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Bozzali M, Filippi M, Magnani G, Cercignani M, Franceschi M, Schiatti E, Castiglioni S, Mossini R, Falautano M, Scotti G, Comi G, Falini A. The contribution of voxel-based morphometry in staging patients with mild cognitive impairment. Neurology 2006; 67:453-60. [PMID: 16894107 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000228243.56665.c2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether different patterns of regional gray matter loss in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are associated with different risks of conversion to Alzheimer disease (AD), using MRI and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). METHODS The authors recruited 22 patients with MCI, 22 patients with probable AD, and 20 healthy subjects (HS). T1 volumes from each subject were postprocessed according to an optimized VBM protocol. All patients were clinically followed up (mean [SD] time = 28.7 [5.7] months), and patients with MCI were reclassified into two groups (converters and nonconverters to AD). RESULTS When comparing patients with AD to HS, widespread areas of reduced gray matter density were found predominantly in temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes and in the insula. Comparing MCI converters and nonconverters with HS, the converters showed more widespread areas of reduced gray matter density than nonconverters, with a pattern of abnormalities similar to that seen in patients with AD. Conversely, when comparing the same groups with patients with AD, MCI nonconverters showed a pattern of gray matter density similar to that of HS. Areas of decreased gray matter density were also found in MCI converters compared with nonconverters. CONCLUSIONS Different patterns of gray matter density distribution in patients with mild cognitive impairment may be associated to different rates of conversion to Alzheimer disease.
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Di Mario F, Aragona G, Dal Bó N, Cavallaro L, Marcon V, Olivieri P, Benedetti E, Orzès N, Marin R, Tafner G, Chilovi F, De Bastiani R, Fedrizzi F, Franceschi M, Salvat MH, Monica F, Piazzi L, Valiante F, Vecchiati U, Cavestro GM, Comparato G, Iori V, Maino M, Leandro G, Pilotto A, Rugge M, Franzè A. Bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication: an open, randomized, multicentre study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 23:1235-40. [PMID: 16611285 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02851.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cure rates for eradication of Helicobacter pylori appear to be decreasing, thus more effective therapies must be identified. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of bovine lactoferrin in the treatment of H. pylori infection. METHODS In a multicentered prospective study, 402 (mean age 52.4, range 19-84 years) H. pylori-positive patients were assigned to one of three regimens: group A - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days; group B - lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days followed by the same schedule of group A; group C - esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. plus lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days. RESULTS Of the 402 patients, 389 completed the study. Six patients were discontinued due to side effects, one patient in group B died and six patients were lost to follow up. The eradication rate (intention-to-treat analysis) was 77% in group A (105/136), 73% in group B (97/132) and 90% in group C (120/134) (chi(2)-test P < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was 9.5% in group A, 9% in group B and 8.2% in group C (chi(2)-test P = 0.1). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that bovine lactoferrin is an effective adjuvant to 7-day triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection.
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Zammarano M, Bellayer S, Gilman JW, Franceschi M, Beyer FL, Harris RH, Meriani S. Delamination of organo-modified layered double hydroxides in polyamide 6 by melt processing. POLYMER 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2005.11.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zammarano M, Franceschi M, Bellayer S, Gilman JW, Meriani S. Preparation and flame resistance properties of revolutionary self-extinguishing epoxy nanocomposites based on layered double hydroxides. POLYMER 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2005.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Paris F. Recent advances in the treatment of GERD in the elderly: focus on proton pump inhibitors. Int J Clin Pract 2005; 59:1204-9. [PMID: 16178989 DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-5031.2005.00639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases with age, and older people are more likely to develop severe disease. Studies of elderly patients with GERD indicate differences in presentation and diagnosis, compared with GERD in younger adults. Indeed, an older patient with GERD may present with atypical symptoms such as dysphagia, vomiting, weight loss, anaemia and anorexia, and less frequently with typical symptoms such as heartburn or acid regurgitation. These findings are attributed to pathophysiological changes in esophageal function that occur with age. Therefore, GERD in elderly patients is more likely to be poorly diagnosed or undiagnosed. Although few studies have concentrated specifically on elderly patients, the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been shown to be more effective than histamine receptor antagonists for healing reflux esophagitis and for preventing its recurrence when they are given as maintenance therapy. In addition, the PPIs seem to be safe both in short- and in long-term therapy of elderly patients with GERD.
