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A gait-based paradigm to investigate central body representation in cervical dystonia patients. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1311-1318. [PMID: 36534193 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06548-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical dystonia (CD) is a common adult-onset idiopathic form of dystonia characterized by an abnormal head posture caused by an excessive activity of the neck muscles. The position of the head is important to direct viewpoint in the rounding environment, and the body orientation, during gait, must be coherent with the subjective straight ahead (SSA). An alteration of the SSA, as in the case of CD patients, could affect gait when visual input is not available. The aim of this study was to probe the behavior of patients with CD during blindfolded walking, investigating the ability to walk straight ahead based only on somatosensory and vestibular information. METHODS In this observational cross-sectional study, patients with CD and healthy control subjects (HC) were compared. All participants were evaluated through a gait analysis during blindfolded walking on a GAITRite carpet, relying on their own sense of straightness. RESULTS Patients with CD showed lower values of path length (p < 0.001), a lower number of steps on the carpet (p < 0.001). A higher number of CD patients deviated during the task, walking out of the carpet, (p < 0.005) compared to HS. No relation was found between the dystonic side and the gait trajectory deviation. A significant correlation was found between pain symptom and gait performance. CONCLUSIONS CD patients showed dysfunctions in controlling dynamic body location during walking without visual afferences, while the dystonic side does not seem to be related to the lateral deviation of the trajectory. Our results would assume that a general proprioceptive impairment could lead to an improper body position awareness in patients with CD.
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Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) e waist body mass index (wBMI): Which is better? Endocrine 2022; 76:578-583. [PMID: 35304685 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03030-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and overfat are most commonly assessed using the body mass index (BMI), which evaluates "total obesity", without accounting for body fat distribution. Therefore, several indexes of obesity have been proposed, combining BMI with other measures or singular parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new, simple index that takes into account both BMI and Waist Circumference (WC), Waist Body Mass Index (wBMI) in comparison to BMI, WC e Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) for the identification of overfat and obese patients identified by fat mass percentage (FM%). 2400 non diabetic patients were enrolled. From the analysis carried out it emerges that wBMI, BMI, WC and WHtR all have a statistically significant positive correlation (p-Value < 0.001) with FM%. The multivariate analysis showed the positive relationship between these four indexes and the FM. To assess the accuracy of these indices in diagnosing the condition of overfat and obesity we used the statistical analysis Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) derived from the ROC showed that for the male gender the indicator with the greatest discriminating capacity of the conditions of overfat and obesity was the WHtR and the wBMI for the female gender. The wBMI is therefore configured as an additional tool at the disposal of the healthcare professional aimed at framing the overfat and obese patient and monitoring him during the course of treatment. Moreover wBMI is an indicator able to provide information about the FM% constituting an accurate tool for the evaluation of the overfat and obese patient.
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Modulation of the N13 component of the somatosensory evoked potentials in an experimental model of central sensitization in humans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20838. [PMID: 34675309 PMCID: PMC8531029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The N13 component of somatosensory evoked potential (N13 SEP) represents the segmental response of dorsal horn neurons. In this neurophysiological study, we aimed to verify whether N13 SEP might reflect excitability changes of dorsal horn neurons during central sensitization. In 22 healthy participants, we investigated how central sensitization induced by application of topical capsaicin to the ulnar nerve territory of the hand dorsum modulated N13 SEP elicited by ulnar nerve stimulation. Using a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, we also tested whether pregabalin, an analgesic drug with proven efficacy on the dorsal horn, influenced capsaicin-induced N13 SEP modulation. Topical application of capsaicin produced an area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, a sign of central sensitization, and increased the N13 SEP amplitude but not the peripheral N9 nor the cortical N20-P25 amplitude. This increase in N13 SEP amplitude paralleled the mechanical hyperalgesia and persisted for 120 min. Pregabalin prevented the N13 SEP modulation associated with capsaicin-induced central sensitization, whereas capsaicin application still increased N13 SEP amplitude in the placebo treatment session. Our neurophysiological study showed that capsaicin application specifically modulates N13 SEP and that this modulation is prevented by pregabalin, thus suggesting that N13 SEP may reflect changes in dorsal horn excitability and represent a useful biomarker of central sensitization in human studies.
