1
|
Brancato V, Cavaliere C, Salvatore M, Monti S. Non-Gaussian models of diffusion weighted imaging for detection and characterization of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16837. [PMID: 31728007 PMCID: PMC6856159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis have been widely handled in literature. In the last decade, due to the mono-exponential model limitations, several studies investigated non-Gaussian DWI models and their utility in PCa diagnosis. Since their results were often inconsistent and conflicting, we performed a systematic review of studies from 2012 examining the most commonly used Non-Gaussian DWI models for PCa detection and characterization. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the ability of each Non-Gaussian model to detect PCa lesions and distinguish between low and intermediate/high grade lesions. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and the heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. 29 studies were selected for the systematic review, whose results showed inconsistence and an unclear idea about the actual usefulness and the added value of the Non-Gaussian model parameters. 12 studies were considered in the meta-analyses, which showed statistical significance for several non-Gaussian parameters for PCa detection, and to a lesser extent for PCa characterization. Our findings showed that Non-Gaussian model parameters may potentially play a role in the detection and characterization of PCa but further studies are required to identify a standardized DWI acquisition protocol for PCa diagnosis.
Collapse
|
2
|
Kundu B, Bastos ARF, Brancato V, Cerqueira MT, Oliveira JM, Correlo VM, Reis RL, Kundu SC. Mechanical Property of Hydrogels and the Presence of Adipose Stem Cells in Tumor Stroma Affect Spheroid Formation in the 3D Osteosarcoma Model. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:14548-14559. [PMID: 30943004 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b22724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is one of the most common metastatic bone cancers, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. Unfolding of effectual therapeutic strategies against osteosarcoma is impeded because of the absence of adequate animal models, which can truly recapitulate disease biology of humans. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to develop physiologically relevant, reproducible, and tunable in vitro platforms to investigate the interactions of osteosarcoma cells with its microenvironment. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are detected adjacent to osteosarcoma masses and are considered to have protumor effects. Hence, the present study focuses on investigating the role of reactive ASCs in formation of spheroids of osteosarcoma cells (Saos 2) within a three-dimensional (3D) niche, which is created using gellan gum (GG)-silk fibroin. By modifying the blending ratio of GG-silk, the optimum stiffness of the resultant hydrogels such as GG and GG75: S25 is obtained for cancer spheroid formation. This work indicates that the co-existence of cancer and stem cells can form a spheroid, the hallmark of cancer, only in particular microenvironment stiffness. The incorporation of fibrillar silk fibroin within the hydrophilic network of GG in GG75: S25 spongy-like hydrogels closely mimics the stiffness of commercially established cancer biomaterials (e.g., Matrigel, HyStem). The GG75: S25 hydrogel maintains the metabolically active construct for a longer time with elevated expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, RUNX 2, and bone sialoprotein genes, the biomarkers of osteosarcoma, compared to GG. The GG75: S25 construct also exhibits intense alkaline phosphatase expression in immunohistochemistry compared to GG, indicating itspotentiality to serve as biomimetic niche to model osteosarcoma. Taken together, the GG-silk fibroin-blended spongy-like hydrogel is envisioned as an alternative low-cost platform for 3D cancer modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Kundu
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - A R F Bastos
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - V Brancato
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - M T Cerqueira
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - J M Oliveira
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine , Headquarters at University of Minho , Avepark , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - V M Correlo
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine , Headquarters at University of Minho , Avepark , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - R L Reis
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine , Headquarters at University of Minho , Avepark , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| | - S C Kundu
