Effects of treatment with metformin and/or sitagliptin on beta-cell function and insulin resistance in prediabetic women with previous gestational diabetes

AIM

To investigate the effect of sitagliptin (SITA) and metformin (MET) monotherapy as well as in combination (MET+SITA) on beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM) and impaired glucose regulation (IGR: impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty women were randomly assigned to receive SITA (100 mg qd), MET (850 mg bid) or MET+SITA (50 + 850 mg bid) for 16 weeks. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and +125 mg/dL hyperglycaemic clamp followed by 5 g i.v. L-arginine were performed at baseline and end of study. The primary outcome of the study was the mean change in arginine-stimulated insulin secretion rate during the hyperglycaemic clamp test from baseline to 16-week therapy.

RESULTS

At week 16, body mass index declined in all groups (-1.2 ± 0.2 kg/m² ; P < 0.05). MET+SITA gave a greater increase of first phase_{(2-10 min)} insulin secretion and arginine-stimulated response (720.3 ± 299.0 to 995.5 ± 370.3 pmol/L and 3.2 ± 0.6 to 4.8 ± 1.0 pmoL/min, respectively, both P < 0.05) compared with MET and SITA. Similarly, MET+SITA was more effective in increasing OGTT-based glucose sensitivity (55.7 ± 11.3 to 108 ± 56.2 pmol x min^-1 m^-2 x mM^-1 ; P = 0.04) and insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (M/I: 2.2 ± 0.5 to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/kg/min÷μIU/min/ml; P = 0.04; Matsuda index [SI]: 3.1 ± 0.4 to 5.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.03) compared with either MET or SITA. Disposition index (ISSI-2) increased with MET+SITA and SITA (both P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in MET. Among MET+SITA women, 33% reverted to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) compared with 14% with MET and 7% with SITA (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that MET+SITA is superior to SITA and MET monotherapy regarding beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity improvement in IGR women with previous GDM, and may offer a potential pharmacologic intervention to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in this high-risk population.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) anxiety management and reasoning bias modification in young adults with anxiety disorders: A real-world study of a therapist-assisted computerized (TACCBT) program Vs. "person-to-person" group CBT

Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) appears to be a therapeutic strategy that is as effective as person-to-person CBT in the treatment of adults and young people with anxiety disorders. The aim of our controlled study was to evaluate the following in young adult users affected by anxiety disorders: (1) the feasibility of our simple "prototype" of a therapist-assisted computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (TacCBT); and (2) the effectiveness of two different interventions-group CBT and TacCBT-in an "enriched" format for anxiety management and reasoning bias modification as compared to a control group. Psychopathology, global functioning, and cognitive flexibility were examined in 13 users undergoing TacCBT and compared to those receiving "person-to-person" group CBT (CBT Group, n = 25), which controlled for their psychopharmacological treatment. Users were included in the arms of our real-word study on the basis of their treatment preferences. Twelve subjects were included in a Treatment as Usual (TAU) group. Following the intervention, all groups showed a significant improvement in symptoms. Both CBT groups showed an improvement in cognitive flexibility with respect to TAU, in addition to a reduction of their reasoning overconfidence. Our preliminary results show the benefits of the TacCBT program and highlight its advantages.

#Everything Will Be Fine. Duration of Home Confinement and "All-or-Nothing" Cognitive Thinking Style as Predictors of Traumatic Distress in Young University Students on a Digital Platform During the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown

