077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONAL Our aim was to investigate the quality of life (QoL) in 103 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) in an integrated assessment of clinical, personological, and adaptation parameters, also in a non-urban context. OBJECTIVES We collected data from all chronic HD patients attending four HD units. Clinical status was assessed by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines and by Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI). Patients completed the following questionnaires: Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Personality profile and coping style were assessed by Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) revised and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS). Data were analyzed by conventional descriptive statistics. Multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses were performed. MAIN FINDINGS Variables significantly associated with physical and mental components of KDQOL-SF were: intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (p = .004; p = .0015), typology of cohabitant (family member or not) (p = .022; p = .007), years of dialysis (p = .022; p = .048). Variables associated with mental component of KDQOL-SF were: PSQI (p = .000), task-coping (p = .000), avoidance-coping (p = .003), work status (p = .021). Principle conclusions: Our results suggest the importance of an integrated and multidirectional management of patients chronically undergoing HD and living in a non-urban context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina D’Onofrio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariadelina Simeoni
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Rizza
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences, University Hospital ‘Mater Domini’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariarita Caroleo
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences, University Hospital ‘Mater Domini’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Capria
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elena Mazzuca
- Territorial Hemodialysis Unit of Catanzaro Lido, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Panzino
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cerantonio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Segura-Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences, University Hospital ‘Mater Domini’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Andreucci
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences, University Hospital ‘Mater Domini’, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fuiano
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, ‘Mater Domini’ University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
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Perilli V, Aceto P, Sacco T, Modesti C, Ciocchetti P, Vitale F, Russo A, Fasano G, Dottorelli A, Sollazzi L. Anaesthesiological strategies to improve outcome in liver transplantation recipients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2016; 20:3172-3177. [PMID: 27466988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Graft and patients survival are the main goal of anesthesiological management in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Even if anesthesiological practice sustained major developments over time, some evidence-based intraoperative strategies have not yet been widely applied. The aim of this review was to summarize intraoperative anesthesiological strategies which could have the potential to improve LT graft and/or recipient survival. Monitoring must be as accurate as possible in order to manage intraoperative hemodynamic changes. The pulmonary artery catheter still represents the more reliable method to monitor cardiac output by using the intermittent bolus thermodilution technique. Minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring devices may be considered only in stable cirrhotic patients. Goal-directed fluid-therapy has not yet defined for LT, but it could have a role in optimizing the long-term sequelae associated with volume depletion or overload. The use of vasopressor may affect LT recipient's outcome, by preventing prolonged hypotension, decreasing blood products transfusion and counteracting hepato-renal syndrome. The use of viscoelastic point of care is also warranted in order to reduce blood products requirements. Decreasing mechanical ventilation time, when it is feasible, may considerably improve survival. Finally, monitoring the depth of anesthesia when integrated into an early extubation protocol might have a positive effect on graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Perilli
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, School of Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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Aceto P, Perilli V, Lai C, Sacco T, Modesti C, Luca E, De Santis P, Sollazzi L, Antonelli M. Minimum alveolar concentration threshold of sevoflurane for postoperative dream recall. Minerva Anestesiol 2015; 81:1201-1209. [PMID: 25532493] [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: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many factors affect postoperative dream recall, including patient characteristics, type of anesthesia, timing of postoperative interview and stress hormone secretion. Aims of the study were to determine whether Bispectral Index (BIS)-guided anesthesia might decrease sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) when compared with hemodynamically-guided anesthesia, and to search for a MAC threshold useful for preventing arousal, dream recall and implicit memory. METHODS One hundred thirty patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy were enrolled. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg kg(-1), fentanyl 3 mcg kg(-1) and cis-atracurium 0.15 mg kg(-1). For anesthesia maintenance, patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a BIS-guided group in which sevoflurane MAC was adjusted on the basis of BIS values, and a hemodynamic parameters (HP)-guided group in which MAC was adjusted based on HP. An auditory recording was presented to patients during anesthesia maintenance. Dream recall and explicit/implicit memory were investigated upon awakening and approximately after 24 h. RESULTS Mean sevoflurane MAC during auditory presentation was similar in the two groups (0.85 ± 0.16 and 0.87 ± 0.17 [P = 0.53] in BIS-guided and HP-guided groups, respectively). Frequency of dream recall was similar in the two groups: 27% (N. = 17) in BIS-guided group, 18% (N. = 12) in HP-guided group, P = 0.37. In both groups, dream recall was less probable in patients anesthetized with MAC values ≥ 0.9 (area under ROC curve = 0.83, sensitivity = 90%, and specificity = 49%). CONCLUSION BIS-guided anesthesia was not able to generate different MAC values compared to HP-guided anesthesia. Independent of the guide used for anesthesia, a sevoflurane MAC over 0.9 was required to prevent postoperative dream recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Aceto
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy -
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Grosso A, Cambiaghi M, Concina G, Sacco T, Sacchetti B. Auditory cortex involvement in emotional learning and memory. Neuroscience 2015; 299:45-55. [PMID: 25943482 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.04.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Emotional memories represent the core of human and animal life and drive future choices and behaviors. Early research involving brain lesion studies in animals lead to the idea that the auditory cortex participates in emotional learning by processing the sensory features of auditory stimuli paired with emotional consequences and by transmitting this information to the amygdala. Nevertheless, electrophysiological and imaging studies revealed that, following emotional experiences, the auditory cortex undergoes learning-induced changes that are highly specific, associative and long lasting. These studies suggested that the role played by the auditory cortex goes beyond stimulus elaboration and transmission. Here, we discuss three major perspectives created by these data. In particular, we analyze the possible roles of the auditory cortex in emotional learning, we examine the recruitment of the auditory cortex during early and late memory trace encoding, and finally we consider the functional interplay between the auditory cortex and subcortical nuclei, such as the amygdala, that process affective information. We conclude that, starting from the early phase of memory encoding, the auditory cortex has a more prominent role in emotional learning, through its connections with subcortical nuclei, than is typically acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grosso
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - M Cambiaghi
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - G Concina
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - T Sacco
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy
| | - B Sacchetti
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy.
