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D’Alessandro G, Ruffini N, Aquino A, Galli M, Innocenti M, Tramontano M, Cerritelli F. Correction: Differences between experimental and placebo arms in manual therapy trials: a methodological review. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:48. [PMID: 36809991 PMCID: PMC9942421 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01865-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giandomenico D’Alessandro
- Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy ,Centre Pour L’Etude, La Recherche Et La Diffusion Ostéopathiques “C.E.R.D.O”, 00199 Rome, Italy
| | - Nuria Ruffini
- Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy ,Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, National Centre Germany, 10825 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Aquino
- Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Galli
- Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy ,Research Department, SOMA, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Innocenti
- Centre Pour L’Etude, La Recherche Et La Diffusion Ostéopathiques “C.E.R.D.O”, 00199 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tramontano
- grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cerritelli
- Clinical-Based Human Research Department, Foundation C.O.ME. Collaboration, 65121, Pescara, Italy.
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Cella M, Acella E, Aquino A, Pisa V. Cranial osteopathic techniques and electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power: a controlled crossover trial. J Osteopath Med 2022; 122:401-409. [PMID: 35675898 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2021-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Osteopathic tradition in the cranial field (OCF) stated that the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM) relies on the anatomical links between the occiput and sacrum. Few studies investigated this relationship with inconsistent results. No studies investigated the occiput-sacrum connection from a neurophysiological perspective. OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine whether the sacral technique (ST), compared to the compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) technique, can affect brain alpha-band power (AABP) as an indicator of a neurophysiological connection between the occiput and sacrum. METHODS Healthy students, 22-30 years old for men and 20-30 years old for women, were enrolled in the study and randomized into eight interventions groups. Each group received a combination of active techniques (CV4 or ST) and the corresponding sham techniques (sham compression of the fourth ventricle [sCV4] or sham sacral technique [sST] ), organized in two experimental sessions divided by a 4 h washout period. AABP was continuously recorded by electroencephalogram (EEG) of the occipital area in the first 10 min of resting state, during each intervention (active technique time) and after 10 min (post-active technique time), for a total of approximately 50 min per session. Analysis was carried out utilizing a repeated-measure ANOVA within the linear general model framework, consisting of a within-subject factor of time and a within-subject factor of treatment (CV4/ST). RESULTS Forty healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD, 23.73±1.43 years; range, 21-26 years; 16 male and 24 female) were enrolled in the study and completed the study protocol. ANOVA revealed a time × treatment interaction effect statistically significant (F=791.4; p<0.001). A particularly high increase in mean AABP magnitude was recorded during the 10 min post-CV4, compared to both the CV4 and post-sCV4 application (p<0.001). During all the times analyzed for ST and sST application, no statistically significant differences were registered with respect to the resting state. CONCLUSIONS The ST does not produce immediate changes on occipital AABP brain activity. CV4, as previous evidence supported, generates immediate effects, suggesting that a different biological basis for OCF therapy's connection between the head and sacrum should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Cella
- Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, Milan, Italy
| | - Eric Acella
- Department of Osteopathic Research at Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia (ISO), Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Aquino
- Department of Osteopathic Research at Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia (ISO), Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical-based Human Research Department, COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Viviana Pisa
- Department of Osteopathic Research at Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia (ISO), Milan, Italy
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Garcia-Molina G, Kalyan B, Aquino A. 1195 Closed-Loop Electroencephalogram-Based Modulated Pink Noise to Facilitate Falling Asleep. Sleep 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
During the wake to sleep transition, the EEG exhibits a reduction in the power in the beta (15-30 Hz) band and an increase in the power of the theta (4-8 Hz) band. In previous publications we reported that the log-ratio “ρ=10×log(β/θ)” quasi-monotonically decreases by an order of magnitude as sleep initiates.
Methods
We developed a closed-loop, real-time system that processes a single EEG signal (FPz-M2) to modulate the volume of (pink-noise) sound according to “ρ=10×log(β/θ)”. The volume was calibrated such that it progressively decreases as sleep initiates. The EEG was acquired using the Philips AliceTM PSG station connected to a laptop where the algorithm was implemented. The sound was played through a wearable headband connected to the laptop’s audio-output. The algorithm processes 6-second EEG windows to estimate: 1) a signal quality index, 2) the average “ρ”, and 3) the sleep stage using a deep-learning stager. The volume changes with “ρ” according to a sigmoidal model. From the time where N2 or N3 sleep has been continuously detected for 3 minutes, the volume decays to zero in an exponential fashion. Seven subjects without any sleep disorder diagnosis (3F/4M; 33.6 ± 8.7 years old) participated in a home-based trial and recorded 5 sleep sessions. The first familiarization session was followed by randomized 2-session blocks: Block 1: closed-loop volume modulation (active), and Block 2 open-loop (sham) constant volume decrease.
Results
A 2.2-minute decrease (p=0.1) in average sleep latency was found in the active condition (11.6 ± 5.0m) w.r.t. the sham condition (13.8 ± 6.1m).
A 5.2-minute decrease (p=0.08) in average N3 latency was found in the active condition (29.3 ± 10.4m) w.r.t. the sham condition (34.5 ± 13.6m).
The log-ratio decreased significantly faster (p<0.05) and more monotonously in the active condition suggesting a faster sleep-deepening due to the sound modulation.
Conclusion
Closed-loop modulation of the volume of pink-noise based on the EEG’s β/θ ratio may promote a faster sleep onset and a faster transition into deeper NREM sleep. The statistically trending results reported in this research grant further experimental validation with a larger number of subjects.
