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Cattell RF, Kang JJ, Ren T, Huang PB, Muttreja A, Dacosta S, Li H, Baer L, Clouston S, Palermo R, Fisher P, Bernstein C, Cohen JA, Duong TQ. MRI Volume Changes of Axillary Lymph Nodes as Predictor of Pathologic Complete Responses to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2019; 20:68-79.e1. [PMID: 31327729 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Longitudinal monitoring of breast tumor volume over the course of chemotherapy is informative of pathologic response. This study aims to determine whether axillary lymph node (aLN) volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could augment the prediction accuracy of treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Level-2a curated data from the I-SPY-1 TRIAL (2002-2006) were used. Patients had stage 2 or 3 breast cancer. MRI was acquired pre-, during, and post-NAC. A subset with visible aLNs on MRI was identified (N = 132). Prediction of pathologic complete response (PCR) was made using breast tumor volume changes, nodal volume changes, and combined breast tumor and nodal volume changes with sub-stratification with and without large lymph nodes (3 mL or ∼1.79 cm diameter cutoff). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to quantify prediction performance. RESULTS The rate of change of aLN and breast tumor volume were informative of pathologic response, with prediction being most informative early in treatment (area under the curve (AUC), 0.57-0.87) compared with later in treatment (AUC, 0.50-0.75). Larger aLN volume was associated with hormone receptor negativity, with the largest nodal volume for triple negative subtypes. Sub-stratification by node size improved predictive performance, with the best predictive model for large nodes having AUC of 0.87. CONCLUSION aLN MRI offers clinically relevant information and has the potential to predict treatment response to NAC in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee F Cattell
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - James J Kang
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Thomas Ren
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Pauline B Huang
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Ashima Muttreja
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Sarah Dacosta
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Haifang Li
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Lea Baer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Sean Clouston
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Roxanne Palermo
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Paul Fisher
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Cliff Bernstein
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Jules A Cohen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Tim Q Duong
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY.
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Borghi L, Leone D, Poli S, Becattini C, Chelo E, Costa M, De Lauretis L, Ferraretti AP, Filippini C, Giuffrida G, Livi C, Luehwink A, Palermo R, Revelli A, Tomasi G, Tomei F, Vegni E. Patient-centered communication, patient satisfaction, and retention in care in assisted reproductive technology visits. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1135-1142. [PMID: 31077010 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01466-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the association between patient-centered communication, patients' satisfaction, and retention in care in assisted reproductive technology (ART) visits. METHODS ART visits at eight Italian clinics were videotaped and coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System, which includes a Patient-Centered Index (PCI), a summary "patient-centered communication" ratio. After the visit, patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire (SATQ). After 3 months, patients were asked about their retention in care. Spearman correlations and Mann-Whitney tests were used to test associations between the study variables; the open-ended item of SATQ was analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS Eighty-five visits were videotaped (involving 28 gynecologists and 160 patients). PCI score (μ = 0.51 ± 0.28) revealed a more disease-oriented communication during the visit. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the visit and identified in the information provision or in the doctor's humanity or kindness the main reasons of satisfaction. At the follow-up, the majority of the couples declared to have followed the clinicians' recommendations and to have remained related to the ART center. No associations were found among the study variables, except for a lower male satisfaction among couples who declared to have changed ART clinic. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to what was expected, the style of physician-patient communication was not found to be associated with patient satisfaction and retention in care. However, patients were highly satisfied and engaged. The actual meaning of a communication that is "patient-centered" in the ART context might be wider, including the couples' need for information, as suggested by qualitative findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - D Leone
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy
- San Paolo University Hospital, Asst-Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - S Poli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - C Becattini
- Futura Assisted Reproductive Center, 50129, Florence, Italy
| | - E Chelo
- Demetra Assisted Reproductive Center, 50141, Florence, Italy
| | - M Costa
- Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale, Assisted Reproductive Unit, 16122, Genoa, Italy
| | - L De Lauretis
- Istituto Clinico Città Studi, Assisted Reproductive Center, 20131, Milan, Italy
| | - A P Ferraretti
- S.I.S.Me.R. Reproductive Medicine Unit, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Filippini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Giuffrida
- CRA, Assisted Reproductive center, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - C Livi
- Demetra Assisted Reproductive Center, 50141, Florence, Italy
| | - A Luehwink
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari-Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Assisted Reproductive Unit, 38123, Arco, Italy
| | - R Palermo
- Ambra Assisted Reproductive Center, 90138, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics I, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - G Tomasi
- CRA, Assisted Reproductive center, 95128, Catania, Italy
| | - F Tomei
- Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria degli Angeli, 33170, Pordenone, Italy
| | - E Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy
- San Paolo University Hospital, Asst-Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
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Leone D, Borghi L, Del Negro S, Becattini C, Chelo E, Costa M, De Lauretis L, Ferraretti AP, Giuffrida G, Livi C, Luehwink A, Palermo R, Revelli A, Tomasi G, Tomei F, Filippini C, Vegni E. Doctor-couple communication during assisted reproductive technology visits. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:877-886. [PMID: 29635461 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the characteristics of doctor-couple communication content during actual ART visits? SUMMARY ANSWER Physicians were mainly focused on providing biomedical information, while communication content from couples had a 2-fold focus on providing biomedical information and on positive talk. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Communication aspects in ART seem crucial for clinical decision-making, retention in care and critical conversations with couples due to low treatment success rates. However, no studies have been carried out on the actual interaction between the doctor and the couple in this context. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This observational study involved 28 clinicians and 160 patients referred to eight Italian ART clinics during a one-year recruitment period. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ART visits at eight Italian clinics were videotaped. The visits were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS), particularly focusing on RIAS composite categories, verbal dominance and patient-centeredness score. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 85 visits were eligible for analysis (62% acceptance rate), involving 28 clinicians and 160 patients (including 75 couples). The average visit duration was 37 ± 17.7 min. The mean verbal dominance was 1.9 ± 0.86 (range: 0.72-5.74). Physicians mainly focused on providing biomedical information. Communication content from couples had a 2-fold focus on providing biomedical information and on positive talk. The mean of patient centeredness index (PCI) was 0.51 (SD = 0.28; range 0.08-1.77); visits in which the doctor was a woman or the treatment indication was for heterologous fertilization showed higher PCI scores. Overall, females accounted for 67% of all patient talk. Taking this imbalance into account as expected frequencies for each composite category, males reported significantly more utterances in almost all of the socioemotional categories. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These results are preliminary and observational and only regard Italy. Communication during visits may have been biased since the professionals who agreed to participate showed an interest in communication issues. Another limitation is a possible Hawthorne effect due to the fact that participants were aware of being videotaped. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study showed that ART physicians mainly adopted an informative model of communication and a more disease-oriented approach. Findings revealed the complexity of communication content during ART consultations, given its triadic characteristic in which the third party is also a patient; clinicians should be aware of this complex aspect and of the specific male and female perspectives to be taken into account. The results could be useful for training ART professionals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was possible thanks to an unconditional grant from Ferring Spa to the Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan. There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Leone
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - L Borghi
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - S Del Negro
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - C Becattini
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Futura Diagnostica Medica, Florence 50129, Italy
| | - E Chelo
- Demetra Assisted Reproductive Center, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - M Costa
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale, Genoa 16122, Italy
| | - L De Lauretis
- Assisted Reproductive Center, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, Milan 20131, Italy
| | - A P Ferraretti
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - G Giuffrida
- CRA, Assisted Reproductive Center, Catania 95128, Italy
| | - C Livi
- Demetra Assisted Reproductive Center, Florence 50141, Italy
| | - A Luehwink
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari-Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Arco 38123, Italy
| | - R Palermo
- Ambra Assisted Reproductive Center, Palermo 90138, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics I, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - G Tomasi
- CRA, Assisted Reproductive Center, Catania 95128, Italy
| | - F Tomei
- Assisted Reproductive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Santa Maria degli Angeli, Pordenone 33170, Italy
| | - C Filippini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin 10126, Italy
| | - E Vegni
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan 20142, Italy
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Micheli F, Palermo R, Talora C, Ferretti E, Vacca A, Napolitano M. Regulation of proapoptotic proteins Bak1 and p53 by miR-125b in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease: Protective role of 17β-estradiol. Neurosci Lett 2016; 629:234-240. [PMID: 27235580 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease has become one of the most impacting disorders since world population is rapidly aging. MicroRNA-125b plays a crucial role in many cellular processes and pathologies, but, to date, its role in Alzheimer's disease is controversial. In this study, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the down regulation of miR-125b is a key event for the neurotoxic effect of Aβ treatment in cortical neurons. Moreover, we found that 17β-estradiol treatment protects neurons from the Aβ-peptide induced neurotoxicity by increasing miR-125b expression that, in turn, decreased the expression, both at gene and protein levels, of the pro-apoptopic proteins Bak1 and p53. Overall, our data reveal miR-125b as a novel neuro-protector miRNA in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Micheli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - R Palermo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - C Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - A Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - M Napolitano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University "La Sapienza", 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Martin-Blanco NM, Checquolo S, Del Gaudio F, Palermo R, Franciosa G, Di Marcotullio L, Gulino A, Canelles M, Screpanti I. Numb-dependent integration of pre-TCR and p53 function in T-cell precursor development. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1472. [PMID: 25321479 PMCID: PMC4237259 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Numb asymmetrically segregates at mitosis to control cell fate choices during development. Numb inheritance specifies progenitor over differentiated cell fates, and, paradoxically, also promotes neuronal differentiation, thus indicating that the role of Numb may change during development. Here we report that Numb nuclear localization is restricted to early thymocyte precursors, whereas timed appearance of pre-T-cell receptor (pre-TCR) and activation of protein kinase Cθ promote phosphorylation-dependent Numb nuclear exclusion. Notably, nuclear localization of Numb in early thymocyte precursors favors p53 nuclear stabilization, whereas pre-TCR-dependent Numb nuclear exclusion promotes the p53 downmodulation essential for further differentiation. Accordingly, the persistence of Numb in the nucleus impairs the differentiation and promotes precursor cell death. This study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for Numb function based on its nucleus–cytosol shuttling, coupling the different roles of Numb with different stages of T-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Martin-Blanco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - S Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza University, Latina 04100, Italy
| | - F Del Gaudio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - R Palermo
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - G Franciosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Gulino
- 1] Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy [2] Neuromed Institute, Pozzilli 86007, Italy
| | - M Canelles
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine 'Lopez Neyra', Spanish National Research Council, Granada 18100, Spain
| | - I Screpanti
- 1] Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy [2] Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy [3] Institut Pasteur-Foundation Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome 00161, Italy
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Palermo R, Checquolo S, Bellavia D, Talora C, Screpanti I. The molecular basis of notch signaling regulation: a complex simplicity. Curr Mol Med 2014; 14:34-44. [PMID: 24236458 DOI: 10.2174/1566524013666131118105216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Notch receptors have attracted considerable attention for their ability to control cellular functions that regulate embryo development and tissue homeostasis. Notch receptors act by controlling the expression of a specific set of target genes. If Notch signaling system can be so simple, and yet so complex in its pleiotropic effects, then a sophisticated network of regulatory mechanisms is required to maintain the control over the initiation, activity and termination of this signaling pathway. A multitude of regulatory mechanisms has been discovered that controls the interaction of Notch receptors with their ligands, the assembling of a Notch transcriptional activation complex and the termination of Notch signals. The intracellular and extracellular domains of the Notch receptors are synthesized as single proteins, pairing with each other during their trafficking through the exocytotic route. The mechanisms operating in the phase preceding the generation of the heterodimeric signal-competent Notch receptors can be as elaborate and physiologically important as those operating downstream of Notch receptor activation. These regulatory mechanisms, which are essential to understand the role of Notch signaling in human physiology and pathology are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - I Screpanti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Sapienza Universita' di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Roma, Italy.