- I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics , University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine , AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra , Barco, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory , Braga, Guimarães 4805-017 , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Visco AM, Brancato V, Torrisi L, Cutroneo M. Employment of Carbon Nanomaterials for Welding Polyethylene Joints with a Nd:YAG Laser. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2014.921108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
4
|
Visco AM, Campo N, Brancato V, Trimarchi M. Influence of α-Tocopherol Load and Annealing Treatment on the Wear Resistance of Biomedical UHMWPE Irradiated with Electron Beam. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/1023666x.2013.819545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
5
|
Cutolo PP, Nosso G, Vitolo G, Brancato V, Capaldo B, Angrisani L. Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy vs laparoscopic gastric bypass in obese type 2 diabetic patients: a retrospective comparison. Obes Surg 2013; 22:1535-9. [PMID: 22960950 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-012-0657-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are performed in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to evaluate retrospectively the clinical efficacy of RYGB and SG in two groups of obese T2DM patients. METHODS From the hospital database, we extracted the clinical records of 31 obese T2DM patients, of whom 15 (7 F/8 M) had undergone laparoscopic SG (LSG) and 16 (7 F/9 M) laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB) in the period 2005-2008. The groups were comparable for age (range 33-59 years) and BMI (range 38-57 kg/m(2)). LRYGB alimentary limb was 150 cm, and biliopancreatic limb was 150 cm from the Treitz ligament. LSG vertical transection was calibrated on a 40-Fr orogastric bougie. Data were analysed at 6, 12 and 18-24 months with reference to weight loss and remission of comorbidities. RESULTS The reduction in body weight was comparable in the two groups. At 18-24 months the percent BMI reduction was 29 ± 8 and 33 ± 11 % in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Percent excess weight loss was 53 ± 16 and 52 ± 19 % in LSG and LRYGB, respectively. Thirteen patients in LSG and 14 patients in LRYGB discontinued their hypoglycaemic medications. Five (55 %) patients in LSG and eight (89 %) in LRYGB discontinued antihypertensive drugs. Three out of five patients in LSG and one out of two patients in LRYGB withdrew lipid-lowering agents. CONCLUSIONS LSG and LRYGB are equally effective in terms of weight loss and remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Controlled long-term comparisons are needed to establish the optimal procedure in relation to patients' characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P P Cutolo
- General and Laparoscopic Surgery Unit, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tarantino G, Di Somma C, Pizza G, Brancato V, Nedi V, Valentino R, Orio F, Pivonello C, Colao A, Savastano S. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hepatic Steatosis: Could Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation Be Mediated by the Spleen? EUR J INFLAMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1301100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by an extreme variety of phenotypes and controversial metabolic implications. Hepatic Steatosis (HS) and low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) might be common findings in PCOS. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the LGCI and HS in young women with PCOS according to their Body Mass index (BMI), Insulin Resistance (IR), and PCOS phenotypes. Sixty young premenopausal PCOS women and 20 age-matched controls participated. Primary outcome measures were the presence/severity of HS; LGCI index evaluated as spleen longitudinal diameter (SLD) by UltraSound, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interleukin (IL)-6 levels; BMI and the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HoMA) of IR. The second outcome measures were testosterone, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) levels, and Free Androgen Index (FAI). The presence of HS and LGCI was not significantly different between NW and O/O patients, while there were significant differences particularly when the PCOS-women were grouped according to IR or to PCOS phenotypes. At multiple regression adjusted for BMI, HoMA-IR and the spleen size were the major determinants of the severity of HS (β= 0.36, p=0.007, and β= 0.28, p=0.034, respectively). At multiple regression SLD represented the unique predictor of FAI (β=0.32; p=0.018). In young women with PCOS, HS was detected independently from obesity and was well predicted not only by IR but also by spleen size, with variable expression of the liver-spleen axis across the different PCOS subtypes. A possible role of the spleen in determining LGCI also in women with PCOS is emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Tarantino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | | | - G. Pizza