Support
Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Kalyan
- Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - A Aquino
- Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care, Pittsburgh, PA
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Kuruvila J, Deria H, Mathew S, Maysoun E, Isip U, Al Shamisi S, Aquino A, Mathew S, Altarshi A, Canoza J, Olidan J, Anosa G, Renganathan R. Does formal stroke education to inpatients in stroke unit improve their knowledge of stroke? Prospective data from UAE. J Neurol Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.10.594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Acquati A, Uberti S, Aquino A, Cerasetti E, Castagna C, Rovere-Querini P, Pisa V. Do empathic osteopaths achieve better clinical results? An observational feasibility study. INT J OSTEOPATH MED 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Silva F, Battistella L, Simis M, Aquino A, Fregni F. The effect of randomized Median Nerve Stimulation (rMNS) on pain modulation during physical exercise in sedentary adults. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Belhadj M, Aquino A, Heng J, Kmiotek S, Raël S, Bonnet C, Lapicque F. Current density distributions in polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A tool for characterisation of gas distribution in the cell and its state of health. Chem Eng Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2018.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Di Iorio B, Cirillo M, Bellizzi V, Stellato D, De Santo NG, Aquino A, Anastasio P, Barchiesi S, Bonanno D, Buccino A, Cappabianca F, Cesaro A, Cestaro R, Chiuchiolo L, Chiuchiolo L, Ciaccia L, Cicchella T, Cillo N, Cioffi M, Cirillo E, Confessore N, Costanzo R, D'Apice L, De Felice E, Delgado G, De Luca M, De Luca P, De Luna V, De Maio A, De Pascale C, Della Volpe L, De Simone V, De Simone W, Di Benedetto A, Di Costanzo L, Di Donato R, Di Serafino A, Fabozzi GM, Fiorentino P, Fragetta G, Fumante M, Galise A, Giangrande C, Giobbe A, Gnasso A, Granato P, Guastaferro P, Iacono G, Iandolo R, Iengo G, Lamberti C, La Verde A, Liccardo D, Maddalena L, Mancini L, Manfreda L, Mari R, Marinelli G, Marinelli G, Martignetti V, Mascolini N, Maurodopoulos C, Migliorati M, Memoli M, Milone A, Milone D, Monaco G, Monteleone E, Natale G, Oggero AR, Pavese F, Petrelli P, Pizzola AR, Raucci B, Rubino R, Salvati G, Santoro D, Saviano C, Savignano M, Sforza C, Spitali L, Staulo P, Stellato D, Taddeo U, Terracciano V, Tomasino G, Tramontano P, Veniero P, Ventre M, Verrillo E, Violante B, Vitiello P, Viola G. Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia and Uncontrolled Anemia in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients – The Campania Dialysis Registry. Int J Artif Organs 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880703000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background This study investigated prevalence and correlates of anemia and uncontrolled anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed on registry data for 2,746 chronic (<6 months) hemodialysis patients aged 25–84. Data collection included years of dialysis, hours of dialysis/wk, disease causing hemodialysis, body mass index (BMI), erythropoietin (EPO) treatment, hemoglobin, markers of viral hepatitis, serum albumin, calcium, and phosphorus. Results Prevalence was 88.7% for anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/100 mL and EPO treatment at any Hb level), 39.4% for uncontrolled anemia (hemoglobin<11 g/100 mL). Gender, years of dialysis, hereditary cystic kidney disease (HCKD), and low BMI (<24 kg/m2) were independent correlates of anemia (P<0.001). Gender, HCKD, low BMI, serum albumin and calcium were independent correlates of uncontrolled anemia (P<0.05). An interaction was found between age (not correlated with anemia and uncontrolled anemia) and the association of gender with uncontrolled anemia (P<0.05). EPO doses were higher in patients with high prevalence of uncontrolled anemia than in patients with low prevalence (i.e., women vs men, other diseases vs HCKD, low vs not-low BMI, P<0.01). Gender, years of dialysis, HCKD, BMI, serum albumin, and calcium were independent correlates of the hemoglobin/EPO dose ratio in patients on EPO treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Anemia and uncontrolled anemia are more frequent in hemodialysis patients with short-term dialysis, diseases other than HCKD, low BMI, and female gender. Gender effect was lower in elderly patients. Uncontrolled anemia was also associated with low serum albumin and calcium, suggesting that these parameters are indices of EPO resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Di Iorio
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
- Department of Nephrology, Solofra Hospital, Solofra - Italy
| | - M. Cirillo
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
| | - V. Bellizzi
- Department of Nephrology, Solofra Hospital, Solofra - Italy
| | - D. Stellato
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
| | - N. G. De Santo
- Department of Nephrology, Second University of Naples, Naples - Italy
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Aquino A, Perini M, Cosmai S, Zanon S, Pisa V, Castagna C, Uberti S. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Limits Chronic Constipation in a Child with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. Case Rep Pediatr 2017; 2017:5437830. [PMID: 28251008 PMCID: PMC5306969 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5437830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by insufficient expression of the TCF4 gene. Children with PTHS typically present with gastrointestinal disorders and early severe chronic constipation is frequently found (75%). Here we describe the case of a PTHS male 10-year-old patient with chronic constipation in whom Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) resulted in improved bowel functions, as assessed by the diary, the QPGS-Form A Section C questionnaire, and the Paediatric Bristol Stool Form Scale. The authors suggested that OMT may be a valid tool to improve the defecation frequency and reduce enema administration in PTHS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Aquino
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Perini
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cosmai
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanon
- Department of Clinical Paediatrics & Obstetrics-Gynaecology, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Pisa
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine Castagna
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Uberti
- Research Department, Istituto Superiore di Osteopatia, 20126 Milan, Italy
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Vizzotti C, Neyro S, Katz N, Juárez MV, Perez Carrega ME, Aquino A, Kaski Fullone F. Maternal immunization in Argentina: A storyline from the prospective of a middle income country. Vaccine 2015; 33:6413-9. [PMID: 26277071 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The importance of vaccination during pregnancy lies not only in directly protecting vaccinated women, but also by indirectly protecting small infants during the first few months of life. Vaccination against the flu and whooping cough is a priority within the comprehensive care strategy for pregnant women and small infants in Argentina, in the context of transitioning from child vaccination to family vaccination. In 2011, the flu vaccine was included in the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) as mandatory and free of charge, with the aim of decreasing complications and death due to influenza in the at-risk population in Argentina. The national vaccination coverage attained in pregnant women in the past 4 years (2011-2014) has been satisfactory; 88% coverage was attained in the year this program was introduced to the schedule. In the following years, coverage was maintained at greater than 95%. In February 2012, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to have universal vaccination strategy for pregnant women against whooping cough. This recommendation was implemented throughout the country by vaccination with the diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the aim of decreasing morbimortality due to whooping cough in infants under 6 months of age. The vaccine was incorporated into the NIS in 2014. More than 1,200,000 doses were applied in this period. Both vaccines showed a suitable safety profile and no serious events were reported. Argentina is an example of a middle-income country that has been able to implement a successful strategy for primary prevention through vaccines, making it a health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vizzotti