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Neumann M, Ng R, Rhodes G, Palermo R. Determinants of ensemble representations for face identity. J Vis 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/14.10.555] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Laguesse R, Tez T, Hall B, Irons J, McKone E, Daini R, Albonico A, Malaspina M, Taylor E, Rhodes G, Charpentier A, Rossion B, Palermo R. Subjective self-assessment of face recognition ability is only weakly related to objective measures of face recognition performance. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Dawel A, McKone E, Irons J, O'Kearney R, Palermo R. Look out! Gaze-cueing is greater from fearful faces in a dangerous context for children and adults. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.595] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Palermo R, Jeffery L, Lewandowsky J, Fiorentini C, McKone E, Irons JL, Skinner AL, Benton CP, Burton N. Individual differences in the ability to recognize facial expressions are associated with the strength of adaptive expression coding but not the strength of holistic expression coding. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Cialfi S, Palermo R, Manca S, Checquolo S, Bellavia D, Pelullo M, Quaranta R, Dominici C, Gulino A, Screpanti I, Talora C. Glucocorticoid sensitivity of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma is associated with glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition of Notch1 expression. Leukemia 2012; 27:485-8. [PMID: 22846929 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2012.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Palermo R, Checquolo S, Giovenco A, Grazioli P, Kumar V, Campese AF, Giorgi A, Napolitano M, Canettieri G, Ferrara G, Schininà ME, Maroder M, Frati L, Gulino A, Vacca A, Screpanti I. Acetylation controls Notch3 stability and function in T-cell leukemia. Oncogene 2011; 31:3807-17. [PMID: 22120716 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of Notch3 and their functional role with respect to Notch3 overexpression in T-cell leukemia are still poorly understood. We identify here a specific novel property of Notch3 that is acetylated and deacetylated at lysines 1692 and 1731 by p300 and HDAC1, respectively, a balance impaired by HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) that favor hyperacetylation. By using HDACi and a non-acetylatable Notch3 mutant carrying K/R(1692-1731) mutations in the intracellular domain, we show that Notch3 acetylation primes ubiquitination and proteasomal-mediated degradation of the protein. As a consequence, Notch3 protein expression and its transcriptional activity are decreased both in vitro and in vivo in Notch3 transgenic (tg) mice, thus impairing downstream signaling upon target genes. Consistently, Notch3-induced T-cell proliferation is inhibited by HDACi, whereas it is enhanced by the non-acetylatable Notch3-K/R(1692-1731) mutant. Finally, HDACi-induced Notch3 hyperacetylation prevents in vivo growth of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in Notch3 tg mice. Together, our findings suggest a novel level of Notch signaling control in which Notch3 acetylation/deacetylation process represents a key regulatory switch, thus representing a suitable druggable target for Notch3-sustained T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Palermo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Wilson CE, Brock J, Palermo R. Attention to social stimuli and facial identity recognition skills in autism spectrum disorder. J Intellect Disabil Res 2010; 54:1104-1115. [PMID: 20977517 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01340.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a reduced preference for viewing social stimuli in the environment and impaired facial identity recognition. METHODS Here, we directly tested a link between these two phenomena in 13 ASD children and 13 age-matched typically developing (TD) controls. Eye movements were recorded while participants passively viewed visual scenes containing people and objects. Participants also completed independent matching tasks for faces and objects. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Behavioural data showed that participants with ASD were impaired on both face- and object-matching tasks relative to TD controls. Eye-tracking data revealed that both groups showed a strong bias to orient towards people. TD children spent proportionally more time looking at people than objects; however, there was no difference in viewing times between people and objects in the ASD group. In the ASD group, an individual's preference for looking first at the people in scenes was associated with level of face recognition ability. Further research is required to determine whether a causal relationship exists between these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Wilson
- Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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Rivolta D, Schmalzl L, Palermo R, Williams M. Faces and Places in the Brain: An MEG Investigation. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/10.7.1266] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Palermo R, Atkinson C, Willis M, De Lissa P, Sewell C, McArthur G. Implicit and explicit processing of facial expression in childhood, adolescence and adulthood: An ERP study. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/8.6.704] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Schmalzl L, Palermo R, Green M, Brunsdon R, Coltheart M. Training of familiar face recognition and visual scan paths for faces in a child with congenital prosopagnosia. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/8.6.412] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Willis M, Palermo R, Burke D. Deciding to approach other people: The influence of face and body expressions. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/9.8.489] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Boyer JD, Yin J, Dai A, Belisle S, Hirao L, Palermo R, Hokey D, Yan J, Weiner D. P16-36. Functional genomic immune profile of SIV DNA vaccines delivered by electroporation and combined with molecular adjuvants. Retrovirology 2009. [PMCID: PMC2767765 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-s3-p265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Ragni G, Allegra A, Anserini P, Causio F, Ferraretti AP, Greco E, Palermo R, Somigliana E. The 2004 Italian legislation regulating assisted reproduction technology: a multicentre survey on the results of IVF cycles. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2224-8. [PMID: 15817586 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The new Italian law, passed in 2004, regulating assisted reproduction technology imposes that no more than three oocytes can be fertilized at one time and that all embryos obtained must be transferred simultaneously. Oocyte cryopreservation is allowed while embryo cryostorage is banned. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of these limitations. METHODS Seven Italian infertility centres were invited to collect data on IVF cycles performed over the first 4 months of application of the new legislation. As a control, all centres provided data on cycles performed in the same solar period, 1 year before. RESULTS Data from 1861 cycles were obtained, 961 in the pre-law period and 900 in the post-law period. Pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval and rate of multiple pregnancies in the pre- and post-law periods were 27.0 and 24.2% (P=0.18) and 25.8 and 20.9% (P=0.11) respectively. However, the prohibition to freeze embryos does appear to have markedly reduced the cumulative rate of success. CONCLUSIONS The rate of success of IVF-ICSI cycles using fresh embryos is not significantly influenced by the new legislation while the prohibition to freeze embryos seems to result in a more relevant impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ragni
- Infertility Unit, 'Policlinico--L. Mangiagalli' Hospital, Milano, Reproductive Medicine Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery, Palermo (Palermo I), Italy.
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22
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Ruggieri RM, Palermo R, Vitello G, Gennuso M, Settipani N, Piccoli F. Cognitive impairment in patients suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with EDSS < or = 3.5. Acta Neurol Scand 2003; 108:323-6. [PMID: 14616301 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.00157.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous papers have mainly demonstrated the presence and the frequency of cognitive impairment in patients suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate subjects with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease and mild clinical disability (EDSS < or = 3.5), so as to quantify this deficit when the illness does not yet interfere with daily living and the ability to work. METHODS Fifty patients and 50 healthy controls were submitted to a wide neuropsychological battery, including Wechsler Memory Scale I- (WMS), Benton Visual Retention Test D- (BVRT), Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Kohs' test (KT), Judgement of Lines Orientation H- (JLO), Facial Recognition (FR) and Aachner Aphasie Test (AAT). They also underwent Clinical Depression Scale (CDQ) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS The results show the presence of significant memory impairment on both WMS (P = 0.000) and BVRT (P = 0.000) in patients compared with controls. Patients were also impaired in abstract reasoning and problem-solving deficit (KT P = 0.003; RCPM P = 0.000) and in FR (P = 0.019). Cognitive decline correlated with illness duration (r = 0.761), but was independent of EDSS (r = 0.085). CONCLUSION Cognitive decline was present even when physical disability was not yet severe, but it was mild and did not limit patients' ability to work. The cognitive impairment outlined was of the subcortical type and correlated with illness duration. This study emphasizes the importance of cognitive examination in clinical practice. It is suggested that a complete neurological examination include tests on memory and abstract reasoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Ruggieri
- Department of Neurology, University of Palermo, Italy.
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23
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Dunten P, Kammlott U, Crowther R, Levin W, Foley LH, Wang P, Palermo R. X-ray structure of a novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor complexed to stromelysin. Protein Sci 2001; 10:923-6. [PMID: 11316871 PMCID: PMC2374200 DOI: 10.1110/ps.48401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A new class of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors has been identified by screening a collection of compounds against stromelysin. The inhibitors, 2,4,6-pyrimidine triones, have proven to be potent inhibitors of gelatinases A and B. An X-ray crystal structure of one representative compound bound to the catalytic domain of stromelysin shows that the compounds bind at the active site and ligand the active-site zinc. The pyrimidine triones mimic substrates in forming hydrogen bonds to key residues in the active site, and provide opportunities for placing appropriately chosen groups into the S1' specificity pocket of MMPS: A number of compounds have been synthesized and assayed against stromelysin, and the variations in potency are explained in terms of the binding mode revealed in the X-ray crystal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Dunten
- Roche Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, New Jersey 07110, USA.
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24
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Abstract
The 5,5-disubstitutedpyrimidine-2,4,6-triones represent a new class of MMP inhibitors showing selectivity for the gelatinases A and B, collagenase-3, and human neutrophil collagenase. The SAR presented here is in good agreement with an X-ray structure of compound 5 bound to the catalytic domain of stromelysin-1. While of the barbiturate structural class, compound 5 did not show any toxic or sedative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Foley
- Roche Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110, USA.