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Aceto P, Perilli V, Lai C, Sacco T, Ancona P, Gasperin E, Sollazzi L. Update on post-traumatic stress syndrome after anesthesia. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2013; 17:1730-1737. [PMID: 23852895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 0.5% and 2% of surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia may experience awareness with explicit recall. These patients are at a risk for developing anxiety symptoms which may be transient or can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AIM The aim of this review was to assess the prevalence of PTSD after intraoperative awareness episodes and analyze patients' complaints, type and timing of assessment used. METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library were searched up until October 2012. Prospective and retrospective studies on human adult subjects describing prevalence of PTSD and/or psychological sequalae after awareness episodes were included. RESULTS Seven studies were identified. Prevalence of PTSD ranged from 0 to 71%. Acute emotions such as fear, panic, inability to communicate and feeling of helplessness were the only patients' complaints that were significantly correlated to psychological sequelae including PTDS. There were cases that reported psychological symptoms after 2-6 hours from awakening (%) or 30 days after (%). Previous studies used psychological scales lacking of dissociation assessment. CONCLUSIONS Whenever an awareness episode is suspected, a psychological assessment with at least three interviews at 2-6 h, 2-36 h and 30 days must be performed in order to collect symptoms associated with both early and delayed retrieval of traumatic event. As a dissociative state could hide the expression of reactive symptoms after intraoperative awareness, future studies should be focused on detecting dissociative symptoms in order to carry out a prompt and appropriate treatment aimed at avoiding long-term psychological disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Aceto
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Perilli V, Aceto P, Modesti C, Ciocchetti P, Sacco T, Vitale F, Lai C, Magalini SC, Avolio AW, Sollazzi L. Low values of left ventricular ejection time in the post-anhepatic phase may be associated with occurrence of primary graft dysfunction after orthotopic liver transplantation: results of a single-centre case-control study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2012; 16:1433-1440. [PMID: 23104662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous investigations on risk factors for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) surgery have not analyzed hemodynamic aberrations in great detail. Moreover, the usefulness of esophageal Doppler monitoring has not been extensively studied in this clinical setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the occurrence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) may be anticipated by hemodynamic indexes measured by esophageal Doppler (ED) monitoring system as well as by pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in patients undergoing OLT. MATERIALS AND METHODS 38 OLT recipients were studied. Patients with acute liver failure or having non treated esophageal varices and those transplanted with marginal donors were excluded from the study. The haemodynamic data - measured by ED monitoring system (HemosonicTM 100, Arrow, OK, USA) and PAC - collected at the following 3 time points were considered for statistical analysis: 30 minutes after the induction of anesthesia but before skin incision, T0; 20 minutes after liver dissection, T1; at the beginning of biliary reconstruction, T2. On the basis of early outcome (72 hours after OLT), patients were distinguished into two groups: those with PGD (grade III-IV of Toronto classification) and those without PGD (grade I-II). RESULTS LVETc (left ventricular ejection time) values, registered at the beginning of biliary reconstruction (T2), were lower in patients with PGD compared to those without PGD (p < 0.000), while there were no differences in hemodynamic parameters derived from PAC between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Since LVETc is related to preload, the results of this study would suggest that normovolemia could be the end point of a fluid replacement strategy in OLT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Perilli
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, A. Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Zhu L, Sacco T, Strata P, Sacchetti B. Basolateral amygdala inactivation impairs learning-induced long-term potentiation in the cerebellar cortex. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16673. [PMID: 21304962 PMCID: PMC3031621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning to fear dangerous situations requires the participation of basolateral amygdala (BLA). In the present study, we provide evidence that BLA is necessary for the synaptic strengthening occurring during memory formation in the cerebellum in rats. In the cerebellar vermis the parallel fibers (PF) to Purkinje cell (PC) synapse is potentiated one day following fear learning. Pretraining BLA inactivation impaired such a learning-induced long-term potentiation (LTP). Similarly, cerebellar LTP is affected when BLA is blocked shortly, but not 6 h, after training. The latter result shows that the effects of BLA inactivation on cerebellar plasticity, when present, are specifically related to memory processes and not due to an interference with sensory or motor functions. These data indicate that fear memory induces cerebellar LTP provided that a heterosynaptic input coming from BLA sets the proper local conditions. Therefore, in the cerebellum, learning-induced plasticity is a heterosynaptic phenomenon that requires inputs from other regions. Studies employing the electrically-induced LTP in order to clarify the cellular mechanisms of memory should therefore take into account the inputs arriving from other brain sites, considering them as integrative units. Based on previous and the present findings, we proposed that BLA enables learning-related plasticity to be formed in the cerebellum in order to respond appropriately to new stimuli or situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Strata
