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Rendeli C, Salvaggio E, Sciascia Cannizzaro G, Bianchi E, Caldarelli M, Guzzetta F. Does locomotion improve the cognitive profile of children with meningomyelocele? Childs Nerv Syst 2002; 18:231-4. [PMID: 12042922 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-002-0557-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2001] [Revised: 12/12/2001] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that locomotion can improve cognitive development in a paediatric population with meningomyelocele (MMC) and hydrocephalus. METHODS Twenty-nine children with MMC and shunted hydrocephalus were studied. All had motor impairment, but after physiotherapy and training walking was possible in 23 of them (5 autonomously and 18 with an aid), while 6 had recourse to a wheelchair. In all 23 cases neuroimaging (TC scan and/or MRI) was performed to obtain data on the sequelae of perinatal lesions, alterations of the corpus callosum, and the presence or absence of cortical abnormalities and ventricular dilatation. All subjects underwent a neuropsychological assessment including the Wechsler Pre-school and Primary Scale for Infants (WIPPSI) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revisited (WISC-R). Statistical analysis was carried out with the ANOVA test. RESULTS Even though global I.Q. in these MMC children was within the normal range, the characteristic splitting between verbal I.Q. (VIQ) and performance I.Q. (PIQ) was observed, but the most interesting observation was a significant performance-related difference (P=0.044 and P=0.012) between ambulatory patients (both with and without aids) and those who were dependent on wheelchairs (PIQ: 83-85 vs 63).
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Marsano E, Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Ramis G, Tealdi A. Mesophase formation and polymer compatibility. 4. Cellulose/cellulose acetate/diluent systems. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00157a024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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128
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Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Tealdi A, Torre R, Valenti B. Bulk Properties of Synthetic Polymer-Inorganic Salt Systems. II. Crystallization Kinetics of Salted Poly(caproamide). Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma60040a017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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129
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Marsano E, Bianchi E. A new class of hydrogels based on hydroxypropylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. POLYMER 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s0032-3861(02)00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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130
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Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Tealdi A. Liquid crystal solutions. Ternary systems involving a nematogenic and a non-nematogenic polymer. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00233a011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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131
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Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Conio G, Lanzavecchia L, Terbojevich M. Mesophase formation and chain rigidity in cellulose and derivatives. 5. Cellulose acetate in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00157a025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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132
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Conio G, Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Tealdi A, Aden MA. Mesophase formation and chain rigidity in cellulose and derivatives. 1. (Hydroxypropyl)cellulose in dimethylacetamide. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00242a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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133
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Valenti B, Bianchi E, Greppi G, Tealdi A, Ciferri A. Bulk properties of synthetic polymer-inorganic salt systems. Melting behavior of salted poly(caproamide). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/j100622a017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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134
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Valenti B, Bianchi E, Tealdi A, Russo S, Ciferri A. Bulk Properties of Synthetic Polymer-Inorganic Salt Systems. IV. Role of the Polymeric Substrate. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma60049a023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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135
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Aden MA, Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Conio G, Tealdi A. Mesophase formation and chain rigidity in cellulose and derivatives. 2. (Hydroxypropyl)cellulose in dichloroacetic acid. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00140a023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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136
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Terbojevich M, Cosani A, Conio G, Ciferri A, Bianchi E. Mesophase formation and chain rigidity in cellulose and derivatives. 3. Aggregation of cellulose in N,N-dimethylacetamide-lithium chloride. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma00146a011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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137
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Conio G, Bianchi E, Ciferri A, Tealdi A. Composition and fractionation within conjugated isotropic and anisotropic phases of lyotropic liquid crystals. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma50005a038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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138
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Marsano E, Conio G, Martino R, Turturro A, Bianchi E. Fibers based on cellulose-chitin blends. J Appl Polym Sci 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/app.2308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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139
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Guarna M, Bianchi E, Bartolini A, Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Bracci L, Neri C, Sonetti D, Stefano G. Endogenous morphine modulates acute thermonociception in mice. J Neurochem 2002; 80:271-7. [PMID: 11902117 DOI: 10.1046/j.0022-3042.2001.00708.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous synthesis of morphine has been clearly demonstrated throughout the phylogenesis of the nervous system of mammals and lower animals. Endogenous morphine, serving as either a neurotransmitter or neurohormone, has been demonstrated in the nervous system of both vertebrates and invertebrates. As one of the effects of exogenous morphine is the modulation of pain perception, we investigated the effects that the depletion of endogenous morphine had on nociceptive transmission. The immunoneutralization of endogenous morphine from brain extracellular spaces was obtained through the intracerebroventricular administration of affinity purified anti-morphine IgG to mice, which then underwent the hot plate test. Endogenous morphine immunoneutralization decreased thermal response latency and attenuated the anti-nociceptive effect of the mu selective agonist DAMGO in hot plate test suggesting that endogenous morphine is involved in pain modulation.