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25
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Rodriguez Martin T, Calella AM, Silva S, Munna E, Modena P, Chiesa R, Terrevazzi S, Ruggieri RM, Palermo R, Piccoli F, Confalonieri R, Tiraboschi P, Fragiacomo C, Quadri P, Lucca U, Forloni G. Apolipoprotein E and intronic polymorphism of presenilin 1 and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2000; 11:239-44. [PMID: 10940674 DOI: 10.1159/000017245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes, presenilin 1 (PS-1) and alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin (ACT) polymorphism and the association of the genotypes were examined in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 121) or vascular dementia (VD, n = 68) in comparison with elderly controls (n = 125). The frequency of the ApoE epsilon 4 allele was significantly increased both in late-onset AD (0.35) and in VD (0.17); the frequency of ApoE epsilon 2 was significantly reduced in AD, but it was similar in VD and controls. The presence of the allele 1 of PS-1 intronic polymorphism was not associated with AD or VD and was not influenced by the ApoE genotypes. Also, the frequency of allele A of the intronic polymorphism of ACT was similar in AD, VD and controls and it was not altered by ApoE or PS-1 genotypes. The results confirm the association between ApoE epsilon 4 and AD and indicate an increase in ApoE epsilon 4 in Vd, too. A potential protective role of ApoE epsilon 2 is also suggested for late-onset AD but not for VD. No association was shown between ACT allele A and PS-1 allele 1 in AD or VD.
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26
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Bolin DR, Swain AL, Sarabu R, Berthel SJ, Gillespie P, Huby NJ, Makofske R, Orzechowski L, Perrotta A, Toth K, Cooper JP, Jiang N, Falcioni F, Campbell R, Cox D, Gaizband D, Belunis CJ, Vidovic D, Ito K, Crowther R, Kammlott U, Zhang X, Palermo R, Weber D, Guenot J, Nagy Z, Olson GL. Peptide and peptide mimetic inhibitors of antigen presentation by HLA-DR class II MHC molecules. Design, structure-activity relationships, and X-ray crystal structures. J Med Chem 2000; 43:2135-48. [PMID: 10841792 DOI: 10.1021/jm000034h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Molecular features of ligand binding to MHC class II HLA-DR molecules have been elucidated through a combination of peptide structure-activity studies and structure-based drug design, resulting in analogues with nanomolar affinity in binding assays. Stabilization of lead compounds against cathepsin B cleavage by N-methylation of noncritical backbone NH groups or by dipeptide mimetic substitutions has generated analogues that compete effectively against protein antigens in cellular assays, resulting in inhibition of T-cell proliferation. Crystal structures of four ternary complexes of different peptide mimetics with the rheumatoid arthritis-linked MHC DRB10401 and the bacterial superantigen SEB have been obtained. Peptide-sugar hybrids have also been identified using a structure-based design approach in which the sugar residue replaces a dipeptide. These studies illustrate the complementary roles played by phage display library methods, peptide analogue SAR, peptide mimetics substitutions, and structure-based drug design in the discovery of inhibitors of antigen presentation by MHC class II HLA-DR molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Bolin
- Roche Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, New Jersey 07110, USA
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27
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Reichlin M, Broyles TF, Hubscher O, James J, Lehman TA, Palermo R, Stafford HA, Taylor-Albert E, Wolfson-Reichlin M. Prevalence of autoantibodies to ribosomal P proteins in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus compared with the adult disease. Arthritis Rheum 1999; 42:69-75. [PMID: 9920016 DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(199901)42:1<69::aid-anr9>3.0.co;2-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) proteins in several groups of patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison with the prevalence in adult SLE. METHODS Serum samples were pooled together from 3 cohorts of patients with juvenile-onset SLE in 3 different medical centers and from a miscellaneous group of juvenile-onset SLE patients whose samples were sent by regional physicians. Sera were studied for the presence of anti-P using 2 assays: Western blot with ribosomes as antigen, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the COOH-terminal 22 amino acids of the ribosomal P protein in a multiantigenic peptide format as antigen. Sera found positive by both tests were considered positive for anti-P antibodies. Findings from similar studies involving a large cohort of patients with adult-onset SLE from Oklahoma City were used for comparison. RESULTS The prevalence of anti-P antibodies in the pooled sample of juvenile-onset SLE sera was 45 of 108, or 42%, while in the adult cohort from Oklahoma City, 20 of 260, or 7.7%, were positive for anti-P (odds ratio [OR] 9.6, P < 10(-8) by Fisher's exact test). In addition, it was shown that 12 of 13 patients with both anti-P and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) in the juvenile SLE cohort had nephritis, while only 8 of 22 patients without both antibodies were nephritic (OR 21.0, P < 10(-8)). It was also shown that in 9 illustrative cases, the levels of anti-P and anti-dsDNA antibodies usually varied together and in concordance with the clinical activity as measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Finally, anti-P-positive and anti-P-negative patients had a similar prevalence of anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/SSA, and anti-La/SSB antibodies, but patients with anti-P had a higher prevalence of anti-U1 RNP and anti-Sm (P = 0.041 and P = 0.0385, respectively, by Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION Antibodies to ribosomal P protein are more prevalent in juvenile-onset SLE than in adult-onset SLE. Levels of antibodies to ribosomal P protein vary with the clinical disease activity as measured by the SLEDAI, often in concordance with the levels of anti-dsDNA. The presence of both anti-P and anti-dsDNA antibodies was powerfully associated with nephritis in the cohort of patients for whom comprehensive clinical and serologic data were available.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reichlin
- Arthritis and Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City 73104, USA
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28