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Sacchetti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Turin, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Visual, acoustic, and olfactory stimuli associated with a highly charged emotional situation take on the affective qualities of that situation. Where the emotional meaning of a given sensory experience is stored is a matter of debate. We found that excitotoxic lesions of auditory, visual, or olfactory secondary sensory cortices impaired remote, but not recent, fear memories in rats. Amnesia was modality-specific and not due to an interference with sensory or emotional processes. In these sites, memory persistence was dependent on ongoing protein kinase Mzeta activity and was associated with an increased activity of layers II-IV, thus suggesting a synaptic strengthening of corticocortical connections. Lesions of the same areas left intact the memory of sensory stimuli not associated with any emotional charge. We propose that secondary sensory cortices support memory storage and retrieval of sensory stimuli that have acquired a behavioral salience with the experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello 30, I-10125 Turin, Italy
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Sacco T, Boda E, Hoxha E, Pizzo R, Cagnoli C, Brusco A, Tempia F. Mouse brain expression patterns of Spg7, Afg3l1, and Afg3l2 transcripts, encoding for the mitochondrial m-AAA protease. BMC Neurosci 2010; 11:55. [PMID: 20426821 PMCID: PMC2880309 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-11-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The m-AAA (ATPases Associated with a variety of cellular Activities) is an evolutionary conserved metalloprotease complex located in the internal mitochondrial membrane. In the mouse, it is a hetero-oligomer variably formed by the Spg7, Afg3l1, and Afg3l2 encoded proteins, or a homo-oligomer formed by either Afg3l1 or Afg3l2. In humans, AFG3L2 and SPG7 genes are conserved, whereas AFG3L1 became a pseudogene. Both AFG3L2 and SPG7 are involved in a neurodegenerative disease, namely the autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia SCA28 and a recessive form of spastic paraplegia, respectively. Results Using quantitative RT-PCR, we measured the expression levels of Spg7, Afg3l1, and Afg3l2 in the mouse brain. In all regions Afg3l2 is the most abundant transcript, followed by Spg7, and Afg3l1, with a ratio of approximately 5:3:1 in whole-brain mRNA. Using in-situ hybridization, we showed that Spg7, Afg3l1 and Afg3l2 have a similar cellular pattern of expression, with high levels in mitral cells, Purkinje cells, deep cerebellar nuclei cells, neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons, and brainstem motor neurons. However, in some neuronal types, differences in the level of expression of these genes were present, suggesting distinct degrees of contribution of their proteins. Conclusions Neurons involved in SCA28 and hereditary spastic paraplegia display high levels of expression, but similar or even higher expression is also present in other types of neurons, not involved in these diseases, suggesting that the selective cell sensitivity should be attributed to other, still unknown, mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sacco
- Section of Physiology of the Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino and National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Torino, Italy
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Di Bella D, Lazzaro F, Brusco A, Plumari M, Battaglia G, Pastore A, Finardi A, Cagnoli C, Tempia F, Frontali M, Veneziano L, Sacco T, Boda E, Brussino A, Bonn F, Castellotti B, Baratta S, Mariotti C, Gellera C, Fracasso V, Magri S, Langer T, Plevani P, Di Donato S, Muzi-Falconi M, Taroni F. Mutations in the mitochondrial protease gene AFG3L2 cause dominant hereditary ataxia SCA28. Nat Genet 2010; 42:313-21. [PMID: 20208537 DOI: 10.1038/ng.544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders characterized by cerebellar dysfunction mostly due to Purkinje cell degeneration. Here we show that AFG3L2 mutations cause SCA type 28. Along with paraplegin, which causes recessive spastic paraplegia, AFG3L2 is a component of the conserved m-AAA metalloprotease complex involved in the maintenance of the mitochondrial proteome. We identified heterozygous missense mutations in five unrelated SCA families and found that AFG3L2 is highly and selectively expressed in human cerebellar Purkinje cells. m-AAA-deficient yeast cells expressing human mutated AFG3L2 homocomplex show respiratory deficiency, proteolytic impairment and deficiency of respiratory chain complex IV. Structure homology modeling indicates that the mutations may affect AFG3L2 substrate handling. This work identifies AFG3L2 as a novel cause of dominant neurodegenerative disease and indicates a previously unknown role for this component of the mitochondrial protein quality control machinery in protecting the human cerebellum against neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Di Bella
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Perilli V, Avolio A, Sacco T, Modesti C, Gaspari R, Caserta R, Agnes S, Sollazzi L. Use of an Esophageal Echo-Doppler Device During Liver Transplantation: Preliminary Report. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:198-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
