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Albano C, Platteau P, Devroey P. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist: how good is the new hope? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2001; 13:257-62. [PMID: 11396647 DOI: 10.1097/00001703-200106000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists have been widely used to prevent luteinizing hormone surges during controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies. Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists of uterine myoma, endometriosis and some hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast, ovarian, endometrial and prostate cancer, also seems to have a beneficial effect. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists have the disadvantage of inducing an initial stimulatory effect on gonadotropin secretion, necessitating 2-3 weeks before pituitary desensitization is achieved. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, on the contrary, cause an immediate inhibition of gonadotropin secretion by competitive blocking of pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. Some advantages of their clinical use in controlled ovarian stimulation have already been demonstrated. Randomized comparative studies are needed to investigate their benefit over gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists for myoma and hormone-related disorders.
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Ebadi M, Govitrapong P, Sharma S, Muralikrishnan D, Shavali S, Pellett L, Schafer R, Albano C, Eken J. Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q 10) and Mitochondria in Oxidative Stress of Parkinson’s Disease. Neurosignals 2001; 10:224-53. [PMID: 11351130 DOI: 10.1159/000046889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease affecting approximately1% of the population older than 50 years. There is a worldwide increase in disease prevalence due to the increasing age of human populations. A definitive neuropathological diagnosis of Parkinson's disease requires loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and related brain stem nuclei, and the presence of Lewy bodies in remaining nerve cells. The contribution of genetic factors to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is increasingly being recognized. A point mutation which is sufficient to cause a rare autosomal dominant form of the disorder has been recently identified in the alpha-synuclein gene on chromosome 4 in the much more common sporadic, or 'idiopathic' form of Parkinson's disease, and a defect of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain was confirmed at the biochemical level. Disease specificity of this defect has been demonstrated for the parkinsonian substantia nigra. These findings and the observation that the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which causes a Parkinson-like syndrome in humans, acts via inhibition of complex I have triggered research interest in the mitochondrial genetics of Parkinson's disease. Oxidative phosphorylation consists of five protein-lipid enzyme complexes located in the mitochondrial inner membrane that contain flavins (FMN, FAD), quinoid compounds (coenzyme Q10, CoQ10) and transition metal compounds (iron-sulfur clusters, hemes, protein-bound copper). These enzymes are designated complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, EC 1.6. 5.3), complex II (succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.5.1), complex III (ubiquinol:ferrocytochrome c oxidoreductase, EC 1.10.2.2), complex IV (ferrocytochrome c:oxygen oxidoreductase or cytochrome c oxidase, EC 1.9.3.1), and complex V (ATP synthase, EC 3.6.1.34). A defect in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, in terms of a reduction in the activity of NADH CoQ reductase (complex I) has been reported in the striatum of patients with Parkinson's disease. The reduction in the activity of complex I is found in the substantia nigra, but not in other areas of the brain, such as globus pallidus or cerebral cortex. Therefore, the specificity of mitochondrial impairment may play a role in the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. This view is supported by the fact that MPTP generating 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP(+)) destroys dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although the serum levels of CoQ10 is normal in patients with Parkinson's disease, CoQ10 is able to attenuate the MPTP-induced loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons.
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Albano C, Sciamanna R, Gónzalez R, Papa J, Navarro O. Analysis of nylon 66 solidification process. Eur Polym J 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0014-3057(00)00172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tavaniotou A, Albano C, Smitz J, Devroey P. Comparison of LH concentrations in the early and mid-luteal phase in IVF cycles after treatment with HMG alone or in association with the GnRH antagonist Cetrorelix. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:663-7. [PMID: 11278214 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.4.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is mandatory for the maintenance of the corpus luteum. Ovarian stimulation for IVF has been associated with a defective luteal phase. The luteal phases of two groups of patients with normal menstrual cycles and no endocrinological cause of infertility were retrospectively analysed in IVF cycles. Thirty-one infertile patients stimulated with human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG) for IVF to whom the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist Cetrorelix 0.25 mg was also administered to prevent the LH surge (group I) were compared with 31 infertile patients stimulated with HMG alone (group II). Despite differences in the stimulation outcome, luteal LH serum concentrations were similar in the two groups. LH values dropped from 2.3 +/- 1 IU/l on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration to 1.1 +/- 0.7 IU/l on day HCG +2 in group I (P < 0.0001) and from 5.1 +/- 3 to 1.2 +/- 1.7 IU/l (P < 0.0001) in group II. In the mid-luteal phase, LH concentrations were low in both groups. Our results suggest that suppressed LH concentrations in the early and mid-luteal phase may not be attributed solely to the GnRH-antagonist administration. Pituitary LH secretion may be inhibited by supraphysiological steroid serum concentrations via long-loop feedback and/or by the central action of the exogenously administered HCG via a short-loop mechanism.