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Falini A, Bozzali M, Magnani G, Pero G, Gambini A, Benedetti B, Mossini R, Franceschi M, Comi G, Scotti G, Filippi M. A whole brain MR spectroscopy study from patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Neuroimage 2005; 26:1159-63. [PMID: 15878675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 02/07/2005] [Accepted: 03/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain damage in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is widespread with involvement of large portions of the neocortex and the subcortical white matter. A quantitative measure of neuronal damage of the entire brain might be valuable in the context of large-scale, longitudinal studies of these patients. This study investigated the extent of neuroaxonal injury of patients with AD and MCI using a novel unlocalized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) technique, which allows quantification of the concentration of N-acetylaspartate from the whole of the brain tissue (WBNAA). Conventional brain MRI and WBNAA were obtained from 28 AD patients, 27 MCI patients and 25 age-matched controls. Normalized brain volume (NBV) was also measured using an automated segmentation technique. WBNAA and NBV showed a significant heterogeneity between groups (P < 0.001). WBNAA concentration was different between controls and MCI patients (P = 0.003), but not between MCI and AD patients (P = 0.33). NBV differed both between controls and MCI patients (P = 0.02) and between MCI and AD patients (P = 0.03). A multivariate regression model retained WBNAA as the best MRI predictor of the Mini Mental State Examination score (P = 0.001). Significant neuronal damage, which is related to the extent of cognitive decline, can be quantified in the whole brain tissue of patients with AD, using a novel (1)H-MRS approach. The demonstration in patients with MCI of MR structural and metabolic findings, intermediate between those of healthy volunteers and those of AD patients, indicates that neuronal damage is already evident and widespread in individuals with MCI before they are clinically demented.
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Vitale DF, Zaninelli A, Masotti G, Rengo F. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms and therapies in elderly out-patients, users of non-selective NSAIDs or coxibs. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 22:147-55. [PMID: 16011673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02537.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between coxib or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with gastrointestinal symptoms and drug prescriptions in ambulatory elderly patients is not well defined. AIM To evaluate the association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID and coxib use with gastrointestinal symptoms and therapies in elderly subjects managed by their general practitioner. MATERIALS The study was carried out by 133 general practitioners in Italy. By using a structured interview, sex, age, physical function, current medications, new drug prescriptions and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were registered from all elderly subjects who were referred to their general practitioners during a 2-week period. The numbers of hospitalizations, gastrointestinal bleeding events and gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures occurring during the last 6-month period were recorded. RESULTS Included in this study were 5515 elderly subjects. The overall prevalence of drug use was 92%. Musculo-skeletal drugs were taken by 15% of patients; NSAIDs were taken by 6%, and coxibs by 3% of patients. A significantly higher prevalence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in elderly NSAID users compared with coxib users and non-users of musculo-skeletal drugs (44% vs. 33% vs. 32% respectively, P = 0.001). The prescriptions of drugs for acid-related disorders were significantly higher in patients who were concomitantly taking NSAID rather than coxibs (13% vs. 6%, P < 0.01). The prescriptions of drugs for acid-related disorders were significantly associated with the presence of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6-1.9), previous gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.3) and NSAID use (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2), but no coxib use. CONCLUSION In this elderly population, upper gastrointestinal symptoms and prescriptions for gastroenterological drugs were higher in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users than coxib users and non-users of musculo-skeletal drugs.
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Franceschi M, Comola M, Piattoni F, Gualandri W, Canal N. Prevalence of dementia in adult patients with trisomy 21. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. SUPPLEMENT 2005; 7:306-8. [PMID: 2149966 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.1320370760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathological lesions characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are found in all the brains of patients with trisomy 21 who die after age 40 years. However, clinical signs of AD are much less frequent in these patients. Previous studies indicate prevalence figures ranging from 15% to 51% of adult patients. We report here on the prevalence rate of dementia in a population of adult patients with trisomy 21 with mild retardation living at home. For all these patients accurate and reliable anamnestic data could be obtained from parents and caregivers. All underwent neurological examination, cognitive testing, and, if necessary, further bioimaging and neurophysiological studies. Dementia was diagnosed according to clinical NINCDS/ADRDA criteria slightly modified. Dementia was found in 9 of 50 (18%) patients age 20-52 years, but its prevalence increased from 0 in the age group 20-29, to 33% in the age group 30-39, and to 55% in the age group 40-52. All the demented patients had signs of brain atrophy on CT scans and slow EEGs. Dementia is an important problem for patients with trisomy 21 older than age 30 years.
