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Zenunaj G, Baldazzi G, Acciarri P, Gasbarro V, Cosacco AM, Serra R, Traina L. Treatment of true superficial femoral artery aneurysms: the 15-year experience of a single centre. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2024; 106:425-431. [PMID: 37983018 PMCID: PMC11060849 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0078] [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] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE True superficial femoral artery aneurysms (SFAAs) are rare and traditionally treated by open repair. However, the endovascular approach excluding the aneurysm sac with a covered stent may be an alternative. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the open and endovascular repair of SFAAs. METHODS This is a retrospective, observational, monocentric study. The main endpoints were: technical success, limb salvage and primary patency rate, and hospitalisation time. RESULTS We identified 49 SFAAs in 40 patients; the mean age was 73.3±10.1 years, the mean diameter of SFAAs was 5.41±3.64cm, and 61.2% were symptomatic for ischaemic or compression-related signs. The indication for open repair was given mainly for complex SFAAs involving the distal third of the superficial femoral artery and with an ipsilateral popliteal aneurysm. Among the 36 open-repair patients, 33 underwent ligation and revascularisation via bypass or graft interposition, and 3 patients underwent simple ligation without revascularisation. The endovascular approach was adopted mainly for aneurysms located in the medial third of the SFAA, which underwent covered stenting in 12 patients and coil embolisation in 1 patient. The technical success was 100% in all cases. There were no statistical differences in terms of primary patency and limb salvage rate between groups at two and four years. The mean hospitalisation time was 10±4 and 3±1 days after open and endovascular treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The endovascular approach may be a valid alternative for isolating SFAAs offering good results and shorter hospitalisation. Open repair remains a valid approach, particularly in complex aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zenunaj
- University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - R Serra
- Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Italy
| | - L Traina
- University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
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Gatel C, Serra R, Gruel K, Masseboeuf A, Chapuis L, Cours R, Zhang L, Warot-Fonrose B, Hÿtch MJ. Extended Charge Layers in Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Nanocapacitors Revealed by Operando Electron Holography. Phys Rev Lett 2022; 129:137701. [PMID: 36206432 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.137701] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor is one of the fundamental electrical components used in integrated circuits. While much effort is currently being made to integrate new dielectric or ferroelectric materials, capacitors of silicon dioxide on silicon remain the most prevalent. It is perhaps surprising therefore that the electric field within such a capacitor has never been measured, or mapped out, at the nanoscale. Here we present results from operando electron holography experiments showing the electric potential across a working MOS nanocapacitor with unprecedented sensitivity and reveal unexpected charging of the dielectric material bordering the electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gatel
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - R Serra
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - K Gruel
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - A Masseboeuf
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - L Chapuis
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - R Cours
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - L Zhang
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - B Warot-Fonrose
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
| | - M J Hÿtch
- CEMES, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
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Alves CFA, Serra R, Bayat R, Ferreira F, Cavaleiro A, Carvalho S. Synergetic effect of thickness and oxygen addition on the electrochemical behaviour of tantalum oxide coatings deposited by HiPIMS in DOMS mode. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Serra R, Ielapi N, Bitonti A, Candido S, Fregola S, Gallo A, Loria A, Muraca L, Raimondo L, Velcean L, Guadagna S, Gallelli L. Efficacy of a Low-Dose Diosmin Therapy on Improving Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.10.007] [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: 10/19/2022]
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Serra R, Coscas F, Angius A, Pinna A. Multiple bilateral retinal astrocytic hamartomas in Usher syndrome. J Fr Ophtalmol 2022; 45:363-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2021.09.017] [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] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Smith S, Serra R, Rowlinson J, Gorelick N, Veal G, Shakesheff K, Brem H, Grundy R, Tyler B, Rahman R. P11.60 Neurosurgical delivery of the poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 inhibitor olaparib from a thermo-responsive biodegradable paste potentiates radiotherapy and prolongs survival. Neuro Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.206] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
There has been considerable interest in repurposing the poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor and purported radiosensitiser olaparib (Lynparza), with a recent dose escalation study of olaparib plus temozolomide in recurrent GBM showing good tolerance. Due to systemic therapy-associated caveats such as dose-limiting toxicities and blood-brain-barrier penetration, here we assess localised post-surgical delivery of olaparib from our previously developed PLGA/PEG thermo-sensitive biodegradable paste.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Metabolic and clonogenic assays were used to assess effects on proliferation and clonal growth upon in vitro glioma exposure to olaparib. Flow cytometry and Annexin V/Propidium iodide were used to determine apoptosis. The 9L high-grade glioma orthotopic allograft model was utilised to assess survival upon intra-cavity olaparib delivery.