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Smitz J, Nogueira D, Albano C, Cortvrindt R, Devroey P. Improving in vitro maturation of oocytes in the human taking lessons from experiences in animal species. Reprod Domest Anim 2001; 36:11-7. [PMID: 11305480 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2001.00262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
One to three per cent of infertile women develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after superovulation for assisted reproduction treatment (ART). This severe complication can be avoided when oocytes are obtained at an immature stage (germinal vesicle stage) out of small or medium-sized follicles. This hypothesis has been tested in several infertile women, but clinical pregnancies are disappointlingly low. This new approach in ART is still at an experimental phase and this treatment has still to be improved before routine clinical application. Experimental work in animals and humans suggest a beneficial effect in providing a short preliminary pretreatment with follicle-stimulating hormone to select for a developing cohort of follicles. The aspiration of oocyte cumulus complexes is carried out with a short needle applying reduced aspiration pressure. A crucial point is to provide the appropriate culture environment for the immature oocytes. An optimal cumulus-enclosed human oocyte culture system needs to be defined. The composition of the culture medium could be suggested by in vitro work carried out in animal models. As developmental competence is established during the latest phases of oocyte growth and is dependent on the storage of RNA, a prolonged in vitro maturation period (before inducing nuclear maturation) could provide the necessary transcriptional and translational changes. The conditions to achieve this improved cytoplasmic maturation by prolonging the in vitro culture remain to be defined. More objective noninvasive parameters for oocyte maturity are also needed to pursue research in this field.
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Albano C, Reyes J, González J, Ichazo M, Poleo R, Davidson E. Mathematical analysis of the mechanical behavior of 60Co-irradiated polyolefin blends with and without woodflour. Polym Degrad Stab 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0141-3910(01)00065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ludwig M, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Felberbaum RE, Olivennes F, Albano C, Devroey P, Diedrich K. Health of 227 children born after controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization using the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix. Fertil Steril 2001; 75:18-22. [PMID: 11163811 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01632-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize data from completed phase II and III clinical trials on children born after controlled ovarian stimulation using the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix. DESIGN All children born after ovarian stimulation in patients treated for infertility who were in prospective studies until March 23, 1999. SETTING Academic research center. PATIENT(S) Children born after IVF or IVF plus ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) Controlled ovarian stimulation with cetrorelix in a multiple-dose or single/dual-dose protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Outcome of pregnancy and, in deliveries, the date of birth, number and sex of children born, birth weight, body length, and abnormalities were recorded. At approximately 1 year of age and 2 years of age, body weight and length and abnormalities in physical and mental development were recorded. RESULT(S) Two hundred nine and 18 children were born after fresh and frozen embryo transfers, respectively. Of the pregnancies, 76.2% (179 of 234) resulted in live birth and ectopic pregnancy occurred in 3.4% (8 of 231); one heterotopic pregnancy and four induced abortions were recorded. The malformation rate among all live births, stillbirths, and aborted fetuses was 3.1%. CONCLUSION(S) Use of cetrorelix in controlled ovarian stimulation does not harm the subsequently born children.
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Albano C. Questioning starvation. WOMEN'S WRITING : THE ELIZABETHAN TO VICTORIAN PERIOD 2001; 8:313-326. [PMID: 20196253 DOI: 10.1080/09699080100200129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
By comparing early modern cases of self-starvation with current theories of anorexia nervosa, this article explores the framing of the starving body as a cultural product, and questions the implications of culture in the perception and representations of the refusal of food. This allows a consideration of self-starvation as both a product and reflection of cultural values attributed to consumption, gender, and the body.