The cerebellum, amygdala and perirhinal cortex are involved in fear learning but the different roles that these three structures play in aversive learning are not well defined. Here we show that in adult rats amygdala or cerebellar vermis blockade causes amnesia when performed immediately, but not 1 h, after the recall of fear memories. Thus, the cerebellum, as well as the amygdala, influences long-term fear memories. These effects are long lasting, as they do not recover over time, even after a reminder shock administration. However, all of the subjects were able to form new fear memories in the absence of inactivation. By increasing the strength of conditioning, we observed that stronger fear memories are affected by the combined but not independent amygdala and cerebellar blockade. These results demonstrate that the cerebellum supports the memory processes even in the absence of a crucial site for emotions like the amygdala. Furthermore, they suggest that the amygdala is only one of the neural sites underlying long-term fear memories. Finally, the inactivation of the perirhinal cortex never alters retrieved fear traces, showing important differences between the amygdala, cerebellum and perirhinal cortex in emotional memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Sacchetti
- Rita Levi-Montalcini Center for Brain Repair, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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17
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Di Francesco V, Sacco T, Zamboni M, Bissoli L, Zoico E, Mazzali G, Minniti A, Salanitri T, Cancelli F, Bosello O. Weight Loss and Quality of Life Improvement in Obese Subjects Treated with Sibutramine: A Double-Blind Randomized Multicenter Study. Ann Nutr Metab 2007; 51:75-81. [PMID: 17356258 DOI: 10.1159/000100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Obesity affects cardiovascular risk and also quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to test weight loss and impact on QoL after sibutramine treatment in obese subjects. METHODS Double-blind randomized trial on 309 outpatients (51 males, 258 females; age 41.8 +/- 10.9 years, BMI 35.0 +/- 3.1 kg/m(2)) randomized to sibutramine (n = 154) or to placebo (n = 155) treatment. A combination of sibutramine 10 mg or matching placebo and a balanced hypocaloric diet was given for 6 months with monthly evaluations. The main outcome measures were weight loss, the impact of weight on QoL, BMI, and waist circumference. RESULTS The mean weight reduction was 8.2 kg in the sibutramine group and 3.9 in the placebo group at 6 months (p < 0.01). 40% of the sibutramine subjects and 14% of the control subjects lost > or =10% of their body weight (p < 0.01). The improvement in the impact of weight on QoL was statistically significant only in the sibutramine group at 6 months (mean -12.5 vs. -4.5 points; p < 0.01). In the sibutramine group the reduction in BMI (-3.1 vs. -1.4 kg/m(2)) and waist circumference (7.7 vs. 3.5 cm) was significantly greater (p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was low and similar to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that sibutramine significantly enhances the effect of diet on weight loss, BMI and waist circumference reduction, and showed a significant improvement of QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Francesco
- Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, Clinica Geriatrica, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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18
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Colombo GM, Guglielmelli E, Sacco T, Cicchinelli M. Adverse reactions and medical approach to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Minerva Med 2007; 98:87-8. [PMID: 17372586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
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19
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Colombo GM, Albi F, Salvini P, Sacco T, Cicchinelli M. Ischemic stroke with cardiac involvement in aortic thromboembolism. Minerva Cardioangiol 2006; 54:779-81. [PMID: 17167390] [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: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
An aortic thrombus may be detected by using transesophageal echocardiography after an embolic event. Clinical features are variable and may include cardiac and neurologic symptoms, such as the stroke. We report a case of a woman with an acute ischemic stroke, a myocardial infarction and a free floating aortic thrombus.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Colombo
- Emergency Medicine Unit, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Sacco T, De Luca A, Tempia F. Properties and expression of Kv3 channels in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2006; 33:170-9. [PMID: 16949837 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2006] [Revised: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 07/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In cerebellar Purkinje cells, Kv3 potassium channels are indispensable for firing at high frequencies. In Purkinje cells from young mice (P4-P7), Kv3 currents, recorded in whole-cell in slices, activated at -30 mV, with rapid activation and deactivation kinetics, and they were partially blocked by blood depressing substance-I (BDS-I, 1 microM). At positive potentials, Kv3 currents were slowly but completely inactivating, while the recovery from inactivation was about eightfold slower, suggesting that a previous firing activity or a small change of the resting potential could in principle accumulate inactivated Kv3 channels, thereby finely tuning Kv3 current availability for subsequent action potentials. Single-cell RT-PCR analysis showed the expression by all Purkinje cells (n=10 for each subunit) of Kv3.1, Kv3.3 and Kv3.4 mRNA, while Kv3.2 was not expressed. These results add to the framework for interpreting the physiological function and the molecular determinants of Kv3 currents in cerebellar Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sacco
- Rita Levi Montalcini Center for Brain Repair, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30 I-10125 Torino, Italy
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21
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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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22