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A case of hemiballism associated with temporal lobe infarction. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:1205-1206. [PMID: 34215431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Effects of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acta Diabetol 2021; 58:401-410. [PMID: 32789691 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-020-01589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) represented a major breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to assess the effect of continues glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM), on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present analysis includes randomized clinical trials comparing CGM or FGM with SMBG, with a duration of at least 12 weeks, identified in Medline or clinicaltrials.gov. The principal endpoint was HbA1c at the end of the trial. A secondary endpoint was severe hypoglycemia. Mean and 95% confidence intervals for HbA1c and Mantel-Haenzel odds ratio [MH-OR] for severe hypoglycemia were calculated, using random effect models. A sensitivity analysis was performed using fixed effect models. In addition, the following secondary endpoints were explored, using the same methods: time in range, health-related quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. Separate analyses were performed for trials comparing CGM with SMBG, and those comparing CGM + CSII and SMBG + MDI and CGM-regulated insulin infusion system (CRIS) and CSII + SMBG. RESULTS CGM was associated with a significantly lower HbA1c at endpoint in comparison with SMBG (- 0.24 [- 0.34, - 0.13]%); CGM was associated with a significantly lower risk of severe hypoglycemia than SMBG. Treatment satisfaction and quality of life were not measured, or not reported, in the majority of studies. FGM showed a significant reduction in the incidence of mild hypoglycemia and an increased treatment satisfaction, but no significant results are shown in HbA1c. CGM + CSII in comparison with SMBG + MDI was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c. Only two trials with a duration of at least 12 weeks compared a CRIS with SMBG + CSII; HbA1c between the two treatment arms was not statistically significant (difference in means: - 0.23 [- 0.91; 0.46]%; p = 0.52). CONCLUSION GCM compared to SMBG has showed a reduction in HbA1c and severe hypoglycemia in patient with type 1 diabetes. The comparison between CGM + CSII and SMBG + MDI showed a large reduction in HbA1c; it is conceivable that the effects of CSII + CGM on glycemic control additives. The only comparison available between FGM and SMBG was conducted in patients in good control.
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Effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed and oregano in autochthonous goat breeds on the fatty acid profile of milk and quality of Padraccio cheese. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1445-1453. [PMID: 33309367 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of linseed and oregano supplementation to the diet of goats on fatty acid profile and sensory properties of Padraccio, a typical cheese produced during spring through summer in the Basilicata region (southern Italy). Extruded linseed and dried oregano inflorescences were integrated in the pelleted concentrate supplementation (500 g/head per day) in 21 grazing goats that were randomly assigned, 7 per group, to the following experimental treatments: concentrate, concentrate with addition of linseed, and concentrate with addition of linseed and oregano. Pooled milk from each group was used in cheesemaking. From a nutritional perspective, integration of extruded linseed in the goat diet improved the fatty acid profile of Padraccio cheese. Moreover, the cheese from this group evidenced the highest scoring on color, flavor, texture, and overall liking.
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Therapeutic options in a patient with MELAS and diabetes mellitus: follow-up after 6 months of treatment. Acta Diabetol 2019; 56:1231-1233. [PMID: 30927106 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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130The effect of parity on exercise physiology in women with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Eur Heart J 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Women are overrepresented amongst patients with HFpEF, however the underpinning mechanism for this asymmetric distribution is unclear. Pregnancy has been demonstrated to contribute to cardiovascular risk, and represents a potential gender specific risk factor for HFpEF.
Purpose
To investigate the relationship between parity and severity of HFpEF on invasive haemodynamic and echocardiographic studies.
Methods
Patients referred for investigation of dyspnoea with exercise right heart catheterisation from 2008–19 were included and classified as HFpEF with an ejection fraction (EF) ≥50% and a resting PCWP ≥15mmHg or exercise PCWP ≥25mmHg. All patients underwent detailed haemodynamic and echocardiographic assessment, and an obstetric history including socioeconomic data were obtained using a questionnaire.
