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Aguti S, Gallus GN, Bianchi S, Salvatore S, Rubegni A, Berti G, Formichi P, De Stefano N, Malandrini A, Lopergolo D. Novel Biomarkers for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). Cells 2024; 13:329. [PMID: 38391941 PMCID: PMC10886967 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify novel biomarkers as an alternative diagnostic tool for limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). BACKGROUND LGMD encompasses a group of muscular dystrophies characterized by proximal muscles weakness, elevated CK levels and dystrophic findings on muscle biopsy. Heterozygous CAPN3 mutations are associated with autosomal dominant LGMD-4, while biallelic mutations can cause autosomal recessive LGMD-1. Diagnosis is currently often based on invasive methods requiring muscle biopsy or blood tests. In most cases Western blotting (WB) analysis from muscle biopsy is essential for a diagnosis, as muscle samples are currently the only known tissues to express the full-length CAPN3 isoform. METHODS We analyzed CAPN3 in a cohort including 60 LGMD patients. Selected patients underwent a complete neurological examination, electromyography, muscle biopsy, and skin biopsies for primary fibroblasts isolation. The amount of CAPN3 was evaluated by WB analysis in muscle and skin tissues. The total RNA isolated from muscle, fibroblast and urine was processed, and cDNA was used for qualitative analysis. The expression of CAPN3 was investigated by qRT-PCR. The CAPN3 3D structure has been visualized and analyzed using PyMOL. RESULTS Among our patients, seven different CAPN3 mutations were detected, of which two were novel. After sequencing CAPN3 transcripts from fibroblast and urine, we detected different CAPN3 isoforms surprisingly including the full-length transcript. We found comparable protein levels from fibroblasts and muscle tissue; in particular, patients harboring a novel CAPN3 mutation showed a 30% reduction in protein compared to controls from both tissues. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed for the first time the presence of the CAPN3 full-length transcript in urine and skin samples. Moreover, we demonstrated surprisingly comparable CAPN3 protein levels between muscle and skin samples, thus allowing us to hypothesize the use of skin biopsy and probably of urine samples as an alternative less invasive method to assess the amount of CAPN3 when molecular diagnosis turns out to be inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aguti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Nicola Gallus
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Bianchi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Salvatore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Rubegni
- Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gianna Berti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Formichi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Malandrini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Lopergolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (S.A.); (G.N.G.); (S.B.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (P.F.); (N.D.S.); (A.M.)
- UOC Neurologia e Malattie Neurometaboliche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Lopergolo D, Berti G, Mari F, Bertini E, Battisti C, Renieri A, Rufa A, Malandrini A. An atypical case of spastic paraplegia type 11 mimicking a GM2 gangliosidoses. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rezende K, Bönecker M, Côrrea L, Perez C, Brito GS, Berti G, Pobocik A. Stem cells from human dental pulp and apical papilla: Morphological and synchrotron radiation analysis. J Clin Exp Dent 2021; 13:e1249-e1257. [PMID: 34987718 PMCID: PMC8715560 DOI: 10.4317/jced.58819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Material and Methods Results Conclusions
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Lamacchia O, Sorrentino MR, Berti G, Paradiso M, Corrado A, Cantatore FP, De Cosmo S. Glomerular filtration rate is associated with trabecular bone score in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2020; 164:108164. [PMID: 32335098 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aimed to evaluate the trabecular and cortical bone components using Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and its association with estimated-Glomerular Filtration Rate (e-GFR) in T2DM patients. METHODS An assessment both of bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral bone microarchitecture was performed in all patients using TBS iNsight® software version 3.0.2.0. Furthermore, the total population was divided into two groups based on the value of the eGFR (eGFR < o > at 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS TBS value was lower in patients with low e-GFR than that in patients with higher e-GFR (1.246 ± 0.125 vs 1.337 ± 0.115, respectively, p = 0.013 adjusted by gender and age) while there was no difference in total BMD value between two groups. In the multivariate model taking into account several possible confounders, such as age, gender, duration of diabetes, BMI, LDL cholesterol, serum calcium and HbA1c, the correlation between e-GFR and TBS remained significant (p: 0.046). CONCLUSIONS In individuals with T2DM and reduced kidney function, TBS provides information independent of BMD, age and gender. TBS may be a useful additional tool to predict fracture risk in this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Lamacchia
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy.
| | - M R Sorrentino
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - G Berti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - M Paradiso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - A Corrado
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 1 Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - F P Cantatore
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 1 Via Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - S De Cosmo
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Via Cappuccini 1, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG) 71013, Italy
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Fossati P, Prencipe L, Berti G. Use of 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid/4-aminophenazone chromogenic system in direct enzymic assay of uric acid in serum and urine. Clin Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/26.2.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A new direct colorimetric procedure for uric acid assay in serum or urine is described, utilizing a 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene sulfonic acid/4-aminophenazone chromogenic system in the presence of horseradish peroxidase and uricase from Aspergillus flavus. This chromogen system has a high absorptivity, affording useful results with sample/reagent volume ratios as low as 0.025. The procedure is applicable to serum, plasma, or diluted urine. A single working reagent is used; the reaction is complete in less than 15 min at room temperature. The red dye formed is measured at 520 nm; a blank sample measurement is not needed. The standard curve for the method is linear for uric acid concentrations up to 1500 mumol/L. Average analytical recovery of uric acid in human sera and urine exceeded 99%; within-run and between-run precision studies showed CV's of less than or equal to 1.2 and less than or equal to 2.2%, respectively. The new procedure correlated well with the uricase/catalase and uricase/ultraviolet methods. The method is suitable for automation.