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Ludwig M, Felberbaum RE, Devroey P, Albano C, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Schüler A, Engel W, Diedrich K. Significant reduction of the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by using the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) in controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2000; 264:29-32. [PMID: 10985616 DOI: 10.1007/pl00007479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A prospective, randomized study was performed to compare the efficiency of hormonal stimulation for IVF (in vitro fertilization) in either the long luteal protocol, using the LHRH agonist Buserelin, or the multiple dose LHRH antagonist protocol, using the LHRH antagonist Cetrorelix. Here we present the data on the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromes (OHSS). 85 and 188 patients were recruited for the stimulation in the LHRH agonist and in the LHRH antagonist protocol, respectively. The groups were comparable regarding anamnestic data. The incidence of WHO degrees II and degrees III OHSS was significantly lower in the Cetrorelix than in the Buserelin group (1.1% vs. 6.5%, p=0.03). Additionally 3 patients in the Cetrorelix group (1.6%) and 5 patients in the Buserelin group (5.9%) did not receive hCG because of a threatening OHSS. The follicle maturation was more homogeneous in the Cetrorelix protocol, with less small follicles on the day of hCG administration but a similar number of oocyte cumulus complexes retrieved. The pregnancy rates per cycle were not significantly different in the Cetrorelix and Buserelin protocol (22% vs. 26%). The Cetrorelix multiple dose protocol is advantageous compared to the long protocol regarding the incidence of OHSS, a potentially life threatening complication of controlled ovarian stimulation.
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Felberbaum RE, Albano C, Ludwig M, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Grigat M, Devroey P, Diedrich K. Ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction with HMG and concomitant midcycle administration of the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix according to the multiple dose protocol: a prospective uncontrolled phase III study. Hum Reprod 2000; 15:1015-20. [PMID: 10783344 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/15.5.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 346 women with normal ovulatory function was stimulated with human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG) to attain ovarian stimulation for IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Stimulation with HMG started on cycle day 2 or 3. After 6 days of stimulation, Cetrorelix in its minimum effective multiple dose of 0. 25 mg/day, was administered daily until induction of ovulation. In total, 333 patients (96.2%) reached the day of HCG administration, and 324 (93.6%) underwent oocyte retrieval. A mean of 25.2 ampoules of HMG was applied for a mean of 10.4 days. Cetrorelix was administered for a mean time lapse of 5.7 days. The mean normal fertilization rate was 60% in the IVF group and 59% in the ICSI group. Seventy pregnancies were attained, reflecting an ongoing clinical pregnancy rate of 24% per transfer. The ongoing clinical implantation rate was 11.4%. Only three cases of raised luteinizing hormone (LH) (>/=10 IU/l) with increased progesterone secretion (>/=1 ng/ml) were observed after initiation of Cetrorelix administration, reflecting an incidence of premature luteinization of 0.9%. The abortion rate was 17%. The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (World Health Organization grade III) was as low as 0.6%.
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Albano C, Felberbaum RE, Smitz J, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Engel J, Diedrich K, Devroey P. Ovarian stimulation with HMG: results of a prospective randomized phase III European study comparing the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-antagonist cetrorelix and the LHRH-agonist buserelin. European Cetrorelix Study Group. Hum Reprod 2000; 15:526-31. [PMID: 10686191 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/15.3.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this prospective and randomized study, 188 patients received the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist cetrorelix, and 85 patients the LHRH agonist buserelin to prevent endogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) surges during ovarian stimulation in in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Ultimately, 181 patients (96.3%) in the cetrorelix group, and 77 (90.6%) in the buserelin group, reached the day of the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection. The mean number of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) ampoules administered and the mean number of stimulation days with HMG were significantly less in the cetrorelix group than in the buserelin group (P < 0.01). A rise in LH and progesterone concentrations was observed in three of the 188 patients (1.6%) who received cetrorelix. On the day of the HCG administration, more follicles of a small diameter (11-14 mm) were observed in the buserelin group than in the cetrorelix group (P = 0. 02) and the mean serum oestradiol concentration was significantly higher in patients who received buserelin than in those who received cetrorelix (P < 0.01). Similar results were observed in fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rates in the two groups. In conclusion, the use of the LHRH antagonists might be considered more advantageous because of the short-term application needed to inhibit gonadotrophin secretion, so allowing a reduction in the treatment time in a clinically significant manner.
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Albano C, González J, Ichazo M, Kaiser D. Thermal stability of blends of polyolefins and sisal fiber. Polym Degrad Stab 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0141-3910(99)00064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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63
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Albano C, Smitz J, Tournaye H, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Van Steirteghem A, Devroey P. Luteal phase and clinical outcome after human menopausal gonadotrophin/gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist treatment for ovarian stimulation in in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1426-30. [PMID: 10357952 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.6.1426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The luteal phase hormonal profile and the clinical outcome of 69 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) after ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist Cetrorelix were analysed. Twenty-four patients received Cetrorelix 0.5 mg (group I) while in 45 patients Cetrorelix 0.25 mg was administered (group II). Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was used as luteal support. Nine clinical pregnancies were obtained in group I (37.5%) and 12 in group II (26. 6%). These results were not significantly different. Serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations did not differ between the two groups either in pregnant or non-pregnant patients. An expected decrease of the same hormones was observed 8 days after the pre-ovulatory HCG injection in non-pregnant women. With regard to serum luteinizing hormone concentrations, a decrease was observed 2 days after the pre-ovulatory HCG injection and was maintained at almost undetectable levels throughout the entire luteal phase in both conception and non-conception cycles of group I and group II. This study demonstrates that different doses of GnRH antagonist do not have any impact on the luteal phase of IVF/ICSI cycles when hormonal support is given.