RESULTS
Metabolic and clonogenic assays revealed impaired proliferation and clonal growth respectively, upon acute exposure of high-grade glioma cells to olaparib (3–5µM), an effect dramatically potentiated with 3Gy radiation. Flow cytometry of Annexin V+/Propidium iodide+ rodent and human high-grade glioma cells, revealed a significant cell proportion increase at late stage apoptosis when exposed to 2–3µM olaparib and 3Gy radiation (relative to untreated, olaparib alone or radiation alone). A high-grade glioma orthotopic allograft study revealed a significant overall survival benefit of locally-delivered 10% and 20% w/w (drug:polymer ratio) olaparib via PLGA/PEG paste post-surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy, compared to surgery/oral temozolomide/radiotherapy (GBM standard-of-care) and surgery/systemic olaparib (95 vs. 44 vs. 30 days respectively). A more pronounced survival benefit, as measured by number of animals surviving long-term, was observed with combined PLGA/PEG/olaparib/temozolomide/radiotherapy or PLGA/PEG/olaparib/etoposide/radiotherapy, relative to standard-of-care (95 vs. 44 days). Clinical correlation was determined using RNAseq data from 10 GBM patients, showing significantly elevated levels of apoptosis-inducing factor-1 in 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA)+ fluorescence-activated cell sorted populations (i.e. purified tumour cells from the invasive margin), relative to 5ALA- cells, confirming PARP-1 activity in infiltrative tumour cells.
CONCLUSION
Collectively our data supports a clinical rationale for localised olaparib delivery with adjuvant radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Smith
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - R Serra
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - J Rowlinson
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - N Gorelick
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - G Veal
- Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - K Shakesheff
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - H Brem
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - R Grundy
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - B Tyler
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - R Rahman
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Baroni M, Serra R, Boccardi V, Ercolani S, Zengarini E, Casucci P, Valecchi R, Rinonapoli G, Caraffa A, Mecocci P, Ruggiero C. The orthogeriatric comanagement improves clinical outcomes of hip fracture in older adults. Osteoporos Int 2019; 30:907-916. [PMID: 30715561 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-019-04858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Treatment of older adults with hip fracture is a healthcare challenge. Orthogeriatric comanagement that is an integrated model of care with shared responsibility improves time to surgery and reduces the length of hospital stay and mortality compared with orthopedic care with geriatric consultation service and usual orthopedic care, respectively. INTRODUCTION Treatment of fractures in older adults is a clinical challenge due partly to the presence of comorbidity and polypharmacy. The goal of orthogeriatric models of care is to improve clinical outcomes among older people with hip fractures. We compare clinical outcomes of persons with hip fracture cared according to orthogeriatric comanagement (OGC), orthopedic team with the support of a geriatric consultant service (GCS), and usual orthopedic care (UOC). METHODS This is a single-center, pre-post intervention observational study with two parallel arms, OGC and GCS, and a retrospective control arm. Hip fracture patients admitted to the trauma ward were assigned by the orthopedic surgeon to the OGC (n = 112) or GCS (n = 108) group. The intervention groups were compared each with others and both with the retrospective control group (n = 210) of older adults with hip fracture. Several clinical indicators are considered, including time to surgery, length of stay, in-hospital, and 1-year mortality. RESULTS Patients in the OGC (OR 2.62; CI 95% 1.40-4.91) but not those in the GCS (OR 0.74; CI 95% 0.38-1.47) showed a higher probability of undergoing surgery within 48 h compared with those in the UOC. Moreover, the OGC (β, - 1.08; SE, 0.54, p = 0.045) but not the GCS (β, - 0.79; SE, 0.53, p = 0.148) was inversely associated with LOS. Ultimately, patients in the OGC (OR 0.31; CI 95 % 0.10-0.96) but not those in the GCS (OR 0.37; CI 95% 0.10-1.38) experienced a significantly lower 1-year mortality rate compared with those in the UOC. All analyses were independent of several confounders. CONCLUSIONS Older adults with hip fracture taken in care by the OGC showed better clinical indicators, including time to surgery, length of stay and mortality, than those managed by geriatric consultant service or usual orthopedic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Baroni
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - R Serra
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - V Boccardi
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - S Ercolani
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - E Zengarini
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - P Casucci
- Regional Direction for Health and Welfare Umbria Region, Perugia, Italy
| | - R Valecchi
- Medical Direction, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G Rinonapoli
- Orthopedic and Traumatologic Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Caraffa
- Orthopedic and Traumatologic Unit, Department of Surgery, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - P Mecocci
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - C Ruggiero
- Orthogeriatric Service, Geriatric Unit, Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy.