On March 10, 2020, Italy announced its lockdown caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and home confinement exposed individuals to a stressful situation of unknown duration. Our study aimed to analyze the emotional and cognitive experiences and the psychopathological symptoms of young Italian University students seeking help from our University student Counseling and Consultation Service during the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, our study aimed to identify the predictors of traumatic psychological distress, investigating variables that could influence the students' well-being, related to their socio-demographic and clinical condition, to the "exposition" to the social distancing, and related to their cognitive thinking style. One-hundred and three University students were included in our study. The traumatic impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). A digital platform was used in our study, focused on narrative dimensions analyses. Our results showed that 21.4% of our help-seeking students experienced lockdown as a traumatic experience. The main stressful factors reported by students were: adjustment to the new academic activities (23.3 %), lack of autonomy (19.4%), and conflicts with family members (6.8%). The three main areas impaired were: changes in the sleeping pattern (68%), difficulty in concentration (67%), and loss of energy (58.6%). Furthermore, 36% of our student sample reported being suffering from anxiety symptoms, whereas 26% showed depressive symptomatology. Students having previous psychological and psychiatric contacts with mental health services (23%) showed a more severe traumatic and depressive symptomatology. The problematic thinking style "all or nothing" was predominantly associated with psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic symptoms. "Everything Will Be Fine" could be identified by the "optimistic style" (27.2%), inversely correlated with the psychopathological measures and concentration problems. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that the length of home confinement (second month) seemed to increase by over 3 times the likelihood of experience posttraumatic symptomatology, and a thinking style "all or nothing" was the final strongest predictor increasing the risk by over 5 times. The implementation of psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable young subgroups to contain the structuring of psychopathological profiles represent a fundamental challenge.

Plasma N-Acetylaspartate Is Related to Age, Obesity, and Glucose Metabolism: Effects of Antidiabetic Treatment and Bariatric Surgery

Background: N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is synthesized only by neurons and is involved in neuronal metabolism and axonal myelination. NAA is the strongest signal on brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and its concentration have been associated with cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: We explored the impact of obesity and T2D on circulating NAA as well as the impact of bariatric surgery and antidiabetic treatments. We developed an LC-MS method for the accurate measurements of fasting plasma NAA levels in 505 subjects (156 subjects with normal glucose tolerance, 24 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance, and 325 patients with T2D) to examine the associations of NAA with obesity and dysglycemia. To validate cross-sectional findings, plasma NAA was measured 6 months after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in 55 morbidly obese subjects, and after 1 year of antidiabetic treatment (with dapagliflozin, exenatide, or dapagliflozin plus exenatide) in 192 T2D patients. Results: In the whole population, NAA was associated with age (r = 0.31, p <0.0001) and BMI (r = -0.20, p <0.0001). Independently of age and BMI, NAA was reciprocally related to HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (partial r = -0.13, both p = 0.01). Surgically-induced weight loss raised NAA (by 18 nmol/L on average, p <0.02). Glucose lowering treatment increased NAA in proportion to the drop in HbA1c (r = 0.31, p <0.0001) regardless of the agent used. Conclusions: Circulating NAA concentrations are modulated by age, obesity, and glycemic control. Whether they may mark for the corresponding metabolic effects on brain function remains to be established by joint measurements of spectroscopic signal and cognitive function.

French adaptation of the "Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment 2" speech intelligibility test

OBJECTIVES

Speech intelligibility can be defined as "the degree to which a speaker's intended message is recovered by a listener". Loss of intelligibility is one of the most frequent complaints in patients suffering from speech disorder, impairing communication. Measurement of intelligibility is therefore an important parameter in follow-up. We developed a French version of the "Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, 2nd edition" (FDA-2), an intelligibility test recognized internationally in its English version. The present study details the construction of the test and its preliminary validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We first compiled a set of words and phrases in French, based on the criteria defined in FDA-2. In a second step, we validated the test in healthy subjects in normal and noisy conditions, to check sensitivity to speech signal degradation.

RESULTS

The test proved valid and sensitive, as scores were significantly lower for noise-degraded stimuli.

CONCLUSION

This French-language intelligibility test can be used to evaluate speech disorder: for example, in dysarthria, head and neck cancer or after cochlear implantation.

P4636Major gastrointestinal haemorrhage of patients with ongoing anticoagulants presented to the emergency department of a community hospital: four-year survey

Objective

To look for outcomes of patients (pts) with major gastrointestinal haemorrhage (mGIH) and ongoing anticoagulants out of four-year survey of community hospital with catchment area 197,722 inhabitants, of whom 15,267 with Warfarin (W) and 10,397 with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). DOACs were available for prescription in the catchment area since 4 years (dabigatran and rivaroxaban), 3 years (apixaban), and 2 years (edoxaban).