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Orsitto G, Cascavilla L, Franceschi M, Aloia RM, Greco A, Paris F, Seripa D, Pilotto A. Influence of cognitive impairment and comorbidity on disability in hospitalized elderly patients. J Nutr Health Aging 2005; 9:194-8. [PMID: 15864400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of cognitive impairment and comorbidity on the prevalence of disability in elderly patients who are hospitalized in acute wards are not well defined. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of comorbidity and cognitive impairment on the prevalence of disability in a cohort of hospitalized older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study included 179 patients aged 65 years and over admitted to the Geriatric Unit of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, in Italy. Cognitive status was evaluated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR); the functional status was evaluated according to the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) indices. Comorbidity was identified using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS index). RESULTS Of the 179 patients enrolled 73 patients were diagnosed with dementia [Alzheimers' Disease (AD) = 49 patients, Vascular Dementia (VD) = 24 patients], 35 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and 71 patients had no cognitive impairment. The severity of disability was significantly higher in patients with dementia (ADL = 3.1 +/- 2.1, IADL = 1.5 +/- 2.0) than patients with MCI (ADL = 5.1 +/- 1.4, IADL = 5.2 +/- 2.2) (p < 0.0001) and patients without cognitive impairment (ADL = 5.5 +/- 0.9, IADL = 6.4 +/- 1.9) (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in CIRS index were observed between patients with dementia and MCI and no cognitive impairment patients (Dementia = 2.4 +/- 1.4 vs MCI = 2.9 +/- 1.4 vs No cognitive impairment = 2.7 +/- 1.2; p = 0.1). Moreover, a significant correlation between cognitive impairment and functional status (MMSE/ADL: r = 0.45, p = 0.0001, MMSE/IADL: r = 0.54, p = 0.0001) but not between comorbidity and functional status (CIRS/ADL: r = 0.0007, CIRS/IADL: r = 0.040) was observed. Separating patients with dementia by diagnosis of AD or VD, no significant differences in MMSE (AD = 12.2 +/- 6.7 vs VD = 13.2 +/- 6.5, p = 0.6), CDR (AD = 2.2 +/- 0.8 vs VD = 2.1 +/- 0.7, p = 0.6), ADL (AD = 3.1 +/- 2.1 vs VD = 3.0 +/- 2.1, p = 0.8), IADL (AD = 1.3 +/- 1.9 vs VD = 2.0 +/- 2.2, p = 0.1) or CIRS (AD = 2.2 +/- 1.5 vs VD = 2.8 +/- 1.3, p = 0.06) scores were observed. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment and not comorbidity, was significantly associated with disability in hospitalized older patients.
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Mosconi L, Perani D, Sorbi S, Herholz K, Nacmias B, Holthoff V, Salmon E, Baron JC, De Cristofaro MTR, Padovani A, Borroni B, Franceschi M, Bracco L, Pupi A. MCI conversion to dementia and the APOE genotype: A prediction study with FDG-PET. Neurology 2004; 63:2332-40. [PMID: 15623696 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000147469.18313.3b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the combination of fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) PET measures with the APOE genotype would improve prediction of the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer disease (AD). METHOD After 1 year, 8 of 37 patients with MCI converted to AD (22%). Differences in baseline regional glucose metabolic rate (rCMRglc) across groups were assessed on a voxel-based basis using a two-factor analysis of variance with outcome (converters [n = 8] vs nonconverters [n = 29]) and APOE genotype (E4 carriers [E4+] [n = 16] vs noncarriers [E4-] [n = 21]) as grouping factors. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS All converters showed reduced rCMRglc in the inferior parietal cortex (IPC) as compared with the nonconverters. Hypometabolism in AD-typical regions, that is, temporoparietal and posterior cingulate cortex, was found for the E4+ as compared with the E4- patients, with the E4+/converters (n = 5) having additional rCMRglc reductions within frontal areas, such as the anterior cingulate (ACC) and inferior frontal (IFC) cortex. For the whole MCI sample, IPC rCMRglc predicted conversion to AD with 84% overall diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.003). Moreover, ACC and IFC rCMRglc improved prediction for the E4+ group, yielding 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 94% accuracy (p < 0.0005), thus leading to an excellent discrimination. CONCLUSION Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-PET measures may improve prediction of the conversion to Alzheimer disease, especially in combination with the APOE genotype.