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Gandini M, Scarinzi C, Bande S, Berti G, Carnà P, Ciancarella L, Costa G, Demaria M, Ghigo S, Piersanti A, Rowinski M, Spadea T, Stroscia M, Cadum E. Long term effect of air pollution on incident hospital admissions: Results from the Italian Longitudinal Study within LIFE MED HISS project. Environ Int 2018; 121:1087-1097. [PMID: 30366659 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The LIFE MED HISS project aims at setting up a surveillance system on the long term effects of air pollution on health, using data from National Health Interview Surveys and other currently available sources of information in most European countries. Few studies assessed the long term effect of air pollution on hospital admissions in European cohorts. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to estimate the long term effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on first-ever (incident) cause-specific hospitalizations in Italy. METHODS We used data from the Italian Longitudinal Study (ILS), a cohort study based on the 1999-2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), followed up for hospitalization (2001-2008) at individual level. The survey contains information on crucial potential confounders: occupational/educational/marital status, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit and physical activity. Annual mean exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was assigned starting from simulated gridded data at spatial resolution of 4 × 4 km2 firstly integrated with data from monitoring stations and then up-scaled at municipality level. Statistical analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard models with robust variance estimator. RESULTS For each cause of hospitalization we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for confounders with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) related to a 10 μg/m3 increase in pollutants. For PM2.5 and NO2, respectively, we found positive associations for circulatory system diseases [1.05(1.03-1.06); 1.05(1.03-1.07)], myocardial infarction [1.15(1.12-1.18); 1.15(1.12-1.18)], lung cancer [1.18(1.10-1.26); 1.20(1.12-1.28)], kidney cancer [1.24(1.11-1.29); 1.20(1.07-1.33)], all cancers (but lung) [1.06(1.04-1.08); 1.06(1.04-1.08)] and Low Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) [1.07 (1.04-1.11); 1.05 (1.02-1.08)]. DISCUSSION Our results add new evidence on the effects of air pollution on first-ever (incident) hospitalizations, both in urban and rural areas. We demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost monitoring system based on available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gandini
- University of Torino, Department of Clinical and Biological Science, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy.
| | - C Scarinzi
- Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - S Bande
- Air quality Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - G Berti
- Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - P Carnà
- Regional Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - L Ciancarella
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution, ENEA-Bologna Research Center, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - G Costa
- University of Torino, Department of Clinical and Biological Science, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Regional Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - M Demaria
- Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - S Ghigo
- Air quality Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - A Piersanti
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution, ENEA-Bologna Research Center, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - M Rowinski
- Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - T Spadea
- Regional Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - M Stroscia
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Turin Local Health Agency, Via della Consolata 10, 10122 Turin, Italy
| | - E Cadum
- Environmental Epidemiological Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency, Piedmont Region, Via Pio VII 9, 10135 Turin, Italy
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Berti G, Engelbrecht G, Fingberg J, Kohring G, Middleton SE, Schmidt R, Benkner S. GEMSS: Grid-infrastructure for Medical Service Provision. Methods Inf Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Objectives:
The European GEMSS Project is concerned with the creation of medical Grid service prototypes and their evaluation in a secure service-oriented infrastructure for distributed on demand/supercomputing. Key aspects of the GEMSS Grid middleware include negotiable QoS support for time-critical service provision, flexible support for business models, and security at all levels in order to ensure privacy of patient data as well as compliance to EU law.
Methods:
The GEMSS Grid infrastructure is based on a service-oriented architecture and is being built on top of existing standard Grid and Web technologies. The GEMSS infrastructure offers a generic Grid service provision framework that hides the complexity of transforming existing applications into Grid services. For the development of client-side applications or portals, a pluggable component framework has been developed, providing developers with full control over business processes, service discovery, QoS negotiation, and workflow, while keeping their underlying implementation hidden from view.
Results:
A first version of the GEMSS Grid infrastructure is operational and has been used for the set-up of a Grid test-bed deploying six medical Grid service prototypes including maxillofacial surgery simulation, neuro-surgery support, radio-surgery planning, inhaled drug-delivery simulation, cardiovascular simulation and advanced image reconstruction.
Conclusions:
The GEMSS Grid infrastructure is based on standard Web Services technology with an anticipated future transition path towards the OGSA standard proposed by the Global Grid Forum. GEMSS demonstrates that the Grid can be used to provide medical practitioners and researchers with access to advanced simulation and image processing services for improved preoperative planning and near real-time surgical support.
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Barone V, Del Re V, Gamberucci A, Polverino V, Galli L, Rossi D, Costanzi E, Toniolo L, Berti G, Malandrini A, Ricci G, Siciliano G, Vattemi G, Tomelleri G, Pierantozzi E, Spinozzi S, Volpi N, Fulceri R, Battistutta R, Reggiani C, Sorrentino V. Identification and characterization of three novel mutations in the CASQ1 gene in four patients with tubular aggregate myopathy. Hum Mutat 2017; 38:1761-1773. [PMID: 28895244 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the identification of three novel missense mutations in the calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1) gene in four patients with tubular aggregate myopathy. These CASQ1 mutations affect conserved amino acids in position 44 (p.(Asp44Asn)), 103 (p.(Gly103Asp)), and 385 (p.(Ile385Thr)). Functional studies, based on turbidity and dynamic light scattering measurements at increasing Ca2+ concentrations, showed a reduced Ca2+ -dependent aggregation for the CASQ1 protein containing p.Asp44Asn and p.Gly103Asp mutations and a slight increase in Ca2+ -dependent aggregation for the p.Ile385Thr. Accordingly, limited trypsin proteolysis assay showed that p.Asp44Asn and p.Gly103Asp were more susceptible to trypsin cleavage in the presence of Ca2+ in comparison with WT and p.Ile385Thr. Analysis of single muscle fibers of a patient carrying the p.Gly103Asp mutation showed a significant reduction in response to caffeine stimulation, compared with normal control fibers. Expression of CASQ1 mutations in eukaryotic cells revealed a reduced ability of all these CASQ1 mutants to store Ca2+ and a reduced inhibitory effect of p.Ile385Thr and p.Asp44Asn on store operated Ca2+ entry. These results widen the spectrum of skeletal muscle diseases associated with CASQ1 and indicate that these mutations affect properties critical for correct Ca2+ handling in skeletal muscle fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Barone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Del Re
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gamberucci
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Polverino
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Galli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Costanzi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luana Toniolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianna Berti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Malandrini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gaetano Vattemi
- Department of Neurological Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuliano Tomelleri
- Department of Neurological Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrico Pierantozzi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Spinozzi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nila Volpi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rosella Fulceri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Reggiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Molecular Medicine Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
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Berti G, Del Turco S, Del Ry S, Neglia D, De Caterina R, Caselli C. 2212PCSK9 inhibition decreases endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in response to inflammatory conditions in endothelial cells. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx502.2212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bardelli M, Lorenzini S, Baldi C, Simpatico A, Gamberucci A, Berti G, Garcia Gonzalez E, Galeazzi M, Selvi E. THU0499 Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETS): A Shared Feature of Acute Microcrystalline Arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.3928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Borgione E, Castello F, Lo Giudice M, Santa Paola S, Salvatore S, Berti G, Malandrini A, Bottitta M, Musumeci SA, Scuderi C. Is myopathy with rimmed vacuoles a hallmark of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3)? Neurol Sci 2015; 37:805-7. [PMID: 26700800 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Borgione
- Laboratory of Clinical Neuropathology, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, V. Conte Ruggero 73, 94018, Troina (EN), Italy.