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Cicero DO, Barbato G, Koch U, Ingallinella P, Bianchi E, Sambucini S, Neddermann P, De Francesco R, Pessi A, Bazzo R. Measurement of homonuclear three-bond J(H(N)Halpha) coupling constants in unlabeled peptides complexed with labeled proteins: application to a decapeptide inhibitor bound to the proteinase domain of the NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV). JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2001; 20:23-29. [PMID: 11430752 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011281527761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A new isotope-filtered experiment has been designed to measure homonuclear three-bond J(H(N)Halpha) coupling constants of unlabeled peptides complexed with labeled proteins. The new experiment is based on the 3D HNHA pulse scheme, and belongs to the 'quantitative J-correlation' type. It has been applied to a decapeptide inhibitor bound to the proteinase domain of the NS3 protein of human hepatitis C virus (HCV).
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Ingallinella P, Bianchi E, Ingenito R, Koch U, Steinkühler C, Altamura S, Pessi A. Optimization of the P'-region of peptide inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease. Biochemistry 2000; 39:12898-906. [PMID: 11041854 DOI: 10.1021/bi001590g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infection by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) leads to a slowly progressing disease that over two decades can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Currently, one of the most promising approaches to anti-HCV therapy is the development of inhibitors of the NS3/4A protease, which is essential for maturation of the viral polyprotein. Several substrate-derived inhibitors of NS3/4A have been described, all taking advantage of binding to the S subsite of the enzyme. Inspection of the S' subsite of NS3/4A shows binding pockets which might be exploited for inhibitor binding, but due to the fact that ground-state binding to the S' subsite is not used by the substrate, this does not represent a suitable starting point. We have now optimized S'-binding in the context of noncleavable decapeptides spanning P6-P4'. Binding was sequentially increased by introduction of the previously optimized P-region [Ingallinella et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 8906-8914], change of the P4' residue, and combinatorial optimization of positions P2'-P3'. The overall process led to an increase in binding of more than 3 orders of magnitude, with the best decapeptide showing IC(50) < 200 pM. The binding mode of the decapeptides described in the present work shares features with the binding mode of the natural substrates, together with novel interactions within the S' subsite. Therefore, these peptides may represent an entry point for a novel class of NS3 inhibitors.
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Stefano GB, Goumon Y, Casares F, Cadet P, Fricchione GL, Rialas C, Peter D, Sonetti D, Guarna M, Welters ID, Bianchi E. Endogenous morphine. Trends Neurosci 2000; 23:436-42. [PMID: 10941194 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)01611-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It is now well accepted that endogenous morphine is present in animals, both in invertebrates and vertebrates. It is a key signaling molecule that plays an important role in downregulating physiological responses, such as those in the immune system, including immune elements in the CNS. It has been demonstrated that a specific mu-opiate-receptor subtype, mu3, mediates these downregulatory effects through release of NO. This article examines morphine as an endogenous signaling molecule, in terms of its role in neural and immune regulation.