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Leandro G, Paris F, Cascavilla L, Longo MG, Niro V, Andriulli A, Scarcelli C, Di Mario F. Proton-pump inhibitors reduce the risk of uncomplicated peptic ulcer in elderly either acute or chronic users of aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004; 20:1091-7. [PMID: 15569111 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although administration of gastroprotective drugs may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers associated with the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin, no consensus exists as to whether this co-therapy is effective for short-term prevention, particularly in old age. AIM To evaluate the risk of peptic ulcer associated with acute and chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin therapy in elderly subjects, and the influence of antisecretory treatment on this risk. METHODS The study included 676 elderly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin users and 2435 non-users who consecutively underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin as well as antisecretory drugs (H2-blockers and proton-pump inhibitors) was evaluated by a structured interview. Diagnosis of gastric and duodenal ulcer as well as Helicobacter pylori infection were carried out by endoscopy and histological examination of the gastric mucosa. RESULTS About 47.3% of patients were acute and 52.7% chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin. The risk of peptic ulcer, adjusted for age, gender, H. pylori infection and antisecretory drug use was higher in acute (gastric ulcer: odds ratio, OR = 4.47, 95% CI: 3.19-6.26 and duodenal ulcer: OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.73-3.31) than chronic users (gastric ulcer: OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.97-3.99 and duodenal ulcer: OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.22-2.33). Proton-pump inhibitor treatment was associated with a reduced risk of peptic ulcer in both acute (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.24-2.04) and chronic (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users. Conversely, concomitant treatment with H2-blockers was associated with a significantly higher risk of peptic ulcer both in acute (OR = 10.9, 95% CI: 3.87-30.9) and chronic (OR = 6.26, 95% CI: 2.56-15.3) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users than non-users. Proton-pump inhibitor treatment resulted in an absolute risk reduction of peptic ulcer by 36.6% in acute and 34.6% in chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users; indeed, the number needed to treat to avoid one peptic ulcer in elderly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users was three both in acute and chronic users. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that proton-pump inhibitor co-treatment is advisable in symptomatic elderly patients who need to be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin for a short period of time.
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Longoa MG, Scarcelli C, Orsitto G, Perri FC, D'Ambrosio LP, Leandro G. Helicobacter pylori infection and the prevention of peptic ulcer with proton pump inhibitors in elderly subjects taking low-dose aspirin. Dig Liver Dis 2004; 36:666-70. [PMID: 15506665 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2004.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of Helicobacter pylori infection on the risk of low-dose aspirin-related gastroduodenal damage and on the efficacy of the prevention therapy in elderly chronic users of low-dose aspirin is still controversial. AIM To evaluate in symptomatic elderly chronic users of low-dose aspirin: (1) the association between H. pylori infection and the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal lesions; and (2) the effect of H. pylori infection on the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in the prevention of aspirin-related gastroduodenal lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two hundred and forty-five symptomatic elderly who were taking aspirin 75-300 mg daily, at least during the last 3 months, were evaluated by endoscopy. A structured interview was carried out to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms and the use of proton pump inhibitors. H. pylori infection was diagnosed according to histology and the rapid urease test on gastric biopsies. RESULTS One hundred and twelve patients were H. pylori-positive and 133 patients were H. pylori-negative. A significantly higher prevalence of peptic ulcers was observed in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative subjects (36.6% versus 15.8%, P = 0.0002). The use of proton pump inhibitors was associated with a significant decreased risk of peptic ulcer both in H. pylori-positive (absolute risk reduction, ARR = -36.2, 95% confidence interval: -51.2 to -21.3, P < 0.001) and H. pylori-negative patients (ARR = -12.6, 95% confidence interval: -23.9 to -1.2, P = 0.03). However, the number of patients who needed to be treated in order to gain a reduction of one peptic ulcer (number needed to treat, NnT) was lower in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative patients (NnT = 3 versus 8). CONCLUSIONS In symptomatic elderly chronic users of low-dose aspirin, H. pylori infection may influence the prevalence of peptic ulcers and the cost-effectiveness of the proton pump inhibitor prevention therapy.