| | - Filippa Castello
- Laboratory of Clinical Neuropathology, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, V. Conte Ruggero 73, 94018, Troina (EN), Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Salvatore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianna Berti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Malandrini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Bottitta
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, Troina, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Scuderi
- Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, Troina, Italy
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Calloni A, Berti G, Brambilla A, Riva M, Picone A, Bussetti G, Finazzi M, Ciccacci F, Duò L. Electron spectroscopy investigation of the oxidation of ultra-thin films of Ni and Cr on Fe(0 0 1). J Phys Condens Matter 2014; 26:445001. [PMID: 25213009 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/44/445001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the room temperature oxidation of ultra-thin Ni and Cr films grown on Fe(0 0 1). In particular, we characterized the degree of crystallinity and the stoichiometry of the oxide layers and addressed the chemical stability of the interface with the highly reactive Fe substrate by means of low-energy electron diffraction and x-ray and UV photoemission spectroscopy. In the Ni case we detected, upon oxidation, the formation of a Fe(3)O(4) layer covering the Ni oxide, due to the diffusion of Fe cations towards the surface. At high temperature and in ultra-high vacuum conditions, the Ni oxide dissolved and the Fe oxide layer was reduced to FeO. In the Cr case, we observed the formation of a thin Cr(2)O(3) oxide layer, showing a diffraction pattern compatible with a defective γ-Cr(2)O(3) phase. A thicker Cr oxide layer could be produced by oxidizing the sample at 300 °C, at the expense of the incorporation of trace amounts of Fe cations.
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Brambilla A, Calloni A, Berti G, Bussetti G, Duò L, Ciccacci F. Epitaxial growth of thin TiO 2films on the Au covered Fe(100) surface. Crystal Research and Technology 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/crat.201300416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Brambilla
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
| | - A. Calloni
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
| | - G. Berti
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
| | - G. Bussetti
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
| | - L. Duò
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
| | - F. Ciccacci
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica; Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32; 20133 Milano Italy
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Berti G, Calloni A, Brambilla A, Bussetti G, Duò L, Ciccacci F. Direct observation of spin-resolved full and empty electron states in ferromagnetic surfaces. Rev Sci Instrum 2014; 85:073901. [PMID: 25085146 DOI: 10.1063/1.4885447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a versatile apparatus for the study of ferromagnetic surfaces, which combines spin-polarized photoemission and inverse photoemission spectroscopies. Samples can be grown by molecular beam epitaxy and analyzed in situ. Spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy analysis is done with a hemispherical electron analyzer coupled to a 25 kV-Mott detector. Inverse photoemission spectroscopy experiments are performed with GaAs crystals as spin-polarized electron sources and a UV bandpass photon detector. As an example, measurements on the oxygen passivated Fe(100)-p(1×1)O surface are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Berti
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - A Calloni
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - A Brambilla
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - G Bussetti
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - L Duò
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - F Ciccacci
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133, Milano, Italy
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15
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Calloni A, Brambilla A, Berti G, Bussetti G, Canesi EV, Binda M, Petrozza A, Finazzi M, Ciccacci F, Duò L. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy investigation of the interaction between 4-mercaptopyridine and the anatase TiO2 surface. Langmuir 2013; 29:8302-8310. [PMID: 23725023 DOI: 10.1021/la400998r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In polymer-metal oxide hybrid solar cells, an extremely careful engineering of the interface is required to ensure good device performances. Recently, very promising results have been obtained by functionalizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) by means of 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy) molecules, showing the beneficial effect of these molecules on the interface morphology. This study investigates the nature of the interaction of 4-MPy molecules with the TiO2 surface by means of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. In order to mimic the device processing conditions, our analysis is carried out on molecules adsorbed from solution on a nanocrystalline surface. According to our analysis, 4-MPy molecules (C5H5NS) are likely bound with the oxide through the nitrogen atom. The bonding precedes either via a covalent interaction with Lewis surface sites, or via hydrogen mediation, possibly in the form of hydrogen bonds. Interestingly, in the latter case, we also observe strong changes in the spectroscopic features attributed to the thiol group.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calloni
- CNISM and Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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16
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Malandrini A, Rubegni A, Battisti C, Berti G, Federico A. Electron-dense lamellated inclusions in 2 siblings with Kufor-Rakeb syndrome. Mov Disord 2013; 28:1751-2. [PMID: 23630171 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Malandrini
- Unit of Neurology and Neurometabolic Diseases Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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17
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Malandrini A, D’Eramo C, Palmeri S, Gaudiano C, Gambelli S, Sicurelli F, Berti G, Formichi P, Kuqo A, Dotti MT, Federico A. Peripheral neuropathy in late-onset Krabbe disease: report of three cases. Neurol Sci 2012; 34:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-012-0956-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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18
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Villa-Uriol MC, Berti G, Hose DR, Marzo A, Chiarini A, Penrose J, Pozo J, Schmidt JG, Singh P, Lycett R, Larrabide I, Frangi AF. @neurIST complex information processing toolchain for the integrated management of cerebral aneurysms. Interface Focus 2011; 1:308-19. [PMID: 22670202 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2010.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral aneurysms are a multi-factorial disease with severe consequences. A core part of the European project @neurIST was the physical characterization of aneurysms to find candidate risk factors associated with aneurysm rupture. The project investigated measures based on morphological, haemodynamic and aneurysm wall structure analyses for more than 300 cases of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, extracting descriptors suitable for statistical studies. This paper deals with the unique challenges associated with this task, and the implemented solutions. The consistency of results required by the subsequent statistical analyses, given the heterogeneous image data sources and multiple human operators, was met by a highly automated toolchain combined with training. A testimonial of the successful automation is the positive evaluation of the toolchain by over 260 clinicians during various hands-on workshops. The specification of the analyses required thorough investigations of modelling and processing choices, discussed in a detailed analysis protocol. Finally, an abstract data model governing the management of the simulation-related data provides a framework for data provenance and supports future use of data and toolchain. This is achieved by enabling the easy modification of the modelling approaches and solution details through abstract problem descriptions, removing the need of repetition of manual processing work.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Villa-Uriol