Results
58 women were included, and categorised as having either 0–2 births, or ≥3 births, dividing the cohort equally. Women with ≥3 births achieved a lower peak exercise workload than those with 0–2 births (46 [31–68] vs. 38 [24–51] W, p=0.04). Women with ≥3 births had a greater rise in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure indexed to workload with exercise (0.5 [0.3–0.8] vs. 0.3 [0.2–0.5] mmHg/W, p=0.03), paralleled by a greater rise in right atrial pressure (10 [8–12] vs. 7 [3–11] mmHg, p=0.01), pictured. Pulmonary vascular resistance was also higher in women with ≥3 births (1.9 [1.6–2.4] vs. 1.6 [1.4–1.9] mmHg/L/min rest, p=0.046, and 1.9 [2.4–2.4] vs. 1.4 [1–1.8] mmHg/L/min exercise, p=0.024). Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower at rest (60 [57–61] vs. 63 [60–66] %, p=0.008) and during exercise (65 [62–67] vs. 68 [66–70] %, p=0.038) in women with higher parity. Otherwise, echocardiographic parameters did not differ according to parity. There were no significant differences between parity groups in baseline characteristics, including age, body mass index, systemic blood pressure, natriuretic peptides or dyspnea class. Similarly, comorbidities and socioeconomic status did not differ.
Conclusion(s)
Higher parity is associated with impairments in multiple physiologic parameters of HFpEF severity in women, including diastolic reserve, pulmonary vascular resistance, and systolic function. This may indicate a role for pregnancy in the development of HFpEF, and suggests that multiparous women should be targeted for intensification of preventative measures for HFpEF.
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Reply to Josef Finsterer "MELAS requires broad clinical and genetic work-up". Acta Diabetol 2019; 56:1089-1090. [PMID: 31165920 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-019-01361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abatement of the clostridial load in the teats of lactating cows with lysozyme derived from donkey milk. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6750-6755. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Feeding preferences in dry season of the Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus) in two sites of Corsica. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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The Effect of Parity on Exercise Physiology in Women with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Heart Lung Circ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement for health claims proposed under regulation (EC) 1924/2006 and related to cognitive function in adults. Arch Ital Biol 2018; 156:64-86. [PMID: 30039837 DOI: 10.12871/00039829201817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Some food/food components have been the object of request of authorization to the use of health claims related to cognitive function in adults and compliant with the Regulation (EC) 1924/2006. Most of the requests have received a negative opinion by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also because of the choice of not appropriate outcome variables (OVs) and methods of measurement (MMs) selected in the trials used to substantiate the claim. This manuscript referes to the collection, collation and critical analysis of OVs and MMs related to cognitive function in adults. OVs and MMs were collected from the EFSA Guidance document and the applications for authorization of health claims pursuant to the Articles 13(5). The critical analysis of OVs and MMs, performed by a literature review, was aimed at defining their appropriateness in the context of a specific claimed effect. The results highlight the importance of an adequate choice of OVs and MMs for an effective substantiation of the claims related to cognitive functioning. The information provided in this document may serve to EFSA for updating the guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims related to cognitive functions, but also for a better design of randomized controlled trials aimed at substantiating such health claims.
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Diet composition of the Italian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus italicus) (Mammalia: Cervidae) from two protected areas. EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1268655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Inhibition of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Amplifies TEGDMA-induced Apoptosis in Primary Human Pulp Cells. J Dent Res 2016; 83:703-7. [PMID: 15329376 DOI: 10.1177/154405910408300909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxicity of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a co-monomer of dental resinous restorative materials, is firmly established in vitro, but the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here we examined apoptosis and necrosis induced by TEGDMA in human primary pulp cells. The levels of apoptotic and necrotic cell populations differentially increased after exposure to increasing concentrations of TEGDMA. A two-fold increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was induced by 1 mmol/L TEGDMA. However, a population shift among cells in apoptosis and necrosis was detected when cell cultures were exposed to 2 mmol/L TEGDMA. Inhibition of the MAP Kinase/ERK pathway had no influence on cell survival, but inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3-Kinase; Akt/protein kinase B) by LY294002 amplified TEGDMA-induced apoptosis. Moreover, Akt phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of TEGDMA. These results suggest that depression of PI3K signaling may be a primary target in TEGDMA-induced apoptosis.
