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Amato B, Compagna R, Gasbarro V, Serra R, de Franciscis S. Great Saphenous Vein and Leiomyosarcoma. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Amato B, Compagna R, Gasbarro V, Serra R, de Franciscis S. Great Saphenous Vein and Leiomyosarcoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvsextra.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bleuet P, Audoit G, Barnes JP, Bertheau J, Dabin Y, Dansas H, Fabbri JM, Florin B, Gergaud P, Grenier A, Haberfehlner G, Lay E, Laurencin J, Serra R, Villanova J. Specifications for hard condensed matter specimens for three-dimensional high-resolution tomographies. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2013; 19:726-739. [PMID: 23575375 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927613000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Tomography is a standard and invaluable technique that covers a large range of length scales. It gives access to the inner morphology of specimens and to the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of physical quantities such as elemental composition, crystalline phases, oxidation state, or strain. These data are necessary to determine the effective properties of investigated heterogeneous media. However, each tomographic technique relies on severe sampling conditions and physical principles that require the sample to be adequately shaped. For that purpose, a wide range of sample preparation techniques is used, including mechanical machining, polishing, sawing, ion milling, or chemical techniques. Here, we focus on the basics of tomography that justify such advanced sample preparation, before reviewing and illustrating the main techniques. Performances and limits are highlighted, and we identify the best preparation technique for a particular tomographic scale and application. The targeted tomography techniques include hard X-ray micro- and nanotomography, electron nanotomography, and atom probe tomography. The article mainly focuses on hard condensed matter, including porous materials, alloys, and microelectronics applications, but also includes, to a lesser extent, biological considerations.
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Chaparro A, Sanz A, Quintero A, Inostroza C, Ramirez V, Carrion F, Figueroa F, Serra R, Illanes SE. Increased inflammatory biomarkers in early pregnancy is associated with the development of pre-eclampsia in patients with periodontitis: a case control study. J Periodontal Res 2012; 48:302-7. [PMID: 23035752 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM(S) To explore the relationship between biomarkers of systemic inflammation in plasma and gingival crevicular fluid in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of pre-eclampsia in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case-control study was performed. From a cohort composed of 126 pregnant women, 43 normotensive healthy pregnant women were randomly selected, and 11 cases of preeclampsia were identified. Plasmatic and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected in early pregnancy (11-14 wk gestation). The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in the plasma and GCF samples, whereas the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in plasma samples. Biomarkers were determined by ELISA assays. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the association between variables was estimated through logistic regression models. RESULTS There was observed an association between pre-eclampsia and plasmatic levels of CRP (OR: 1.07; p = 0.003). Additionally, pre-eclampsia also was associated with IL-6 levels in GCF samples in early pregnancy (OR: 1.05; p = 0.039). A multiple logistic regression model suggests that increased levels of IL-6 in GCF (OR = 1.06; p = 0.02; CI 95% 1.007-1.117) in early pregnancy increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSION(S) Pregnant women with periodontitis who later development pre-eclampsia, shows increased levels of IL-6 in GCF and CRP in plasma during early pregnancy. Periodontal disease could contribute to systemic inflammation in early pregnancy via a local increase of IL-6 and the systemic elevation of CRP. Therefore, both inflammatory markers could be involved in the relationship between periodontal disease and pre-eclampsia.
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D'Errico M, De Tullio G, Di Gioacchino M, Lovreglio P, Basso A, Drago I, Serra R, Apostoli P, Vacca A, Soleo L. Immune Effects and Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Smoking and Alcohol. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:1041-54. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) have been shown to exert some immune effects. Here we analysed their effects also on immune parameters not previously studied such as TCR α-β, TCR γ-δ and regulatory T cells (Treg), taking into account the specific and cumulative interference of smoking and alcohol. The study subjects consisted of 26 male workers in a steelworks factory, employed in the electrical maintenance sector, with previous exposure to a mixture of PCB (exposed subjects), and 30 male workers with no occupational exposure to PCB (controls). All subjects were given a questionnaire and peripheral venous blood samples were taken to determine serum PCB (33 congeners), total cholesterol and triglycerides, leukocytes, total lymphocytes and the T lymphocyte subpopulations (TCR α-β, TCRγ-δ, CD4+ and Treg lymphocytes). PCB, even though at a very low concentration, were significantly higher in exposed subjects than controls, and were significantly correlated with age. Monocytes% and CD4+ were significantly reduced in the exposed subjects as compared to the controls. The serum concentration of PCB positively correlated with TCR α-β, and negatively with TCRγ-δ. Treg lymphocytes showed a positive dependence on tobacco smoking, while the monocytes% and CD4+ showed a negative and positive dependence, respectively, on alcohol intake. Our results seem to show some effects of slight exposure to PCB in particular reducing the relative concentration of TCRγ-δ. This effect can favour indirectly the increase in Treg induced by smoking, the anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory/fibrogenetic/angiogenetic effect of which, exerted by produced cytokines, particularly TGF-β, deserves further clarification.