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - S Neyro
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
| | - N Katz
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - M V Juárez
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - M E Perez Carrega
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - A Aquino
- Dirección Nacional de Control de Enfermedades, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
| | - F Kaski Fullone
- Secretaría de Promoción y Programas Sanitarios, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina
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Kittleson M, Patel J, Yu Z, Liou F, Aquino A, Velleca A, Czer L, Chang D, Hamilton M, Trento A, Reinsmoen N, Kobashigawa J. Do Redo Heart Transplant Patients Have an Increased Risk of Antibody Development? J Heart Lung Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2014.01.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Bonmassar L, Marchesi F, Pascale E, Franzese O, Margison GP, Bianchi A, D'Atri S, Bernardini S, Lattuada D, Bonmassar E, Aquino A. Triazene compounds in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: a short review and a case report. Curr Med Chem 2013; 20:2389-401. [PMID: 23521681 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320190001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly lethal disease, especially in old patients. Chemoresistance and the absence of host immune responses against autochthonous malignancy play a major role in the poor prognosis of AML. The triazene compounds Dacarbazine and Temozolomide are monofunctional alkylators that donate methyl groups to many sites in DNA, including the O(6)-position of guanine producing O(6)-methylguanine (O(6)-MeG). If not repaired, O(6)-MeG frequently mispairs with thymine during DNA duplication. O(6)-MeG:T mismatches can be recognized by the mismatch repair (MMR) system which activates a cascade of molecular events leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death. If MMR is defective, cells continue to divide and GC → AT transition mutations occur. In preclinical models, such mutations can lead to the appearance of abnormal proteins containing non-self peptides ("chemical xenogenization" CX) that can be recognized by host cell-mediated immunity. Repair of O(6)-MeG is achieved by the DNA repair protein, O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which removes the methyl adduct in an autoinactivating stoichiometric reaction. High MGMT levels attenuate the pharmacodynamic effects of triazenes. In the last few years, triazenes, alone or with MGMT inhibitors, have been tested in AML. In view of their potential activity as CX inducers, triazenes could offer the additional advantage of host anti-leukemia immune responses. The present paper describes several studies of leukemia treatment with triazenes and a case of acute refractory leukemia with massive skin infiltration by malignant cells. Treatment with Temozolomide and Lomeguatrib, a potent MGMT inhibitor, produced a huge, although transient, blastolysis and complete disappearance of all skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Gobbi D, Fascetti Leon F, Aquino A, Melchionda F, Lima M. Metachronous bilateral ovarian teratoma: a germ-line familial disorder and review of surgical management options. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2013; 26:e105-7. [PMID: 23602043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Revised: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumors in females are uncommon, and bilateral metachronous ovarian teratoma is even exceptional, with sporadic cases described in the literature. CASE We report on a girl in whom a metachronous ovarian teratoma occurred 6 years after the first. The simultaneous onset of germ-line anomalies in other members of the family supports the existence of genetic or environmental factors conferring susceptibility to germ cell lesions. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION The case here illustrated reminds the issue of the appropriate follow-up of these patients and of their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gobbi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Paediatric Surgery Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Ines P, Aquino A, Ronaldo M, Magno J. Dilated cardiomyopathy in Becker muscular dystrophy. J Neurol Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pucciminafra I, Luparello C, Aquino A, Basirico L, Minafra S, Franc S, Yakovlev L, Shoshan S. Of/Lb collagen promotes chemoinvasion of breast-cancer cells and directs epithelial-cell migration into granulation-tissue of experimental dermal wounds. Int J Oncol 2012; 6:1015-20. [PMID: 21556633 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.6.5.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OF/LB collagen is a recently described once-fetal form of collagen, with laminin-binding properties, composed of three alpha(1)(I)-sized chains, one of which displaying an unusually acidic pI. This collagen appears able to direct the migration of breast cancer cells through Matrigel, and of injury-activated epithelial cells into the underlying granulation stromal tissue. The effect exerted by OF/LB collagen in vitro appears preferentially linked to its acidic chain. The data reported strongly support the hypothesis that the presence and accumulation of OF/LB collagen in cancer may play a fundamental role in the invasive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Pucciminafra
- UNIV PALERMO,CTR ONCOBIOL SPERIMENTALE,I-91028 PALERMO,ITALY. UNIV PALERMO,IST ISTOL & EMBRIOL,I-91028 PALERMO,ITALY. INST BIOL & CHIM PROT,CNRS,UPR 412,LYON 07,FRANCE. HEBREW UNIV JERUSALEM,HADASSAH MED SCH,CONNECT TISSUE RES LABS,JERUSALEM,ISRAEL
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Correale P, Botta C, Cusi M, Bestoso E, Apollinari S, Caraglia M, Del Vecchio M, Abbruzzese A, Aquino A, Tagliaferri P. 6140 POSTER Cetuximab-mediated Immune-enhancing Effects in Vitro and in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Patients. Eur J Cancer 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(11)71785-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Correale P, Botta C, Cusi MG, Del Vecchio MT, De Santi MM, Gori Savellini G, Bestoso E, Apollinari S, Mannucci S, Marra M, Abbruzzese A, Aquino A, Turriziani M, Bonmassar L, Caraglia M, Tagliaferri P. Cetuximab ± chemotherapy enhances dendritic cell-mediated phagocytosis of colon cancer cells and ignites a highly efficient colon cancer antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell response in vitro. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:1577-89. [PMID: 21618510 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cetuximab is a human/mouse chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to epidermal growth factor receptor, approved for colorectal carcinoma treatment in combination with chemotherapy. The immune-mediated effects elicited by its human fraction of crystallization moiety might critically contribute to the overall anti-tumor effectiveness of the antibody. We therefore investigated cetuximab ability to promote colon cancer cell opsonization and phagocytosis by human dendritic cells (DCs) that are subsequently engaged in antigen-cross presentation to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) precursors. Human colon cancer cell lines were evaluated for susceptibility to DC-mediated phagocytosis before and after treatment with chemotherapy ± cetuximab in vitro. Human DCs loaded with control or drug-treated cetuximab-coated colon cancer cells were used to in vitro generate cytotoxic T cell clones from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of human leucocyte antigen-A(*)02.01(+) donors. T-cell cultures were characterized for immune-phenotype and tumor-antigen specific CTL activity. The results confirmed that treatment of tumor cells with irinotecan + L-folinate + 5-flurouracil (ILF) or with gemcitabine + ILF increased tumor antigen expression. Moreover, malignant cells exposed to chemotherapy and cetuximab were highly susceptible to phagocytosis by human DCs and were able to promote their activation. The consequent DC-mediated cross-priming of antigens derived from mAb-covered/drug-treated cancer cells elicited a robust CTL anti-tumor response. On the basis of our data, we suggest a possible involvement of CTL-dependent immunity in cetuximab anti-cancer effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Correale
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Siena University Hospital, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.