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Sciacca FL, Ferri C, Licastro F, Veglia F, Biunno I, Gavazzi A, Calabrese E, Martinelli Boneschi F, Sorbi S, Mariani C, Franceschi M, Grimaldi LME. Interleukin-1B polymorphism is associated with age at onset of Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2003; 24:927-31. [PMID: 12928052 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(03)00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and IL-1beta are two pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The genes coding for IL-1alpha (IL-1A) and for IL-1beta (IL-1B) are clustered in chromosome 2q14-2q14.2. In a previous work, we investigated the role of IL-1A promoter polymorphism (-889 position) in AD pathogenesis: IL-1A -889 TT genotype was associated with sporadic early onset AD. We now report the study on polymorphism of exon 5 IL-1B in position +3953, the nearest polymorphism to -889 IL-1A. We found that the genotype distribution of IL-1B +3953 varied significantly between patients with early and late onset of AD (P<0.0001). Patients carrying IL-1B +3953 CT or TT genotypes had 4 or 5 years anticipation of AD onset (P=0.0034; odds ratio for early onset, 3.01) and 7 years anticipation if they also carried the IL-1A -889 TT genotype (P<0.0001; odds ratio for early onset, 7.4). These data further support a role for inflammation-related genes in AD or indicate linkage disequilibrium with an unknown chromosome 2 locus.
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Pilotto A, Leandro G, Franceschi M. Short- and long-term therapy for reflux oesophagitis in the elderly: a multi-centre, placebo-controlled study with pantoprazole. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003; 17:1399-406. [PMID: 12786634 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01593.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No placebo-controlled clinical trials have yet been published on the efficacy of therapy in older subjects with oesophagitis. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of pantoprazole in preventing the recurrence of oesophagitis in elderly subjects. METHODS One hundred and sixty-four patients aged 65 years and over with acute oesophagitis were treated openly with pantoprazole, 40 mg daily, for 8 weeks. Patients with documented healing of erosive oesophagitis were then treated with pantoprazole, 20 mg daily, for 6 months. Thereafter, cured patients were randomized to receive pantoprazole, 20 mg daily, or placebo for the following 6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed every 2 months, and endoscopy was repeated after 8 weeks and after 6 and 12 months and/or whenever symptoms suggested a relapse of oesophagitis. RESULTS After 8 weeks, the healing rates of oesophagitis were 81.1% (75.1-87.1%) and 93.7% (89.7-97.7%) by intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses, respectively. After 6 months, the corresponding values were 82% (75.4-88.5%) and 92.4% (87.6-97.2%), respectively. After 12 months, the per protocol and intention-to-treat healing rates of oesophagitis were 95.1% (88.5-100%) and 79.6% (68.3-90.9%), respectively, in the treatment group vs. 32.7% (19.9-45.4%) and 30.4% (18.3-42.4%), respectively, in the placebo group (P = 0.0001). Heartburn, acid regurgitation and chest pain were significantly associated with the relapse of oesophagitis (P = 0.0001), whereas hiatus hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, concomitant diseases and treatments were not. CONCLUSION In the elderly, pantoprazole was highly effective in healing and reducing the relapse of oesophagitis; discontinuing active treatment after 6 months was associated with a significant increase in the relapse rate.
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Moresco RM, Volonte MA, Messa C, Gobbo C, Galli L, Carpinelli A, Rizzo G, Panzacchi A, Franceschi M, Fazio F. New perspectives on neurochemical effects of amantadine in the brain of parkinsonian patients: a PET - [(11)C]raclopride study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2002; 109:1265-74. [PMID: 12373560 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-002-0694-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amantadine, is a non competitive NMDA receptors antagonist that has been proved beneficial in Parkinson's disease. However its mechanism of action at therapeutic doses is still under discussion. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated administration of amantadine on striatal dopaminergic system by measuring [(11)C]raclopride binding to striatal D(2) dopamine receptors, in patients with moderate idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Eight patients completed the study undergoing a PET scan, before and after 10-14 days treatment with Amantadine (200 mg/day). Patients were on treatment with L-DOPA, which was suspended 1 night before each PET scans, and free from dopaminergic agonists, anticholinergic and antidepressants. Amantadine treatment significantly increased [(11)C-]Raclopride binding (caudate: 10% p = 0.04; putamen 11% p = 0.01). A slight reduction (-7.3%, p = 0.062) of UPDRS total scores was also observed. The increased availability of striatal D(2) receptors, is likely to be caused by drug induced modification of receptors expression. This hypothesis is consistent with previous experiments, indicating an increase in striatal D(2) receptors in rats treated with amantadine or other non competitive NMDA antagonists and suggests that the neo-synthesis of D(2) receptors may represent a reinforcing mechanism of drug efficacy.