Methods

Haemorrhage (n=1,919) were submitted to propensity score matching for major bleeding; mGIH were enrolled and stratified according to ongoing W or DOACs. Primary endpoint was one-month death.

Results

Out of 476 mGIH, 73 pts received anticoagulants; 22 DOACs and 51 W; p=0.0006. Of note mGIH on W accounted for 2.7% (51/1,919) per year of pts, and 0.08% (51/15,267) of the catchment area. Conversely, mGIH on DOACs accounted as follows: dabigatran (n=10/476) 0.53%, rivaroxaban (n=6/476) 0.32%, apixaban (n=5/476) 0.35%, and edoxaban (n=1/476) 0.11% per year of pts; p=0.117. Rate of mGIH and DOACs versus (vs) rate of mGIH and W as follows: less than (−) 5 fold (2.7x100/0.53) of dabigatran vs W, p=0.004; −8 fold (2.7x100/0.32) of rivaroxaban vs W, p=0.0002; −7 fold (2.7x100/0.35) of apixaban vs W; p=0.ehz745.10188, and −25 fold (2.7x100/0.11) of edoxaban vs W; p=0.ehz745.101801. However no difference versus the catchment area per year (0.723): 0.07% (10/3,373) dabigatran, 0.04% (6/4,046) rivaroxaban, 0.08% (5/2,141) apixaban, 0.06% (1/839) edoxaban.

Overall, one-month death accounted for 10/476 (2.1%). Of note 236 mGI were from the upper tract and 240 from the lower tract. Among upper tract, 10 pts received DOACs (4 dabigatran, 4 rivaroxaban, 2 apixaban, and 0 edoxaban) and 21 received W. One-month death was 0/10 DOACs versus 1/21 W, p=0.483. Among lower tract, 12 pts received DOACs (6 dabigatran, 2 rivaroxaban, 3 apixaban, and 1 edoxaban) and 30 pts received W; one-month death was 0 for every groop. Anticoagulant reversal treatment was given to 6/22 (27%) pts with DOACs versus 18/51 (35%) with W, p=0.014; transfusion to 6/22 (27%) versus 11/51 (22%), respectively, p=0.306; admission 19/22 (86%) versus 42/51 (82%), respectively, p=0.004. Sensitivity/specificity ratio of variables and biomarkers for aggressive pharmacological approach were obtained by area under ROC curve (AUC) >0.50. PTT value >37 sec (AUC 0.57) showed sensitivity 15%, specificity 90%; INR value >1.4 (0.50), sens 15%, spec 80%. In addition, warfarin (0.49) sens 15%, spec 80%; age ≥75 years (0.48) sen 60%, spec 40%.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: flow-chart.

Conclusion

Out of four-year survey, pts with ongoing DOACs were less likely to have mGIH when compared to W.

Patients with W were more likely to receive reversal tratment; pts with DOACs were more likely to undergo admission. Short-term mortality of pts with W was higher than DOACs. Aggressive pharmacological approach should be driven by PTT, INR, ongoing warfarin, and older age.

Proteomic Investigation of Malignant Major Salivary Gland Tumors

The purpose of this study was to define the proteome profile of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples of malignant major salivary gland tumors (MSGT) compared to benign counterparts, and to evaluate potential clinical correlations and future applications. Patients affected by MSGT (n = 20), pleomorphic adenoma (PA) (n = 37) and Warthin's tumor (WT) (n = 14) were enrolled. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data were registered for all patients. FNA samples were processed to obtain the protein extracts. Protein separation was obtained by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis was performed to validate the 2-DE results. Statistical differences between groups were calculated by the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal data. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate correlations among suggested protein biomarkers and clinical parameters. Twelve and 27 differentially expressed spots were found for MSGT versus PA and MSGT versus WT, respectively. Among these, annexin-5, cofilin-1, peptidyl-prolyl-cis-trans-isomerase-A and F-actin-capping-alpha-1 were able to differentiate MSGT from PA, WT, and healthy samples. Moreover, STRING analysis suggested cofilin-1 as a key node of protein interactions. Some of the overexpressed proteins are related to some clinical factors of our cohort, such as survival and outcome. Our results suggest potential protein biomarkers of MSGT, which could allow for more appropriate treatment plans, as well as shedding light on the molecular pathways involved.