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18
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Navickiene S, Aquino A, Silva Bezerra DS. A Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Method for the Extraction of Seven Pesticides from Mango and Papaya. J Chromatogr Sci 2010; 48:750-4. [DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/48.9.750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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19
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Mercedes S, Núñez M, Díaz O, De la Cruz E, Aquino A. Variabilidad de la presión intrabdominal en pacientes sometidos a abdominoplastia. Cir plást iberolatinoam 2009. [DOI: 10.4321/s0376-78922009000400003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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20
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De Rossi A, Rossi L, Laudisi A, Sini V, Toppo L, Marchesi F, Tortorelli G, Leti M, Turriziani M, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, De Vecchis L, Torino F. Focus on Fotemustine. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2006; 25:461-8. [PMID: 17310834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Fotemustine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent, belonging to the group of nitrosourea family. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other nitrosoureas, characterized by a mono-functional/bi-functional alkylating activity. Worth of consideration is the finding that the presence of high levels of the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) in cancer cells confers drug resistance. In different clinical trials Fotemustine showed a remarkable antitumor activity as single agent, and in association with other antineoplastic compounds or treatment modalities. Moreover, its toxicity is generally considered acceptable. The drug has been employed in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and, on the basis of its pharmacokinetic properties, in brain tumors, either primitive or metastatic. Moreover, Fotemustine shows pharmacodynamic properties similar to those of mono-functional alkylating compounds (e.g. DNA methylating drugs, such as Temozolomide), that have been recently considered for the management of acute refractory leukaemia. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that this agent could be a good candidate to play a potential role in haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Rossi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
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21
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Aquino A, Balestri E, Dall'Ara S, Lami I, Gobbi E, Ambroni M, Miano A. 374 Efficacy of physical exercise playing a video game for mucus clearance in patients with Cystic Fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(06)80321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Georgieva I, Trendafilova N, Aquino A, Lischka H. Excited State Properties of 7-Hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin in the Gas Phase and in Solution. A Theoretical Study. J Phys Chem A 2005; 109:11860-9. [PMID: 16366637 DOI: 10.1021/jp0524025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
TDDFT/B3LYP and RI-CC2 calculations with different basis sets have been performed for vertical and adiabatic excitations and emission properties of the lowest singlet states for the neutral (enol and keto), protonated and deprotonated forms of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (7H4MC) in the gas phase and in solution. The effect of 7H4MC-solvent (water) interactions on the lowest excited and fluorescence states were computed using the Polarizable Continuum Method (PCM), 7H4MC-water clusters and a combination of both approaches. The calculations revealed that in aqueous solution the pi pi* energy is the lowest one for excitation and fluorescence transitions of all forms of 7H4MC studied. The calculated excitation and fluorescence energies in aqueous solution are in good agreement with experiment. It was found that, depending on the polarity of the medium, the solvent shifts vary, leading to a change in the character of the lowest excitation and fluorescence transition. The dipole-moment and electron-density changes of the excited states relative to the ground state correlate with the solvation effect on the singlet excited states and on transition energies, respectively. The calculations show that, in contrast to the ground state, the keto form has a lower energy in the pi pi* state as compared to enol, demonstrating from this point of view the energetic possibility of proton transfer from the enol to the keto form in the excited state.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Georgieva
- Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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23
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Lima M, Dòmini M, Aquino A, Ruggeri G, Libri M, Tursini S, Pigna A, Gentili A. The role of emergency thoracoscopy in the management of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung associated with oesophageal atresia. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2005; 15:279-82. [PMID: 16163595 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-837599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung associated with oesophageal atresia is exceptional. The authors describe a case of a mixed type I - II congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the left lung associated with oesophageal atresia and tracheooesophageal fistula in a male infant. The interesting aspect of this case is not only the extremely rare association - only two reports in the literature - but the surgical choices. In fact, two weeks after surgical repair of the oesophageal atresia, the growth of the cystic volume of the congenital adenomatoid malformation made respiratory weaning very difficult, and it was therefore decided to solve the respiratory distress by opening the tensional cysts using a thoracoscopic access. The advantage of this treatment was that it decompressed the underlying healthy lung tissue and permitted the expansion of the normal lobar parenchyma. This is a palliative approach that allows the mandatory definitive resection of the affected lung lobe to be postponed until a later time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lima
- Pediatric Surgery Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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24
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Correale P, Cusi MG, Tsang KY, Del Vecchio MT, Marsili S, Intrivici C, La Placa M, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, Francini G. Immunological and anti-tumor activity of a novel a chemo-immunotherapy regimen with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, levo-folinic acid, and 5-fluorouracil followed by GM-CSF and Interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.2538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Correale
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. G. Cusi
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - K. Y. Tsang
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Del Vecchio
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Marsili
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Intrivici
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - M. La Placa
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Aquino
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - E. Bonmassar
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Francini
- Sect of Oncology Siena Univ Sch of Medici, Siena, Italy; Section of Virology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Lab of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Bethesda, MD; Section of Pathology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Section Of Oncology Siena Univ, Siena, Italy; Oncology and Pharmacology Section, Rome Univ, Rome, Italy
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25
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Colonna-Romano G, Cossarizza A, Aquino A, Scialabba G, Bulati M, Lio D, Candore G, Di Lorenzo G, Fradà G, Caruso C. Age- and gender-related values of lymphocyte subsets in subjects from Northern and Southern Italy. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 8:99-107. [PMID: 14764380 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4943(02)00109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Colonna-Romano
- Department of Biopathology and Biomedical Methodology, Corso Tukory, Palermo, Italy.
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26
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Bonmassar L, Massara MC, Cottarelli A, Aquino A, Formica V, Prete SP, Lacal PM, Marchetti P, Concolino F, Faraoni I, D'Atri S. Preclinical studies on detection of circulating melanoma cells in patients: telomerase as a recognition marker of malignancy. J Chemother 2004; 16:479-86. [PMID: 15565916 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2004.16.5.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies based on a "simulation design", were performed with cultured melanoma cells prelabeled with 51Cr, added to normal blood and subjected to separation and recognition steps. Mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated on ficollhypaque gradient, and melanoma cells were separated from lymphocytes using anti-CD45 immunomagnetic beads. Malignant cells were then recognized by measuring telomerase activity (TRAP and TRAP-ELISA assays). It was found that: (a)recovery of prelabeled cells present in MNC did not exceed 75%; (b) further recovery of prelabeled cells after separation from lymphocytes did not exceed 68%. Therefore, the overall recovery of prelabeled cells did not exceed 48%; (c) the entire procedure was able to reliably detect as few as 30 malignant cells added to normal blood, providing a telomerase signal significantly higher than that found in absence of melanoma cells. These results furnish the technical bases for developing a tumor detection assay in the blood of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bonmassar
- Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
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27
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Lima M, Antonellini C, Aquino A, Dòmini M, Libri M, Centonze N, Ruggeri G, Pigna A. Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis. Pediatr Med Chir 2003; 25:370-2. [PMID: 15058839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Agenesis of the appendix vermiformis represents a rare condition that accounts in approximately 1 in 100.000 laparotomies performed for suspected acute appendicitis. L.B., female, born at term after a normal pregnancy. Shortly after birth she presented respiratory distress; chest x-ray showed a left diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). At operation was noted the absence of the appendix and of the mesenteriolum as well together with the presence of a mesenterium commune. Other associated anomalies were detected: dextroposition of the heart, hypoplasia cnemis, hexadactylism of right foot, congenital hip displacement and bilateral congenital cataract. Etiopathogenesis of the agenesis of the appendix can be easily understood from an embryological point of view, following the cecal pole development. Diagnosis of this malformation is possible only after an accurate laparotomic or laparoscopic exploration around the ileocecal and retrocecal zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lima
- Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Bologna.