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Alvarez-Garcia J, Serra R, Ferrero-Gregori A, Cinca J, Garcia-Moll X. P868Long-term follow-up of patients with refractory angina treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx501.p868] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Chavez RD, Coricor G, Perez J, Seo HS, Serra R. SOX9 protein is stabilized by TGF-β and regulates PAPSS2 mRNA expression in chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017; 25:332-340. [PMID: 27746378 PMCID: PMC5258840 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously identified 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate synthase 2 (PAPSS2) as a transcriptional target of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in chondrocytes. PAPSS2 is required for proper sulfation of proteoglycans in cartilage. Defective sulfation in the matrix results in alterations in mechanical properties of the cartilage that would be expected to result in degeneration. The objective of this study was to identify factors that regulate PAPSS2 expression and compare to a known TGF-β responsive gene, proteoglycan 4/lubricin (PRG4). In this study, TGF-β-mediated regulation of SOX9 was characterized, and the involvement of SOX9 in regulation of PAPSS2 mRNA was investigated. DESIGN Primary bovine articular chondrocytes grown in micromass culture and ATDC5 cells were used as the model system. Adenoviruses were used to express SOX9 and SMAD3. siRNA was used to knock-down Sox9 and Smad3. Western blot and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) were used to measure changes in protein and mRNA levels in response to treatment. RESULTS Over-expression of SOX9 was sufficient to up-regulate PAPSS2 mRNA. TGF-β treatment of SOX9-expressing cells resulted in enhanced up-regulation of PAPSS2 mRNA, suggesting that SOX9 cooperates with TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, Sox9 was required for full TGF-β-mediated induction of Papss2. In contrast, PRG4 was regulated by SMAD3 but not SOX9. SOX9 protein levels were increased after treatment with TGF-β, although SOX9 mRNA was not. SOX9 protein was post-translationally stabilized after treatment with TGF-β. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β stabilizes SOX9 protein, and SOX9 is sufficient and necessary for TGF-β-mediated regulation of PAPSS2 mRNA, providing a novel mechanism for TGF-β-mediated gene regulation in chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - R Serra
- corresponding author. Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., 660 MCLM, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0005
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Serra R, Gallelli L, Perri P, De Francesco E, Rigiracciolo D, Mastroroberto P, Maggiolini M, de Franciscis S. Estrogen Receptors and Chronic Venous Disease. J Vasc Surg 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2016.05.054] [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: 10/21/2022]
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Serra R, Gallelli L, Perri P, De Francesco E, Rigiracciolo D, Mastroroberto P, Maggiolini M, de Franciscis S. Estrogen Receptors and Chronic Venous Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2016; 52:114-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2016.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Ditommaso S, Biasin C, Giacomuzzi M, Zotti CM, Arione R, Guglielmi E, Barbaro S, Di Leo A, Serra R, Marchiaro G, Ruggenini Moiraghi A. Colonization of a Water System by Legionella Organisms and Nosocomial Legionellosis: A 5-Year Report From a Large Italian Hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016; 27:532-5. [PMID: 16671043 DOI: 10.1086/504454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Carati D, Zizza A, Guido M, Donno AD, Stefanizzi R, Serra R, Romano I, Ouedraogo C, Megha M, Tinelli A. Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of differential treatment to prevent and treat vaginal dryness and vulvovaginitis in diabetic women. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2016. [DOI: 10.12891/ceog3078.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/01/2022]
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Carati D, Zizza A, Guido M, De Donno A, Stefanizzi R, Serra R, Romano I, Ouedraogo C, Megha M, Tinelli A. Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of differential treatment to prevent and treat vaginal dryness and vulvovaginitis in diabetic women. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2016; 43:198-202. [PMID: 27132409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problems affecting the vaginal tract in diabetic women are very often neglected. The efficacy and safety of three gynecological treatments in diabetic women have been assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-blind randomized progressive trial on 48 diabetic women affected by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and recurrent Candida infections was carried out. The ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire was administered. RESULTS The analysis of the parameters of ICIQ-VS questionnaire among the three groups showed significant difference only for "dragging pain" (p = 0.0 19) and "soreness" (p = 0.028). In all groups and for all parameters of the questionnaire, improvement of symptoms was observed. In particular, in Group 1 for all symptoms a highly significant difference was observed, to support the already known benefits of the products and of the proposed combination. Significant improvement was also observed in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS The proposed treatment with DermoXEN® Ultracalming Special for diabetics and DermoXEN® Vitexyl vaginal gel exert effective moisturizing and soothing action. Indeed, the aforementioned products have been proven effective for the main gynecological problems of diabetic women.