- Centre for Computational Imaging and Simulation Technologies in Biomedicine (CISTIB), Information and Communication Technologies Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, c/ Tanger 122-140, E08018 Barcelona, Spain
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Faustini A, Stafoggia M, Berti G, Bisanti L, Chiusolo M, Cernigliaro A, Mallone S, Primerano R, Scarnato C, Simonato L, Vigotti MA, Forastiere F. The relationship between ambient particulate matter and respiratory mortality: a multi-city study in Italy. Eur Respir J 2011; 38:538-47. [PMID: 21233266 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00093710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The association of air pollutants with natural and respiratory mortality has been consistently reported. However, several aspects of the relationship between particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM(10)) and respiratory mortality require further investigation. The aim of the present study was to assess the PM(10)-respiratory mortality association in Italy and examine potentially susceptible groups. All deaths from natural (n=276,205) and respiratory (n=19,629) causes among subjects aged ≥ 35 yrs in 10 northern, central and southern Italian cities in 2001-2005 were included in the study. Pollution data for PM(10), nitrogen dioxide and ozone were also obtained. A time-stratified case-crossover analysis was carried out. Different cumulative lags were selected to analyse immediate, delayed, prolonged and best-time effects of air pollution. The shape of the exposure-response curve was analysed. Age, sex, chronic conditions and death site were investigated as potential effect modifiers. We found a 2.29% (95% CI 1.03-3.58%) increase in respiratory mortality at 0-3 days lag. The increase in respiratory mortality was higher in summer (7.57%). The exposure-response curve had a linear shape without any threshold. Sex and chronic diseases modified the relationship between particular matter (PM) and respiratory mortality. The effect of PM on respiratory mortality was stronger and more persistent than that on natural mortality. Females and chronic disease sufferers were more likely to die of a respiratory disease caused by air pollution than males and healthy people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Faustini
- Epidemiology Dept, Regional Health Service of Lazio, Rome, Italy.
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Serinelli M, Vigotti MA, Stafoggia M, Berti G, Bisanti L, Mallone S, Pacelli B, Tessari R, Forastiere F. Particulate matter and out-of-hospital coronary deaths in eight Italian cities. Occup Environ Med 2009; 67:301-6. [DOI: 10.1136/oem.2009.046359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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21
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Bertoni M, Castagna A, Baricich A, Berti G, Lazzaretti S, Morandi C. Administration of type A botulinum toxin after total hip replacement. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2008; 44:461-465. [PMID: 19002096] [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: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Pain after hip replacement is one of the most common problems during rehabilitation and is often the main obstacle in rehabilitation, even though it can often be controlled by localized cryotherapy and/or administration of analgesics. However, patients with positive anamnesis for hip arthritis and long-lasting pain may report persistence of symptoms for months after surgical intervention; often, in these patients, contractures and muscle retraction in the pelvic region are observed. The present study reports the case of a female patient who suffered from complications after total hip replacement (THR) for osteoarthritis. Due to severe pain in the gluteal region not responding to standard treatments the patient was unable to stand in an upright position or walk, so she was forced to stop the rehabilitation program. Treatment by injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the gluteus maximus muscle brought about the complete resolution of pain and functional recovery. The follow-up visits, carried out after 6 and 16 months, confirmed the complete healing of the patient. BTX-A has been shown to be effective in the treatment of painful localized contractures even in the absence of neurological lesions. Therefore, BTX-A could be a feasible option to treat painful localized contractures that do not respond to standard treatments. Further investigations are suggested to better identify appropriate dosages and the best inoculation schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bertoni
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Unit, MultiMedica IRCCS, Castellanza, Varese, Italy
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22
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Malandrini A, Orrico A, Gaudiano C, Gambelli S, Galli L, Berti G, Tegazzin V, Dotti MT, Federico A, Sorrentino V. Muscle biopsy and in vitro contracture test in subjects with idiopathic HyperCKemia. Anesthesiology 2008; 109:625-8. [PMID: 18813041 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0b013e3181862a0d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent high creatine kinase (CK) levels may reflect underlying subclinical myopathies. In most cases, pathogenesis is unknown and clinical management is unclear. Though clinically asymptomatic, these subjects are potentially susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. METHODS The authors analyzed 37 subjects with persistent elevation of CK without significant weakness or other neurologic symptoms. Neurologic examination was performed according to manual muscle testing. Muscle biopsy and the in vitro contracture test were performed in all subjects. RESULTS Twenty-three subjects (51.1%) were completely asymptomatic. The others had minor symptoms such as occasional cramps (11 subjects, 24.4%), fatigue (5 subjects, 11.1%), a combination of cramps and fatigue (5 subjects, 11.1%), and muscle pain (1 case, 2.2%). Muscle biopsy enabled precise diagnosis in 3 cases and was normal in 3 cases. The more frequent changes were variation in fiber size (31.1%), a combination of nuclear internalization and variation in fiber size (26.6%), nuclear internalization (6.6%), minor mitochondrial changes (4.4%), and neurogenic atrophy (4.4%). Immunocytochemical analysis was normal in all patients. In vitro contracture testing detected one malignant hyperthermia-susceptible and one malignant hyperthermia-equivocal subject. CONCLUSIONS The evidence of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility by in vitro contracture test seems to be relatively infrequent among subjects with idiopathic hyperCKemia, but the incidence of true malignant hyperthermia in idiopathic hyperCKemia is unknown. Muscle biopsy should be considered a useful, though not very sensitive, diagnostic tool in idiopathic hyperCKemia, because it enables potentially treatable disorders, such as inflammatory myopathies, to be discovered. No uniform morphologic finding typical of idiopathic hyperCKemia or malignant hyperthermia susceptibility was identified by muscle biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Malandrini
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Cardaioli E, Da Pozzo P, Malfatti E, Gallus G, Rubegni A, Malandrini A, Gaudiano C, Guidi L, Serni G, Berti G, Dotti M, Federico A. Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia: A new heteroplasmic tRNALeu(CUN) mutation of mitochondrial DNA. J Neurol Sci 2008; 272:106-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2008.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2007] [Revised: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Malandrini A, Gambelli S, Muglia M, Berti G, Gaudiano C, Patitucci A, Sugie K, Umehara F, Quattrone A, Dotti MT, Federico A. Motor-sensory neuropathy without minifascicles in a patient with 46XY gonadal dysgenesis. Brain Dev 2008; 30:291-4. [PMID: 17768021 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2007.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 06/20/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We report a 36-year-old patient with 46XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (GD), who manifested a syndrome of progressive motor-sensory neuropathy. Sural nerve biopsy showed severe axonal neuropathy. Since reported cases of chronic motor-sensory neuropathy and pure gonadal dysgenesis have been characterized by nerve biopsy evidence of minifascicle formation, we suggest that this clinical association may be a new type of hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy, not necessarily associated with minifascicle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Malandrini