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Neoadjuvant TAC-chemotherapy (taxotere adriblastina cyclophosphamide) in locally advanced breast cancer patients: a monocentric experience at 10 yrs of follow up. Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw337.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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RM-034 A monocentric retrospective data from 2005 to 2009 in colon-rectal cancer: an analysis in clinical practice experience. Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw201.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Effects of different heat treatments on lysozyme quantity and antimicrobial activity of jenny milk. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5173-5179. [PMID: 27157571 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thermal treatments are used to improve milk microbial safety, shelf life, and biological activity of some of its components. However, thermal treatments can reduce the nutritional quality of milk, affecting the molecular structure of milk proteins, such as lysozyme, which is a very important milk component due to its antimicrobial effect against gram-positive bacteria. Jenny milk is characterized by high lysozyme content. For this reason, in the last few years, it has been used as an antimicrobial additive in dairy products as an alternative to hen egg white lysozyme, which can cause allergic reactions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pasteurization and condensation on the concentration and antimicrobial activity of lysozyme in jenny milk. Furthermore, lysozyme quantity and activity were tested in raw and pasteurized milk after condensation at 40 and 20% of the initial volume. Reversed-phase HPLC was performed under fluorescence detection to monitor lysozyme in milk samples. We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the tested milk against Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus mojavensis, Clavibacter michiganensis, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Xanthomonas campestris, and Escherichia coli. Condensation and pasteurization did not affect the concentration or antimicrobial activity of lysozyme in jenny milk, except for B. mojaventis, which showed resistance to lysozyme in milk samples subjected to heat treatments. Moreover, lysozyme in jenny milk showed antimicrobial activity similar to synthetic antibiotics versus some gram-positive strains and also versus the gram-negative strain X. campestris.
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Short communication: Sensory profile and acceptability of a cow milk cheese manufactured by adding jenny milk. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:228-33. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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A monocentric retrospective data from 2005-2008 in colon-rectal cancer: an analysis in clinical practice experience. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv340.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Follow up to 10 years and pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer patients treated from 2005 to 2010: a monocentric experience. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv348.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Effect of jenny milk addition on the inhibition of late blowing in semihard cheese. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:5133-42. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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24
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Seasonal variation in food habits of the Italian hare in a south Apennine semi-natural landscape. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2015.1022906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hypomagnesaemia in Cancer Patients: Underestimated Problem? When Supportive Care is Detrimental: the Example of Protonic Pump Inhibitors. Ann Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdu356.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Phase 2b, randomized, double-blind 12-week studies of TZP-102, a ghrelin receptor agonist for diabetic gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:e705-17. [PMID: 23848826 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TZP-102, a potent, oral, ghrelin receptor agonist, improved diabetic gastroparesis symptoms in Phase 2a. METHODS Patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes, delayed gastric half-emptying (T(1/2)), and ≥3 months gastroparesis symptoms randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to double-blind placebo, 10-mg, or 20-mg TZP-102 once daily for 12 weeks (Study TZP-102-CL-G003). Study TZP-102-CL-G004 patients randomized 1 : 1 to 10-mg TZP-102:placebo three-times-daily. Primary endpoint was change-from-baseline through Weeks 11-12 in Daily Diary of Gastroparesis Symptoms Questionnaire (GSDD) via electronic Patient Recorded Outcome device: worst severity of nausea, early satiety, bloating, and upper abdominal pain in 24 h (0 = none-to-5 = very severe). GSDD Composite Score for eligibility was ≥2.5 (Day-14-to-baseline). Patient Overall Treatment Evaluation (OTE) provided an anchor-based minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for GSDD Composite Score. KEY RESULTS Study TZP-102-CL-G003 enrolled 201 outpatients: females 72%; Caucasians 87%; type 2 diabetes 61%; insulin-dependent 65%; age mean ± SD 53 ± 11.3 years; HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.5%; GCSI 3.4 ± 0.7; GSDD Composite 3.6 ± 0.6; gastric T1/2 131 ± 32 min; n = 69 (10-mg), n = 66 (20-mg), n = 66 (placebo). Primary endpoint (GSDD): significant improvement in all arms, although not for TZP-102 vs placebo: mean change-from-baseline -1.7, -1.4, -1.5 (10-mg, 20-mg, placebo); Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index -1.8, -1.6, -1.5, respectively. The OTE (all patients) at Week-12 was: Patient 3.7 ± 3.2 and Physician 3.6 ± 3.0 with median score for both of 5.0 = important on scale of improvement; individual MCID was 1.61 and 0.94 for group analyses, greater than expected. Study TZP-102-CL-G004 with similar demographic/disease characteristics was prematurely terminated for efficacy futility (n = 64 with Week-4 assessments). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Efficacy of TZP-102 was not demonstrated compared with placebo in diabetic gastroparesis; however, there was substantial symptom improvement in all arms (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01452815/NCT01664637).