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Serra R, Saavedra F, Jotta B, Novaes J, Dias M, Souza C, Simão R. Exercícios Resistidos para o Bem Estar e Saúde: Benefícios, Frequência Semanal e Aderência aos Programas. Rev UNIANDRADE 2015. [DOI: 10.18024/1519-5694/revuniandrade.v16n3p144-152] [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: 11/03/2022] Open
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Amato B, Serra R, Fappiano F, Rossi R, Danzi M, Milone M, Quarto G, Benassai G, Bianco T, Amato M, Furino E, Compagna R. Surgical complications of carotid body tumors surgery: a review. INT ANGIOL 2015; 34:15-22. [PMID: 26498887] [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: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neoplasm, although it represents about 65% of head and neck paragangliomas. Surgical excision is considered the appropriate therapy for CBTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes on a large scale. We reviewed 19 studies between 2004 to 2014 with a total of 625 procedures. We observed a higher number of cases in women (62%). Only 3 (0,48%) deaths were reported as surgical complication. Total cranial nerve injuries were 302 (48,32%) of which 194 (31,04%) were transient and 108 (17,28%) were permanent. We found a total of 174 (27,84%) arterial injuries, most of which are external carotid artery (ECA) injuries. Cerebrovascular accident due to surgery were 15 (2,4%). We concluded that surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for these disease despite the related morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Amato
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy -
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Villani M, Roli A, Filisetti A, Fiorucci M, Poli I, Serra R. The Search for Candidate Relevant Subsets of Variables in Complex Systems. Artif Life 2015; 21:412-431. [PMID: 26545160 DOI: 10.1162/artl_a_00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe a method to identify relevant subsets of variables, useful to understand the organization of a dynamical system. The variables belonging to a relevant subset should have a strong integration with the other variables of the same relevant subset, and a much weaker interaction with the other system variables. On this basis, extending previous work on neural networks, an information-theoretic measure, the dynamical cluster index, is introduced in order to identify good candidate relevant subsets. The method does not require any previous knowledge of the relationships among the system variables, but relies on observations of their values over time. We show its usefulness in several application domains, including: (i) random Boolean networks, where the whole network is made of different subnetworks with different topological relationships (independent or interacting subnetworks); (ii) leader-follower dynamics, subject to noise and fluctuations; (iii) catalytic reaction networks in a flow reactor; (iv) the MAPK signaling pathway in eukaryotes. The validity of the method has been tested in cases where the data are generated by a known dynamical model and the dynamical cluster index is applied in order to uncover significant aspects of its organization; however, it is important that it can also be applied to time series coming from field data without any reference to a model. Given that it is based on relative frequencies of sets of values, the method could be applied also to cases where the data are not ordered in time. Several indications to improve the scope and effectiveness of the dynamical cluster index to analyze the organization of complex systems are finally given.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villani
- European Centre for Living Technology and University of Modena e Reggio Emilia
| | | | | | - M Fiorucci
- European Centre for Living Technology and Ca' Foscari University of Venice
| | - I Poli
- European Centre for Living Technology and Ca' Foscari University of Venice
| | - R Serra
- European Centre for Living Technology and University of Modena e Reggio Emilia
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Traversa A, Gariano GR, Gallina S, Bianchi DM, Orusa R, Domenis L, Cavallerio P, Fossati L, Serra R, Decastelli L. Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from food and wild animal carcasses in Italy. Food Microbiol 2015; 52:154-8. [PMID: 26338130 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 in food-producing animals, both livestock and wildlife, and derived products, are considered potential sources of MRSA in humans. There is a paucity of data on MRSA in foods in Italy, and the data regarding wild animals are particularly scarce. A total of 2162 food samples collected during official monitoring activities in 2008 were analyzed for the detection of S. aureus. Also, samples from 1365 wild animals collected by the National Reference Center for Wild Animal Diseases in 2003-2009 were subjected to anatomopathological examination. S. aureus isolates were processed for phenotypic and molecular methicillin resistance determinations. S. aureus was found in 2.0% of wild animal carcasses and in 3.2% of wild boar lymph nodes: none showed methicillin resistance. The prevalence of S. aureus in food was 17.1%. Two MRSA strains, both from bulk tank milk (prevalence 0.77%) were isolated: the strains were resistant to tetracycline, had spa-type t899, and were negative for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene. The low prevalence of MRSA suggests that the risk of transmission to humans via food is limited. However, attention should be paid to the cattle food chain, which may be a potential route of transmission of LA-MRSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Traversa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per gli stafilococchi coagulasi positivi compreso S. aureus, S.C. Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy.