- Unit of Neurometabolic Disease, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
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Cardaioli E, Da Pozzo P, Gallus GN, Malandrini A, Gambelli S, Gaudiano C, Malfatti E, Viscomi C, Zicari E, Berti G, Serni G, Dotti MT, Federico A. A novel heteroplasmic tRNASer(UCN) mtDNA point mutation associated with progressive external ophthalmoplegia and hearing loss. Neuromuscul Disord 2007; 17:681-3. [PMID: 17614276 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 04/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We sequenced all mitochondrial tRNA genes from a patient with sporadic external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) and 5% COX-negative fibers in muscle biopsy, who had no detectable large mtDNA deletions. Direct sequencing showed a heteroplasmic mutation at nucleotide 7506 in the dihydrouridine stem of the tRNA(Ser(UCN)) gene. RFLP analysis confirmed that 30% of muscle and 20% of urinary epithelium mtDNA harbored the mutation, which was absent in other tissues of the proband as well as in mtDNA of his mother and 100 patients with various encephalomyopathies. Several point mutations on mitochondrial tRNA genes have been reported in PEO patients without large-scale rearrangements of mtDNA but no point mutations have hitherto been found in the gene coding for tRNA(Ser(UCN)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cardaioli
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Siena 53100, Italy
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Malandrini A, Gaudiano C, Gambelli S, Berti G, Serni G, Bianchi S, Federico A, Dotti MT. DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ULTRASTRUCTURAL SKIN BIOPSY STUDIES IN CADASIL. Neurology 2007; 68:1430-2. [PMID: 17452591 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000264018.46335.c8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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27
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Gambelli S, Malandrini A, Berti G, Gaudiano C, Zicari E, Brunori P, Perticoni G, Orrico A, Galli L, Sorrentino V, Lunardi J, Federico A, Dotti MT. Inheritance of a novel RYR1 mutation in a family with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Clin Genet 2007; 71:93-4. [PMID: 17204054 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2006.00725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gambelli S, Dotti MT, Malandrini A, Berti G, Serni G, Federico A. Inclusion body myopathy-like changes in a family with cerebellar atrophy, mental retardation and abnormal pupils. Eur Neurol 2006; 56:172-4. [PMID: 17035706 DOI: 10.1159/000096182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Schmidt J, Berti G, Hierl T. Maxillo-facial surgery simulation with a simple patient specific material model. J Biomech 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9290(06)83750-4] [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: 10/24/2022]
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Malandrini A, Gambelli S, Muglia M, Berti G, Patitucci A, Sugie K, Umehara F, Quattrone A, Dotti MT, Federico A. Motor-sensory neuropathy with minifascicle formation in a woman with normal karyotype. Neurology 2005; 65:776. [PMID: 16157924 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000174516.41417.b9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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31
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Rufa A, Malandrini A, Dotti MT, Berti G, Salvadori C, Federico A. Typical pathological changes of CADASIL in the optic nerve. Neurol Sci 2005; 26:271-4. [PMID: 16193254 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-005-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 08/03/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Visual impairment due to retinal and optic nerve changes in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is more common than previously thought. Deposits of granular osmiophilic material (GOM) have been shown in the wall of retinal arterioles, though retinal infarcts and vascular occlusions have never been reported. Ischaemic optic neuropathy, on the other hand, has been reported in one case of CADASIL but no pathology reports of the optic nerve have been published. Here we report optic nerve morphological findings in the autopsy material of a 41-year-old woman with genetically assessed CADASIL. Longitudinal and transverse sections of optic nerves were examined. Classical histological methods (haematoxylin-eosin and Nissl) were performed. Diffuse pallor of myelin and rarefaction of optic nerve fibres were observed. Classical GOM was evident in the tunica media of vessels in the meninges and white matter. Arteriole lumina were slightly narrowed. In conclusion, the typical pathological changes of CADASIL occur in the optic nerve and may contribute to impairment of visual function in CADASIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rufa
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Disease Unit Center for the Diagnosis, Prevention and Therapy of Neurological Handicap, Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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Simoni M, Lombardi E, Berti G, Rusconi F, La Grutta S, Piffer S, Petronio MG, Galassi C, Forastiere F, Viegi G. Mould/dampness exposure at home is associated with respiratory disorders in Italian children and adolescents: the SIDRIA-2 Study. Occup Environ Med 2005; 62:616-22. [PMID: 16109818 PMCID: PMC1741087 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2004.018291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To report on the relation between home mould and/or dampness exposure and respiratory disorders in a large sample of children and adolescents in Italy, accounting for age at time of exposure. METHODS 20,016 children (mean age 7 years) and 13,266 adolescents (mean age 13 years) completed questionnaires on indoor exposures and respiratory symptoms/diseases. Statistical analyses were adjusted for sex, age, questionnaire's compiler, area of residence, season of interview, parental educational status, family history of asthma, rhinitis, eczema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presence of gas water heaters, passive smoking, pets, and active smoking (only for adolescents). Population attributable risk % (PAR) was also computed. RESULTS Asthma was more strongly related to only early than to only current exposure, both in children (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.30) and adolescents (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.59). The same result was found for rhino-conjunctivitis (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.82), in children, and for wheeze among adolescents (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.11). In children, wheeze (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.66) and eczema (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.91) were more strongly related to mould/dampness when exposed both early and currently; the same occurred in adolescents for rhino-conjunctivitis (1.78, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.45). Although persistent cough/phlegm was significantly related to mould/dampness exposure in children, regardless of exposure timing, no significant association between mould/dampness exposure and eczema or cough/phlegm was found among adolescents. PAR estimates were higher for only early than only current exposures. Avoiding early only exposure would abate wheeze by 6%, asthma or cough/phlegm by 7%, rhino-conjunctivitis in children by 4%, and in adolescents, asthma by 6%, and wheeze by 4%. CONCLUSIONS Respiratory disorders such as wheeze and asthma can often be explained by exposure to home mould/dampness, especially early in life. The association seems more evident in children than in adolescents. These findings may suggest the need for environmental prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Simoni
- Pulmonary Environmental Epidemiology Unit, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
