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Miceli Sopo S, Greco M, Monaco S, Bianchi A, Cuomo B, Liotti L, Iacono I. Matrix effect on baked milk tolerance in children with IgE cow milk allergy. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2016; 44:517-523. [PMID: 27480790 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (IgE-CMA) often tolerate baked milk within a wheat matrix. In our study we evaluated the impact of wheat matrix and of little standardised cooking procedures on tolerance of baked milk. We also tested tolerance versus parmigiano reggiano (PR) and whey-based partially hydrolysed formula (pHF). METHODS Forty-eight children with IgE-CMA were enrolled. They underwent prick-by-prick (PbP) and open oral food challenge (OFC) with baked cow's milk (CM), both within a wheat matrix (an Italian cake named ciambellone) and without (in a liquid form), with PR and with pHF. After a passed OFC, children continued to eat the food tolerated. In particular, after passed OFC with ciambellone, children were allowed to eat any food containing CM within a wheat matrix, with the only condition that it was baked at 180°C for at least 30min. Three months after, parents were asked to answer a survey. RESULTS 81% of children tolerated ciambellone, 56% liquid baked CM, 78% PR and 82% pHF. Negative predictive value of PbP performed with tested foods was 100%. No IgE-mediated adverse reactions were detected at follow-up carried out by the survey. CONCLUSIONS Wheat matrix effect on tolerance of baked milk was relevant in slightly less than half of cases. If our results are confirmed by larger studies, a negative PbP will allow patients to eat processed CM without undergoing OFC. Moreover, in order to guarantee tolerance towards baked milk, strict standardised cooking procedures do not seem to be necessary.
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Muzii L, Besharat A, Di Donato V, Bianchi A, Palaia I, Musella A, Marchetti C, Benedetti Panici P. Endometrioma Surgery: Can a Different Story Be Told? J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2016; 22:S144. [PMID: 27678796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2015.08.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Cipriani L, Bianchi A, Bazzocchi A, Fabbri F, Damiano G, Ciotti P, Notarangelo L, Calza N, Orazi L, Porcu E. Can global temperature affect in vitro fertilization cycles? Fertil Steril 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chiloiro S, Giampietro A, Bianchi A, De Marinis L. Clinical management of teratoma, a rare hypothalamic-pituitary neoplasia. Endocrine 2016; 53:636-42. [PMID: 26701679 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0814-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intracranial teratomas are rare and comprise about 0.5 % of all intracranial tumours. Actually, a total of 15 cases of sellar-suprasellar teratoma have been described in the last 24 years. Although rare, hypothalamic-pituitary teratomas should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of hypothalamic-pituitary region tumours. The current review focuses on the clinical and therapeutic management of pituitary region teratomas. Teratomas occur more frequently in children and young adults than in the older population and in males as compared to females. Symptoms at diagnosis are usually neurological defects, diabetes insipidus and hypopituitarism. Teratoma diagnosis can be suggested though neuroimaging findings. Magnetic resonance imaging remains the preferred modality for assessment of teratoma. Neuro-radiological findings of mixed-density mass, usually with mixed cystic and solid components or inclusions of teeth, fat and calcification can be suggestive. Tumour markers as beta-HCG and alpha-FP can be useful at teratoma diagnosis for distinguishing immature teratomas, mixed GCTs and mature teratomas with immature or malignant components. Optimal treatment for mature teratoma is neurosurgical excision. Radical excision is advocated as recurrence rate for a mature teratoma is extremely low in cases of complete resection and long-term outcome is excellent. During post-treatment follow-up, in cases of healing, according to tumour marker evaluation and contrasted MRI findings, hormone replacement therapy should be considered, also for secondary hypogonadism and GH deficit, with a more intense follow-up. However, as actually few evidence are available, safety data have to be confirmed also trough a surveillance study.