| | - G R Gariano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per gli stafilococchi coagulasi positivi compreso S. aureus, S.C. Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - S Gallina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per gli stafilococchi coagulasi positivi compreso S. aureus, S.C. Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - D M Bianchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per gli stafilococchi coagulasi positivi compreso S. aureus, S.C. Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - R Orusa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici, S.C. Valle d'Aosta, Regione Amerique 7G, 11020 Quart, Aosta, Italy
| | - L Domenis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici, S.C. Valle d'Aosta, Regione Amerique 7G, 11020 Quart, Aosta, Italy
| | - P Cavallerio
- AOU San Giovanni Battista, Laboratorio di Microbiologia, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - L Fossati
- AOU San Giovanni Battista, Laboratorio di Microbiologia, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - R Serra
- AOU San Giovanni Battista, Laboratorio di Microbiologia, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - L Decastelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy; Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per gli stafilococchi coagulasi positivi compreso S. aureus, S.C. Controllo Alimenti e Igiene delle Produzioni, via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy
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Branca M, Pelletier F, Cottin B, Ciuculescu D, Lin CC, Serra R, Mattei JG, Casanove MJ, Tan R, Respaud M, Amiens C. Design of FeBi nanoparticles for imaging applications. Faraday Discuss 2015; 175:97-111. [PMID: 25271897 DOI: 10.1039/c4fd00105b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A variety of imaging technologies are now routinely used in the medical field, their use being continuously enlarged through the development of contrast agents. Recently nanoparticles (NPs) proved efficient to improve imaging in vivo by increasing contrast and targeting capabilities. The current trend is now focused on the development of dual contrast agents combining two or more functionalities on the same NP. Motivated by this new challenge we developed FeBi NPs as new nanomaterials with potential application as a contrast agent for MRI and CT imaging. In addition to the well-known use of iron in the development MRI contrast agents, we chose Bi as a CT imaging agent rather than the more documented gold, because it possesses a larger X-ray attenuation coefficient and is much less expensive. Two sets of NPs, with sizes around 150 nm and 14 nm, were synthesized using organometallic approaches. In both cases, the NPs are spherical, and contain distinct domains of Fe and Bi, with the surface being enriched with Fe, and a hydrophobic coating. This coating differs from one sample to the other: the surfaces of the 150 nm large NPs are coated by amine ligands, while those of the 14 nm large NPs are coated by a mixture of an amine and its hydrochloride salt. Exchange of the surface ligands to afford water soluble NPs has been attempted. We show that only the larger NPs could be functionalized with water soluble ligands, which is in agreement with the lability of their initial surface coating. Colloidal aqueous solutions of FeBi NPs with glycoPEG ligands have been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Branca
- CNRS, LCC (Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination), 205, route de Narbonne, F-31077 Toulouse, France.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluids and drugs formulated for intravenous infusion may potentially promote the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections. The aim of this study is to test the sterility of sclerosing foam. METHODS Polidocanol was used for the production of the foam. The Tessari method was used in order to generate the foam. The preparation was carried out both in the operating theater and in an outpatient room. A validation test with microorganisms was also performed. RESULTS The measurements showed no evident growth of microorganisms and in the validation tests the foam appeared to even display bacteriostatic and/or bactericide properties. CONCLUSIONS Sclerosing foam seems to be safe from a microbiological point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- S de Franciscis
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cga Nobile
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - E Larosa
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - R Montemurro
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - R Serra
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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21
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Festuccia M, Giaccone L, Gay F, Brunello L, Maffini E, Ferrando F, Talamo E, Boccadoro M, Serra R, Barbui A, Bruno B. Trichoderma species fungemia after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report. Transpl Infect Dis 2014; 16:653-7. [PMID: 24920096 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We present a case of Trichoderma fungemia with pulmonary involvement in a multiple myeloma patient, who was severely immunocompromised and heavily treated with high-dose melphalan, and underwent autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of proven Trichoderma fungemia, defined by published criteria, successfully treated with voriconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Festuccia
- Division of Hematology of the University of Torino, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Molecolari e Scienze per la Salute, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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22