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Franceschi M, Girou A, Carro-Diaz AM, Maurette MT, Puech-Costes E. Optimisation of the coagulation-flocculation process of raw water by optimal design method. WATER RESEARCH 2002; 36:3561-3572. [PMID: 12230202 DOI: 10.1016/s0043-1354(02)00066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In the present paper, a systematic study of the influence of raw water quality and operating conditions on the effectiveness of the coagulation-flocculation process using aluminium sulphate (AS) is presented. The influence of raw water composition is studied at two levels, fractional factorial designs and a Doehlert uniform shell design to determine the influence of the operating conditions. The analysis of the experimental responses (residual turbidity and minimally AS dose are denoted as (Tu(m)) and (AS(m)), respectively) shows that the parameters which have the greatest influence change depending on the response. It is not always possible, for a given water composition, to obtain simultaneously low residual turbidity and minimally AS dose. However, under the conditions of this study, the search for a criterion of optimisation must bear the minimisation of residual turbidity, because it remains the principal criterion of effectiveness of the process, even, if in a few cases, it results in an increase in the cost of treatment.
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Bozzali M, Falini A, Franceschi M, Cercignani M, Zuffi M, Scotti G, Comi G, Filippi M. White matter damage in Alzheimer's disease assessed in vivo using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2002; 72:742-6. [PMID: 12023417 PMCID: PMC1737921 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.72.6.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 424] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent and the nature of white matter tissue damage of patients with Alzheimer's disease using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI). BACKGROUND Although Alzheimer's disease pathology mainly affects cortical grey matter, previous pathological and MRI studies showed that also the brain white matter of patients is damaged. However, the nature of Alzheimer's disease associated white matter damage is still unclear. METHODS Conventional and DT-MRI scans were obtained from 16 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 10 sex and age matched healthy volunteers. The mean diffusivity (D), fractional anisotropy (FA), and inter-voxel coherence (C) of several white matter regions were measured. RESULTS D was higher and FA lower in the corpus callosum, as well as in the white matter of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes from patients with Alzheimer's disease than in the corresponding regions from healthy controls. D and FA of the white matter of the occipital lobe and internal capsule were not different between patients and controls. C values were also not different between patients and controls for any of the regions studied. Strong correlations were found between the mini mental state examination score and the average overall white matter D (r=0.92, p<0.001) and FA (r=0.78; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS White matter changes in patients with Alzheimer's disease are likely to be secondary to wallerian degeneration of fibre tracts due to neuronal loss in cortical associative areas.
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Atteia O, Franceschi M. Kinetics of natural attenuation of BTEX: review of the critical chemical conditions and measurements at bore scale. ScientificWorldJournal 2002; 2:1338-46. [PMID: 12805917 PMCID: PMC6009314 DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2002.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the chemical conditions that should favour the biodegradation of organic pollutants. Thermodynamic considerations help to define the reaction that can occur under defined chemical conditions. The BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) degradation is focused on benzene, as it is the most toxic oil component and also because it has the slowest degradation rate under most field conditions. Several studies on benzene degradation allow the understanding of the basic degradation mechanisms and their importance in field conditions. The use of models is needed to interpret field data when transport, retardation, and degradation occur. A detailed comparison of two existing models shows that the limits imposed by oxygen transport must be simulated precisely to reach correct plumes shapes and dimensions, and that first-order kinetic approaches may be misleading. This analysis led us to develop a technique to measure directly biodegradation in the field. The technique to recirculate water at the borehole scale and the CO2 analysis are depicted. First results of biodegradation show that this technique is able to easily detect the degradation of 1 mg/l of hydrocarbons and that, in oxic media, a fast degradation rate of mixed fuel is observed.