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Short communication: Jenny milk as an inhibitor of late blowing in cheese: A preliminary report. J Dairy Sci 2013; 96:3547-50. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2012-6225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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29
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Short communication: Jenny milk production and qualitative characteristics. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:2910-5. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-5232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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518 Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: the Approach in Day Surgery Under Local Anaesthesia for Quality-of-life and Effective Cost Reduction. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)70583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Robustness, the ability of a system to function correctly in the presence of both internal and external uncertainty, has emerged as a key organising principle in many biological systems. Biological robustness has thus become a major focus of research in Systems Biology, particularly on the engineering-biology interface, since the concept of robustness was first rigorously defined in the context of engineering control systems. This review focuses on one particularly important aspect of robustness in Systems Biology, that is, the use of robustness analysis methods for the validation or invalidation of models of biological systems. With the explosive growth in quantitative modelling brought about by Systems Biology, the problem of validating, invalidating and discriminating between competing models of a biological system has become an increasingly important one. In this review, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the tools and methods that are available for this task, and illustrate the wide range of biological systems to which this approach has been successfully applied.
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CORE-Net: exploiting prior knowledge and preferential attachment to infer biological interaction networks. IET Syst Biol 2011; 4:296-310. [PMID: 20831343 DOI: 10.1049/iet-syb.2009.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The problem of reverse engineering in the topology of functional interaction networks from time-course experimental data has received considerable attention in literature, due to the potential applications in the most diverse fields, comprising engineering, biology, economics and social sciences. The present work introduces a novel technique, CORE-Net, which addresses this problem focusing on the case of biological interaction networks. The method is based on the representation of the network in the form of a dynamical system and on an iterative convex optimisation procedure. A first advantage of the proposed approach is that it allows to exploit qualitative prior knowledge about the network interactions, of the same kind as typically available from biological literature and databases. A second novel contribution consists of exploiting the growth and preferential attachment mechanisms to improve the inference performances when dealing with networks which exhibit a scale-free topology. The technique is first assessed through numerical tests on in silico random networks, subsequently it is applied to reverse engineering a cell cycle regulatory subnetwork in Saccharomyces cerevisiae from experimental microarray data. These tests show that the combined exploitation of prior knowledge and preferential attachment significantly improves the predictions with respect to other approaches.
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In ataxia-teleangiectasia betamethasone response is inversely correlated to cerebellar atrophy and directly to antioxidative capacity. Eur J Neurol 2009; 16:755-9. [PMID: 19475758 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02600.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by alterations of the A-T mutated (ATM) gene. Although A-T is a non-curable disease, we, previously, documented a clear improvement of cerebellar functions during a short-term betamethasone trial. The aim of this study was to define the underlying biochemical mechanism. METHODS In six A-T patients receiving a short-term steroid therapy, intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated with a colorimetric assay. The lipid peroxidation level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using commercial assays. All the parameters were compared with the improvement of cerebellar functions expressed as delta (Delta) of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). RESULTS We observed an inverse correlation between Delta SARA and the severity of cerebellar atrophy and between the latter and basal GSH values. Four of the five patients with the highest Delta SARA also had the highest GSH values. Moreover, even though basal ROS values were comparable in patients and controls, in the only patient studied at different time-points of therapy, a remarkable reduction in ROS levels was documented. CONCLUSION We suggest that antioxidative mechanisms play a role in favouring the improvement of cerebellar functions observed in A-T patients receiving a short-term betamethasone trial.