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Mascalchi M, Bianchi A, Basile M, Gulino P, Trifan MR, Difeo D, Bartolini E, Defilippi C, Diciotti S. Effectiveness of 3D T2-Weighted FLAIR FSE Sequences with Fat Suppression for Detection of Brain MR Imaging Signal Changes in Children. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:2376-2381. [PMID: 27585701 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE T2-weighted FLAIR can be combined with 3D-FSE sequences with isotropic voxels, yielding higher signal-to-noise ratio than 2D-FLAIR. Our aim was to explore whether a T2-weighted FLAIR-volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition sequence (FLAIR-VISTA) with fat suppression shows areas of abnormal brain T2 hyperintensities with better conspicuity in children than a single 2D-FLAIR sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS One week after a joint training session with 20 3T MR imaging examinations (8 under sedation), 3 radiologists independently evaluated the presence and conspicuity of abnormal areas of T2 hyperintensities of the brain in FLAIR-VISTA with fat suppression (sagittal source and axial and coronal reformatted images) and in axial 2D-FLAIR without fat suppression in a test set of 100 3T MR imaging examinations (34 under sedation) of patients 2-18 years of age performed for several clinical indications. Their agreement was measured with weighted κ statistics. RESULTS Agreement was "substantial" (mean, 0.61 for 3 observers; range, 0.49-0.69 for observer pairs) for the presence of abnormal T2 hyperintensities and "fair" (mean, 0.29; range, 0.23-0.38) for the comparative evaluation of lesion conspicuity. In 21 of 23 examinations in which the 3 radiologists agreed on the presence of abnormal T2 hyperintensities, FLAIR-VISTA with fat suppression images were judged to show hyperintensities with better conspicuity than 2D-FLAIR. In 2 cases, conspicuity was equal, and in no case was conspicuity better in 2D-FLAIR. CONCLUSIONS FLAIR-VISTA with fat suppression can replace the 2D-FLAIR sequence in brain MR imaging protocols for children.
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Mastrorilli C, Tripodi S, Caffarelli C, Perna S, Di Rienzo-Businco A, Sfika I, Asero R, Dondi A, Bianchi A, Povesi Dascola C, Ricci G, Cipriani F, Maiello N, Miraglia Del Giudice M, Frediani T, Frediani S, Macrì F, Pistoletti C, Dello Iacono I, Patria MF, Varin E, Peroni D, Comberiati P, Chini L, Moschese V, Lucarelli S, Bernardini R, Pingitore G, Pelosi U, Olcese R, Moretti M, Cirisano A, Faggian D, Travaglini A, Plebani M, Verga MC, Calvani M, Giordani P, Matricardi PM. Endotypes of pollen-food syndrome in children with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: a molecular classification. Allergy 2016; 71:1181-91. [PMID: 26999633 DOI: 10.1111/all.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollen-food syndrome (PFS) is heterogeneous with regard to triggers, severity, natural history, comorbidities, and response to treatment. Our study aimed to classify different endotypes of PFS based on IgE sensitization to panallergens. METHODS We examined 1271 Italian children (age 4-18 years) with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR). Foods triggering PFS were acquired by questionnaire. Skin prick tests were performed with commercial pollen extracts. IgE to panallergens Phl p 12 (profilin), Bet v 1 (PR-10), and Pru p 3 (nsLTP) were tested by ImmunoCAP FEIA. An unsupervised hierarchical agglomerative clustering method was applied within PFS population. RESULTS PFS was observed in 300/1271 children (24%). Cluster analysis identified five PFS endotypes linked to panallergen IgE sensitization: (i) cosensitization to ≥2 panallergens ('multi-panallergen PFS'); (ii-iv) sensitization to either profilin, or nsLTP, or PR-10 ('mono-panallergen PFS'); (v) no sensitization to panallergens ('no-panallergen PFS'). These endotypes showed peculiar characteristics: (i) 'multi-panallergen PFS': severe disease with frequent allergic comorbidities and multiple offending foods; (ii) 'profilin PFS': oral allergy syndrome (OAS) triggered by Cucurbitaceae; (iii) 'LTP PFS': living in Southern Italy, OAS triggered by hazelnut and peanut; (iv) 'PR-10 PFS': OAS triggered by Rosaceae; and (v) 'no-panallergen PFS': mild disease and OAS triggered by kiwifruit. CONCLUSIONS In a Mediterranean country characterized by multiple pollen exposures, PFS is a complex and frequent complication of childhood SAR, with five distinct endotypes marked by peculiar profiles of IgE sensitization to panallergens. Prospective studies in cohorts of patients with PFS are now required to test whether this novel classification may be useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the clinical practice.