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Albano C, Sanchez G, Ismayel A, Hernández P. Recovery of Plastic Low-Density Polyethylene/High-Density Polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) Wastes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMER ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/10236669908014178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Albano C, Grimbizis G, Smitz J, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Reissmann T, Van Steirteghem A, Devroey P. The luteal phase of nonsupplemented cycles after ovarian superovulation with human menopausal gonadotropin and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist Cetrorelix. Fertil Steril 1998; 70:357-9. [PMID: 9696235 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the luteal phase of six patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with hMG and a new GnRH antagonist, Cetrorelix, without receiving luteal phase supplementation. DESIGN Phase II study involving the first six patients who did not receive luteal phase support. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S) Six healthy women undergoing COH for assisted reproductive techniques. INTERVENTION(S) Oocyte retrieval was performed 36 hours after hCG administration, followed by embryo transfer 2 days later. No luteal phase supplementation was given. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum E2, progesterone, LH, and FSH concentrations were measured. RESULT(S) The length of the luteal phase was < or =12 days in three of the six patients. One of the patients in whom the luteal phase was >12 days had a low serum progesterone concentration (2.9 ng/mL) on day 10. Serum LH concentrations decreased after the preovulatory hCG injection in all patients. However, a progressive increase in LH was observed after day 7, reaching normal values. CONCLUSION(S) Corpus luteum function seems to be impaired in cycles that are stimulated with hMG and the GnRH antagonist Cetrorelix.
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Albano C, Sánchez G, Ismayel A. Influence of a copolymer on the mechanical properties of a blend of PP and recycled and non-recycled HDPE. Polym Bull (Berl) 1998. [DOI: 10.1007/s002890050337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Albano C, Sánchez G, Ismayel A. Recycling of Polyolefins: Part 1: Blends of Two Polymers. JOURNAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE PART A-PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY 1998. [DOI: 10.1080/10601329808002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Albano C, Rocca LL, Aparicio C. Recycling of Polyolefins: Part 2: Blends of Several Polymers. JOURNAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE PART A-PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY 1998. [DOI: 10.1080/10601329808002125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Pizzolato G, Cagnin A, Mancia D, Caffarra P, Avanzi S, Copelli S, Ciappina C, Lo Presti F, Spilimbergo PG, D'Antonio E, Di Costanzo E, Matrango M, Pastres P, Urbani PP, Signorino M, Simoncelli M, Provinciali L, Regnicolo L, Albano C, Roccatagliata G, Rubino V, Cultrera S, Fracassi M. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of pivagabine in neurasthenia. ARZNEIMITTEL-FORSCHUNG 1997; 47:1329-31. [PMID: 9450159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
One hundred and eighteen patients with neurasthenia, as defined by ICD 10 (International Classification of Diseases), participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pivagabine (4-[(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl)amino]butanoic acid, CAS 69542-93-4, Tonerg). Pivagabine 1800 mg/d was administered orally for four weeks. At the end of the trial, active medication was significantly superior to placebo on the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) improvement of illness scale. In addition, pivagabine treatment reduced the physical and mental fatigability of patients, and increased their sense of well-being.
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Lunardi G, Leandri M, Albano C, Cultrera S, Fracassi M, Rubino V, Favale E. Clinical effectiveness of lamotrigine and plasma levels in essential and symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia. Neurology 1997; 48:1714-7. [PMID: 9191794 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.48.6.1714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reports on the effectiveness of oral lamotrigine in 15 patients suffering from "essential" trigeminal neuralgia and in five patients suffering symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia concomitant with multiple sclerosis. We recorded objective and subjective pain ratings and correlated them to daily dosage (400 mg maximum) and plasma levels of the drug. We detected pain relief proportional to daily dosage and to drug plasma levels. Eleven of the cases affected by the "essential" form of neuralgia showed complete pain relief on reaching their maximum daily dosage. All cases affected by the symptomatic form had complete pain relief. We could detect no changes from these results by the end of the follow-up period (3 to 8 months after the study ended).