Brain mitochondrial proteome alteration driven by creatine deficiency suggests novel therapeutic venues for creatine deficiency syndromes

Creatine (Cr) is a small metabolite with a central role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Creatine deficiency syndromes are inborn errors of Cr metabolism causing Cr depletion in all body tissues and particularly in the nervous system. Patient symptoms involve intellectual disability, language and behavioral disturbances, seizures and movement disorders suggesting that brain cells are particularly sensitive to Cr depletion. Cr deficiency was found to affect metabolic activity and structural abnormalities of mitochondrial organelles; however a detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms linking Cr deficit, energy metabolism alterations and brain dysfunction is still missing. Using a proteomic approach we evaluated the proteome changes of the brain mitochondrial fraction induced by the deletion of the Cr transporter (CrT) in developing mutant mice. We found a marked alteration of the mitochondrial proteomic landscape in the brain of CrT deficient mice, with the overexpression of many proteins involved in energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress. Moreover, our data suggest possible abnormalities of dendritic spines, synaptic function and plasticity, network excitability and neuroinflammatory response. Intriguingly, the alterations occurred in coincidence with the developmental onset of neurological symptoms. Thus, cerebral mitochondrial alterations could represent an early response to Cr deficiency that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

Preliminary study of effects on paranoia ideation and jumping to conclusions in the context of group treatment of anxiety disorders in young people

BACKGROUND

People with anxiety disorders tend to focus on unpleasant and threatening stimuli. Our aims were to evaluate: (1) the presence of paranoid ideation, and the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias in young suffering from an anxiety disorder and (2) the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural intervention (CBT) to manage anxiety combined with 2 modules to reduce the JTC bias.

METHODS

Psychopathology, social functioning, metacognition and the JTC bias were investigated in 60 subjects, randomly assigned to the experimental CBT group + treatment-as-usual (TAU) (n = 35) or to a wait-list group (n = 25) receiving only TAU. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups based on the score of the SCL-90 subscale paranoid ideation (high paranoid ideation, HP; low paranoid ideation, LP). The experimental group received a weekly session of a CBT for a 3-month period.

RESULTS

At baseline, 46.7% of our sample showed a HP and 38% showed a JTC biasAt the end of the intervention, greater effectiveness in improving anxious symptoms, paranoid ideation, interpersonal sensitivity and interpersonal relationship was reported in the experimental CBT + TAU group, with a statistically significant reduction of the JTC bias, displayed by 14.3% of the experimental group versus the 36% of the TAU group. In the same variables, greater benefits were reported for the HP experimental subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests the gains to integrate an anxiety CBT with modules to reduce the JTC bias in subjects with paranoid ideation, which may negatively impact the course of the disease.

A Proteomic Approach to Uncover Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Oleocanthal against Oxidative Stress

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that share common features like abnormal protein aggregation, perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, excitotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial functions, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances in the research of biomarkers, early diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy, there are no treatments that can halt the progression of these age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that long-term intake of a Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high consumption of extra virgin olive oil, correlates with better cognition in aged populations. Olive oil phenolic compounds have been demonstrated to have different biological activities like antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Oleocanthal, a phenolic component of extra virgin olive oil, is getting more and more scientific attention due to its interesting biological activities. The aim of this research was to characterize the neuroprotective effects of oleocanthal against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, protein expression profiling, combined with pathways analyses, was used to investigate the molecular events related to the protective effects. Oleocanthal was demonstrated to counteract oxidative stress, increasing cell viability, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) intracellular level. Proteomic analysis revealed that oleocanthal significantly modulates 19 proteins in the presence of H₂O₂. In particular, oleocanthal up-regulated proteins related to the proteasome, the chaperone heat shock protein 90, the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase, and the antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin 1. Moreover, oleocanthal protection seems to be mediated by Akt activation. These data offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind oleocanthal protection against oxidative stress.