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Bianchi A, Tsilochristou O, Gabrielli F, Tripodi S, Matricardi PM. The Smartphone: A Novel Diagnostic Tool in Pollen Allergy? J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2016; 26:204-7. [DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Messina M, Molinaro F, Ferrara F, Angotti R, Bulotta AL, Di Maggio G, Bianchi A. Continence and quality of life with the modified Heitz-Boyer-Hovelacque rectal bladder for children with urinary incontinence following bladder exstrophy. J Pediatr Urol 2016; 12:174.e1-6. [PMID: 26895609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2015.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder exstrophy and epispadias are severe congenital anomalies associated with an open bladder and urinary sphincter. Despite modern reconstruction, there is a significant incidence of residual or recurrent urinary incontinence that impacts on quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem, which in turn limits social interaction (Figure). The present study involved 14 patients, mainly from a Middle Eastern country, and reported the early findings with a modification of the Heitz-Boyer-Hovelacque rectal bladder technique for both urinary and faecal control. STUDY DESIGN Fourteen children, with a median age of 8.1 years, with poor quality of life and low self-esteem because of urinary incontinence and small polypoidal open bladders of 5-15 ml volume, mostly after bladder exstrophy surgery, were managed with a modification of the Heitz-Boyer-Hovelacque rectal bladder technique keeping an intact anal sphincter. The retrorectal pulled-through colon was anastomosed to the posterior wall of the rectum just above the external sphincter complex, thereby avoiding any possible injury to the anal sphincter. All patients had a normal colon and a competent anal sphincter without lumbosacral spinal or nerve anomalies. RESULTS Ten children had a 5- to 10-year follow-up, one child had a 15-year follow-up, and three others, that were also continent, were excluded because of a <5-year follow-up. There were no postoperative complications, and all were dry and odour-free by day within 2-4 weeks of surgery. Two children still had minor urinary loss at night. There were no UTIs and renal function remained unimpaired. Eleven years after surgery, one child underwent excision of a pedunculated benign inflammatory polyp from the tip of the left ureter because of recurrent torsion and bleeding, there was no recurrence at the 2-year follow-up. None of the rectal or ureteric biopsies from any of the children showed metaplasia or neoplasia; however, in view of the potential long-term risks, all children were placed on a lifelong 'proctoscopy and biopsy' protocol. DISCUSSION The ability to be dry and odour-free, and to wear normal clothing had a striking impact on QoL and psychological well-being of the children and their families. This was reflected in their positive overall approach, voluntary school attendance, and enthusiastic participation in communal events. All agreed that their improved genital appearance markedly contributed to their better body image and increased self-esteem. CONCLUSION These significant benefits, at a crucial time in the child's life, outweigh the potential risk of long-term neoplasia. Therefore, the Heitz-Boyer-Hovelacque rectal bladder technique is recommended with long-term proctoscopic follow-up.
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Bima C, Chiloiro S, Mormando M, Piacentini S, Bracaccia E, Giampietro A, Tartaglione L, Bianchi A, De Marinis L. Understanding the effect of acromegaly on the human skeleton. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2016; 11:263-270. [PMID: 30058934 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2016.1179108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acromegaly, caused in most cases by Growth Hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas, is characterized by increased skeletal growth and enlargement of the soft tissue, because GH and its effector Insulin-like Growth factor-1 are important regulators of bone homeostasis and have a central role in the longitudinal bone growth and maintenance of bone mass. Areas covered: Despite the anabolic effect of these hormones is well known, as a result of the stimulation of bone turnover and especially of bone formation, many acromegalic patients are suffering from a form of secondary osteoporosis with increased risk of fractures. Expert commentary: In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical picture, disease course and management of skeletal complications of acromegaly, focusing in particular on secondary osteoporosis and fracture risk in acromegaly.