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Tona F, Serra R, Di Ascenzo L, Osto E, Scarda A, Fabris R, Montisci R, Famoso G, Tellatin S, Foletto M, Giovagnoni A, Iliceto S, Vettor R. Systemic inflammation is related to coronary microvascular dysfunction in obese patients without obstructive coronary disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2014; 24:447-453. [PMID: 24548662 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2013.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Obesity, systemic inflammation and changes in the heart functions are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate coronary microvascular dysfunction as an early marker of atherosclerosis in obese patients without any evidence of cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS 86 obese subjects (aged 44 ± 12 years, body mass index (BMI) 41 ± 8 kg m(-2)), without evidence of heart disease, and 48 lean controls were studied using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography for detecting coronary flow reserve (CFR). A value of CFR ≤ 2.5 was considered abnormal. We measured interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin in all patients. Patients with abnormal CFR underwent coronary multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in order to exclude an epicardial stenosis. CFR in obese subjects was lower than in lean subjects (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7, p = 0.02) and was abnormal in 27 (31%) obese patients and in one (2%) control (p < 0.0001). All subjects with abnormal CFR showed no coronary stenosis at MSCT. At multivariable analysis, IL-6 and TNF-α were the only determinants of CFR (p < 0.02 and p < 0.02, respectively). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, IL-6 and TNF-α were the only determinants of CFR ≤ 2.5 (p < 0.03 and p < 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS CFR is often reduced in obese subjects without clinical evidence of heart disease, suggesting a coronary microvascular impairment. This microvascular dysfunction seems to be related to a chronic inflammation mediated by adipocytokines. Our findings may explain the increased cardiovascular risk in obesity, independently of BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tona
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - R Serra
- Internal Medicine 3, Center for the Study and Integrated Treatment of the Obesity, Bariatric Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - L Di Ascenzo
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - E Osto
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Scarda
- Internal Medicine 3, Center for the Study and Integrated Treatment of the Obesity, Bariatric Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - R Fabris
- Internal Medicine 3, Center for the Study and Integrated Treatment of the Obesity, Bariatric Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - R Montisci
- Department of Cardiological and Neurological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Famoso
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - S Tellatin
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Foletto
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, 1st Surgical Clinic, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - A Giovagnoni
- Department of Radiology, Abano Terme Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - S Iliceto
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - R Vettor
- Internal Medicine 3, Center for the Study and Integrated Treatment of the Obesity, Bariatric Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Grenier A, Duguay S, Barnes J, Serra R, Haberfehlner G, Cooper D, Bertin F, Barraud S, Audoit G, Arnoldi L, Cadel E, Chabli A, Vurpillot F. 3D analysis of advanced nano-devices using electron and atom probe tomography. Ultramicroscopy 2014; 136:185-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Grenier A, Duguay S, Barnes JP, Serra R, Haberfehlner G, Cooper D, Bertin F, Barraud S, Audoit G, Arnoldi L, Cadel E, Chabli A, Vurpillot F. 3D analysis of advanced nano-devices using electron and atom probe tomography. Ultramicroscopy 2014. [PMID: 24189616 DOI: 10.1016/i.ultramic.2013.10.001] [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] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The structural and chemical properties of advanced nano-devices with a three-dimensional (3D) architecture have been studied at the nanometre scale. An original method has been used to characterize gate-all-around and tri-gate silicon nanowire transistor by combining electron tomography and atom probe tomography (APT). Results show that electron tomography is a well suited method to determine the morphological structure and the dimension variations of devices provided that the atomic number contrast is sufficient but without an absolute chemical identification. APT can map the 3D chemical distribution of the atoms in devices but suffers from strong distortions in the dimensions of the reconstructed volume. These may be corrected using a simple method based on atomic density correction and electron tomography data. Moreover, this combination is particularly useful in helping to understand the evaporation mechanisms and improve APT reconstructions. This paper demonstrated that a full 3D characterization of nano-devices requires the combination of both tomography techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Grenier
- CEA, LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
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Serra R, Prenni V, Baroni M, Loiacono C, Radicchi R, Gaggi L, Ercolani S, Rinonapoli G, Caraffa A, Mecocci P, Ruggiero C. The orthogeriatric comanagement improves clinical outcomes compared with consultant geriatric service and traditional model. Eur Geriatr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2013.07.161] [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: 11/29/2022]
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Amato B, Compagna R, Gasbarro V, Serra R, de Franciscis S. Great Saphenous Vein and Leiomyosarcoma. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Bleuet P, Audoit G, Barnes JP, Bertheau J, Dabin Y, Dansas H, Fabbri JM, Florin B, Gergaud P, Grenier A, Haberfehlner G, Lay E, Laurencin J, Serra R, Villanova J. Specifications for hard condensed matter specimens for three-dimensional high-resolution tomographies. Microsc Microanal 2013; 19:726-739. [PMID: 23575375 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927613000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Tomography is a standard and invaluable technique that covers a large range of length scales. It gives access to the inner morphology of specimens and to the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of physical quantities such as elemental composition, crystalline phases, oxidation state, or strain. These data are necessary to determine the effective properties of investigated heterogeneous media. However, each tomographic technique relies on severe sampling conditions and physical principles that require the sample to be adequately shaped. For that purpose, a wide range of sample preparation techniques is used, including mechanical machining, polishing, sawing, ion milling, or chemical techniques. Here, we focus on the basics of tomography that justify such advanced sample preparation, before reviewing and illustrating the main techniques. Performances and limits are highlighted, and we identify the best preparation technique for a particular tomographic scale and application. The targeted tomography techniques include hard X-ray micro- and nanotomography, electron nanotomography, and atom probe tomography. The article mainly focuses on hard condensed matter, including porous materials, alloys, and microelectronics applications, but also includes, to a lesser extent, biological considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bleuet