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Benkner S, Berti G, Engelbrecht G, Fingberg J, Kohring G, Middleton SE, Schmidt R. GEMSS: grid-infrastructure for medical service provision. Methods Inf Med 2005; 44:177-81. [PMID: 15924170] [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: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The European GEMSS Project is concerned with the creation of medical Grid service prototypes and their evaluation in a secure service-oriented infrastructure for distributed on demand/supercomputing. Key aspects of the GEMSS Grid middleware include negotiable QoS support for time-critical service provision, flexible support for business models, and security at all levels in order to ensure privacy of patient data as well as compliance to EU law. METHODS The GEMSS Grid infrastructure is based on a service-oriented architecture and is being built on top of existing standard Grid and Web technologies. The GEMSS infrastructure offers a generic Grid service provision framework that hides the complexity of transforming existing applications into Grid services. For the development of client-side applications or portals, a pluggable component framework has been developed, providing developers with full control over business processes, service discovery, QoS negotiation, and workflow, while keeping their underlying implementation hidden from view. RESULTS A first version of the GEMSS Grid infrastructure is operational and has been used for the set-up of a Grid test-bed deploying six medical Grid service prototypes including maxillo-facial surgery simulation, neuro-surgery support, radio-surgery planning, inhaled drug-delivery simulation, cardiovascular simulation and advanced image reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS The GEMSS Grid infrastructure is based on standard Web Services technology with an anticipated future transition path towards the OGSA standard proposed by the Global Grid Forum. GEMSS demonstrates that the Grid can be used to provide medical practitioners and researchers with access to advanced simulation and image processing services for improved preoperative planning and near real-time surgical support.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Benkner
- Institute for Software Science, University of Vienna, Liechtensteinstrasse 22, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Malandrini A, Luchini D, Gambelli S, Gaudiano C, Berti G, Salvadori C, Serni G, Valassina M, Federico A, Di Paolo M. A syndrome of bilateral hemorrhage of the thalamus and myocarditis with fatal course. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 11:208-10. [PMID: 15363755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcfm.2004.04.009] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 41-year-old patient with bilateral hemorrhage of the thalamus, leading to death. Post-mortem examination showed acute myocarditis. Neuropathological study showed perivascular infiltrates in affected thalamic regions. Laboratory investigation failed to find any causal agent. We hypothesize an infective agent, affecting the heart and thalamus, as the cause of this syndrome. Diaschisis due to the strategic anatomical position of the thalamus may have been responsible for coma state and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, Neuroscience Section, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Gambelli S, Ginanneschi F, Malandrini A, Palmeri S, Berti G, Desiderio P, Luisa B, Maria PF, Rossi A. Antibodies to dorsal root ganglia and olfactory cells in a patient with chronic sensory neuropathy and anosmia. J Neurol Sci 2004; 221:105-8. [PMID: 15178223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2004.02.019] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2003] [Revised: 11/19/2003] [Accepted: 02/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 51-year-old woman with anosmia and chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy. Olfactory tests suggested neurosensory anosmia. Immunocytochemical analysis showed serum antibodies against dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells and olfactory neurons, in the absence of other known causes of anosmia and sensory neuropathy. Clinical and laboratory data suggested a slow autoimmune process affecting dorsal root ganglion and olfactory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gambelli
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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36
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Formichi P, Malandrini A, Battisti C, Santorelli FM, Gambelli S, Tripodi SA, Berti G, Salvadori C, Tessa A, Federico A. DNA end labelling (TUNEL) in a 3 year old girl with Leigh syndrome and prevalent cortical involvement. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2004; 75:930-2. [PMID: 15146020 PMCID: PMC1739044 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2003.016410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathological study of a 3 1/2 year old girl with familial Leigh syndrome who also harboured a rare ATPase gene mutation disclosed extensive and unusual lesions in the cerebral cortex, despite a typical histological pattern. Early lesions in the periacqueductal grey matter of the brainstem, characterised by capillary congestion and initial regressive neuronal changes, were also observed, along with TUNEL reactive neuronal cells showing morphological signs typical of apoptosis in cortical areas with neuronal cell loss. The finding of lesions in atypical brain areas and for the first time, very early regressive neuronal phenomena, suggest that early changes in crucial brain areas may have been a cause of death. The abundance of TUNEL positive nuclei in cortical areas in the present case suggests that the apoptosis may be involved in the mechanism of neuronal death in Leigh syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Formichi
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, Section of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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37
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Gambelli S, Malandrini A, Ginanneschi F, Berti G, Cardaioli E, De Stefano R, Franci M, Salvadori C, Mari F, Bruttini M, Rossi A, Federico A, Renieri A. Mitochondrial Abnormalities in Genetically Assessed Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy. Eur Neurol 2004; 51:144-7. [PMID: 14988608 DOI: 10.1159/000077070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Received: 07/30/2003] [Accepted: 12/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report a family with a clinical diagnosis of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy in which muscle biopsy showed mitochondrial changes such as cytochrome-c-oxidase-negative fibers and aggregates of mitochondria containing paracrystalline inclusions. Molecular analysis demonstrated a GCG expansion in the poly(A)-binding protein 2 (PABP2) gene and failed to demonstrate multiple deletions of mtDNA. We hypothesize that mitochondrial abnormalities may be a secondary phenomenon. This observation may suggest that the PABP2 gene could interfere in the posttranscriptional regulation of genes involved in mitochondrial function.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biopsy/methods
- DNA, Mitochondrial/analysis
- Family Health
- Female
- Humans
- Inclusion Bodies/pathology
- Inclusion Bodies/ultrastructure
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron/methods
- Middle Aged
- Mitochondria, Muscle/genetics
- Mitochondria, Muscle/pathology
- Mitochondria, Muscle/ultrastructure
- Molecular Biology/methods
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/ultrastructure
- Muscular Dystrophy, Oculopharyngeal/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Oculopharyngeal/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Oculopharyngeal/pathology
- Neurologic Examination
- Pedigree
- Poly(A)-Binding Protein II/genetics
- Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gambelli
- Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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38
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Malandrini A, Albani F, Palmeri S, Fattapposta F, Gambelli S, Berti G, Bracco A, Tammaro A, Calzavara S, Villanova M, Ferrari M, Rossi A, Carrera P. Asymptomatic cores and paracrystalline mitochondrial inclusions in CADASIL. Neurology 2002; 59:617-20. [PMID: 12196662 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.59.4.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Three siblings with genetically assessed cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) with core-like lesions and mitochondrial abnormalities in muscles are described. Involvement of the Ryanodine receptor 1 gene was excluded. In the current cases, the relation between molecular genetic lesion and muscle fiber abnormalities remains to be determined, but the Notch3 gene may influence mitochondrial metabolism.