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Słodki M, Zych-Krekora K, Axt-Fliedner R, Bianchi A, Araujo Junior E, Blickstein I, Kelekci S, Yeo L, Pruetz JD, Rizzo G, Seligman N, Sklansky M, de Catte L, Weiner S, Chervenak F, Cruz J, Kurkevych A, Krekora M, Respondek-Liberska M. The International Prenatal Cardiology Collaboration Group - a new concept for global research study. J Ultrason 2016; 16:94-6. [PMID: 27104007 PMCID: PMC4834375 DOI: 10.15557/jou.2016.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Bianchi A, Arosio D, Perego P, De Cesare M, Carenini N, Zaffaroni N, De Matteo M, Manzoni L. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dimeric and tetrameric cRGD-paclitaxel conjugates for integrin-assisted drug delivery. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 13:7530-41. [PMID: 26074454 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob00497g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are associated with tumour cell survival and progression, and their expression has been shown to be increased in tumours. Thus, four novel conjugates of the tripeptide integrin ligand Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and the cytotoxic agent paclitaxel (cRGD-PTX) were prepared to investigate the potential of the multivalent presentation of the RGD moiety in improving the antitumor efficacy of PTX by tumour targeting. PTX was conjugated to two or four integrin recognizing ligands. The influence of multivalent presentation on in vitro αvβ3-receptor affinity was confirmed. For all the conjugates compared to the previously synthesized monovalent counterparts, an enhancement of the binding strength was observed; this behaviour was more pronounced when considering the tetravalent presented RGD-conjugate. Cell growth inhibition assays on a panel of human tumour cell lines showed remarkable cytotoxic activity for all conjugates with IC50 values in a nanomolar range. Among the four conjugates, the bivalent derivative 3b was selected for in vivo studies in an ovarian carcinoma cell model xenografted in immunodeficient mice. A marked antitumor activity was observed, similar to that of PTX, but with a much more favourable toxicity profile. Overall, the novel cRGD-PTX conjugates disclosed here represent promising candidates for further advancement in the domain of targeted anti-tumour therapy.
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Baroncini D, Zaffaroni M, Annovazzi PO, Baldini S, Bianchi A, Minonzio G, Comi G, Ghezzi A. A real world experience with fingolimod in active RRMS patients naïve to second-line agents: a 2 years, intention-to-treat, observational, single center study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1186/s40893-016-0002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Scalise A, Bianchi A, Tartaglione C, Bolletta E, Pierangeli M, Torresetti M, Marazzi M, Di Benedetto G. Microenvironment and microbiology of skin wounds: the role of bacterial biofilms and related factors. Semin Vasc Surg 2016; 28:151-9. [PMID: 27113281 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is a systemic response to injury that impacts the entire body and not just the site of tissue damage; it represents one of the most complex biological processes. Our knowledge of wound healing continues to evolve and it is now clear that the wound microenvironment plays a crucial role. The interactions between cells and the surface microenvironment, referred to as the "biofilm," contributes to skin homeostasis and healing. Understanding the functional complexity of the wound microenvironment informs how various factors such as age, ischemia, or bacterial infections can impair or arrest the normal healing processes, and it also allows for the possibility of acting therapeutically on healing defects with microenvironment manipulation. Microbes represent a particularly important factor for influencing the wound microenvironment and therefore wound healing. Moreover, the role of infections, particularly those that are sustained by biofilm-forming bacteria, is mutually related to other microenvironment aspects, such as humidity, pH, metalloproteinases, and reactive oxygen species, on which the modern research of new therapeutic strategies is focused. Today, chronic wounds are a rapidly growing health care burden and it is progressively understood that many non-healing wounds might benefit from therapies that target microorganisms and their biofilm communities. There is no doubt that host factors like perfusion impairments, venous insufficiency, pressure issues, malnutrition, and comorbidities strongly impact the healing processes and therefore must be targeted in the therapeutic management, but this approach might be not enough. In this article, we detail how bacterial biofilms and related factors impair wound healing, the reasons they must be considered a treatment target that is as important as the host's local and systemic pathologic conditions, and the latest therapeutic strategies derived from the comprehension of the wound microenvironment.
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Quiñone D, Veiga N, Torres J, Castiglioni J, Bazzicalupi C, Bianchi A, Kremer C. Synthesis, solid-state characterization and solution studies of new phytate compounds with Cu(ii) and 1,10-phenanthroline: progress in the structural elucidation of phytate coordinating ability. Dalton Trans 2016; 45:12156-66. [PMID: 27402248 DOI: 10.1039/c6dt01460g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
myo-Inositol hexakisphosphate(phytate) forms highly structured complexes with Cu(ii) and ammonium cations.