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - V. Brancato
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - V. Nedi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - R. Valentino
- C.N.R. Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology ‘G. Salvatore’, Naples, Italy
| | - F. Orio
- Department of Endocrinology, Parthenope University, Naples, Italy
| | - C. Pivonello
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - A. Colao
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| | - S. Savastano
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, University Federico II of Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Berger M, Graf S, Brancato V, Heidegger C, Coronado M, Pichard C. O14 La nutrition parentérale complémentaire ne compromet pas le contrôle glycémique aux soins intensifs. NUTR CLIN METAB 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0985-0562(11)70018-8] [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: 10/14/2022]
|
8
|
Savastano S, Balato N, Gaudiello F, Di Somma C, Brancato V, Colao A, Ayala F, Tarantino G. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, Psoriasis, and Inflammation: A Ménage à Trois? EUR J INFLAMM 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1100900308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic patients have an accumulation of metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), likely mediated by systemic inflammation, and exhibiting low circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, a marker of MS and CVD in the general population. The aim of this study is to determine the association of IGF-I and inflammation, and to assess the cardio-metabolic risk calculating the visceral adiposity index (VAI), in a group of psoriatic patients without MS. IGF-I, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were determined in 20 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis (age range 23–77 yrs) without MS, according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Panel III (ATP III), and 20 age- and BMI-matched controls. The standard deviation score (SDS) of IGF-I levels according to age (zSDS), the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the whole-body insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and VAI were also calculated. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) mean value was 17.8±11. HDL cholesterol and IGF-I zSDS values were lower (p<0.001) and waist circumference (p<0.001), VAI, fibrinogen, and IL-6 (p<0.005) were higher compared with controls, while HOMA-IR and ISI were not statistically different. Lower IGF-I zSDS values were associated to higher values of BMI (p=0.04), waist circumference, VAI (p<0.001), PASI (p=0.011), or IL-6 (p<0.001). At the multivariate analysis PASI was the major determinant of IGF-I zSDS (p=0.016), accounting for 37% of its variability. In a subset of psoriatic patients without MS, chronic inflammation might be an important modulator of low IGF-I status, as a further possible mechanistic link between psoriasis and associated metabolic co-morbidities. The negative correlation between age-related IGF-I values and VAI suggest the involvement of adipocyte dysfunction in low IGF-I status more than MS per se. Further studies are needed to address whether these results are valid also for other psoriatic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Savastano
- Department of Molecular and Clinical
Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, Federico II University
Medical School of Naples
| | - N. Balato
- Department of Systematic Pathology,
Division of Clinical Dermatology, Federico II University Medical School of
Naples
| | - F. Gaudiello
- Department of Systematic Pathology,
Division of Clinical Dermatology, Federico II University Medical School of
Naples
| | | | - V. Brancato
- Department of Molecular and Clinical
Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, Federico II University
Medical School of Naples
| | - A. Colao
- Department of Molecular and Clinical
Endocrinology and Oncology, Division of Endocrinology, Federico II University
Medical School of Naples
| | - F. Ayala
- Department of Systematic Pathology,
Division of Clinical Dermatology, Federico II University Medical School of
Naples
| | - G. Tarantino
- Department of Clinical and
Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Berger M, Brancato V, Graf S, Heidegger C, Darmon P, Pichard C. OP027 SPN STUDY: SUPPLEMENTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION (PN) TO REACH ENERGY TARGET DOES NOT COMPROMISE GLUCOSE CONTROL. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s1744-1161(11)70027-8] [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: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND With a reported incidence of 1 to 2 cases per million, adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare disease with poor prognosis. Age distribution shows two peaks: early childhood and between age 40 and 50 years, with females more frequently affected. Sequelae can include Cushing syndrome, virilization and hypertension or local symptoms consistent with abdominal obstruction. Although most cases of ACC are of sporadic origin, they may also occur as part of a congenital or familial disease in which the genetic abnormalities are well established. ACC can also be discovered incidentally in asymptomatic individuals. In sporadic ACC, some molecular modifications are commonly observed (i.e., overexpression of insulin-like growth factor II or vascular endothelial growth factor and somatic mutations of tumor protein 53). When surgical resection of the tumor is impossible or ineffective, chemotherapy with etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin plus mitotane or with streptozotocin plus mitotane is frequently used; however, the overall survival rates are disappointing. CONCLUSIONS Hormonal evaluation is essential to diagnose ACC and the prognosis depends on many factors. New treatments, such as insulin-like growth factor I receptor antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other antiangiogenic compounds, are now being intensively investigated to identify better therapies for this extremely severe malignant neoplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Patalano
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Piazze JJ, Anceschi MM, Maranghi L, Brancato V, Marchiani E, Cosmi EV. Fetal lung maturity in pregnancies complicated by insulin-dependent and gestational diabetes: a matched cohort study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1999; 83:145-50. [PMID: 10391524 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(98)90333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study fetal lung maturity (FLM) as determined by amniotic fluid (AF) tests in diabetic pregnancies (DP) under euglycemic metabolic control, in comparison with matched controls (C). PATIENTS AND METHODS From 514 consecutive pregnancies where amniocentesis was performed for FLM assessment, we selected 45 glycemic controlled DP. Nineteen DP were Type I (IDDM) and 26 pregnancies were diagnosed Type III (GDM). Cases were matched to C by therapy with corticosteroids, gestational age at amniocentesis, pregnancy complications other than diabetes and gender. FLM was determined by the shake test and lamellar bodies (LB) count, lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio (planimetric and stechiometric) and phosphatidylglycerol presence (PG). DP were further sub-divided according to gestational age period at amniocentesis, type of diabetes, associated therapy and fetal malformations. RESULTS RDS (n=2) and neonatal wet lung (n=5) were diagnosed in neonates from diabetic mothers. We found no statistical difference when comparing FLM indices between DP and C groups: shake test 3.1:1+/-1.2 vs. 2.7:1+/-1.2, P<0.40; planimetric L/S 3.4+/-1.4 vs. 3.1+/-2.0, P<0.27; stechiometric L/S 8.2+/-7.4 vs. 7.1+/-6.1, P<0.54; percentage of PG positivity 57% vs. 46%, P<0.13; lamellar bodies count (X10(3)/microl) 42.8+/-36.9 vs. 41.5+/-30.4, P<0.72. No differences were found between DP and controls for subgroups according to gestational age, type of Diabetes (IDDM or GDM), congenital lesions and associated therapy. CONCLUSIONS In euglycemic, metabolically controlled diabetic patients FLM is not delayed, however an increased risk for neonatal wet lung should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Piazze
- Second Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on fetal pulmonary surfactant production as assessed by different tests for the diagnosis of fetal lung maturity (FLM) on amniotic fluid (AF). A cross-sectional cohort study. AF samples from 11 pregnant women with primary CMV infection were examined for FLM between the 26th and 37th week of gestation. Normal pregnancies (n = 11) were matched for gestational age at amniocentesis and at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score and gender sex. FLM was assessed by planimetric and stoichiometric lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio (L/S), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) presence and lamellar bodies count (LB). Maternal immunological parameters (T-cells, natural killer [NK] activity) were also considered. Mean planimetric L/S ratio (4.2+/-2.1 vs 2.3+/-0.7, P < 0.01) and LB count (42.6 x 10(3)+/-19.0 x 10(3) vs 16.8 x 10(3)+/-11.5 x 10(3), P < 0.004) were higher in controls when compared to CMV infected patients. Moreover, planimetric L/S ratio was higher in five CMV non-infected babies compared to six CMV-infected babies (3.1+/-1.3 vs 1.9+/-0.8, P < 0.05). When FLM was related to maternal immunological results, planimetric and stoichiometric L/S and LBs count were negatively correlated with CD8+ T-cells (r = -0.8, P < 0.05; r = -0.9, P < 0.05; r = -0.9, P < 0.01, respectively); LBs was also negatively correlated with CD14+ T-cells (r = -0.8, P < 0.03). In contrast, a positive correlation was found between stoichiometric L/S and NK activity (r = 0.9, P > 0.01). Maternal primary CMV infection impairs FLM indices as a possible result of reduced surfactant release and/or production. Significant correlations were found between immunity status of CMV-infected mothers and FLM tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Piazze