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28
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Del Bufalo D, Biroccio A, Trisciuoglio D, Bruno T, Floridi A, Aquino A, Zupi G. Bcl-2 has differing effects on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells depending on the antineoplastic drug used. Eur J Cancer 2002; 38:2455-62. [PMID: 12460791 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(02)00391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of bcl-2 in the susceptibility of the MCF7 ADR human breast carcinoma line overexpressing the P-170 glycoprotein (P-170) to various drugs. The sensitivity to four multidrug resistance (MDR)-related drugs (doxorubicin (ADR), vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VBL), actinomycin D (ACTD)) and three MDR-non-related drugs (cisplatin (DDP), bischloroethylnitrosourea (BCNU), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)) was evaluated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in three bcl-2-overexpressing clones obtained from the MCF7 ADR line. We found that the bcl-2-overexpressing clones show increased resistance to DDP and BCNU, while no difference to 5-FU were observed between the control cells and bcl-2 transfectants. Surprisingly, bcl-2-overexpressing clones displayed an increased sensitivity compared with the control cells to the MDR-related drugs ADR, VCR, VBL and ACTD. Focusing on DDP and ADR, we found that the increased resistance of the bcl-2 transfectants to DDP was correlated to their ability to prevent apoptosis, while the enhanced sensitivity to ADR was associated with an increased ADR accumulation and a decreased ADR efflux. Moreover, while bcl-2 overexpression does not induce changes in P-170 glycoprotein expression, it did induce a reduction of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and basal protein kinase C (PKC) activity, both of which have a crucial role in the regulation of the MDR phenotype. In conclusion, the effect of bcl-2 on antineoplastic sensitivity observed in this study underscores the idea that bcl-2 may have distinct biological effects depending on the anticancer drug used.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Del Bufalo
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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29
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Balduzzi A, Fossile E, Formica V, Torino F, Bonmassar L, Di Giacomo A, Cappelletti D, Cardillo A, Graziani G. A novel method for monitoring response to chemotherapy based on the detection of circulating cancer cells: a case report. J Chemother 2002; 14:412-6. [PMID: 12420861 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2002.14.4.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe a novel method for detecting micrometastasis in the blood stream of cancer patients based on RT-PCR amplification of tumor-associated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA. To increase sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR, CEA transcript was selectively up-regulated in cancer cells by exposure of peripheral blood to non-toxic concentrations of staurosporine (ST). Thereafter, polyA(+) RNA was extracted from tumor cells captured by means of magnetic beads coated with a monoclonal antibody against a common human epithelial antigen. Finally, RNA was subjected to RT-PCR analysis of CEA transcript. Using this approach, we demonstrated an ST-mediated increase in CEA transcript in blood specimens collected from a patient with metastatic colon cancer before receiving treatment with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin. After a few cycles of chemotherapy, CEA-positive tumor cells were no longer detected. Clinical follow-up of this patient indicated that treatment with chemotherapy induced a dramatic reduction in liver metastasis. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that lack of CEA transcript detection might be consistent with disappearance or at least marked reduction of circulating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
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30
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Dòmini M, Aquino A, Fakhro A, Tursini S, Marino N, Di Matteo S, Lelli Chiesa P. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and gastrointestinal haemorrhage: which treatment? Eur J Pediatr Surg 2002; 12:129-33. [PMID: 12015660 DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-30172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a paediatric case of "Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome" (BRBNS) or Bean's syndrome, a rare systemic disorder characterised by cutaneous and gastrointestinal vascular malformations that often lead to overt life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding or occult blood loss with severe anaemia and iron deficiency. CASE REPORT A 6-year-old girl with multiple characteristic cutaneous vascular lesions was admitted for a massive rectal bleeding. A few months previously she was endoscopically treated for gastric angiomas which developed into melaena. Preoperative investigations revealed the recurrence of gastric lesions. At laparotomy, more than 25 angiomas of the GI tract were found. Multiple intestinal resections were carried out. RESULTS No intraoperative or postoperative problems occurred and the girl is completely healthy without further bleeding after a follow-up period of three years. CONCLUSIONS BRBNS belongs to the group of vascular venous malformations. Most of the time it occurs sporadically, but it can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Recent analysis identified a locus on chromosome 9 responsible for venous malformations. BRBNS patients present typical skin lesions, with some lesions having a rubber-like nipple appearance; the number of skin and GI lesions and the severity of anaemia are correlated. Treatment is dependent on the extent of gut involvement and the severity of the clinical picture. In the absence of massive bleeding, a conservative treatment will be sufficient; otherwise resections are mandatory, but additional lesions may subsequently develop. Management with electrocautery or laser photocoagulation are usually not effective even if some reports recommend them. Pharmacological treatment is useless. Prognosis of BRBNS is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Clinica Chirurgica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi "G. D'Annunzio" di Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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31
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Giuliani A, Prete SP, Graziani G, Aquino A, Balduzzi A, Sugita M, Brenner MB, Iona E, Fattorini L, Orefici G, Porcelli SA, Bonmassar E. Influence of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guérin on in vitro induction of CD1 molecules in human adherent mononuclear cells. Infect Immun 2001; 69:7461-70. [PMID: 11705921 PMCID: PMC98835 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.12.7461-7470.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonpeptide antigens (including glycolipids of microbial origin) can be presented to T cells by CD1 molecules expressed on monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These HLA unrestricted responses appear to play a role in host immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria. It is known that vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has limited efficacy in many clinical settings, although the reasons for its inadequacy remain unclear. Here we have investigated the influence of BCG on the induction of CD1b on human monocytes by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is believed to be the principal inducer of this antigen-presenting molecule. Although BCG alone led to a slight induction of CD1b expression, this agent reduced markedly the ability of GM-CSF to induce high levels of CD1b that were typically observed in uninfected cells. Inhibition of CD1b expression in BCG-infected monocytes was apparent at both the mRNA transcript and CD1b protein levels. Down-regulation of CD1b expression by BCG was mediated, at least in part, by one or more soluble factors and could not be reversed with high concentrations of GM-CSF or a variety of other cytokines. The present results suggest that BCG could diminish the efficiency of CD1-restricted T-cell responses against nonpeptide mycobacterial antigens by reducing CD1 expression on antigen-presenting cells. These findings have potential implications for understanding the nature of the immune response elicited by BCG in humans and suggest potential strategies that could be important for the development of better vaccines for the prevention of tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giuliani
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
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32