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Olivella MÀ, Bazzicalupi C, Bianchi A, del Río JC, Fiol N, Villaescusa I. Binding interactions between suberin monomer components and pesticides. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 527-528:159-164. [PMID: 25965034 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.04.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of biomacromolecules and their interactions with pollutants is a key for elucidating the sorption mechanisms and making an accurate assessment of the environmental fate of pollutants. The knowledge of the sorption properties of the different constituents of these biomacromolecules may furnish a significant contribution to this purpose. Suberin is a very abundant biopolymer in higher plants. In this study, suberin monomers isolated from cork were analyzed by thermally-assisted methylation with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) in a pyrolysis unit coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The isolated monomer mixture was used to study the sorption of three pesticides (isoproturon, methomyl and oxamyl). The modes of pesticide-sorbent interactions were analyzed by means of two modeling calculations, the first one representing only the mixture of suberin monomers used in the sorption study, and the second one including glycerol to the mixture of suberin monomers, as a building block of the suberin molecule. The results indicated that the highest sorption capacity exhibited by the sorbent was for isoproturon (33%) being methomyl and oxamyl sorbed by the main suberin components to a lesser extent (3% and<1%, respectively). In addition to van der Waals interactions with the apolar region of sorbent and isoproturon, modeling calculations evidenced the formation of a hydrogen bond between the isoproturon NH group and a carboxylic oxygen atom of a suberin monomer. In the case of methomyl and oxamyl only weak van der Waals interactions stabilize the pesticide-sorbent adducts. The presence of glycerol in the model provoked significant changes in the interactions with isoproturon and methomyl.
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Mascalchi M, Toschi N, Giannelli M, Ginestroni A, Della Nave R, Nicolai E, Bianchi A, Tessa C, Salvatore E, Aiello M, Soricelli A, Diciotti S. Progression of microstructural damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a longitudinal DTI study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1096-101. [PMID: 25882284 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The ability of DTI to track the progression of microstructural damage in patients with inherited ataxias has not been explored so far. We performed a longitudinal DTI study in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and 16 healthy age-matched controls were examined twice with DTI (mean time between scans, 3.6 years [patients] and 3.3 years [controls]) on the same 1.5T MR scanner. Using tract-based spatial statistics, we analyzed changes in DTI-derived indices: mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and mode of anisotropy. RESULTS At baseline, the patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, as compared with controls, showed numerous WM tracts with significantly increased mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity and decreased fractional anisotropy and mode of anisotropy in the brain stem, cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, cerebral hemisphere WM, corpus callosum, and thalami. Longitudinal analysis revealed changes in axial diffusivity and mode of anisotropy in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 that were significantly different than those in the controls. In patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, axial diffusivity was increased in WM tracts of the right cerebral hemisphere and the corpus callosum, and the mode of anisotropy was extensively decreased in hemispheric cerebral WM, corpus callosum, internal capsules, cerebral peduncles, pons and left cerebellar peduncles, and WM of the left paramedian vermis. There was no correlation between the progression of changes in DTI-derived indices and clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS DTI can reveal the progression of microstructural damage of WM fibers in the brains of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, and mode of anisotropy seems particularly sensitive to such changes. These results support the potential of DTI-derived indices as biomarkers of disease progression.
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Bertolaccini L, Felloni G, Salgarello M, Viti A, Bianchi A, Terzi A. Preoperative Positron Emission Tomography Fractal Biopsy of Thymic Epithelial Neoplasm. Ann Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv053.02] [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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Iacovazzo D, Lugli F, Piacentini S, Bianchi A, Inzani F, Larocca LM, Pagano L, De Marinis L. Systemic mastocytosis mimicking carcinoid syndrome. Endocrine 2015; 48:718-9. [PMID: 24711221 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-014-0253-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Clement T, Salone V, Charpentier B, Jouzeau JY, Bianchi A. Identification of new microRNAs targeting genes regulating the Pi/PPi balance in chondrocytes. Biomed Mater Eng 2015; 24:3-16. [PMID: 24928913 DOI: 10.3233/bme-140969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a whole-joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and mineralization associated with chondrocyte phenotype changes, subchondral bone sclerosis and mild synovial inflammation. The extracellular levels of inorganic phosphate (ePi) and pyrophosphate (ePPi) are major regulators of the mineralization process but also play a role in the maintenance of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. Four membrane proteins control the balance between ePi and ePPi: the transporters ANK (exporting PPi outside the cells) and PiT-1 (importing ePi into the cells), and the enzymes PC-1 (generating ePPi from nucleotides) and Tissue Non-specific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP, hydrolyzing ePPi into ePi). In the present work, we investigated the ability of specific microRNAs (miR) to modulate activity and level of the mRNA coding for the regulatory proteins of the ePi/ePPi balance in chondrocytes. The 4 following microRNAs, let7e, miR-9, miR-188 and miR-219, were selected by bioinformatics for their ability to putatively target the mRNA 3'UTRs of these regulators. In IL-1β-stimulated human chondrocytes, chosen as a model of differentiated phenotype loss implicating the PPi transporter ANK, miR-9, miR-188 and let7e levels increased. However, luciferase reporter assays and transient miR overexpression in the ATDC5 chondrogenic cell line only support that miR-9 was a negative post-transcriptional regulator of PC-1, Pit-1 and TNAP mRNAs. This suggests that miR-9 could contribute to the acquirement of an altered chondrocyte phenotype by disrupting the ePi/ePPi balance.