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Schiavon E, Sacco T, Cassulini RR, Gurrola G, Tempia F, Possani LD, Wanke E. Resurgent Current and Voltage Sensor Trapping Enhanced Activation by a β-Scorpion Toxin Solely in Nav1.6 Channel. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:20326-37. [PMID: 16702217 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600565200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Resurgent currents are functionally crucial in sustaining the high frequency firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons expressing Na(v)1.6 channels. Beta-scorpion toxins, such as CssIV, induce a left shift in the voltage-dependent activation of Na(v)1.2 channels by "trapping" the IIS4 voltage sensor segment. We found that the dangerous Cn2 beta-scorpion peptide induces both the left shift voltage-dependent activation and a transient resurgent current only in human Na(v)1.6 channels (among 1.1-1.7), whereas CssIV did not induce the resurgent current. Cn2 also produced both actions in mouse Purkinje cells. These findings suggest that only distinct beta-toxins produce resurgent currents. We suggest that the novel and unique selectivity of Cn2 could make it a model drug to replace deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Schiavon
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
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23
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Colombo GM, Del Vecchio LR, Sacco T, Cicchinelli M. Fatal lactic acidosis due to widespread diffusion of melanoma. Minerva Med 2006; 97:295. [PMID: 16855524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G M Colombo
- Unit of Emergency Medicine and Subintensive Care, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Colombo GM, Sacco T, Cicchinelli M. Acute pancreatitis in emergency department. Minerva Med 2005; 96:109-19. [PMID: 16172580] [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: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain is one of the most frequent conditions in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common abdominal disorder with problematic diagnosis because of the lack of a gold standard diagnostic test. Determination of serum amylase levels was considered a screening test, but recent studies have shown an important group of emergency department patients who have normoamylasemia. Other clinical laboratory tests, such as urinary screening, could be useful to decrease misdiagnosed cases of AP in an emergency situation, whereas, to confirm the clinical suspicious, radiological imaging may add specificity. On admission in ED stratifying patients into different categories, according to severity score systems, may be helpful for an appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Colombo
- Unit of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency and Admission, S. Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Perilli V, Sollazzi L, Modesti C, Sacco T, Bocci MG, Ciocchetti PP, Tacchino RM, Proietti R. Determinants of Improvement in Oxygenation Consequent to Reverse Trendelenburg Position in Anesthetized Morbidly Obese Patients. Obes Surg 2004; 14:866-7. [PMID: 15318997 DOI: 10.1381/0960892041590908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a new clinicopathological condition of emerging importance, now recognized as the most common cause of abnormal liver tests. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of liver damage: simple steatosis may progress to advanced fibrosis and to cryptogenic cirrhosis through steatohepatitis, and ultimately to hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity is the most significant single risk factor for the development of fatty liver, both in children and in adults; obesity is also predictive of the presence of fibrosis, potentially progressing to advanced liver disease. From a pathogenic point of view, insulin resistance plays a central role in the accumulation of triglycerides within the hepatocytes and in the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. Chronic hepatocellular injury, necroinflammation, stellate cell activation, progressive fibrosis and ultimately, cirrhosis may be initiated by peroxidation of hepatic lipids and injury-related cytokine release. In the last few years, several pilot studies have shown that treatment with insulin-sensitizing agents, anti-oxidants or cytoprotective drugs may be useful, but there is no evidence-based support from randomized clinical trials. Modifications in lifestyle (e.g. diet and exercise) to reduce obesity remain the mainstay of prevention and treatment of a disease, which puts a large number of individuals at risk of advanced liver disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Festi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
Hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. In fact, chronic hepatitis C is considered as one of the primary causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is the most common reason for liver transplantation. The primary objectives for the treatment of HCV-related chronic hepatitis is to eradicate infection and prevent progression of the disease. The treatment has evolved from the use of α -interferon (IFNα) alone to the combination of IFNα plus ribavirin, with a significant improvement in the overall efficacy, and to the newer PEG-IFNs which have further increased the virological response, used either alone or in combination with ribavirin. Despite these positive results, in terms of efficacy, concerns are related to the safety and adverse events. Many patients must reduce the dose of PEG-IFN or ribavirin, others must stop the treatment and a variable percentage of subjects are not suitable owing to intolerance toward drugs. IFNβ represents a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis and in some countries it plays an important role in therapeutic protocols. Aim of the present paper was to review available data on the safety of IFNβ treatment in HCV-related chronic hepatitis.