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Moroldo MB, De Cunto C, Hübscher O, Liberatore D, Palermo R, Russo R, Giannini EH. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Argentine Spanish Version of the Stanford Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. Arthritis Care Res 1998; 11:382-90. [PMID: 9830882 DOI: 10.1002/art.1790110509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To translate into Argentine Spanish and cross-culturally adapt the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and validate the adapted instrument in Argentine patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS Five bilingual Argentine pediatric rheumatologists translated into Argentine Spanish and cross-culturally adapted the United States English CHAQ. Pretesting was done in a sample of 23 parents using a probe question technique. Parents of 70 patients with JRA and 21 healthy children (controls) participated in the validation phase. All were from Argentina. RESULTS The mean disability index (DI) scores for patients with systemic, polyarticular, or pauciarticular onset JRA were 0.64, 0.32, and 0.1, respectively. Healthy controls averaged 0.2. Intercomponent correlations were between 0.4 and 0.9, suggesting internal consistency, but also some redundancy. Test-retest reliability, studied at a 1-week interval, was moderate (mean DI 0.44 [in clinic] and 0.29 [one week later], Pearson's correlation = 0.82). We compared CHAQ scores from 15 parents with those of their children > 10 years of age. Significantly higher DI scores were given by patients than their respective parents (P > 0.019), but the pairwise scores (parent-patient) were highly correlated (r = 0.986). CONCLUSIONS Cross-cultural adaptation of the US CHAQ to Argentina required few changes. Although DI scores for all patient subgroups were higher than for controls subjects, the scores were low, particularly for those with pauciarticular disease. Prospective studies designed to examine the sensitivity to change and predictive validity will help to assess further the usefulness of the adapted CHAQ in the Argentine population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Moroldo
- Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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29
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Dunten P, Kammlott U, Crowther R, Weber D, Palermo R, Birktoft J. Protein farnesyltransferase: structure and implications for substrate binding. Biochemistry 1998; 37:7907-12. [PMID: 9609683 DOI: 10.1021/bi980531o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The rat protein farnesyltransferase crystal structure has been solved by multiple isomorphous replacement methods at a resolution of 2.75 A. The three-dimensional structure, together with recent data on the effects of several mutations, led us to propose a model for substrate binding which differs from the model presented by Park et al. based on their independent structure determination [Park, H. -W., Boduluri, S. R., Moomaw, J. F., Casey, P. J., and Beese, L. S. (1997) Science 275, 1800-1804]. Both farnesyl diphosphate and peptide substrates can be accommodated in the hydrophobic active-site barrel, with the sole charged residue inside the barrel, Arg202 of the beta-subunit, forming a salt bridge with the negatively charged carboxy terminus of peptide substrates. Our proposals are based in part on the observation of electron density in the active site which can be modeled as bound farnesyl diphosphate carried through the enzyme purification. In addition, our model explains in structural terms the results of mutational studies which have identified several residues critical for substrate specificity and catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Dunten
- Roche Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, New Jersey 07110, USA
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30
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Ciriminna R, Palermo R, Cefalu E, Manno M, Ruvolo G, Agrifoglio V, Napoli P, Cittadini E. R-071. Effect of Vero cell short-term co-culture on pregnancy rate after ICSI. Hum Reprod 1997. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.suppl_2.267] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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31
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Palermo R, Ciriminna R, Napoli P, Agrifoglio V, Cittadini E. P-074. Does exogenous LH affect oocyte and embryo quality following multiple follicular development for ICSI?—results of a prospective, randomized, assessor-blind study. Hum Reprod 1997. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.suppl_2.155] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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32
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Palermo R, Napoli P, D'Angelo A, Agrifogilo V, Cittadini E. P-073. Effects of GnRH analogue frequency of administration on ovarian stimulation outcome following GnRH agonist/menotrophin ‘long protocol’ for multiple follicular development for assisted reproductive techniques. Hum Reprod 1997. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.suppl_2.154-a] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
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33
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Palermo R, Napoli P, D'Angelo A, Agrifoglio V, Cittadini E. P-072. Effects of two GnRH agonist dosages on ovarian stimulation outcome after induction of multiple follicular development by long GnRH agonist/menotrophin protocols for assisted reproductive techniques. Hum Reprod 1997. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.suppl_2.154] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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34
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Oliveri MB, Palermo R, Mautalen C, Hübscher O. Regression of calcinosis during diltiazem treatment in juvenile dermatomyositis. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996; 23:2152-5. [PMID: 8970055] [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: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
An 8-year-old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) developed dystrophic calcifications 26 months after diagnosis. She also had severe steroid induced bone loss (osteoporosis). The calcifications turned into generalized heterotopic calcinosis with an exoskeleton-like pattern, despite successful treatment of her myopathy with methylprednisolone and immunosuppressive drugs. She was subsequently treated with oral diltiazem (5 mg/kg/day) to control calcinosis and oral pamidronate (4 mg/kg/day) in addition to calcium and vitamin D supplementation, which she had been taking for 3 years. After 21 months of treatment, clinical and radiological examination revealed dramatic regression of the calcinosis. Bone mass reached normal levels, as determined by bone absorptiometry. Diltiazem alone or in combination with other drugs could be a useful therapy in patients with juvenile DM and pronounced calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Oliveri
- Sección Osteopatías Médicas Médicas, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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35
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Palermo R, Albano C, Mangione D, Napoli P. Chronic anovulation due to prolactin hypersecretion. Acta Eur Fertil 1994; 25:161-172. [PMID: 7900499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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36