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Leandro G, Rassu M, Bozzola L, Valerio G, Di Mario F. Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on severity of oesophagitis and response to therapy in the elderly. Dig Liver Dis 2002; 34:328-31. [PMID: 12118949 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(02)80125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence both of Helicobacter pylori infection and oesophagitis is higher in the elderly, than in adult and young populations. However the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the clinical behaviour of oesophagitis has not yet been clarified. AIM To evaluate the influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on the severity and clinical outcome after treatment of oesophagitis in elderly patients. METHODS A total of 271 elderly patients (134 male, 137 female, mean age = 79.2 years, range 65-96) with grade 1 to 3 oesophagitis were studied. At baseline, the patients were divided into 3 groups according to Helicobacter pylori infection: Group 1 = 88 Helicobacter pylori-negative patients; Group 2 = 59 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients and Group 3 = 124 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients who underwent a one-week proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. All patients were treated with proton pump inhibitors for two months; patients in Group 3 were also treated for one week with proton pump inhibitors plus two antibiotics. After two months, endoscopy and histology were repeated. RESULTS At baseline, 32.5% of patients were Helicobacter pylori-negative and 67.5% were Helicobacter pylori-positive. No baseline differences in severity of oesophagitis were found between Helicobacter pylori negative and positive patients. After proton pump inhibitor therapy, the complete resolution of oesophagitis was observed in 80.7% of Group 1, 76.3% of Group 2 and 75.8% of Group 3 (p=ns). Dividing patients also according to the severity of oesophagitis, no difference in healing rates between the three Groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this elderly population, Helicobacter pylori infection did not influence the severity of oesophagitis at baseline or the response to short-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Furthermore, Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy did not influence the healing rate of oesophagitis.
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Cannatà AP, Alberoni M, Franceschi M, Mariani C. Frontal impairment in subcortical ischemic vascular dementia in comparison to Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2002; 13:101-11. [PMID: 11844892 DOI: 10.1159/000048641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the performance of patients with Alzheimer's disease to that of patients with subcortical vascular dementia (s-IVD) in a set of tasks assessing categorization abilities, sustained and selective attention, and set-shifting and set-maintaining skills. Only the measures of naming and categorization abilities on the Test of Classification and Recall of Pictures (TCRP) proved useful in differentiating AD from s-IVD patients. s-IVD patients showed worse performance than AD on the TCRP categorization measures, while both AD and s-IVD patients were equally impaired in other tasks assessing executive functions (EF). With respect to the naming task, s-IVD patients made significantly more perseverative and unrelated errors than AD patients. Moreover, in the s-IVD group, we found a strong correlation between categorization ability and an attentional test score (Attentional Matrices), while no such correlation emerged in the AD group. These results suggest a dissociated impairment of EF in the 2 dementia groups. In our view, the lack of inhibition and the inability to manipulate complex information are responsible for a greater executive dysfunction in s-IVD patients in comparison with AD patients. The capacity to build up strategies appears more preserved in AD patients, whose impaired performance in executive tasks seems to be related to an impairment of attentional shifting and working memory.
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Bozzali M, Franceschi M, Falini A, Pontesilli S, Cercignani M, Magnani G, Scotti G, Comi G, Filippi M. Quantification of tissue damage in AD using diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer MRI. Neurology 2001; 57:1135-7. [PMID: 11571355 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.6.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors measured mean diffusivity (D) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) of the brain from 18 patients with AD and 16 healthy control subjects. The peak heights of cortical gray matter (cGM) D (p < 0.001) and MTR (p < 0.001) histograms were lower and average cGM D (p < 0.01) higher in patients with AD than in control subjects. A composite MR score based on brain volume and cGM MTR peak height was correlated with patient cognitive impairment (r = 0.65, p = 0.003). This preliminary study presents a novel approach to quantify AD-related tissue damage in-vivo.
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Chiarugi M, Buccianti P, Decanini L, Balestri R, Lorenzetti L, Franceschi M, Cavina E. "What you see is not what you get". A plea to remove a 'normal' appendix during diagnostic laparoscopy. Acta Chir Belg 2001; 101:243-5. [PMID: 11758109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) is a well established alternative option to coeliotomy for suspected appendicitis. When a 'normal' appendix is found, appendectomy is often believe unnecessary. Little is known however about how normal a normal appearing appendix is. In this study we postulated that a normal appendix seen at DL, may show pathological indications at microscopy, and thus, to leave the appendix untouched may be unsafe. METHODS A retrospective review of data from 48 patients which, in a five year period (1995-1999), had virtually normal appendices removed as completion of DL for lower abdominal pain. RESULTS No procedure-related drawback and no subsequent complications were recorded. Symptoms subsided in all the patients. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days. When receiving specimens, incidence of pathologic changes of the appendix were observed in 58 percent of the cases (n = 28). The negative predictive value of DL was 41 percent. CONCLUSIONS Due to the consistently false negative rate of DL, and the low morbidity rate for laparoscopic appendectomy, we support incidental appendectomy in patients with lower abdominal pain.