The rates of treatment discontinuation and/or dose modification due to the appearance of severe side effects during IFNβ are generally low and in several clinical studies no requirements for treatment discontinuation and/or dose modifications have been reported. The most frequent side effects experienced during IFNβ treatment are flu-like syndromes, fever, fatigue and injection-site reactions. No differences in terms of side-effect frequency and severity between responders and non-responders have been reported. A more recent study, performed to compare IFNβ alone or in combination with ribavirin, confirmed the good safety profile of both treatments. Similar trends of adverse event frequency have been observed in subpopulations such as patients with genotype-1b HCV hepatitis unresponsive to IFNα treatment or with HCV-related cirrhosis and patients with acute viral hepatitis. If further studies will confirm the efficacy of combined IFNβ and ribavirin treatment, this regimen could represent a safe and alternative therapeutic option in selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Festi
- Dipartment of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
Transcripts encoding ERG potassium channels are expressed by most neurons of the CNS. By patch-clamp whole cell recording from Purkinje neurons in slices of young (5-9 days old) mouse cerebellum we have been able to isolate a tail current [IK(ERG)] with the same characteristics as previously described for ERG channels. In zero external Ca2+ and high K+ (40 mM) the V1/2 of activation was -50.7 mV, the V1/2 of inactivation was -70.6 mV, and the deactivation rate was double exponential and voltage dependent. IK(ERG) was 93.0% blocked by WAY-123,398 (1 microM) and 78.2% by haloperidol (2 microM). The role of IK(ERG) on evoked firing was studied in adult mice, where WAY-123,398 application decreased the first spike latency, increased the firing frequency, and suppressed the frequency adaptation. However, the shape of individual action potentials was not affected. Stimulation of presynaptic climbing fibers evoked the Purkinje neuron "complex spike," composed of an initial spike and several spikelets. IK(ERG) block caused an increase of the number of spikelets of the "complex spike." These data show, for the first time, an IK(ERG) in a neuron of the CNS, the cerebellar Purkinje neuron, and indicate that such a current is involved in the control of membrane excitability, firing frequency adaptation, and in determining the effects of the climbing fiber synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Perugia, I-06126 Perugia
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Perilli V, Sollazzi L, Modesti C, Annetta MG, Sacco T, Bocci MG, Tacchino RM, Proietti R. Comparison of positive end-expiratory pressure with reverse Trendelenburg position in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: effects on hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange. Obes Surg 2003; 13:605-9. [PMID: 12935363 DOI: 10.1381/096089203322190826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anesthetized morbidly obese patients often exhibit impaired pulmonary gas exchanges, mostly because of a reduction in functional residual capacity. At present, several approaches are suggested to ventilate these patients. METHODS The efficiency of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) were compared in order to improve oxygenation in 20 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. RESULTS Both PEEP and RTP determined a significant decrease in alveolar-arterial oxygen difference and an increase in total respiratory compliance (Ctot). RTP resulted in lower airway pressures than PEEP with similar improvements in Ctot and oxygenation. Concerning hemodynamic parameters, cardiac output (CO) significantly decreased with both PEEP and RTP. CONCLUSIONS RTP and PEEP can be considered adequate ventilatory settings for morbidly obese patients, without any significant difference with regard to gas exchange improvement. However, the decrease in CO may partially counteract the beneficial effects on oxygenation of these ventilatory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Perilli
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Voltage-dependent and calcium-independent K+ currents were whole-cell recorded from cerebellar Purkinje cells in slices. Tetraethylammonium (TEA, 4 mM) application isolated an A-type K+ current (I(K(A))) with a peak amplitude, at +20 mV, of about one third of the total voltage-dependent and calcium-independent K+ current. The I(K(A)) activated at about -60 mV, had a V(0.5) of activation of -24.9 mV and a V(0.5) of inactivation of -69.2 mV. The deactivation time constant at -70 mV was 3.4 +/- 0.4 ms, while the activation time constant at +20 mV was 0.9 +/- 0.2 ms. The inactivation kinetics was weakly voltage dependent, with two time constants; those at +20 mV were 19.3 +/- 3.1 and 97.6 +/- 9.8 ms. The recovery from inactivation had two time constants of 60.8 ms (78.4 %) and 962.3 ms (21.6 %). The I(K(A)) was blocked by 4-aminopyridine with an IC50 of 67.6 microM. Agitoxin-2 (2 nM) blocked 17.4 +/- 2.1 % of the I(K(A)). Flecainide completely blocked the I(K(A)) with a biphasic effect with IC50 values of 4.4 and 183.2 microM. In current-clamp recordings the duration of evoked action potentials was affected neither by agitoxin-2 (2 nM) nor by flecainide (3 microM), but action potentials that were already broadened by TEA were further prolonged by 4-aminopyridine (100 microM). The amplitude of the hyperpolarisation at the end of depolarising steps was reduced by all these blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Sacco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Human Physiology, University of Perugia, I-06126 Italy