Influence of high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels on circulating monocytic angiogenic cells functions in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) can exert anti-atherogenic effects. On top of removing excess cholesterol through reverse cholesterol transport, HDLs play beneficial actions on endothelial function and integrity. In particular, HDLs are strong determinant of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) number and function. To gain further insights into such an effect we characterized in vitro functionality of circulating “early” EPCs obtained from 60 type 2 diabetes individuals with low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and 59 with high HDL-C levels.

Methods

After an overnight fast, venous blood was drawn in EDTA tubes and processed within 2-h from sampling. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and plated on fibronectin coated culture dishes; after 3 days culture, adherent cells positive for Dil-ac-LDL/Lectin dual fluorescent staining were identified as monocytic angiogenic cells (MACs). After 5–7 days culture in EBM-2 medium, adherent cells were evaluated for viability/proliferation (MTT assay), senescence (beta-galactosidase activity detection), migration (modified Boyden chamber using VEGF as chemoattractant), adhesion capacity (on fibronectin-coated culture dishes) and ROS production (ROS-sensitive fluorescent probe CM-H₂DCFDA).

Results

MACs obtained from diabetic individuals with high HDL-C had 23% higher viability compared to low HDL-C (111.6 ± 32.7% vs. 90.5 ± 28.6% optical density; p = 0.002). H₂O₂ exposure impaired MACs viability to a similar extent in both groups (109.2 ± 31.7% vs. 74.5 ± 40.8% in high HDL-C, p < 0.0001; 88.3 ± 25.5% vs. 72.3 ± 22.5% in low-HDL, p = 0.004). MACs senescence was comparable in the two groups (102.7 ± 29.8% vs. 99.2 ± 27.8%; p = 0.703) and was only slightly modified by exposure to H₂O₂. There was no difference in the MACs migration capacity between the two groups (91.3 ± 34.2% vs. 108.7 ± 39.5%; p = 0.111), as well as in MACs adhesion capacity (105.2 ± 32.7% vs. 94.1 ± 26.1%; p = 0.223). Finally, ROS production was slightly thought not significantly higher in MACs from type 2 diabetes individuals with low- than high-HDL. After stratification of HDL-C levels into quartiles, viability (p < 0.0001) and adhesion (p = 0.044) were higher in Q4 than in Q1–Q3. In logistic regression analysis, HDL-C was correlated to MACs viability and adhesion independently of HbA1c or BMI, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that in type 2 diabetes subjects, HDL-cholesterol is an independent determinant of circulating MACs functional capacities—mainly viability, to a lesser extent adhesion—likely contributing also through this mechanism to cardiovascular protection even in type 2 diabetes.

Albuminuric and non-albuminuric chronic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes: Association with major vascular outcomes risk and all-cause mortality

AIMS

Albuminuric and non-albuminuric phenotypes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have different cardiovascular risk and survival in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Herein we estimated risk of major vascular outcomes by the EURODIAB PCS score and determined all-cause mortality rate in 774 T1DM according to CKD phenotypes.

METHODS

We evaluated the distribution of CKD phenotypes [no CKD, stages 1-2, non-albuminuric stage ≥3 (Alb^-CKD), albuminuric stage ≥3 (Alb⁺CKD)], the EURODIAB risk score for major vascular outcomes [low- (LS), intermediate- (IS), and high- (HS) risk] and all-cause mortality over a follow-up of 8.25 ± 2.34 years.