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Leandro G, Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Bertin T, Lichino E, Di Mario F. Prevention of acute NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage: a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Dig Dis Sci 2001; 46:1924-36. [PMID: 11575445 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010687115298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
No consensus exists as to whether cotherapy is effective in the short-term prevention of severe NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage. The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative systematic review of the efficacy of gastroprotective drugs, such as misoprostol, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in preventing the severe acute NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials on the use of misoprostol, H2-blockers, and PPIs as preventative agents published between January 1986 and May 1999 were identified through Medline and reference lists from clinical reviews. Studies on patients or healthy subjects were considered to be eligible for data pooling if they were performed in acute NSAID users (not longer than 30 days) and with at least one endoscopic evaluation during therapy that reported results specifically for gastric and duodenal damage. Risk difference (RD), heterogeneity chi2 test, publication bias assessment and number needed to treat (NnT) were calculated for each meta-analysis by a customized program. Twenty-one trials met the inclusion criteria evaluating a total of 636 healthy subjects and 1904 patients with arthritis randomized to active drug or placebo. The baseline risk of NSAID-related gastric (68% vs 16.6%, P < 0.001) and duodenal (22% vs 8.5%, P < 0.001) damage was higher in healthy subjects compared to patients with arthritis. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant heterogeneity between trials performed in the two populations (P < 0.0001). In healthy subjects the active drug treatment induced a significant prevention of severe gastric (misoprostol RD = 69%, 95% CI = 60.3-77.7, H2-blocker RD = 38.3%, 95% CI = 17.8-58.9 and PPI RD = 43%, 95% CI = 28.2-57.7) and duodenal damage (misoprostol RD = 22.3%, 95% CI = 13.6-31, H2-blocker RD = 13.2%, 95% CI = 5.2-21.3 and PPI RD = 17.7%, 95% CI = 3.5-31.8). NnT values were, respectively, 1, 3, and 2 for gastric and 4, 8, and 6 for duodenal damage. In patients with arthritis lower RD and higher NnT values were found compared to healthy subjects. In conclusions, cotreatment with gastroprotective drugs for short-term prevention of severe gastroduodenal NSAID-related damage was more effective in healthy subjects than in patients with arthritis; misoprostol and PPIs were more effective than H2-blockers in the prevention of both gastric and duodenal severe damage; more studies need to evaluate the role of short-term prevention in patients with arthritis who require acute NSAID treatment.
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Casadei VM, Ferri C, Calabrese E, Grimaldi LM, Franceschi M, Veglia F, Licastro F, Mariani C. Prion protein gene polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease: one modulatory trait of cognitive decline? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001; 71:279-80. [PMID: 11488277 PMCID: PMC1737498 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.71.2.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Pilotto A, Franceschi M, Leandro G, Bozzola L, Rassu M, Soffiati G, Di Mario F, Valerio G. Cure of Helicobacter pylori infection in elderly patients: comparison of low versus high doses of clarithromycin in combination with amoxicillin and pantoprazole. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001; 15:1031-6. [PMID: 11421879 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.01008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advancing age may influence clarithromycin's pharmacokinetics. No studies have yet compared the effects of different dosages of clarithromycin in combination with a proton pump inhibitor and amoxicillin in elderly patients. AIM To compare the efficacy and tolerability of clarithromycin 250 mg vs. clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily (b.d.) in combination with pantoprazole and amoxicillin in elderly patients. METHODS One hundred and fifty-four elderly patients with H. pylori-associated ulcer disease or chronic gastritis were consecutively randomized to receive pantoprazole 40 mg daily plus amoxicillin 1 g, and either clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. (PAC 250) or clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (PAC 500). Two months after therapy, endoscopy and gastric biopsies were repeated. RESULTS The cure rates of H. pylori infection in the PAC 250 and PAC 500 groups were, respectively, 83% and 79% (ITT analysis) and 94% and 88% (PP analysis) (P=N.S.). Significant decreases in chronic gastritis activity both in the body (P < 0.00001) and the antrum (P < 0.0001) of the stomach were found in H. pylori-cured patients, independently of clarithromycin dosage. Four patients in PAC 250 (5%) and seven in PAC 500 (9%) reported adverse events (P=N.S.). One patient in PAC 250 (25%) and three in PAC 500 (43%) discontinued the study because of these drug-related side-effects (P=N.S.). CONCLUSIONS In elderly patients, 1-week triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is a highly effective and well tolerated anti-H. pylori treatment. With this combination, clarithromycin at the lower dose of 250 mg b.d. achieved excel- lent cure rates and minimized adverse events and costs.
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