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Filaci G, Pelli N, Sacco T, Contini P, Lanza L, Picciotto A, Scudeletti M, Puppo F, Castiglioni G, Indiveri F. S-adenosil-L-methionine is able to reverse the immunosuppressive effects of chenodeoxycholic acid in vitro. Int J Immunopharmacol 1997; 19:157-65. [PMID: 9306155 DOI: 10.1016/s0192-0561(97)00021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The study was conceived to evaluate if S-adenosil-L-methionine, a substance commonly used in the treatment of cholestasis in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, exerts any immunological effect and of it is able to counterbalance bile acid-mediated immunosuppression. Proliferation and interleukin 2 and interferon-gamma secretion of human lymphocytes, collected from healthy subjects and exposed to mitogenic stimuli (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies), were analysed in the basal condition or after exposure to S-adenosil-L-methionine and/or chenodeoxycholic acid. Chenodeoxycholic acid inhibited phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-gamma secretion, and phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed-mediated interleukin 2 secretion. S-adenosil-L-methionine did not affect lymphocyte proliferation while it reduced interleukin 2 secretion upon phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed stimulation and interferon-gamma secretion upon all stimuli tested. Moreover, S-adenosil-L-methionine counteracted chenodeoxycholic acid-mediated inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin 2 secretion. The results of our study confirm the immunosuppressive role of chenodeoxycholic acid on both secretive and proliferative lymphocyte functions and provide evidence of immunomodulatory activities of S-adenosil-L-methionine and its capacity to antagonize chenodeoxycholic acid-mediated inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin 2 secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Filaci
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sacco
- Istituto di Botanica Speciale, Università di Torino, Viale Mattioli, 25 I-10125 Torino, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sacco
- Istituto di Botanica Speciale. Università di Torino, Viale P. A. Mattioli 25, I-10125 Torino, Italy
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Abstract
Flowers and leaves were collected for the comparison of the trichome morphometrical data and the oil chemical data between two peppermint notomorphs ( PALLESCENS and RUBESCENS Camus). The counting of the glandular trichomes was undertaken by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the averages were analyzed for variation (F-ratio). The two plants showed differences in density and number of trichomes, superior values being obtained by the M. RUBESCENS notomorph. The leaves showed a positive correlation between the number of trichomes and the oil yielded. The oil, analyzed using GC-MS coupling, showed high percentages of menthol (53.76) in the leaves and of menthol (36.65), menthone (19.71) and menthofuran (17.70) in the M. RUBESCENS flowers. The M. PALLESCENS notomorph showed high percentages of menthyl acetate (28.86) and moderate percentages of menthol (25.75) in the leaves, while in the flowers menthofuran with 21.10% gave the highest value.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maffei
- Istituto di Botanica Speciale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria dell'Università di Torino, Viale Mattioli 25,I-10125 Turin, Italy
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Barbara L, Corinaldesi B, Stanghellini V, Paternicò A, Fabbri L, Sacco T. The evolution of anti-ulcer therapy with cimetidine. Is a single large nocturnal dose of cimetidine the right therapy for duodenal ulcer? Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1986; 121:1-5. [PMID: 3532292 DOI: 10.3109/00365528609091670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Peptic ulcer results from the prevalence of agents causing endoluminal lesions over the defence mechanisms of the mucosa of the upper GI tract. Particularly, in the case of duodenal ulcer, the pathogenetic relevance of non-buffered acid secretion of the early nighttime period has been emphasized. This is indeed confirmed by the fact that a single night dose of 800 mg cimetidine has apparently been proved able--in numerous controlled clinical trials--to provide results that are similar to those obtained with the classic dose of 1 g daily or 400 mg twice daily. Our centre carried out a crossover double-blind controlled trial aimed at evaluating titrable acidity and pH during the 24-h period in seven patients with active duodenal ulcer. The single nighttime dose of cimetidine resulted in a significant and long-lasting inhibition of acid secretion during the entire night. During the day, secretory values returned to levels similar to those obtained with placebo, hence allowing normal digestive functions.