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Correale P, Sabatino M, Cusi MG, Micheli L, Nencini C, Pozzessere D, Petrioli R, Aquino A, De Vecchis L, Turriziani M, Prete SP, Sanguedolce R, Rausa L, Giorgi G, Francini G. In vitro generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes against HLA-A2.1-restricted peptides derived from human thymidylate synthase. J Chemother 2001; 13:519-26. [PMID: 11760216 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2001.13.5.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a pyrimidine antimetabolite active against colorectal carcinoma and other malignancies of the digestive tract. Over-expression or mutation of thymidylate synthase (TS), the target enzyme of the 5-FU metabolite, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate, is strictly correlated with cancer cell resistance to 5-FU. On this basis we investigated whether TS is a potential target for active specific immunotherapy of human colon carcinoma, which acquires resistance to 5-FU. Three TS-derived epitope peptides which fit defined amino acid consensus motifs for HLA-A2.1 binding were synthesized and investigated for their ability to induce human TS-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses in vitro. CTL lines specific for each peptide were established by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from an HLA-A2.1+ healthy donor with autologous dendritic cells loaded with TS peptide. Specific CTL lines showed HLA-A2.1-restricted cytotoxicity in vitro to HLA-A2.1+ target cells pulsed with the specific TS peptide and to HLA-class I matching colon carcinoma target cells over-expressing TS enzyme after exposure to 5-FU. Recognition by CTL lines suggests that these TS peptides may be potential candidates for use in a peptide-based vaccine against 5-FU resistant colon carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Correale
- Oncopharmacology Center, School of Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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Abstract
The foot postures of 39 subjects were evaluated for excessive pronation by means of six static weightbearing and five nonweightbearing measurements, and two types of footprint indexes. Visual evidence of windlass function was recorded by video. Chi-square analysis revealed that excessive pronation does not affect the establishment of the windlass mechanism. The position of the forefoot relative to the rearfoot, subtalar joint axis position, and navicular drift/foot length ratio were significantly associated with dynamic windlass function. These results suggest that selected static measurements may have value in predicting some aspects of dynamic foot function during the propulsive phase of the gait cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Podiatry, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Turner JL, Kostman JR, Aquino A, Wright D, Szabo S, Bidwell R, Goodgame J, Daigle A, Kelley E, Jensen F, Duffy C, Carlo D, Moss RB. The effects of an HIV-1 immunogen (Remune) on viral load, CD4 cell counts and HIV-specific immunity in a double-blind, randomized, adjuvant-controlled subset study in HIV infected subjects regardless of concomitant antiviral drugs. HIV Med 2001; 2:68-77. [PMID: 11737381 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1293.2001.00051.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the activity of an HIV-1 immunogen (Remune) on viral load, CD4 cells and HIV-1 specific immunity. METHODS Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained in a predefined random subset of subjects (n = 252) from a multicentre, double-blind, adjuvant-controlled phase III clinical endpoint study. RESULTS The subjects treated with the HIV-1 immunogen had a significantly greater decline in viral load at multiple time points (P < 0.05), a trend towards increased CD4+ T cell counts and significantly enhanced HIV-1 specific immune responses as measured by HIV-1 lymphocyte proliferation (P < 0.001) compared to the adjuvant control group. Furthermore, in the HIV-1 immunogen treated group, enhanced HIV-1 specific lymphocyte proliferative immune responses were associated with decreased HIV-1 plasma RNA. CONCLUSION These results suggest that, in a predefined, random subset of subjects, a beneficial effect of the HIV-1 immunogen was observed on viral load, CD4+ T cells, and HIV-specific immunity. These differences were observed in a background of multiple drug therapies. Ongoing trials are evaluating the effect of the combination of this HIV-1 specific, immune-based therapy with potent antiviral drug therapy on virological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Turner
- The Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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35
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Rigano P, Rodgers GP, Renda D, Renda MC, Aquino A, Maggio A. Clinical and hematological responses to hydroxyurea in Sicilian patients with Hb S/beta-thalassemia. Hemoglobin 2001; 25:9-17. [PMID: 11300353 DOI: 10.1081/hem-100103065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Although, several reports have detailed that hydroxyurea can ameliorate the clinical course of adult and pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia (Hb S or beta(S)), few clinical studies have been carried out in patients with beta(S)/beta-thalassemia. In a two-year clinical study, we evaluated the efficacy of hydroxyurea in a group of 22 adult Sicilian patients with beta(S)/beta-thalassemia with severe phenotypes. Among the 20 patients evaluated during 2 years of treatment, we observed a very good clinical response with a 93% reduction of the annual number of crises (median 7 versus 0.5 crises per year; P < 0.001) and of days in hospital (mean 22+/- 21.9 versus 1.2 +/- 2.3; P < 0.001), a significant increase in Hb F (7.5 +/- 5.3% versus 25.2 +/- 5.2%; P < 0.001) and in MCV (73.1 +/- 4.8 fL versus 96.4 +/- 7.2 fL; P < 0.001), and no significant modifications in Hb (9.6 +/- 1.3 g/dL versus 10.0 +/- 1.5 g/dL; P > 0.05) and in WBC (11.4 +/- 3.9 x 10(9)/L versus 10.2 +/- 3.9 x 10(9)/L; P > 0.05). Twelve patients had no crises from the first month of treatment; 16 patients showed a 2-3-fold increase over baseline in Hb F. During the study no severe complications and no important side effects of hydroxyurea were observed. Our data suggest that hydroxyurea efficacy in patients with beta(S)/beta-thalassemial may be greater than that described in patients with sickle cell disease. This pattern and durability of response will need to be confirmed in a larger, randomized, clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rigano
- Thalassemia Centre, Research Unit P. Cutino, V. Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
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36
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Cappelletti D, Cardillo A, Bonanno E, Prete SP, Cucchiara G, Turriziani M, Greiner JW, Cottarelli A, Breda E, Aquino A, Bonmassar E, De Vecchis L. Drug-induced modulation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expression in neoplastic cells from a patient with rectal cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2000; 19:467-9. [PMID: 11277324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN), alone or in combination, was found to increase carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expression in several carcinoma cell lines. In this study we examined the in vitro effect of these agents on CEA expression of tumor cells, obtained from a patient operated for rectal cancer. The results showed that exposure of cancer cells to 5-FU or to IFN resulted in increased CEA levels in terms of percentage of CEA-positive cells and mean fluorescence values, as indicated by FACS analysis. However, drug combination did not induce CEA expression higher than that provided by single agents alone. Treatment with 5-FU or with IFN produced a reduction of the total number of viable cells. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that exposure of cancer cells to each drug was followed by a substantial increase of the total cellular CEA content. On the contrary, 5-FU in combination with IFN did not increase the expression of the antigen more than that obtained by single agents. Noteworthy, exposure of CEA-negative cells from adjacent normal rectal tissue to both agents alone or in combination, did not result in CEA induction. In conclusion, the present results suggest new approaches aimed at (a) increasing the sensitivity of diagnostic procedures based on detection of CEA-positive tumor cells; (b) facilitating the recognition of CEA-positive cancer cells by immune responses induced by anti-CEA peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cappelletti
- Dept. of Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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37