RESULTS

Out of 774 subjects, 692 (89.4%) had no CKD, 53 (6.8%) CKD stages 1-2, 17 (2.2%) Alb^-CKD and 12 (1.6%) Alb⁺CKD; 466 (60.2%) had LS, 205 (26.5%) IS and 103 (13.3%) HS. Distribution of HS was: no CKD, 9.1%; CKD stages 1-2, 34.0%; Alb^-CKD, 64.7%; Alb⁺CKD, 91.7% (P < 0.0001). Mortality increased from no CKD, 3.0%; to stages 1-2, 15.1% (HR 4.504); Alb^-CKD, 29.4% (8.573); Alb⁺CKD, 50.0% (20.683, P < 0.0001). Accounting for age and sex, HRs for mortality compared to no CKD were: CKD stages 1-2, 3.84 (P = 0.001); Alb^-CKD, 2.97 (P = 0.046); Alb⁺CKD, 7.44 (P < 0.0001). Adjusting for sex and the EURODIAB score, HRs for mortality compared to no CKD were: CKD stages 1-2, 2.57 (P = 0.027); Alb^-CKD, 2.77 (P = 0.058); Alb⁺CKD, 4.58 (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In our T1DM cohort, one fifth of those with CKDs were non-albuminuric. This phenotype was associated with higher risk of major outcomes and similar rate of mortality as compared to CKD stages 1-2. The greatest risk and highest mortality occur in patients with Alb⁺CKD.

Putative salivary biomarkers useful to differentiate patients with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread pain and associated with unspecific symptoms. So far, no laboratory tests have been validated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence in saliva of potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers which could be useful for the management of FM patients. Specifically, the salivary profile of FM patients was compared with those of healthy subjects, subjects suffering migraine (model of non-inflammatory chronic pain), and patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis (model of inflammatory chronic pain). For proteomics analysis 2-DE and SELDI-TOF-MS were applied. From 2-DE serotransferrin and alpha-enolase were found differentially expressed in FM. Hence, their expression was validated by ELISA together with phosphoglycerate-mutase-I and transaldolase, which were found in a previous work. Moreover, ROC curve was calculated by comparing FM patients versus control subjects (healthy plus migraine) to investigate the discriminative power of biomarkers. The best performance was obtained by combining alpha-enolase, phosphoglycerate-mutase-I and serotransferrin. On the other hand, none of the candidate proteins showed a statistical correlation with clinical features. Finally, preliminary SELDI analysis highlighted two peaks whose identification need to be validated. Overall, these results could be useful in supporting the clinical diagnosis of FM. SIGNIFICANCE: FM is one of the most common chronic pain condition which is associated with significant disability. The fibromyalgic pain is a peculiar characteristic of this disease and FM patients suffer from reduced quality of life, daily functioning and productivity. Considering the deep complexity of FM, the discovery of more objective markers is crucial for supporting clinical diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the selection of biomarkers effectively associated with fibromyalgic pain which will enable clinicians to achieve an unambiguous diagnosis, and to improve approaches to patients' management. We defined a panel of 3 salivary proteins which could be one of the criteria to be taken into account. Consequently, the identification of disease salivary biomarkers could be helpful in detecting FM clusters and targeted treatment. Actually, our future perspective foresees to develop a simple, rapid and not invasive point-of-care testing which will be of use during the diagnostic process. In addition, the present results can offer a clue for shedding light upon the complex entity of such a disease like FM.

The rs12917707 polymorphism at the UMOD locus and glomerular filtration rate in individuals with type 2 diabetes: evidence of heterogeneity across two different European populations

Background

UMOD variability has been associated at a genome-wide level of statistical significance with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in Swedish individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 4888). Whether this finding is extensible also to diabetic patients from other populations deserves further study. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between UMOD variability and GFR in patients with T2D from Italy.

Methods

Genotyping of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12917707 at the UMOD locus has been carried out in 3087 individuals from four independent Italian cohorts of patients with T2D by TaqMan allele discrimination.

Results

In none of the four study cohorts was rs12917707 significantly associated with GFR (P > 0.05 for all). Similar results were obtained when the four samples were pooled and analyzed together (β = 0.83, P = 0.19). Such effect was strikingly smaller than that previously reported in Swedish patients (P for heterogeneity = 1.21 × 10-7).

Conclusions

The previously reported strong association between rs12917707 and GFR in diabetic patients from Sweden is not observed in Italian diabetic patients, thus clearly pointing to a heterogeneous effect across the two different samples. This suggests that UMOD is a strong genetic determinant of kidney function in patients with T2D in some, but not all, populations.