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Abstract
By combination of liquid-solid chromatography, capillary GLC and mass spectrometry, the essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of ARTEMISIA COERULESCENS L., growing in Tuscany (Poggio di Monselvoli, Siena), was analysed, alpha-Thujone, beta-thujone and camphor accounted for about 69% of the oil which contained more than a hundred compounds, most of which were present only in traces; 36 components were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sacco
- Cattedra di Botanica farmaceutica, Facoltà di Farmacia, Torino, Italy
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Abstract
By combination of capillary GLC and mass spectrometry it was possible to analyze the composition of the essential oil obtained by steam distillation from leaves and flowers of ARTEMISIA ARBORESCENS L. growing in Sassari (Osilo) in Sardinia. This oil is coloured blue by the presence of relatively high amounts (11.32%) of chamazulene, a substance with anti-inflammatory properties. The oil, after separation in fractions on a silica gel column, was investigated by means of capillary GLC and capillary GLC-MS. Thujone, camphor and chamazulene account for about 75% of the oil. Almost a hundred minor components were found by capillary GLC and 44 were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sacco
- Cattedra di Botanica farmaceutica, Facoltà di Farmacia, Torino, Italy
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38
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Corinaldesi R, Galassi A, Borghi C, Pasquali R, Miglioli M, Sacco T, Barbara L. Double blind controlled trial with oxmetidine and cimetidine in the short-term treatment of duodenal ulcer. Hepatogastroenterology 1981; 28:319-21. [PMID: 7047341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Clinical efficacy and safety of oxmetidine (400 mg b.i.d.), a new potent specific H2-receptor antagonist, and cimetidine (1 g/day) were compared in a double-blind randomized trial of 4 weeks duration that involved 39 outpatients with endoscopically proven active duodenal ulcer. The disappearance of the ulcer crater leading to complete reepithelization of the bulbs or to the presence of erosions occurred in 17 out of 19 (89.6%) patients treated with oxmetidine, and in 13 out of 20 (65.0%) patients treated with cimetidine (n.s.). Ulcer symptoms and antacid consumption were not different in two groups. No side effects or significant haematological or biochemical abnormalities were found. Both drugs failed to evoke significant changes in the basal levels of prolactin (PRL) and gonadotropins. The higher, though not significant, percentage of healing obtained with oxmetidine had no clinical relevance and needs to be demonstrated in a larger number of patients.
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39
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Dell'Agata M, DiCola D, Spoletini L, Sacco T, Giovannini E. [Contribution to the knowledge of the biology of Cyclostomes: activity of aldolase in Lampetra planeri (Bloch) during its biological cycle]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1979; 55:1559-65. [PMID: 553540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been ascertained that in the Lampetra planeri (Bloch) the muscle and liver aldolase level in the last larval period in which lipids are accumulated strongly increases; this may be due to an increased synthesis or diminished degradation of the enzyme.
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40
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Sacco T. [Level of agglutinating and complement fixing antibodies in guinea pigs infected by uro-genital route with Brucella abortus]. Arch Vet Ital 1968; 19:455-64. [PMID: 4979893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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41
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Sacco T, Vercellotti E. [Immunofluorescence for the identification of Listeria monocytogenes in experimentally infected laboratory animals]. G Batteriol Virol Immunol Ann Osp Maria Vittor Torino 1968; 61:415-22. [PMID: 4984696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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42
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Sacco T, Corrias A. [Focus of A-Equi 2 equine influenza in Piemont]. G Batteriol Virol Immunol Ann Osp Maria Vittor Torino 1968; 61:423-31. [PMID: 5754310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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43
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Savi P, Sacco T, Corrias A. [Use of KB, HeLa and EUE cells and of chick embryo fibroblasts frozen at minus 196 degrees C for the isolation of viruses. Results obtained with the virus of Newcastle disease]. G Batteriol Virol Immunol Ann Osp Maria Vittor Torino 1968; 61:318-22. [PMID: 5754010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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44
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Corrias A, Sacco T. [Equine viral respiratory infections in Italy]. Bull Off Int Epizoot 1968; 70:197-217. [PMID: 5761402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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45
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Sacco T. [Level of agglutinating and complement fixing antibodies in guinea pigs infected in different ways with "Brucella abortus"]. Arch Vet Ital 1966; 17:93-104. [PMID: 5913240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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