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MESH Headings
- Biopsy
- Creatine Kinase/blood
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/blood
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/genetics
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/pathology
- Female
- Genes, Dominant
- Genetic Markers
- Genotype
- Humans
- Inclusion Bodies/pathology
- Inclusion Bodies/ultrastructure
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mitochondria, Muscle/pathology
- Mitochondria, Muscle/ultrastructure
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/ultrastructure
- Mutation, Missense
- Pedigree
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Receptor, Notch3
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Receptors, Notch
- Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Istituto Scienze Neurologiche, Università di Siena, Italy.
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39
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40
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Bellucci G, Berti G, Chiappe C, Fabri F, Marioni F. Product enantioselectivity in the microsomal epoxide hydrolase catalyzed hydrolysis of 10,11-dihydro-10,11-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene. J Org Chem 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/jo00265a044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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41
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Guarna A, Menchi G, Berti G, Cini N, Bottoncetti A, Raspanti S, Politi A, Pupi A. Synthesis and preliminary biological characterization of a new potential (125)I-radioligand for dopamine and serotonin receptors. Bioorg Med Chem 2001; 9:3197-206. [PMID: 11711295 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(01)00229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and a preliminary biological characterization of a new class of N-benzyl-aminoalcohols which have serotonin (5-HT(2)) and dopamine (D(2)) receptor affinity is described. In vitro competition binding studies were conducted with the new molecules and (3)H-spiperone on crude membrane preparation from rat striatum and frontal cortex. One of these compounds, 3-benzylamino-1-(4-fluoro-2-iodophenyl)-propan-1-ol (6f), whose IC(50) values are in the micromolar range for both the D(2) and 5-HT(2) receptors, was prepared in iodine-125 labelled form (6i) by nucleophilic substitution of the bromine atom of 3-benzylamino-1-(2-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-propan-1-ol (6d). In the in vivo studies, conducted on rats, the radiolabelled molecule 6i shows a good capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with a mean value of first pass cerebral extraction (E) of ca. 50% when the regional cerebral blood flow, measured with microsphere technique, is in the experimental animal's physiologic range (0.8-1 mL/min/g). A preliminary in vitro autoradiographic distribution on coronal rat brain slices of the radioiodinated molecule showed that it was preferentially localized in the striatum and in the cerebral regions rich in dopamine- and serotonin receptors, even if a high non-specific binding was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guarna
- Dipartimento di Chimica Organica U. Schiff, e Centro di Studio sulla Chimica e la Struttura dei Composti Eterociclici e loro Applicazioni, CNR, Università di Firenze, Via G. Capponi 9, Firenze I-50121, Italy.
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42
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Bolzonella C, Previato A, Giuliani AL, Moretti C, Confalonieri G, Aloni A, Indelli M, Rigolin F, Reverberi R, Carmignoto F, Ferrazzi E, Berti G. Modifications of Erythrocyte Complement Receptor 1 in Tumor Patients. Tumori 2001. [DOI: 10.1177/030089160108700646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Bolzonella
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | - A Previato
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | - AL Giuliani
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | - C Moretti
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | - G Confalonieri
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | - A Aloni
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
| | | | | | | | | | | | - G Berti
- Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Division of General Pathology, University of Ferrara
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Cini R, Chindamo D, Catenaccio M, Lorenzini S, Selvi E, Nerucci F, Picchi MP, Berti G, Marcolongo R. Dissolution of calcium pyrophosphate crystals by polyphosphates: an in vitro and ex vivo study. Ann Rheum Dis 2001; 60:962-7. [PMID: 11557654 PMCID: PMC1753396 DOI: 10.1136/ard.60.10.962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the dissolving ability (DA) of linear pentasodium tripolyphosphate (PSTP), cyclic trisodium metaphosphate (TSMP), polymeric sodium metaphosphate (SMP) on synthetic crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) and on crystalline aggregates of menisci from patients with chondrocalcinosis (CC). METHODS Synthetic CPPD crystals were mixed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), which contained the different polyphosphates, for one hour at 37 degrees C. The calcified menisci were obtained from the knees of four female patients with CPPD disease who underwent total arthroscopic meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal lesions. Meniscal cryosections and fragments were incubated in SMP (15 mg/ml PBS) at 37 degrees C for one hour and 24 hours, respectively. Histological evaluation on meniscal samples after polyphosphate incubation was carried out by ordinary transmitted light microscopy and polarised light microscopy. The dissolution of CPPD crystals by polyphosphates was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy, which determined the amount of calcium liberated from synthetic crystals and meniscal fragments. Cytotoxicity of SMP was evaluated by tetrazolium salt assay and by an ultrastructural study on cultured chondrocytes. RESULTS SMP and PSTP showed higher DA on CPPD crystals than TSMP. Analysis of the DA values at increasing concentrations of SMP showed that a concentration of 15 mg/ml completely dissolved 2.0 mg CPPD crystals. The solution of meniscal CPPD crystals showed a significant increase of calcium concentration after three hours and 24 hours of SMP incubation (p=0.0001; Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance) compared with fragments incubated in PBS control solution. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of meniscal specimens showed a notable reduction of CPPD deposits. A 50% inhibitory dose on cultured chondrocytes was reached at the maximum concentration of SMP used in this work (15 mg/ml); ultrastructural analysis did not show morphological alterations in the treated cells. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that linear polyphosphates are effective in dissolving both synthetic and ex vivo CPPD crystal aggregates. This suggests a potential therapeutic use for these molecules in the treatment of symptomatic CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cini
- Department of Chemical and Biosystem Sciences and Technologies, University of Siena, Italy
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44