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Sisto A, D'Ancona F, Meledandri M, Pantosti A, Rossolini GM, Raglio A, Serra R, Dematte L, Aiello E, Goglio A. Carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae from Micronet network hospitals, Italy, 2009 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2012; 17:20247. [PMID: 22913976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has recently been reported as a new, multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in several hospitals from various Italian regions. Through Micronet, a new Italian sentinel laboratory-based surveillance network, we studied the trend of non-susceptibility of K. pneumoniae to selected carbapenems (imipenem and/or meropenem) in 14 of the 15 hospitals participating in the network. Analysis of data from 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2012 revealed a statistically significant increasing trend (p<0.01) in the proportion of carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens (from 2.2 % in 2009 to 19.4% in 2012). The increase in the proportion of non-susceptibility was very large for isolates from the respiratory tract (from 5.3% in 2009 to 38.5% in 2012) and blood (from 5.4% in 2009 to 29.2% in 2012). The results demonstrate the urgent need in Italy for infection control, guidelines, antibiotic stewardship programmes and utilisation of surveillance systems, such as Micronet, which are capable of receiving data from hospitals in real time for many pathogens and types of clinical specimens.
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Sisto A, D'Ancona F, Meledandri M, Pantosti A, Rossolini GM, Raglio A, Serra R, Dematte L, Aiello E, Goglio A, Micronet network participants C. Carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae from Micronet network hospitals, Italy, 2009 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2012. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.17.33.20247-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has recently been reported as a new, multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in several hospitals from various Italian regions. Through Micronet, a new Italian sentinel laboratory-based surveillance network, we studied the trend of non-susceptibility of K. pneumoniae to selected carbapenems (imipenem and/or meropenem) in 14 of the 15 hospitals participating in the network. Analysis of data from 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2012 revealed a statistically significant increasing trend (p<0.01) in the proportion of carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens (from 2.2 % in 2009 to 19.4% in 2012). The increase in the proportion of non-susceptibility was very large for isolates from the respiratory tract (from 5.3% in 2009 to 38.5% in 2012) and blood (from 5.4% in 2009 to 29.2% in 2012). The results demonstrate the urgent need in Italy for infection control, guidelines, antibiotic stewardship programmes and utilisation of surveillance systems, such as Micronet, which are capable of receiving data from hospitals in real time for many pathogens and types of clinical specimens.
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Gonçalves A, Igrejas G, Radhouani H, Estepa V, Alcaide E, Zorrilla I, Serra R, Torres C, Poeta P. Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates in faecal samples of Iberian lynx. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 54:73-7. [PMID: 22044404 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2011.03173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize the diversity of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolates recovered within the faecal microbiota of Iberian lynx. The identification of other associated resistance genes and the analysis of clonal relationship were also focused in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS From 2008 to 2010, 128 faecal samples of Iberian lynx (wild and captive animals) were collected. Eleven tested samples contained cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates (all belonging to captive animals) and 10 ESBL-producing isolates were showed. CTX-M-14 and SHV-12 ESBL-types were detected and seven different patterns were identified by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of unrelated multiresistant E. coli in faecal flora of captive specimens of Iberian lynx, including the presence of ESBLs, resistant genes in integrons and virulence determinants was showed in this study. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results obtained in this study highlight the environmental problem as future reintroductions of Iberian lynx could lead to a spread of resistant bacteria. Additionally, ESBL-producing bacteria can represent a health problem for this endangered species.