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Rogge L, Bianchi E, Biffi M, Bono E, Chang SY, Alexander H, Santini C, Ferrari G, Sinigaglia L, Seiler M, Neeb M, Mous J, Sinigaglia F, Certa U. Transcript imaging of the development of human T helper cells using oligonucleotide arrays. Nat Genet 2000; 25:96-101. [PMID: 10802665 DOI: 10.1038/75671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Many pathological processes, including those causing allergies and autoimmune diseases, are associated with the presence of specialized subsets of T helper cells at the site of inflammation. Understanding the genetic program that controls the functional properties of T helper type 1 (Th1) versus T helper type 2 (Th2) cells may provide insight into the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases. We compared the gene-expression profiles of human Th1 and Th2 cells using high-density oligonucleotide arrays with the capacity to display transcript levels of 6,000 human genes. Here we analyse the data sets derived from five independent experiments using statistical algorithms. This approach resulted in the identification of 215 differentially expressed genes, encoding proteins involved in transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, proteolysis, and cell adhesion and migration. A subset of these genes was further upregulated by exposure of differentiated Th1 cells to interleukin-12 (IL-12), as confirmed by kinetic PCR analysis, indicating that IL-12 modulates the effector functions of Th1 cells in the absence of antigenic stimulation. Functional assays and in vivo expression of selected genes have validated the biological relevance of our study. Our results provide new insight into the transcriptional program controlling the functional diversity of subsets of T helper cells.
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Bianchi E, Denti S, Granata A, Bossi G, Geginat J, Villa A, Rogge L, Pardi R. Integrin LFA-1 interacts with the transcriptional co-activator JAB1 to modulate AP-1 activity. Nature 2000; 404:617-21. [PMID: 10766246 DOI: 10.1038/35007098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Integrin adhesion receptors transduce signals that control complex cell functions which require the regulation of gene expression, such as proliferation, differentiation and survival. Their intracellular domain has no catalytic function, indicating that interaction with other transducing molecules is crucial for integrin-mediated signalling. Here we have identified a protein that interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the beta2 subunit of the alphaL/beta2 integrin LFA-1. This protein is JAB1 (Jun activation domain-binding protein 1), a coactivator of the c-Jun transcription factor. We found that JAB1 is present both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of cells and that a fraction of JAB1 colocalizes with LFA-1 at the cell membrane. LFA-1 engagement is followed by an increase of the nuclear pool of JAB1, paralleled by enhanced binding of c-Jun-containing AP-1 complexes to their DNA consensus site and increased transactivation of an AP-1-dependent promoter. We suggest that signalling through the LFA-1 integrin may affect c-Jun-driven transcription by regulating JAB1 nuclear localization. This represents a new pathway for integrin-dependent modulation of gene expression.
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De Monti M, Ghilardi G, Bianchi E, Kunkl E, Scorza R. Two incidental cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm and gallbladder cancer. Further data influencing the management of patients affected by aneurysm and gallbladder disease. Minerva Cardioangiol 2000; 48:129-35. [PMID: 10959149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm and cholelithiasis are two common diseases in the elderly population. The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms ranges between 1.8 and 6.6% in autoptic series and it's estimated that 2.5% of the over sixty year old population is affected. Carcinoma of the gallbladder is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary tract and in the United States is the fifth most frequent digestive tract malignancy; it's incidence ranges between 2 to 10 cases of 100,000 persons/year. No adequate guidelines are now available to assist the surgeon, in the case of concomitant gallbladder disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In this paper the management of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with gallbladder disease is discussed in order to assist the surgeon deciding whether to perform concomitant aneurysm resection and cholecystectomy. In 162 aneurysmectomies (1987-1997) 18 (11.11%) patients underwent combined aneurysmectomy and cholecystectomy operation. The patients ranged in age from 49 to 88 years (average 69 years). In two cases the anatomo-histological specimen examinations (twelve sections) demonstrated a gallbladder carcinoma. The overall mortality rate was 5.56% either for aneurysmectomy alone or for combined therapy. In case of abdominal aortic aneurysm and concomitant gallbladder disease, in choosing simple endoaneurysmectomy, the surgeon has to consider the risk of early and late complications of leaving a diseased gallbladder in place. In case of concomitant performance of both operations, the risks of a possible septic graft contamination must be considered. We believe that the patient may be best served by performing the vascular and nonvascular procedures in the same operation. In this paper a new proof, till now never considered in the international literature, is presented to support our opinion: the possibility of concomitant unknown cancer or precancerous lesions in a lithiasic gallbladder. Diagnosis of these lesions is, indeed, not easy to perform in the preoperative phase and is often a postoperative anatomo-histological detection.