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Palermo R, Simonaro C, Albano C. Endocrine causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Acta Eur Fertil 1994; 25:177-86. [PMID: 7900501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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37
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Palermo R, Albano C, Agrifoglio V, Giambanco L, Napoli P. Anovulatory infertility. Acta Eur Fertil 1994; 25:93-106. [PMID: 7709693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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38
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Palermo R, Benigno MA, Napoli P, Perino A, Simonaro C. Immunological recurrent spontaneous abortion. Acta Eur Fertil 1994; 25:111-8. [PMID: 7709689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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39
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Schoysman R, Cittadini E, Palermo R, La Sala GB. Epididymal aspiration of nemasperms (MESA). Acta Eur Fertil 1993; 24:291-6. [PMID: 7985474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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40
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Cittadini E, Palermo R, Napoli P. Effects of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on corpus luteum and endometrial function. Acta Eur Fertil 1993; 24:195-9. [PMID: 7985463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E Cittadini
- Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Istituto Materno-Infantile dell'Università di Palermo
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41
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Schoysman R, Segal L, Van der Zwalmen P, Nijs M, Bertin G, Cittadini E, Cimino C, Ruvolo G, Cefalù E, Palermo R. Fertilization of oocytes by testicular spermatozoa and pregnancy in the human. Acta Eur Fertil 1993; 24:103-105. [PMID: 7985451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Schoysman
- Van Helmont Hospital, Unit for Infertility, Vilvoorde, Belgium
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42
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Schoysman R, Segal L, Van Der Zwalmen P, Nijs M, Bertin G, Cittadini E, Cimino C, Ruvolo G, Cefalù E, Palermo R. Assisted fertilization with epididymal spermatozoa. Acta Eur Fertil 1993; 24:7-12. [PMID: 8303974] [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: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization is used for several years as a technique for resolving infertility problems due to moderate or severe oligospermia. More recently, techniques of micro-insemination of oocytes have also become available for cases of extremely severe oligospermia which cannot be resolved by classical I.V.F. Nevertheless, although these particular techniques have already led to results which have gone far beyond initial hopes, they are not able to resolve all cases of male sterility. There are indeed many situations of excretory azoospermia associated with normal spermatogenesis; the spermatozoa remain trapped in a more or less extensive part of the epididymis because its passage is blocked, either because of post-infectious sclerosis, or of agenesis of a variably extensive area of the Wolffian duct. Post-inflammatory occlusions can be treated by micro-surgery, whereas in cases of agenesis, attempts to collect spermatozoa by means of an artificial spermatocele have led to far too many failures, and this technique has now been abandoned, in spite of some successful pregnancies. The extraordinary development of in vitro fertilization techniques has led to the logical idea that it might be possible to collect epididymal spermatozoa for oocyte fertilization.
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Cittadini E, Albano C, Cimino C, Palermo R. Assisted reproductive technologies in severe male infertility. Acta Eur Fertil 1992; 23:123-30. [PMID: 1342539] [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: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of male subfertility as an indication for ART is first discussed. The tendency to use assisted reproduction techniques in such cases is attributed to the disappointing results of classical treatments. The Authors deal with two problems: the choice of the best treatment methods of the sperm and the choice of the best technique of ART for treating male infertility. The analysis of 138 couples treated for male subfertility showed that the centrifugation on discontinuous Percoll gradients (CDPG) and especially on the mini-Percoll (mini CDPG) offers the best results if compared with pellet swim up and other techniques. With reference to the technique of choice, an accurate analysis of tubal (TET and ZIFT) and uterine (IVF/ET) transfers shows that no advantage seems to be obtained with the more sophisticated and exacting tubal transfer. This final conclusion is presently evaluated on the basis of a retrospective study.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cittadini
- Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Istituto Materno-Infantile dell'Università di Palermo
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44
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Cittadini E, Palermo R. Outcomes of induced conception. Acta Eur Fertil 1992; 23:111-6. [PMID: 1342537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Cittadini
- Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Istituto Materno-Infantile dell'Università di Palermo
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45
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Dessì-Fulgheri P, Palermo R, Di Noto G, Conti V, Baldinelli A, Pupita G, Agostinelli M, Rappelli A. High levels of plasma atrial natriuretic factor and impaired left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensives without left ventricular hypertrophy. J Hypertens 1992; 10:161-5. [PMID: 1313479 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-199202000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To seek possible correlations between plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) in hypertensive patients. DESIGN Since LVDF abnormalities can be detected in patients with normal left ventricular mass, we studied a group of hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS Untreated hypertensive patients (n = 23) and normotensive control subjects (n = 19) were studied. LVDF indices were obtained by M-mode and pulsed Doppler echocardiography. Blood samples for plasma ANF were taken in the recumbent position from subjects on normal-sodium intake. RESULTS Plasma ANF levels were significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensive subjects. All indices for systolic function were normal in both normotensive subjects and hypertensive patients. Left atrial diameter was significantly higher for hypertensive patients than for normotensive subjects. Considering LVDF, all indices for ventricular filling were found to be altered, on average, in hypertensive patients, the only exception being peak early velocity. In addition, significant correlations were found between plasma ANF and the pulsed Doppler parameters of left ventricular filling, peak atrial velocity and the peak early:peak atrial velocity ratio. Overall correlations between plasma ANF and left atrial diameter, and between left atrial diameter and left ventricular mass index were also observed. CONCLUSIONS The high levels of plasma ANF observed in our hypertensive patients and their correlation with the LVDF indices (which mainly reflect the atrial contribution to ventricular filling) could be the result of an increased atrial stretch due to diastolic ventricular dysfunction. This may exist in hypertensive patients before the development of ventricular hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cittadini