- CEA, LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
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Chaparro A, Sanz A, Quintero A, Inostroza C, Ramirez V, Carrion F, Figueroa F, Serra R, Illanes SE. Increased inflammatory biomarkers in early pregnancy is associated with the development of pre-eclampsia in patients with periodontitis: a case control study. J Periodontal Res 2012; 48:302-7. [PMID: 23035752 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM(S) To explore the relationship between biomarkers of systemic inflammation in plasma and gingival crevicular fluid in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of pre-eclampsia in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case-control study was performed. From a cohort composed of 126 pregnant women, 43 normotensive healthy pregnant women were randomly selected, and 11 cases of preeclampsia were identified. Plasmatic and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected in early pregnancy (11-14 wk gestation). The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in the plasma and GCF samples, whereas the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in plasma samples. Biomarkers were determined by ELISA assays. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the association between variables was estimated through logistic regression models. RESULTS There was observed an association between pre-eclampsia and plasmatic levels of CRP (OR: 1.07; p = 0.003). Additionally, pre-eclampsia also was associated with IL-6 levels in GCF samples in early pregnancy (OR: 1.05; p = 0.039). A multiple logistic regression model suggests that increased levels of IL-6 in GCF (OR = 1.06; p = 0.02; CI 95% 1.007-1.117) in early pregnancy increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSION(S) Pregnant women with periodontitis who later development pre-eclampsia, shows increased levels of IL-6 in GCF and CRP in plasma during early pregnancy. Periodontal disease could contribute to systemic inflammation in early pregnancy via a local increase of IL-6 and the systemic elevation of CRP. Therefore, both inflammatory markers could be involved in the relationship between periodontal disease and pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chaparro
- Department of Periodontology, Dentistry Faculty, Universidad de Andes, Santiago, Chile
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D'Errico M, De Tullio G, Di Gioacchino M, Lovreglio P, Basso A, Drago I, Serra R, Apostoli P, Vacca A, Soleo L. Immune Effects and Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Smoking and Alcohol. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:1041-54. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) have been shown to exert some immune effects. Here we analysed their effects also on immune parameters not previously studied such as TCR α-β, TCR γ-δ and regulatory T cells (Treg), taking into account the specific and cumulative interference of smoking and alcohol. The study subjects consisted of 26 male workers in a steelworks factory, employed in the electrical maintenance sector, with previous exposure to a mixture of PCB (exposed subjects), and 30 male workers with no occupational exposure to PCB (controls). All subjects were given a questionnaire and peripheral venous blood samples were taken to determine serum PCB (33 congeners), total cholesterol and triglycerides, leukocytes, total lymphocytes and the T lymphocyte subpopulations (TCR α-β, TCRγ-δ, CD4+ and Treg lymphocytes). PCB, even though at a very low concentration, were significantly higher in exposed subjects than controls, and were significantly correlated with age. Monocytes% and CD4+ were significantly reduced in the exposed subjects as compared to the controls. The serum concentration of PCB positively correlated with TCR α-β, and negatively with TCRγ-δ. Treg lymphocytes showed a positive dependence on tobacco smoking, while the monocytes% and CD4+ showed a negative and positive dependence, respectively, on alcohol intake. Our results seem to show some effects of slight exposure to PCB in particular reducing the relative concentration of TCRγ-δ. This effect can favour indirectly the increase in Treg induced by smoking, the anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory/fibrogenetic/angiogenetic effect of which, exerted by produced cytokines, particularly TGF-β, deserves further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.N. D'Errico
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - G. De Tullio
- U.O. di Allergologia e Immunologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - M. Di Gioacchino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - P. Lovreglio
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - A. Basso
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - I. Drago
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - R. Serra
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - P. Apostoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale ed Applicata, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro ed Igiene Industriale, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A. Vacca
- U.O. di Allergologia e Immunologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - L. Soleo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E. C. Vigliani”, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Sisto A, D'Ancona F, Meledandri M, Pantosti A, Rossolini GM, Raglio A, Serra R, Dematte L, Aiello E, Goglio A. Carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae from Micronet network hospitals, Italy, 2009 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2012; 17:20247. [PMID: 22913976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has recently been reported as a new, multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in several hospitals from various Italian regions. Through Micronet, a new Italian sentinel laboratory-based surveillance network, we studied the trend of non-susceptibility of K. pneumoniae to selected carbapenems (imipenem and/or meropenem) in 14 of the 15 hospitals participating in the network. Analysis of data from 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2012 revealed a statistically significant increasing trend (p<0.01) in the proportion of carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens (from 2.2 % in 2009 to 19.4% in 2012). The increase in the proportion of non-susceptibility was very large for isolates from the respiratory tract (from 5.3% in 2009 to 38.5% in 2012) and blood (from 5.4% in 2009 to 29.2% in 2012). The results demonstrate the urgent need in Italy for infection control, guidelines, antibiotic stewardship programmes and utilisation of surveillance systems, such as Micronet, which are capable of receiving data from hospitals in real time for many pathogens and types of clinical specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sisto