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Higginbottom A, Quinn ER, Kuo CC, Flint M, Wilson LH, Bianchi E, Nicosia A, Monk PN, McKeating JA, Levy S. Identification of amino acid residues in CD81 critical for interaction with hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein E2. J Virol 2000; 74:3642-9. [PMID: 10729140 PMCID: PMC111874 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.74.8.3642-3649.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human CD81 has been previously identified as the putative receptor for the hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein E2. The large extracellular loop (LEL) of human CD81 differs in four amino acid residues from that of the African green monkey (AGM), which does not bind E2. We mutated each of the four positions in human CD81 to the corresponding AGM residues and expressed them as soluble fusion LEL proteins in bacteria or as complete membrane proteins in mammalian cells. We found human amino acid 186 to be critical for the interaction with the viral envelope glycoprotein. This residue was also important for binding of certain anti-CD81 monoclonal antibodies. Mutating residues 188 and 196 did not affect E2 or antibody binding. Interestingly, mutation of residue 163 increased both E2 and antibody binding, suggesting that this amino acid contributes to the tertiary structure of CD81 and its ligand-binding ability. These observations have implications for the design of soluble high-affinity molecules that could target the CD81-E2 interaction site(s).
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Luzi L, Piceni Sereni L, Spessot M, Dodesini R, Pastore MR, Bianchi E, Terruzzi I, Secchi A, Cristallo M, Pozza G, Di Carlo V. Postabsorptive muscle protein metabolism in type 1 diabetic patients after pancreas transplantation. Acta Diabetol 2000; 37:219-24. [PMID: 11450507 DOI: 10.1007/s005920070009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Insulin was shown to induce protein anabolism in vivo mainly by inhibiting proteolysis. Heterotopic pancreas transplantation in type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by peripheral hyperinsulinemia due to systemic rather than portal insulin delivery. Therefore, we studied the postabsorptive muscle protein metabolism in type 1 diabetic patients with or without pancreas transplantation. The forearm balance technique was performed in 9 type 1 diabetic patients on exogenous insulin treatment, in 4 type 1 diabetic patients following successful pancreas transplantation and in 6 healthy volunteers. Labelled leucine and phenylalanine were infused to quantify whole-body and muscle protein synthesis, respectively. In the postabsorptive state, whole-body protein synthesis (leucine kinetics) was similar in pancreas-transplanted patients and controls. In contrast, muscle protein synthesis tended to be less negative in pancreas-transplanted patients with respect to type 1 diabetic patients and healthy volunteers. The present data suggest that recipients with peripheral insulin delivery and chronic hyperinsulinemia are characterized by a preferential stimulation of protein synthesis in muscle rather than in the splanchnic district. When insulin was infused acutely, while maintaining euglycemia, the whole-body and muscle protein synthesis rates were approximately halved in type 1 diabetic patients with and without pancreas transplantation. We conclude that pancreas transplantation is able to normalize basal and insulin-stimulated protein metabolism. Chronic hyperinsulinemia counteract steroid-induced protein degradation by means of a mild, but persistent stimulation of muscle protein synthesis.
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Marsano E, Bianchi E, Gagliardi S, Ghioni F. Hydroxypropyl–cellulose derivatives: phase behaviour of hydroxypropylcellulose methacrylate. POLYMER 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0032-3861(99)00218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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149
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Torrioli MG, Vernacotola S, Mariotti P, Bianchi E, Calvani M, De Gaetano A, Chiurazzi P, Neri G. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of L-acetylcarnitine for the treatment of hyperactive behavior in fragile X syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 1999; 87:366-8. [PMID: 10588848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
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150
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Torrioli M, Vernacotola S, Mariotti P, Bianchi E, Calvani M, De Gaetano A, Chiurazzi P, Neri G. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study ofL-acetylcarnitine for the treatment of hyperactive behavior in fragile X syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-8628(19991203)87:4<366::aid-ajmg18>3.0.co;2-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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