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Guadagni F, Greiner JW, Giuliani A, Orlando L, Masci G, De Santis S, Bonmassar E, Graziani G. Effect of 5-fluorouracil on carcinoembryonic antigen expression and shedding at clonal level in colon cancer cells. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:3475-84. [PMID: 11131650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker largely utilized for the detection of minimal disease or as a target of immunotherapeutic approaches. In preclinical models CEA has been found to be up-regulated after exposure of cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In the present study, the clonal distribution of CEA and its regulation by 5-FU at clonal level was investigated using human HT-29 colon cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The extent of CEA expression was measured in terms of: (a) antigen levels on plasma membrane, by flow cytometry; (b) cytoplasm and membrane protein, by Western blot analysis: (c) transcript, by Northern blot analysis; (d) CEA shedding by radioimmunossay. RESULTS CEA protein and gene transcript were variably expressed among different clones. In all cases 5-FU was able to increase the percentage of CEA-positive cells, the amount of antigen, either in the membrane or cytosolic fractions, and the corresponding transcript. Moreover, a marked increase of CEA shedding was found in drug-treated cells with respect to that of controls. The increase of CEA induced by the antimetabolite was not the result of a selection mechanism based on preferential killing of CEA negative cells. The antimetabolite was capable of enhancing antigen expression also in other CEA-positive tumor cell lines with different basal levels of the marker. CONCLUSIONS The present findings could be of potential value to increase the sensitivity of diagnostic procedures based on detection of CEA positive tumor cells. Moreover, the antimetabolite might be included in immunotherapeutic protocols to facilitate recognition of CEA-positive cancer cells by immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Pharmacology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via di Tor Vergata 135, 00133 Rome, Italy
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38
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Rinaldi M, Barrera G, Aquino A, Spinsanti P, Pizzimenti S, Farace MG, Dianzani MU, Fazio VM. 4-Hydroxynonenal-induced MEL cell differentiation involves PKC activity translocation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 272:75-80. [PMID: 10872805 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a highly reactive aldehyde, produced by cellular lipid peroxidation, able to inhibit proliferation and to induce differentiation in MEL cells at concentrations similar to those detected in several normal tissues. Inducer-mediated differentiation of murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells is a multiple step process characterized by modulation of several genes as well as by a transient increase in the amount of membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Here we demonstrate that a rapid translocation of PKC activity from cytosol to the membranes occurs during the differentiation induced by HNE. When PKC is completely translocated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA), the degree of HNE-induced MEL cells differentiation is highly decreased. However, if TPA is washed out from the culture medium before the exposition to the aldehyde, HNE gradually resumes its differentiative ability. The incubation of cells with a selective inhibitor of PKC activity, bisindolylmaleimide GF 109203X, partially prevents the HNE-induced differentiation in MEL cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that HNE-induced MEL cell differentiation is preceded by a rapid translocation of PKC activity, and that the inhibition of this phenomenon prevents the onset of terminal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University Campus Bio-Medico, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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39
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Baier S, Cappelletti D, Greiner JW, De Vecchis L, Graziani G, Bonmassar E. Staurosporine increases carcinoembryonic antigen expression in a human colon cancer cell line. J Chemother 2000; 12:167-72. [PMID: 10789557 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2000.12.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Staurosporine (ST), a protein kinase C inhibitor, was found to produce antitumor effects against C22.20, a clonal subline derived from colon cancer HT-29 line, selected for low expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). However, as assessed by FACS analysis using propidium iodide, no apoptosis or cell cycle alteration was found on day 3 after treatment of C22.20 cells with ST (1-100nM). Exposure of cells to graded concentrations of the drug (i.e., from 1 to 25nM) resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in the percentage of CEA positive cells, as determined by flow cytometric analysis. However, when higher concentrations (i.e. 50nM - 100nM) of ST were used, the percentage of CEA positive cells declined compared to that detected in 25nM-treated tumor. Since these results were obtained in a clonal cell population, it is reasonable to hypothesize that induction rather than selection mechanism is involved in this phenomenon. The potential clinical interest of the present findings stems from the consideration that treatment with ST or its derivatives could improve sensitivity and efficacy of diagnostic and/or immunotherapeutic approaches based on CEA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Pharmacology and Medical Oncology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
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40
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Abstract
The authors describe the results of an application of the surgical technique called ASTRA (anterior sagittal transrectal approach) in the case of a 16-year-old girl with a posttraumatic urethrovaginal fistula. The young girl with a posttraumatic urethrovaginal fistula had recurrence after 4 surgical attempts at closure performed by the vaginal approach before it was definitively corrected with the ASTRA. Two years after the ASTRA operation the patient is well with a complete restitution of function confirmed by a voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamic and rectal manometric tests. The successful recovery confirmed that ASTRA may be an excellent method of treating the developmental or acquired anomalies of the perineal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Cattedra di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università G.D'Annunzio Chieti, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy
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41
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Larrieu E, Costa MT, Cantoni G, Labanchi JL, Bigatti R, Aquino A, Araya D, Herrero E, Iglesias L, Mancini S, Thakur AS. Rate of infection and of reinfection by Echinococcus granulosus in rural dogs of the province of Rio Negro, Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2000; 87:281-6. [PMID: 10669098 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hydatidosis (cystic echinococcosis) constitutes a serious public health problem in the Province of Rio Negro, Argentina. In the present work it was intended to evaluate the prevalence of the canine echinococcosis in rural areas of the Province of Rio Negro and studied the reinfection rate in dogs after treatment with Praziquantel during the period 1980-1997. A total of 496 dogs were studied in 18 canine concentrations in order to establish the initial prevalence rate which was 42.3%. From 1980 onward dogs should have been systematically treated with anthelmintic every 2 months in rural areas and every 6 months in urban areas. We estimated that approximately 65% of dogs were treated. To determine the reinfection rate, 476 dogs (1984) and 598 dogs (1996) were studied after anthelmintic treatment during two sequential time periods (0-45; 46-90 days). In both cases treated animals were compared with untreated dogs. Prevalences were 3.5%, 6.7% and 21.3% in 1984 and 0.8%, 4.0% and 10.0% in 1996. For the purpose of surveillance a total number of 21,444 dogs were studied during 18 years. Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus decreased significantly in the first year from 42.3% to 6.1%.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Larrieu
- Provincial Public Health Council, Viedma, Rio Negro, Argentina.
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42
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Abstract
The sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from a fusion failure of the sternum, generally observed at birth and asymptomatic. Surgery is indicated to protect the heart and major vessels from trauma, to improve respiratory dynamics, and for aesthetic reasons. We observed 2 neonates for a superior and medial thoracic mass. The defect involved the upper two thirds of the sternum. The surgical operation for both patients consisted in the primary closure of the defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Policlinico Sant' Orsola, University of Bologna, Italy.