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Olivella MÀ, Bazzicalupi C, Bianchi A, Fiol N, Villaescusa I. New insights into the interactions between cork chemical components and pesticides. The contribution of π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effect. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 119:863-870. [PMID: 25240950 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The role of chemical components of cork in the sorption of several pesticides has been investigated. For this purpose raw cork and three cork extracted fractions (i.e. cork free of aliphatic extractives, cork free of all extractives and cork free of all extractives and suberin) were used as sorbent of three ionic pesticides (propazine, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and alachlor) and five non-ionic pesticides (chlorpyrifos, isoproturon, metamitron, methomyl and oxamyl) with a logKow within the range -0.47 to 4.92. The effect of cations on the ionic pesticides, propazine and 2,4-D sorption was also analyzed. Results indicated that the highest yields were obtained for chlorpyrifos and alachlor sorption onto raw cork (>55%). After removal of aliphatic extractives sorption of all pesticides increased that ranged from 3% for propazine to 31% for alachlor. In contrast, removal of phenolic extractives caused a sorption decrease. Low sorption yields were obtained for hydrophobic pesticides such as metamitron, oxamyl and methomyl (<11%) by using all cork fractions and extremely low when using raw cork (<1%). FTIR analysis was useful to indicate that lignin moieties were the main components involved on the sorption process. Modelling calculations evidenced that π-stacking interactions with the aromatic groups of lignin play a major role in determining the adsorption properties of cork toward aromatic pesticides. Results presented in this paper gain insights into the cork affinities for pesticides and the interactions involved in the sorption process and also enables to envisage sorption affinity of cork for other organic pollutants.
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Morosi C, Stacchiotti S, Marchianò A, Bianchi A, Radaelli S, Sanfilippo R, Colombo C, Richardson C, Collini P, Barisella M, Casali P, Gronchi A, Fiore M. Correlation between radiological assessment and histopathological diagnosis in retroperitoneal tumors: Analysis of 291 consecutive patients at a tertiary reference sarcoma center. Eur J Surg Oncol 2014; 40:1662-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Bianchi A, Moulin D, Hupont S, Koufany M, Netter P, Reboul P, Jouzeau JY. Oxidative stress-induced expression of HSP70 contributes to the inhibitory effect of 15d-PGJ2 on inducible prostaglandin pathway in chondrocytes. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 76:114-26. [PMID: 25106704 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The inhibitory effect of 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) on proinflammatory gene expression has been extensively documented and frequently ascribed to its ability to prevent NF-κB pathway activation. We and others have previously demonstrated that it was frequently independent of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ activation. Here, we provide evidence that induction of intracellular heat shock protein (HSP)70 by oxidative stress is an additional regulatory loop supporting the anti-inflammatory effect of 15d-PGJ2 in chondrocytes. Using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, we showed that 15d-PGJ2 stimulated HSP70, but not HSP27 expression while increasing oxidative stress as measured by spectrofluorimetry and confocal spectral imaging. Using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant, we demonstrated further that oxidative stress was thoroughly responsible for the increased expression of HSP70. Finally, using an HSP70 antisense strategy, we showed that the inhibitory effect of 15d-PGJ2 on IL-1-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway, COX-2 and mPGES-1 expression, and PGE2 synthesis was partly supported by HSP70. These data provide a new anti-inflammatory mechanism to support the PPARγ-independent effect of 15d-PGJ2 in chondrocyte and suggest a possible feedback regulatory loop between oxidative stress and inflammation via intracellular HSP70 up-regulation. This cross talk is consistent with 15d-PGJ2 as a putative negative regulator of the inflammatory reaction.