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De Rosa FG, Pagani N, Fossati L, Raviolo S, Cometto C, Cavallerio P, Parlato C, Guglielmi E, Serra R, Di Perri G. The effect of inappropriate therapy on bacteremia by ESBL-producing bacteria. Infection 2011; 39:555-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-011-0201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Illanes S, Gomez R, Fornes R, Figueroa-Diesel H, Schepeler M, Searovic P, Serra R, Perez A, Nien JK. Free fetal DNA levels in patients at risk of preterm labour. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:1082-5. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Collette BB, Carpenter KE, Polidoro BA, Juan-Jordá MJ, Boustany A, Die DJ, Elfes C, Fox W, Graves J, Harrison LR, McManus R, Minte-Vera CV, Nelson R, Restrepo V, Schratwieser J, Sun CL, Amorim A, Brick Peres M, Canales C, Cardenas G, Chang SK, Chiang WC, de Oliveira Leite N, Harwell H, Lessa R, Fredou FL, Oxenford HA, Serra R, Shao KT, Sumaila R, Wang SP, Watson R, Yáñez E. High Value and Long Life—Double Jeopardy for Tunas and Billfishes. Science 2011; 333:291-2. [PMID: 21737699 DOI: 10.1126/science.1208730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Busca A, Cavecchia I, Locatelli F, D'Ardia S, De Rosa F, Marmont F, Ciccone G, Baldi I, Serra R, Gaido E, Falda M. Blood stream infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience with the use of levofloxacin prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011; 14:40-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00650.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kinumatsu T, Shibukawa Y, Yasuda T, Nagayama M, Yamada S, Serra R, Pacifici M, Koyama E. TMJ development and growth require primary cilia function. J Dent Res 2011; 90:988-94. [PMID: 21566205 DOI: 10.1177/0022034511409407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia regulate limb and axial skeletal formation and hedgehog signaling, but their roles in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development are unknown. Thus, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in ciliary transport protein Kif3a in cartilage. In post-natal wild-type mice, primary cilia were occasionally observed on the superior, inferior, or lateral side of condylar cells. Cilia were barely detectable in mutant chondrocytes but were evident in surrounding tissues, attesting to the specificity of chondrocyte Kif3a ablation. Mutant condyles from 3-month-old mice were narrow and flat along their antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes, were often fused with the articular disc, and displayed an irregular bony surface. The polymorphic layer in P15 mutants contained fewer Sox9-expressing chondroprogenitor cells because of reduced mitotic activity, and newly differentiated chondrocytes underwent precocious hypertrophic enlargement accompanied by early activation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh). Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by local expression of the hedgehog receptor Patched-1 and up-regulation of Osterix and Collagen I. In summary, Kif3a and primary cilia are required for coordination of chondrocyte maturation, intramembranous bone formation, and chondrogenic condylar growth. Defects in these processes in Kif3a condylar cartilage are likely to reflect abnormal hedgehog signaling topography and dysfunction.
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Damiani C, Serra R, Villani M, Kauffman SA, Colacci A. Cell-cell interaction and diversity of emergent behaviours. IET Syst Biol 2011; 5:137-44. [PMID: 21405202 DOI: 10.1049/iet-syb.2010.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite myriads of possible gene expression profiles, cells tend to be found in a confined number of expression patterns. The dynamics of Boolean models of gene regulatory networks has proven to be a likely candidate for the description of such self-organisation phenomena. Because cells do not live in isolation, but they constantly shape their functions to adapt to signals from other cells, this raises the question of whether the cooperation among cells entails an expansion or a reduction of their possible steady states. Multi random Boolean networks are introduced here as a model for interaction among cells that might be suitable for the investigation of some generic properties regarding the influence of communication on the diversity of cell behaviours. In spite of its simplicity, the model exhibits a non-obvious phenomenon according to which a moderate exchange of products among adjacent cells fosters the variety of their possible behaviours, which on the other hand are more similar to one another. On the contrary, a more invasive coupling would lead cells towards homogeneity.
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Graudenzi A, Serra R, Villani M, Colacci A, Kauffman S. Robustness Analysis of a Boolean Model of Gene Regulatory Network with Memory. J Comput Biol 2011; 18:559-77. [DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2010.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Basso A, Lovreglio P, D'Errico MN, Panuzzo L, Ferrara F, Lepera A, Serra R, Milano V, Nesta D, Soleo L. [The role of the occupational physician in the assessment of accident risk]. GIORNALE ITALIANO DI MEDICINA DEL LAVORO ED ERGONOMIA 2010; 32:374-378. [PMID: 21438303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The prevention of accidents at work in Italy is a target still to be reached for the safety of workers in workplaces, despite the innovative provisions introduced by the Legislative Decree 81/08 and the decrease of the number of total and fatal accidents occurred in the period 2001-2008, as reported in the statistics of the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL). The occupational physician performs a very important role in the accident risk assessment, based on his biomedical and ergonomic knowledge. His role is carried out during the phase of safety risk assessment, contributing to assess plants, machines, tools, personal protective equipments, to be used by the workers. His knowledge of the health status of workers, acquired by medical surveillance and aimed to prevent accidents by providing the fitness for work evaluation in relation to the presence of diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal diseases, sleep disorders, or to the assumption of hypnotic drugs, when the employee works at height or as driver such as in the transport or construction industry, is not less important. Unfortunately, this latter role of the occupational physician is limited because the Italian Safety Legislation does not provide for the sanitary surveillance of all the workers employed in factories.