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43
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Abstract
The growing agreement toward the conservative treatment of primary megaureter (PM) is supported by the increasingly frequent reports in the literature of spontaneous resolution of this pathology after few years of attendance. If the PM is asymptomatic without the presence of parenchymatous damage, and the diuretic scintiscan does not show a definite obstruction of the uretero-vesical junction, the conservative treatment should be the choice for the neonatal forms of PM. We report our experience of 14 neonatal PM, conservatively managed out of a total of 22 PM observed between 1990 and 1996. All the patients have been controlled with serial ultrasonography and Tc99 DTPA scintigraphy. Three of them underwent a surgical operation because of persistence or impairment of the clinical and scintigraphic pictures after a 12-18 months' follow-up. Some of the remainders are completely recovered while others are going toward resolution. The conservative treatment of neonatal PM is therefore confirmed to be sure and effective, and in spite of the different attitudes expressed by reliable authors in the up-to-date literature we believe it should be undertaken for the asymptomatic forms in which there is no documented uretero-vesical obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Cattedra di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Pescara, Italy
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44
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Abstract
The authors describe the results of an application of the surgical technique called ASTRA (anterior sagittal transrectal approach) in a 16-year-old girl with recurrent urethro-vaginal fistula. The young girl had a posttraumatic urethro-vaginal fistula. It recurred after 4 operations by a direct vaginal approach before definitive correction with the ASTRA. Three years after the operation the patient has remained well with complete healing and no fistula recurrence confirmed by a voiding cystourethrogram and urodynamic and rectal manometric tests. This report suggests that ASTRA is a useful method of treating acquired or developmental anomalies of the perineal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dòmini
- Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy
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45
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Abstract
In a retrospective analysis we compared the outcome of a group of 63 kidney or kidney/pancreas transplant recipients who were transplanted between June 1994 and February 1997 and received either tacrolimus (FK, n = 22) or Neoral (NEO, n = 41) as part of a triple immunosuppressive protocol. Ten patients in the NEO group has recurrent rejection episodes between 1 and 8 months post-transplant and were converted to FK. CellCept was the secondary immunosuppressive agent in about half the FK, three-quarters of the NEO, and in all but one in the conversion (CON) groups. Patients in all groups were on prednisone in equal amounts. Mean duration of follow-up for FK, NEO and CON groups was 32, 19 and 13 months, respectively. One-yr patient and graft survival was 100% in all groups. At 2 yr, graft survival was 95, 96 and 100% in FK, NEO and CON groups, respectively. Acute rejection at 1 yr was twice as high in the NEO group as the FK group. There were no rejection episodes among the FK patients who also received CellCept. The mean current serum creatinines (mg%) were: FK = 1.6, NEO = 1.8, CON = 1.9. Recurrent infection was more common with FK (8/22) than NEO (1/31) (p = 0.023). Our experience suggests there is less rejection but more infection in recipients treated with FK compared to NEO. In patients with recurrent rejection, conversion from NEO to FK stabilizes renal function and minimizes subsequent rejection episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Ghasemian
- Washington Hospital Center, Department of Transplantation Services, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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46
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Aquino A, Dòmini M, Rossi C, D'Incecco C, Fakhro A, Lelli Chiesa P. Pyloric stenosis due to eosinophilic gastroenteritis: presentation of two cases in mono-ovular twins. Eur J Pediatr 1999; 158:172-3. [PMID: 10048621 DOI: 10.1007/s004310051045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Aquino A, Prete SP, Greiner JW, Giuliani A, Graziani G, Turriziani M, De Filippi R, Masci G, Bonmassar E, De Vecchis L. Effect of the combined treatment with 5-fluorouracil, gamma-interferon or folinic acid on carcinoembryonic antigen expression in colon cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res 1998; 4:2473-81. [PMID: 9796980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and human recombinant gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) were found to increase the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, the antimetabolite was associated with gamma-IFN or folinic acid (FA), a biochemical modulator of cellular metabolism of 5-FU, able to increase its antineoplastic activity. Treatment of two human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29 and WiDr) with 5-FU + gamma-IFN resulted in an increase of CEA expression higher than that obtainable with both agents alone, although no synergistic effects were obtained. This was demonstrated in terms of: (a) mRNA transcripts (HT-29); (b) cytoplasm and membrane CEA protein levels detected by Western blot analysis (HT-29); and (c) plasma membrane reactivity determined by flow cytometry analysis (HT-29 and WiDr). Moreover, 5-FU + gamma-IFN increased HLA class I molecules in the HT-29 cell membrane over that obtainable with gamma-IFN alone. In contrast, both agents did not induce the expression of the costimulatory molecule B7-1. Treatment with FA enhanced the antitumor effect of 5-FU but not its ability to augment CEA expression. This suggests that the FA-sensitive biochemical mechanism of action of 5-FU is not involved in its effect on CEA expression. In vivo studies showed, for the first time, that 5-FU, alone or combined with gamma-IFN, increases the amount of CEA protein over controls, either in cancer cells or in peripheral blood of nude mice bearing HT-29 cells. These results could be of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic value when CEA protein is the target of humoral or cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy.
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48
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Giuliani A, Porcelli SA, Tentori L, Graziani G, Testorelli C, Prete SP, Bussini S, Cappelletti D, Brenner MB, Bonmassar E, Aquino A. Effect of rifampin on CD1b expression and double-negative T cell responses against mycobacteria-derived glycolipid antigen. Life Sci 1998; 63:985-94. [PMID: 9749821 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(98)00360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-classical antigen-presentation by CD1 molecules expressed on cytokine-activated monocytes (CAM), and cell-mediated responses supported by double-negative (DN) and by CD8+ responder alphabeta T cells, are involved in host resistance against mycobacterial infections. The CD1b protein is responsible for presentation of non-peptide, lipid antigens to T cells. In this context, a pivotal role is played by induction of CD1b protein on the membrane of human monocytes activated by GM-CSF alone, and more efficiently by GM-CSF combined with IL-4. Rifampin (RFP), a drug which is extensively utilized for chemoprophylaxis or treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is known to reduce a number of B, or T cell-dependent responses. Therefore we undertook immunopharmacological studies on RFP, to determine the effects of this agent on human macrophage function, relative to antigen presentation by CD1b molecules and on DN T cell cytolytic function. The results showed that: (a) graded concentration of RFP (2 or 10 microg/ml) induced a significant increase of CD1b expression, in CAM as evaluated by FACS analysis; (b) RFP increased significantly the specific mAb binding to CD1b on CAM surface; (c) treatment of effector cells with RFP did not reduce DN T cell-mediated cytolysis against lymphoblastoid cells transfected with CD1b cDNA (C1R.b6 cells), pulsed with M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that RFP could be of potential value in improving mycobacterial antigen presentation without impairing responder T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giuliani
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
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Abstract
The authors studied the true "dynamic" distance between the esophageal stumps in type I atresia in order to perform the delayed anastomosis at the most favorable time. The position of the inferior pouch was fluoroscopically evaluated in four patients, inserting a Hegar dilator through the gastrostomy. The superior esophageal pouch was delineated by a Replogle tube. No anesthesia was required. In all cases the procedure was simple, safe, fast, and accurate. No complications occurred, and patients could be operated upon at the optimal time.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rossi
- Divisione Clinicizzata di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università "G. D'Annunzio", Pescara, Italy
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50
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Abstract
PURPOSE This is a collaborative study carried out by Pediatric Surgeons of the "G.D'Annunzio" University and the Regional Association of Down Children of Abruzzo (Italy). METHODS Data were collected of malformations combined with Down Syndrome (DS) during a 10-year period in a population of defined age to look for a possible improvement of the patients' life conditions. Reportedly, 50% of these patients may reach an age of about 60 years. RESULTS One hundred twenty-seven DS subjects from this region were evaluated, 54% of whom had associated malformations (13% cardiac, 41% extracardiac, and 13% both). Seventeen patients of 53 underwent surgery for extracardiac malformations, with gastrointestinal malformations prevailing. The largest number of DS babies were born from mothers under 30 years of age; this is attributed to the largest birth rate and the least prevention at this age. Mothers older than 38 years gave birth to DS babies with the lowest rate of associated malformations. CONCLUSION The role of the pediatric surgeon in multidisciplinary assistance for DS patients is stressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aquino
- Cattedra di Chirurgia Pediatrica and the Istituto di Genetica Medica, Università G.D'Annuzio di Pescara, Italy
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