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Alamanni F, Fumero A, Parolari A, Trabattoni P, Cannata A, Berti G, Biglioli P. Sutureless double-patch-and-glue technique for repair of subacute left ventricular wall rupture after myocardial infarction. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 122:836-7. [PMID: 11581629 DOI: 10.1067/mtc.2001.115415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Alamanni
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Milano, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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45
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Malandrini A, Mari F, Palmeri S, Gambelli S, Berti G, Bruttini M, Bardelli AM, Williamson K, van Heyningen V, Renieri A. PAX6 mutation in a family with aniridia, congenital ptosis, and mental retardation. Clin Genet 2001; 60:151-4. [PMID: 11553050 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2001.600210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital aniridia is due to deletions and point mutations in the PAX6 gene. We describe here a case of a mother and her two sons with a syndrome comprising congenital aniridia, ptosis, and slight mental retardation. The sons also show behavioral changes. The possibility of deletion around the PAX6 locus was excluded by polymorphism studies and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Mutation screening of the PAX6 gene revealed the presence of a transversion C719A, resulting in the substitution of arginine for serine at residue 119. We suggest that this missense mutation is responsible both for aniridia and ptosis, and possibly also for the observed cognitive dysfunction in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Medical Research Council, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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46
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Malandrini A, Villanova M, Salvadori C, Gambelli S, Berti G, Di Paolo M. Neuropathological findings associated with retained lead shot pellets in a man surviving two months after a suicide attempt. J Forensic Sci 2001; 46:717-21. [PMID: 11373015] [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: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
We describe the neuropathological findings in a 30-year-old man who died two months after attempting suicide with a shotgun. We focused our study on lesions associated with retained lead shot pellets and distant therefrom, as well as lesions distant from the principal site of injury. At the sites of the retained lead shot pellets, we found macrophage proliferation and astrocyte activation, together with axonal spheroids and signs of neuronal damage. In the remaining white matter we observed axonal swellings, astrocyte activation and rarefaction of the neuropil; regressive phenomena of the neurons were also present. All axonal spheroids immunoreacted with antibodies against APP, alphaB-crystallin, NF subunits and ubiquitin. Most reactive astrocytes were positive for GFAP and alphaB-crystallin immunostaining. Some neurons immunoreacting with alphaB-crystallin were also found. These data indicated that an important local reaction developed at the sites of lead shot retention, and mild signs of diffuse axonal damage were found throughout the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
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Giuliani AL, Wiener E, Lee MJ, Brown IN, Berti G, Wickramasinghe SN. Changes in murine bone marrow macrophages and erythroid burst-forming cells following the intravenous injection of liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP). Eur J Haematol 2001; 66:221-9. [PMID: 11380601 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2001.066004221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the effect on bone marrow macrophages of liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP), mice were injected intravenously with a preparation of such liposomes at a dose known to deplete spleen and liver macrophages. Two days later, the macrophages in the marrow of the femoral bones were quantified by flow cytometry using a macrophage-specific monoclonal antibody (F4/80), and their ultrastructure and phagocytic activity towards zymosan particles was assessed. To determine the effect on erythropoiesis of liposome-encapsulated Cl2MDP-induced changes in bone marrow macrophages, red blood cell parameters and the formation of erythroid burst-forming unit (BFU-E)-derived colonies in vitro were evaluated. In mice injected with liposome-encapsulated Cl2MDP, there was a 54% and 67% decrease in the total number of bone marrow macrophages as compared to uninjected controls and mice treated with empty liposomes, respectively. Moreover, residual macrophages showed an abnormal ultrastructure, with reduced numbers of crystalloid inclusions and increased numbers of large myelin figures. However, the phagocytic activity of these cells was unimpaired or slightly enhanced. In mice injected with liposome-encapsulated Cl2MDP there was an approximately 60% decrease in the percentage and total number of circulating reticulocytes and a 54% reduction in the BFU-E number, demonstrating deregulation of erythropoiesis under conditions of macrophage loss and impairment. The results suggest that mice treated with liposome-encapsulated Cl2MDP are a model for studying the role of macrophages in erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Diagnostica, Sezione di Patologia Generale, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Bolzonella C, Previato A, Giuliani A, Moretti C, Confalonieri G, Aloni A, Indelli M, Reverberi R, Ferrazzi E, Berti G. RBC CR1 in tumour patients: an implication in anaemia? Eur J Cancer 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(01)80961-8] [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: 10/26/2022]
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49
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Malandrini A, Ceuterick C, Villanova M, Gambelli S, Berti G, Rossi A, Guazzi GC. Ultrastructural findings in the peripheral nerve in a family with the intermediate form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. JOURNAL OF SUBMICROSCOPIC CYTOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY 2001; 33:59-63. [PMID: 11686409] [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: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The authors describe here the ultrastructural findings in peripheral nerve biopsies from two affected members of a family with a previously undescribed intermediate form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. We found prevalent demyelinating features such as onion bulbs and myelin splits with uncompacted and irregularly enlarged lamellae, mostly at the Schmidt-Lantermann incisures and in paranodal region. Signs of a chronic axonopathy such as regeneration clusters, large fiber loss, Büngner's bands and unmyelinated fiber involvement were also seen. The presence of both demyelinating and axonal findings, not found in other genetically determined types of CMT disease, confirms the hypothesis of a new nosographic entity of intermediate type.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malandrini
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
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Parolari A, Alamanni F, Pompilio G, Naliato M, Galanti A, Berti G, Biglioli P. Quality of life and mid-term results of 100 consecutive minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafts. Ann Thorac Surg 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4975(00)02087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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