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Costa C, Menesatti P, Brighetti MA, Travaglini A, Rimatori V, Di Rienzo Businco A, Pelosi S, Bianchi A, Matricardi PM, Tripodi S. Pilot study on the short-term prediction of symptoms in children with hay fever monitored with e-Health technology. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 46:216-225. [PMID: 25398165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Forecasting symptoms of pollen-related allergic rhinoconjunctivitis at the level of individual patients would be useful to improve disease control and plan pharmacological intervention. Information Technology nowadays facilitates a more efficient and easier monitoring of patients with chronic diseases. We aimed this study at testing the efficiency of a model to short-term forecast symptoms of pollen-AR at the "individual" patient level. We analysed the data prospectively acquired from a group of 21 Italian children affected by pollen-related allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and recorded their symptoms and medication "Average Combined Score" (ACS) on a daily basis during April-June 2010-2011 through an informatics platform (Allergymonitor™). The dataset used for prediction included 15 variables in four categories: (A) date, (B) meteo-climatic, (C) atmospheric concentration of 5 pollen taxa, and (D) intensity of the patient's IgE sensitization. A Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis approach was used in order to predict ACS values above a fixed threshold value (0.5). The best performing predicting model correctly classified 77.8% ± 10.3% and 75.5% ± 13.2% of the recorded days in the model and test years, respectively. In this model, 9/21 patients showed ≥ 80% correct classification of the recorded days in both years. A better performance was associated with a higher degree of patient's atopic sensitization and a time lag > 1. Symptom forecasts of seasonal allergic rhinitis are possible in highly polysensitised patients in areas with complex pollen exposure. However, only predictive models tailored to the individual patient's allergic susceptibility are accurate enough. Multicenter studies in large population samples adopting the same acquisition data system on smart phones are now needed to confirm this encouraging outcome.
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Dufort S, Bianchi A, Lux F, Louis C, Cremillieux Y, Tillement O, Coll JL. Nanoparticules théranostiques et cancer du poumon : une approche originale par administration intra-pulmonaire. Rev Mal Respir 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2014.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sancey L, Lux F, Kotb S, Roux S, Dufort S, Bianchi A, Crémillieux Y, Fries P, Coll JL, Rodriguez-Lafrasse C, Janier M, Dutreix M, Barberi-Heyob M, Boschetti F, Denat F, Louis C, Porcel E, Lacombe S, Le Duc G, Deutsch E, Perfettini JL, Detappe A, Verry C, Berbeco R, Butterworth KT, McMahon SJ, Prise KM, Perriat P, Tillement O. The use of theranostic gadolinium-based nanoprobes to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Br J Radiol 2014; 87:20140134. [PMID: 24990037 PMCID: PMC4453146 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20140134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A new efficient type of gadolinium-based theranostic agent (AGuIX®) has recently been developed for MRI-guided radiotherapy (RT). These new particles consist of a polysiloxane network surrounded by a number of gadolinium chelates, usually 10. Owing to their small size (<5 nm), AGuIX typically exhibit biodistributions that are almost ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example, although a significant proportion of these particles accumulate in tumours, the remainder is rapidly eliminated by the renal route. In addition, in the absence of irradiation, the nanoparticles are well tolerated even at very high dose (10 times more than the dose used for mouse treatment). AGuIX particles have been proven to act as efficient radiosensitizers in a large variety of experimental in vitro scenarios, including different radioresistant cell lines, irradiation energies and radiation sources (sensitizing enhancement ratio ranging from 1.1 to 2.5). Pre-clinical studies have also demonstrated the impact of these particles on different heterotopic and orthotopic tumours, with both intratumoural or intravenous injection routes. A significant therapeutical effect has been observed in all contexts. Furthermore, MRI monitoring was proven to efficiently aid in determining a RT protocol and assessing tumour evolution following treatment. The usual theoretical models, based on energy attenuation and macroscopic dose enhancement, cannot account for all the results that have been obtained. Only theoretical models, which take into account the Auger electron cascades that occur between the different atoms constituting the particle and the related high radical concentrations in the vicinity of the particle, provide an explanation for the complex cell damage and death observed.
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