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An insight into tumor dormancy equilibrium via the analysis of its domain of attraction. Biomed Signal Process Control 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Environmental metal pollution considered as noise: Effects on the spatial distribution of benthic foraminifera in two coastal marine areas of Sicily (Southern Italy). Ecol Modell 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2008.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Communication: Introduction of a Nitrogen Heterocycle into Sulphated Chitosan Oligomers. J Carbohydr Chem 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/07328309908543983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Site-specific interactions of copper(II) ions with heparin revealed with complementary (SRCD, NMR, FTIR and EPR) spectroscopic techniques. Carbohydr Res 2007; 343:2184-93. [PMID: 18226804 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 11/27/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The interactions between Cu(II) ions and heparin were investigated using several complementary spectroscopic techniques. NMR indicated an initial binding phase involving specific coordination to four points in the structure that recur in slightly different environments throughout the heparin chain; the carboxylic acid group and the ring oxygen of iduronate-2-O-sulfate, the glycosidic oxygen between this residue and the adjacent (towards the reducing end) glucosamine and the 6-O-sulfate group. In contrast, the later binding phase showed little structural specificity. One- and two-dimensional correlated FTIR revealed that complex out of phase (asynchronous) conformational changes also occurred during the titration of Cu(II) ions into heparin, involving the CO and N-H stretches. EPR demonstrated that the environments of the Cu(II) ions in the initial binding phase were tetragonal (with slightly varied geometry), while the later non-specific phases exhibited conventional coordination. Visible spectroscopy confirmed a shift of the absorbance maximum. Titration of Cu(II) ions into a solution of heparin indicated (both by analysis of FTIR and EPR spectra) that the initial binding phase was complete by 15-20 Cu(II) ions per chain; thereafter the ions bound in the non-specific mode. Hetero-correlation spectroscopy (FTIR-CD) improved resolution and assisted assignment of the broad CD features from the FTIR spectra and indicated both in-phase and more complex out of phase (synchronous and asynchronous, respectively) changes in interactions within the heparin molecule during the titration of Cu(II) ions.
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A geophysical and geochemical approach for seawater intrusion assessment in the Acquedolci coastal aquifer (Northern Sicily). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00254-007-1097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
The general problem of reconstructing a biological interaction network from temporal evolution data is tackled via an approach based on dynamical linear systems identification theory. A novel algorithm, based on linear matrix inequalities, is devised to infer the interaction network. This approach allows to directly taking into account, within the optimisation procedure, the a priori available knowledge of the biological system. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is statistically validated, by means of numerical tests, demonstrating how the a priori knowledge positively affects the reconstruction performance. A further validation is performed through an in silico biological experiment, exploiting the well-assessed cell-cycle model of fission yeast developed by Novak and Tyson.
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Piecewise affine approach to inferring cell cycle regulatory network in fission yeast. Biomed Signal Process Control 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2007.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Identification of quadratic nonlinear models oriented to genetic network analysis. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007; 2005:5615-8. [PMID: 17281529 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1615759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to provide a novel procedure for the identification of nonlinear models which exhibit a quadratic dependence on the state variables. These models turn out to be very useful for the description of a large class of biochemical processes with particular reference to the genetic networks regulating the cell cycle. The proposed approach is validated through extensive computer simulations on randomly generated systems.
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Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is necessary for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)-induced cell cycle progression. To determine the molecular mechanism linking PI3K to TSH, we have identified a serine residue in p85alpha(PI3K) phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) in vitro and in vivo. Expression of an alanine mutant (p85A) abolished cyclic AMP/TSH-induced cell cycle progression and was lethal in thyroid cells (FRTL-5). The aspartic version of the p85alpha(PI3K) (p85D) inhibited apoptosis following TSH withdrawal. The p85alpha(PI3K) wild type not the p85A bound PKA regulatory subunit RIIbeta in cells stimulated with cAMP or TSH. The binding of the aspartic version of p85alpha(PI3K) to RIIbeta was independent of cAMP or TSH stimulation. Similarly, binding of PI3K to p21Ras and activation of AKT, a downstream PI3K target, were severely impaired in cells expressing the p85A mutant. Finally, we found that the catalytic activity of PI3K was stimulated by TSH in cells expressing the wild-type p85alpha(PI3K) but not in cells expressing p85A. This latter mutant did not affect the epidermal growth factor-stimulated PI3K activity. We suggest that (1) TSH-cAMP-induced PKA phosphorylates p85alpha(PI3K) at serine 83, (2) phosphorylated p85alpha(PI3K) binds RIIbeta-PKA and targets PKAII to the membrane, and (3) PI3K activity and p21Ras binding to PI3K increase and activate PI3K downstream targets. This pathway is essential for the transmission of TSH-cAMP growth signals.