- II Istituto di Clinica Ginecologica ed Ostetrica, Università La Sapienza di Roma, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
- J J Piazze
- 2nd Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Umberto I, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brancato V, Delvecchio G, Simone P. [Survival and mortality in a cohort of heroin addicts in 1985-1994]. Minerva Med 1995; 86:97-9. [PMID: 7603612] [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: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Between 1985 and 1994, 138 intravenons drug addicts were observed, 62 were HIV ab positive. 26 patients died (10 overdose and 9 AIDS). AIDS is, at present, the most frequent cause of death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Brancato
- USSL 25-Clusone, Bergamo, Servizio di Medicina di Base
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
DSM-III and DSM-III-R defined the diagnostic criteria of brief reactive psychosis (BRP) identifying some personality disorders (PDs) as predisposing factors: up to now no experimental data support this hypothesis. In this research, the authors studied the link between BRP and PDs, assessing axis II diagnosis (SIDP-R), after recovery of BRP in a group of 23 patients. Eighty-seven percent of the patients (n = 19) received at least one diagnosis of PDs. The widespread presence of PDs and, particularly, the high prevalence of cluster C (n = 11, 47.8%), are only partially in accordance with the hypothesis of DSM-III. A possible alternative model of interaction is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Maffei
- Unit of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Scientific Institute S. Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cavallaro R, Regazzetti MG, Mundo E, Brancato V, Smeraldi E. Tardive dyskinesia outcomes: clinical and pharmacologic correlates of remission and persistence. Neuropsychopharmacology 1993; 8:233-9. [PMID: 8099483 DOI: 10.1038/npp.1993.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Reversible tardive dyskinesia (TD) outcomes have been reported in long-term neuroleptic (NL)-treated patients. In this study the course of TD outcomes was followed-up for 3 years in a population of 125 institutionalized schizophrenic patients (mean age 57.8 years) receiving continuous NL treatment. Tardive dyskinesia occurrence and severity were assessed by means of the Rockland Simpson Scale (RSS). The prevalence of TD rose from 39.2% at the first examination to 52.8% at last follow-up examination; however, 28.6% of TD-affected patients recovered and 30% improved. Significant risk factors for a persistent TD outcome result included age over 56 years, duration of illness over 30 years, and a total RSS score over 22. Cumulative NL exposure, over 3550 g of chlorpromazine equivalents, was also a significant risk factor for TD. Results from this study confirm that there is the possibility of improvement and remission in an aged, long-term institutionalized population of TD patients. In this report we point out prognostic factors for positive outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Cavallaro
- Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, S. Raffaele Hospital, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The symptomatology of 15 borderline (BDL) depressed and 45 non-BDL depressed consecutive inpatients was assessed using the Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D) and the 90-item Symptoms Checklist (SCL-90) self-rating questionnaire. No significant differences were found in the total scorings of the two instruments in the two groups of patients. However, while non-BDL depressive rated significantly higher in items related to melancholic forms of depression, BDL depressives showed less specific symptoms, and the persistence, or possibly the magnification, of their maladaptive personologic structure. Two discriminant analyses, performed on the ratings at the HAM-D and SCL-90 of the two groups of patients, suggested that although the total degree of severity may be the same, the depressive episodes of BDL patients are qualitatively different from those of patients with less maladaptive personologic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bellodi
- Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, University of Milan School of Medicine, S. Raffaele Hospital, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Delvecchio G, Brancato V. [Mortality and HIV infection in a group of intravenous heroin addicts from 1985 to 1989]. Minerva Med 1991; 82:675-8. [PMID: 1745378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and eighty-seven heroin addicts resident in Valle Seriana Superiore were monitored from July 1985 to July 1989. This sample was representative of a total population of drug addicts estimated at some 350 subjects, 90 of whom (48.1%) were HIV-positive in Elisa assays and Western blot control tests. Six patients (3.2%) died; 3 of whom (3%) were HIV-positive and 3 (3.3%) were HIVab-negative. The most frequent cause of death (59%) was heroin overdose, which occurred in both HIV-positive and negative subjects, showing that the fear of contracting the disease or its possible evolution is not a deterrent in modifying risk behaviour. During the four years of the study, 5 (5.5%) of the HIV-positive patients developed confirmed AIDS. Only one patient died from AIDS, thus confirming the current risk of death as being 1.1% in seropositive patients. An increase in mortality due to AIDS is expected in the future, in line with the current prevalent mortality rate due to heroin overdose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Delvecchio
- Divisione di Malattie Infettive OO.RR., USSL n. 25, Clusone, Bergamo
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
In the light of the existence of controversial reports on the stability of Li ratio, we investigated a group of affective patients wishing to verify intraindividual stability of this parameter in the different phases of the disease, that is normothymia and manic and depressive episodes. We found lower Li ratios for the periods preceding any relapse. Further, we analyzed whether or not some epidemiological factors, such as polarity, sex, actual age, age of onset, might affect interindividual variability of the Li ratio. We found that they did not as single factors. Interaction between polarity and the presence of relapses appeared to significantly affect the Li ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Catalano
- Institute of Clinical Psychiatry, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brambilla F, Facchinetti F, Petraglia F, Smeraldi E, Bellodi L, Brancato V, Genazzani AR. Effects of neuroleptic treatments on peripheral opioid secretion. Neuropsychobiology 1987; 18:68-73. [PMID: 2897644 DOI: 10.1159/000118395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of short- and long-term neuroleptic therapy on peripheral secretion of beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) were examined in 25 chronic schizophrenic patients. Haloperidol was given to 8 patients for 10 days (group A: 0.1 mg/kg b.w./day) and to another group of 8 patients for 30 days (group B: 10-18 mg/day). The other 9 patients were given a combination of haloperidol (6-30 mg/day) with either chlorpromazine (25-75 mg/day), clotiapine (40-60 mg/day), or fluphenazine decanoate (25-75 mg/month) for 14-18 months (group C). beta-EP and beta-LPH levels were assayed before and after each treatment. Haloperidol plasma levels were assayed in group B patients at the end of treatment. beta-EP mean basal levels were higher in patients than in controls; however, beta-LPH mean basal levels were higher only for group A patients. After treatment, the mean levels did not differ from those prior to therapy in groups A and B, while beta-LPH levels were significantly higher in group C. Level increases or decreases in single patients did not correlate with drug dose or duration of treatment, with baseline peptide levels or with the clinical effects of the various treatments.
Collapse
|
21
|
Borgia M, Brancato V, Borgia R. [Controlled study on the effects of 2 different therapeutic approaches in the treatment of chronic constipation]. Clin Ter 1986; 118:165-70. [PMID: 3530618] [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: 01/06/2023]
|
22
|
Perna A, Patanè E, Brancato V. [Ubidecarenone in cardiologic therapy in a bronchopneumology ward]. Boll Chim Farm 1986; 125:46S-52S. [PMID: 3741654] [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: 01/07/2023]
|
23
|
Borgia M, Sepe N, Brancato V, Costa G, Simone P, Borgia R, Lugli R. Treatment of chronic constipation by a bulk-forming laxative (Fibrolax). J Int Med Res 1983; 11:124-7. [PMID: 6852360 DOI: 10.1177/030006058301100212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Seventy-five patients affected by chronic constipation were treated for 4 weeks with an Ispaghula Husk preparation (Fibrolax), a bulk-forming laxative. Frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain and signs of venous stasis improved after treatment. No important side-effect was recorded. Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides did not show significant changes.
Collapse
|