Developmental care, neonatal behavior and postnatal maternal depressive symptomatology predict internalizing problems at 18 months for very preterm children

OBJECTIVE

To provide a prospective developmental model for behavioral outcomes in preterm infants in relation to developmental care (DC) practices and postnatal maternal depression.

STUDY DESIGN

A longitudinal, multicenter, follow-up study conducted in 25 Italian tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Participants were 162 healthy very preterm infants and their mothers. The level of quality of DC was assessed for each hospital. Infant's neurobehavioral profile was evaluated twice: at discharge (T1) and at 18 months for behavioral problems (T3). Maternal depressive symptomatology was measured at T1 and at 6 months (T2).

RESULTS

Low-quality DC in NICUs was associated with lower levels of infant neurobehavioral adaptability and higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms. Maternal depressive symptomatology in conjunction with higher infant dysregulation predicted more internalizing problems at 18 months of age.

CONCLUSION

DC interventions and postnatal maternal depression, as well as infant behavior have an impact on short- and long-term infant outcomes.

Evidence for two distinct phenotypes of chronic kidney disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

In a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, single-centre study, we assessed the prevalence and correlates of different CKD phenotypes (with and without albuminuria) in a large cohort of patients of white ethnicity with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2009, 408 men and 369 women with type 1 diabetes (age 40.2 ± 11.7 years, diabetes duration 19.4 ± 12.2 years, HbA_1c 7.83 ± 1.17% [62.0 ± 12.9 mmol/mol]) were recruited consecutively. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and eGFR (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) were obtained for all individuals, together with CKD stage. Diabetic retinopathy and peripheral polyneuropathy were detected in 41.5% and 8.1%, respectively, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurred in 8.5%. Adjudications of CKD phenotype were made by blinded investigators.

RESULTS

Normo- (ACR <3.4), micro- (ACR 3.4-34) or macroalbuminuria (ACR ≥34 mg/mmol) were present in 91.6%, 6.4% and 1.9% of individuals, respectively. eGFR categories 1 (≥90 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2), 2 (60-89 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2) and 3 (<60 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2) were present in 57.3%, 39.0% and 3.7%, respectively. The majority of participants had no CKD (89.4%), while stages 1-2 and ≥3 CKD were detected in 6.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The albuminuric (Alb⁺) and non-albuminuric (Alb^-) phenotypes were present in 12 (41.4%) and 17 (58.6%) individuals with stage ≥3 CKD, respectively. Individuals with an ACR <3.4 mg/mmol were subdivided into those with normal albuminuria (<1.1 mg/mmol; 77.2%) and mildly increased albuminuria (1.1-3.4 mg/mmol; 14.4%), and individuals with stage 2 CKD were subdivided into those with eGFR 75-89 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2 and 60-74 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2. ACR <3.4 mg/mmol (88.7%) and even <1.1 mg/mmol (70.4%) were common in individuals with eGFR 60-74 ml min^-1 [1.73 m]^-2. The prevalence of ACR <1.1 mg/mmol was lower but still significant (34.5%) in those with stage ≥3 CKD. In logistic regression analysis, stages 1-2 and ≥3 CKD were independently associated with age, HbA_1c, γ-glutamyltransferase, fibrinogen, hypertension, but not with sex, BMI, smoking, HDL-cholesterol or triacylglycerol. Inclusion of advanced retinopathy removed HbA_1c from the model. The CKD Alb⁺ phenotype correlated with diabetes duration, HbA_1c, HDL-cholesterol, fibrinogen and hypertension, while the CKD Alb^- phenotype was associated with age and hypertension, but not with diabetes duration, HbA_1c and fibrinogen.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The Alb^- CKD phenotype is present in a significant proportion of individuals with type 1 diabetes supporting the hypothesis of two distinct pathways (Alb⁺ and Alb^-) of progression towards advanced kidney disease in type 1 diabetes. These are probably distinct pathways as suggested by different sets of covariates associated with the two CKD phenotypes.

[Closing forensic psychiatric hospitals in Italy: a new deal for mental health care?]