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Botta G, Baldoni G, Serra R, de Franciscis S. The phlebological surgery in elderly patients. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290302 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-l6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Serra R, Villani M, Barbieri A, Kauffman S, Colacci A. On the dynamics of random Boolean networks subject to noise: Attractors, ergodic sets and cell types. J Theor Biol 2010; 265:185-93. [PMID: 20399217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Longo C, Serra R, Mastrangelo D, de Franciscis S. VEG F as a biological marker of the venous disease-associated ulcers natural history in the elderly: preliminary data. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290209 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-a64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Schwartzlose RA, Alheit J, Bakun A, Baumgartner TR, Cloete R, Crawford RJM, Fletcher WJ, Green-Ruiz Y, Hagen E, Kawasaki T, Lluch-Belda D, Lluch-Cota SE, MacCall AD, Matsuura Y, Nevárez-Martínez MO, Parrish RH, Roy C, Serra R, Shust KV, Ward MN, Zuzunaga JZ. Worldwide large-scale fluctuations of sardine and anchovy populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.2989/025776199784125962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Illanes S, Parra M, Serra R, Pino K, Figueroa-Diesel H, Romero C, Arraztoa JA, Michea L, Soothill PW. Increased free fetal DNA levels in early pregnancy plasma of women who subsequently develop preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Prenat Diagn 2009; 29:1118-22. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Irace C, Scavelli F, Carallo C, Serra R, Gnasso A. Plasma and blood viscosity in metabolic syndrome. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 19:476-480. [PMID: 19201176 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and blood and plasma viscosity has been scarcely investigated. In the present study we have evaluated the difference in blood and plasma viscosity between subjects with and without MS, in order to verify whether viscosity measurement can add more information on the overall cardiovascular risk connected with the presence of the MS. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred and sixty nine women and 520 men have been enrolled. Blood and plasma viscosity have been measured with a cone-plate viscometer equipped with a cp-40 spindle. MS has been defined according to the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III. Eighty four women and 154 men fulfilled the criteria for MS. Hematocrit adjusted blood viscosity was higher in subjects with MS compared to those without the syndrome, both in males (shear rate 225 s(-1): 4.60+/-0.38 vs. 4.52+/-0.33 cP, p<0.01) and females (4.57+/-0.28 vs. 4.46+/-0.31 P, p<0.01). Blood viscosity was correlated with all components of MS but glucose, and after adjustment for them the difference between subjects with or without MS was completely abolished. Plasma viscosity was significantly higher only in females with MS. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that blood viscosity is increased in subjects with MS, but the increase seems to depend on the metabolic alterations of the syndrome. The independent contribution of the rise in blood viscosity to the cardiovascular risk connected with the presence of MS seems therefore negligible. The increased plasma viscosity in females with MS needs further clarification.
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Ochiai T, Nagayama M, Nakamura T, Morrison T, Pilchak D, Kondo N, Hasegawa H, Song B, Serra R, Pacifici M, Koyama E. Roles of the primary cilium component Polaris in synchondrosis development. J Dent Res 2009; 88:545-50. [PMID: 19587160 DOI: 10.1177/0022034509337775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia regulate several developmental processes and mediate hedgehog signaling. To study their roles in cranial base development, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in Polaris, a critical primary cilium component, in cartilage. Mutant post-natal cranial bases were deformed, and their synchondrosis growth plates were disorganized. Expression of Indian hedgehog, Patched-1, collagen X, and MMP-13 was reduced and accompanied by decreases in endochondral bone. Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by excessive Patched-1 expression, suggesting that Ihh distribution was wider and responsible for such excessive response. Indeed, expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HS-PGs), normally involved in restricting hedgehog distribution, was barely detectable in mutant synchondroses. Analyses of the data provides further evidence for the essential roles of primary cilia and hedgehog signaling in cranial base development and chondrocyte maturation, and point to a close interdependence between cilia and HS-PGs to delimit targets of hedgehog action in synchondroses.
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Fragomeni G, Merola A, Serra R, de Franciscis S, Amato F. A nonlinear lumped parameters model to analyze the dynamics of venous reflux. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009; 2008:1407-10. [PMID: 19162932 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2008.4649429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to formulate a lumped parameters model of the venous tree of the lower limbs in order to study the effects and the possible clinical treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a pathology characterized by an important socio-economic impact due to its relevant prevalence, the costs for its diagnosis and treatment being more frequently widespread among the working population. The planning of haemodynamic surgical operations is critical to treat a pathological pattern of venous blood flow; such planning, in turn, depends on the right analysis of the possible consequences of flow modification. To this regard, the blood flow correction allows to solve the most important venous pathologies, in order to guarantee the restoration of normal blood flow by means of proper modifications of the venous tree. The developed model preserves the geometry of the venous network and considers some non linear resistive and capacitive effects. In fact, the study of the variability of some parameters (i.e. vessel radius) is very important to allow a correct diagnosis of vascular diseases. This variability causes a non linear behaviour of resistance and compliance effects. With the aid of the developed model we evaluate the time profile of blood velocity, flow and pressure in the entire venous network, both in physiological and pathological cases. The obtained results are discussed in comparison with available experimental data.
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