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Albano C, Smitz J, Camus M, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Siebert-Welgel M, Romels P, Van Steirteghem A, Devroey P. R-215. Serum and follicular fluid Cetrorelix concentrations in ovarian stimulation cycles. Hum Reprod 1997. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.suppl_2.327-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Albano C, Smitz J, Camus M, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Van Steirteghem A, Devroey P. Comparison of different doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist Cetrorelix during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Fertil Steril 1997; 67:917-22. [PMID: 9130900 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(97)81407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the minimal effective dose of a GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix; Asta Medical; Frankfurt, Germany) to prevent premature LH surge in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for assisted reproductive technologies. DESIGN In 69 patients COH was carried out with the association of hMG, starting on day 2 of the menstrual cycle, and a GnRH antagonist (Cetrorelix) was administered from day 6 of the hMG treatment (day 7 of the menstrual cycle) every day up to and including the last day of the hMG injection. In 32 and 30 patients, 0.5 mg and 0.25 mg of Cetrorelix were administered, respectively. Seven patients received 0.1 mg of Cetrorelix. SETTING Tertiary referral center. RESULT(S) No premature endogenous LH surge occurred in patients treated with 0.5 and 0.25 mg of Cetrorelix, and serum LH concentrations were maintained constantly low during the entire follicular phase in both groups. Follicle-stimulating hormone, LH, E2, and P expressed as area under the curve were similar in both groups. A premature LH surge (18 mIU/mL; conversion factor to SI unit, 1.00) with a concomitant P rise (1.7 micrograms/L; conversion factor to SI unit, 3.180) occurred in one of the seven patients treated with 0.1 mg Cetrorelix; therefore, treatment with this dose was discontinued. CONCLUSION(S) The minimal effective dose of Cetrorelix able to prevent premature LH surge in COH cycles is 0.25 mg administered daily.
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Albano C, Smitz J, Camus M, Riethmüller-Winzen H, Siebert-Weigel M, Diedrich K, Van Steirteghem AC, Devroey P. Hormonal profile during the follicular phase in cycles stimulated with a combination of human menopausal gonadotrophin and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist (Cetrorelix). Hum Reprod 1996; 11:2114-8. [PMID: 8943511 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A third generation gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist (Cetrorelix) was used during ovarian stimulation in 32 patients undergoing assisted reproduction, in order to prevent the premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. In all patients, ovarian stimulation was carried out with two or three ampoules of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), starting on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. In addition, 0.5 mg of Cetrorelix was administered daily from day 6 of HMG treatment until the day of ovulation induction by human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). A significant drop in plasma LH concentration was observed within a few hours of the first administration of Cetrorelix (P < 0.005). Moreover, no LH surge was detected at any point in the treatment period in any of the 32 patients. A mean oestradiol concentration of 2111 +/- 935 ng/l was observed on the day of the HCG administration, indicating normal folliculogenesis. Like LH, progesterone concentration also dropped within a few hours of the first administration of Cetrorelix (P < 0.005). A 0.5 mg daily dose of Cetrorelix prevented a premature LH surge in all the 32 patients treated.
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Albano C. Reply from the Authors. Neurology 1996. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.47.3.850-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Albano C, Smitz J, Camus M, Bennink HC, Van Steirteghem AC, Devroey P. Pregnancy and birth in an in-vitro fertilization cycle after controlled ovarian stimulation in a woman with a history of allergic reaction to human menopausal gonadotrophin. Hum Reprod 1996; 11:1632-4. [PMID: 8921106 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of allergic reaction to i.m. injections of urinary human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and a successful management of the problem by using recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) administered i.m. The patient underwent two zygote intra-Fallopian transfer (ZIFT) cycles, in which ovarian stimulation was carried out by a combination of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and HMG. A twin pregnancy was achieved after the first cycle. The patient delivered two premature boys at 28 weeks one of whom died after 25 days from severe respiratory distress. During the second ZIFT cycle the patient developed an allergic reaction with redness and swelling in many parts of her body 30 min after every HMG injection. Despite the allergic reaction, the cycle was completed with a second ZIFT. No pregnancy was achieved in this cycle. The patient came back to our centre for a third attempt during which ovarian stimulation was accomplished with a combination of GnRHa and rFSH. Adverse reaction as well as general discomfort were not reported by the patient during ovarian stimulation with rFSH. A successful singleton pregnancy was achieved after intrauterine embryo transfer with the birth of a healthy girl after 38 weeks. If any allergic reaction is present after injection of HMG it is advisable to stimulate a subsequent cycle with rFSH.
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