The date of March 31, 2015, following the Law 81/2014, has marked a historical transition with the final closure of the six forensic psychiatric hospitals in Italy. This law identifies a new pathway of care that involves small-scale high therapeutic profile facilities (Residenze per la Esecuzione della Misura di Sicurezza, REMS) instead of the old forensic psychiatric hospitals. The Law promotes a new recovery-oriented rehabilitation approach for the persons with mental disorders who committed a criminal offence, but lack criminal responsibility and deemed as socially dangerous. After a brief description of what happens abroad, this article highlights the positive aspects of the law that, as a whole, has to be considered innovative and unavoidable. The main debated problems are also reviewed, including the lack of changes to the Criminal Code; the improper equation between insanity and mental illness and social dangerousness; the evaluation of "socially dangerousness", based solely on "subjective qualities" of the person, assessed out of his/her context, without paying attention to family and social conditions suitable for discharge; the expensive implementation of the REMS, mainly based on security policies and less on care and rehabilitation, the delay in their construction, and the search for residential alternatives structures; the uncertain boundaries of professional responsibility. Finally, several actions are suggested that can support the implementation of the law: information programs addressed to the general population; training activities for mental health professionals; systematic monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes of the care provided to the forensic psychiatric population; implementation of Agreement Protocols and a better cooperation with the judiciary. Scientific societies dealing with psychosocial rehabilitation need to be involved in such issues relating to the identification of the best care and rehabilitation pathways, which should be implemented following closure of forensic psychiatric hospitals.

Moderate Depression Promotes Posttraumatic Growth (Ptg): A Young Population Survey 2 Years after the 2009 L'Aquila Earthquake

Background:

Earthquakes can result in a range of psychopathology and in negative and positive consequences for survivors.

Objective:

To examine the association between clinical aftereffects (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among young survivors of the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, Italy.

Method:

316 young earthquake survivors enrolled in the University of L’Aquila were evaluated two years after the natural disaster. Participants completed three main questionnaires, including Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).

Results:

59.6% of the student sample showed different levels of depression, whereas 13.3% reported anxiety symptoms. In both clinical dimensions (anxiety and depression), gender differences were found: female gender was confirmed risk factor for a clinical post-traumatic response. Personal PTG, demonstrated by 18% of the L’Aquila youths included in our sample, was predicted by moderate levels of depression (O.R. 2.7). In our model, gender, age, and anxiety did not show any predictive value.

Conclusion:

In a post-traumatic setting, the development of individual cognitive strategies is crucial, whereas after a natural disaster, paradoxically, a moderate depressive condition and the related distress could promote the drive to overcome the psychological consequences of the traumatic event.

Proteomic analysis of fine-needle aspiration in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are common in the general population and vary widely in their propensity to harbor thyroid malignancies. The category of follicular lesion of undetermined significance, for instance, carries only a 15% risk of malignancy. The overarching aim of this work was the proteomic study of thyroid cancer because more effort needs to be placed on differentiating malignant thyroid nodules to avoid unnecessary thyroidectomy. We used 2-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to nano-liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, to examine fine-needle aspiration (FNA), which was easily attainable from the wash of the syringe used for classical FNA biopsy. Overall, we found 25 different proteins able to discriminate benign from malignant samples. The different expression of moesin; annexin A1 (ANXA1); cornulin (CRNN); lactate dehydrogenase; enolase; protein DJ-1; and superoxide dismutase was confirmed in FNA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or Western blot. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to investigate the discriminative power of our marker. The best performance in diagnosis was obtained by combining ANXA1, enolase, protein DJ-1, superoxide dismutase, and CRNN. In addition, the most highly ranked proteins, from the perspective of follicular lesion of undetermined significance, were ANXA1 and CRNN. The research of these candidate biomarkers has then been widened to other biological fluids, such as serum and whole saliva. In conclusion, we believe that when a decision by a thyroid nodule biopsy cannot be distinctly made, the combination of our biomarkers may be one of the criteria to be taken into account for the final decision, together with the identification of ANXA1 in serum and saliva.