- Istituto Materno Infantile, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy
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Dessì-Fulgheri P, Di Noto G, Palermo R, Catalini R, Russo P, Rappelli A. Relationship between plasma atrial natriuretic factor and urinary kallikrein excretion in essential hypertensives. Am J Hypertens 1991; 4:214-8. [PMID: 1828349 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/4.3.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to seek possible relationships between renal kallikrein and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), we measured urinary kallikrein (UK) and ANF in 84 normal subjects (NS) and in 104 uncomplicated essential hypertensives (HP). Atrial natriuretic factor was significantly higher in HP than in NS (38.5 +/- 1.3 vs 29.0 +/- 1.3 pg/mL, P less than .01), whereas UK was significantly lower in HP than in NS (11.1 +/- 0.9 v 15.3 +/- 0.6 nkatal/24 h, P less than .01). Calculating the 95% of the percentile distribution of the single values of UK in the group of NS we were able to show that 24 out of 104 HP had a UK which fell below the lowest limit (4.5 nkat/24 h) of the normal range. We therefore divided our HP into two subgroups: patients with normal kallikrein excretion (NK) (n = 80; mean UK 13.8 +/- 0.8 nkat/24 h) and patients with low kallikrein excretion (LK) (n = 24; mean UK 2.3 +/- 0.3 nkat/24 h). Normal kallikrein patients had a mean plasma ANF value of 31.9 +/- 1.2 pg/mL which was almost superimposable to that found in NS; on the contrary, the mean plasma level of ANF in LK patients (50.7 +/- 2.2 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that measured in NK patients and in NS (P less than .01 v NK patients and NS, respectively). Since a low urinary kallikrein excretion may represent a marker of an impaired production of renal kallikrein, the high levels of ANF found in the LK subgroup could be the result of a compensatory response of the atrium attempting to maintain sodium and volume homeostasis.
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Hagag N, Diamond L, Palermo R, Lyubsky S. High expression of ras p21 correlates with increased rate of abnormal mitosis in NIH3T3 cells. Oncogene 1990; 5:1481-9. [PMID: 2174524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The modulation of responsive genes by hormonal stimulation is an attractive in vitro model system for the study of a wide variety of biological processes. Using this methodology we have investigated the effect of the human oncogene protein p21ras on mitosis using mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR)-directed gene expression. Following the induction of p21 protein, abnormal mitotic figures were scored in metaphase and anaphase. Elevated expression of p21 was associated with marked increase in the proportion of abnormal mitoses most significantly during the metaphase. Concomitant with a three fold increase in p21 levels, abnormal mitosis rose from 14.0% to 27.25%. The increase in abnormal mitosis corresponded to a 225% increase in abnormal metaphase. The p21-induced mitotic abnormalities were exhibited as lagging chromosomes in prometaphase, 3 group metaphase and C-metaphase. In addition, high expression of p21 was accompanied by significant changes in the cell morphology and fine ultrastructure, e.g. disorganization of actin, the extensive formation of microvilli on the plasma membrane and marked dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The mitotic and structural changes were reversible upon removal of dexamethasone and decline of p21 production to its basal levels. Our results identify an important biological effect of ras p21 during mitosis and the early stages of neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hagag
- Division of Oncology, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794
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Tulli D, Palermo R, Gasparini M, Ganzetti S, Balestra E, Conti V. [Cardiovascular involvement and relative risk factors in systemic sclerosis. Personal contribution]. Minerva Med 1990; 81:583-6. [PMID: 2234476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SS), cardiovascular commitment was recorded in an autopsy series, in widely different percentages, from 12 to 81%. On the other hand, clinical diagnosis of cardiopathy is made in far fewer cases. In addition, the coexistence of renal and/or pulmonary commitment makes difficult separation between primary and secondary heart damage. In 22 patients (2 m, 20 f) aged between 34 and 75 (average 55 +/- 11) with SS, a study has been made of the a) prevalence of cardiovascular commitment; b) the significance of the classic risk factors; c) the erythrocyte filtration time or TF (index of microangiopathic damage). Metabolic stability, fibrinogen, haematocrit and TF (Reid et al. method) were assessed in each patient. Nine patients (40.9%) presented ischaemic cardiopathy (myocardial infarction in three and effort angina in six), one (4.5%) presented hypertensive cardiopathy. Conduction disturbances were observed in five patients (22.7%). Whereas a statistically significant increase in TF was observed in cardiopaths, no differences in plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol or fibrinogen were observed. The incidence of smoking and the familial factor were also insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tulli
- Università degli Studi di Ancona, U.S.L. n. 10, Iesi
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Palermo R, Tulli D, Moretti S, Balestra E, Pratillo G, Conti V. [The use of dynamic electrocardiographic monitoring in scleroderma patients]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1990; 38:199-203. [PMID: 2234450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A comparative analysis of arrhythmias by "basal" electrocardiogram (ECG) and by continuous 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram monitoring was performed in 17 patients with systemic sclerosis (16 women and one man). Our study confirms that rhythm disturbances are better detectable using Holter monitoring. In fact, no patients had ventricular arrhythmias detected by ECG; on the contrary, Holter monitoring revealed ventricular arrhythmias in nine patients (53.3%). This method also revealed a ventricular tachycardia, not detected by ECG. In two patients ventricular repolarisation abnormalities without symptoms was revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Palermo
- Servizio UTIC USL n. 10 di Jesi, Ancona
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