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p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K mediates cAMP-PKA and estrogens biological effects on growth and survival. Oncogene 2006; 26:2095-103. [PMID: 17016431 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine 3'5' monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) cooperate with phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI3K) signals in the control of growth and survival. To determine the molecular mechanism(s) involved, we identified and mutagenized a specific serine (residue 83) in p85alpha(PI3K), which is phosphorylated in vivo and in vitro by PKA. Expression of p85alpha(PI3K) mutants (alanine or aspartic substitutions) significantly altered the biological responses of the cells to cAMP. cAMP protection from anoikis was reduced in cells expressing the alanine version p85alpha(PI3K). These cells did not arrest in G1 in the presence of cAMP, whereas cells expressing the aspartic mutant p85D accumulated in G1 even in the absence of cAMP. S phase was still efficiently inhibited by cAMP in cells expressing both mutants. The binding of PI3K to Ras p21 was greatly reduced in cells expressing p85A in the presence or absence of cAMP. Conversely, expression of the aspartic mutant stimulated robustly the binding of PI3K to p21 Ras in the presence of cAMP. Mutation in the Ser 83 inhibited cAMP, but not PDGF stimulation of PI3K. Conversely, the p85D aspartic mutant amplified cAMP stimulation of PI3K activity. Phosphorylation of Ser 83 by cAMP-PKA in p85alpha(PI3K) was also necessary for estrogen signaling as expression of p85A or p85D mutants inhibited or amplified, respectively, the binding of estrogen receptor to p85alpha and AKT phosphorylation induced by estrogens. The data presented indicate that: (1) phosphorylation of Ser 83 in p85alpha(PI3K) is critical for cAMP-PKA induced G1 arrest and survival in mouse 3T3 fibroblasts; (2) this site is necessary for amplification of estrogen signals by cAMP-PKA and related receptors. Finally, these data suggest a general mechanism of PI3K regulation by cAMP, operating in various cell types and under different conditions.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the great attention that has been paid to HRQoL in children with respiratory allergy, few studies have addressed this aspect in relation to caregivers. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of childhood respiratory allergies on caregivers by means of a new method. METHODS 119 parents of children suffering from allergies (75 suffering from asthma and 44 suffering from rhinitis) were recruited from three Italian Allergy Units. Parents were asked to complete the Disease Impact On Caregiver (DIOC), a new non disease specific questionnaire, validated on the Italian population. The questionnaire consists of 31 items grouped in four factors (Performance, Personal gratification, Psychophysical endurance, Socio-emotional domain) and covers the life aspects that could be affected by the assistance duties towards an ill family member. RESULTS Child's asthma resulted to have a worse impact on many aspects of a parents' life than rhinitis. Differences resulted to be statistically significant in 19 aspects out of the 31 assessed. The worse impact of asthma versus rhinitis was confirmed in the following domains: Performance (24.0 +/- 18.2 vs 11.5 +/- 17.8), Personal gratification (26.3 +/- 20.5 vs 12.1 +/- 16.5) and Psychophysical endurance (35.0 +/- 24.8 vs 18.8 +/- 21.7). In the Socio-emotional domain no difference emerged. CONCLUSIONS Compared to parents of rhinitics, parents of asthmatic children appear to be more compromised in their resistance to stress, mood, emotional stability, amount of spare time and leisure activities. Our results suggest the need of giving the due attention to these problems both in clinical practice and in research, in order to avoid possible interferences of the caregiver's distress in the optimization of treatment outcome.
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A phase I safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic assessment of velafermin in patients with active oral mucositis. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2005.11.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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CONFRONTO METODI EIA/CLIA PER RICERCA IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori E VALUTAZIONE DELLA PROCEDURA DIAGNOSTICA. MICROBIOLOGIA MEDICA 2003. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2003.4238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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