- CINECA - Consortium of universities, Bologna, Italy
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Sisto A, D'Ancona F, Meledandri M, Pantosti A, Rossolini GM, Raglio A, Serra R, Dematte L, Aiello E, Goglio A, Micronet network participants C. Carbapenem non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae from Micronet network hospitals, Italy, 2009 to 2012. Euro Surveill 2012. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.17.33.20247-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has recently been reported as a new, multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen in several hospitals from various Italian regions. Through Micronet, a new Italian sentinel laboratory-based surveillance network, we studied the trend of non-susceptibility of K. pneumoniae to selected carbapenems (imipenem and/or meropenem) in 14 of the 15 hospitals participating in the network. Analysis of data from 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2012 revealed a statistically significant increasing trend (p<0.01) in the proportion of carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens (from 2.2 % in 2009 to 19.4% in 2012). The increase in the proportion of non-susceptibility was very large for isolates from the respiratory tract (from 5.3% in 2009 to 38.5% in 2012) and blood (from 5.4% in 2009 to 29.2% in 2012). The results demonstrate the urgent need in Italy for infection control, guidelines, antibiotic stewardship programmes and utilisation of surveillance systems, such as Micronet, which are capable of receiving data from hospitals in real time for many pathogens and types of clinical specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sisto
- CINECA – Consortium of universities, Bologna, Italy
| | - F D'Ancona
- Istituto Superiore Sanità (Italian National Public Health Institute), Rome, Italy
| | - M Meledandri
- Azienda Complessa Ospedaliera San Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy
| | - A Pantosti
- Istituto Superiore Sanità (Italian National Public Health Institute), Rome, Italy
| | - G M Rossolini
- University of Sienna, Department of Biotechnologies, Section of Microbiology, and Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sienna University Hospital, Sienna, Italy
| | - A Raglio
- Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - R Serra
- Azienda Ospedaliera S. Giovanni Battista ‘Le Molinette’, Turin, Italy
| | - L Dematte
- CINECA – Consortium of universities, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Aiello
- CINECA – Consortium of universities, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Goglio
- Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Gonçalves A, Igrejas G, Radhouani H, Estepa V, Alcaide E, Zorrilla I, Serra R, Torres C, Poeta P. Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates in faecal samples of Iberian lynx. Lett Appl Microbiol 2011; 54:73-7. [PMID: 22044404 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2011.03173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize the diversity of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolates recovered within the faecal microbiota of Iberian lynx. The identification of other associated resistance genes and the analysis of clonal relationship were also focused in this study. METHODS AND RESULTS From 2008 to 2010, 128 faecal samples of Iberian lynx (wild and captive animals) were collected. Eleven tested samples contained cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates (all belonging to captive animals) and 10 ESBL-producing isolates were showed. CTX-M-14 and SHV-12 ESBL-types were detected and seven different patterns were identified by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of unrelated multiresistant E. coli in faecal flora of captive specimens of Iberian lynx, including the presence of ESBLs, resistant genes in integrons and virulence determinants was showed in this study. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results obtained in this study highlight the environmental problem as future reintroductions of Iberian lynx could lead to a spread of resistant bacteria. Additionally, ESBL-producing bacteria can represent a health problem for this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gonçalves
- Center of Genomics and Biotechnology/Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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De Rosa FG, Pagani N, Fossati L, Raviolo S, Cometto C, Cavallerio P, Parlato C, Guglielmi E, Serra R, Di Perri G. The effect of inappropriate therapy on bacteremia by ESBL-producing bacteria. Infection 2011; 39:555-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-011-0201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Illanes S, Gomez R, Fornes R, Figueroa-Diesel H, Schepeler M, Searovic P, Serra R, Perez A, Nien JK. Free fetal DNA levels in patients at risk of preterm labour. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:1082-5. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Gomez
- Center for Perinatal Diagnosis, CEDIP; Complejo Asistencial Dr Sótero del Río; Chile
| | - R. Fornes
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Universidad de los Andes; San Carlos de Apoquindo; Santiago; Chile
| | | | | | - P. Searovic
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Universidad de los Andes; San Carlos de Apoquindo; Santiago; Chile
| | - R. Serra
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Universidad de los Andes; San Carlos de Apoquindo; Santiago; Chile
| | - A. Perez
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Universidad de los Andes; San Carlos de Apoquindo; Santiago; Chile
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Collette BB, Carpenter KE, Polidoro BA, Juan-Jordá MJ, Boustany A, Die DJ, Elfes C, Fox W, Graves J, Harrison LR, McManus R, Minte-Vera CV, Nelson R, Restrepo V, Schratwieser J, Sun CL, Amorim A, Brick Peres M, Canales C, Cardenas G, Chang SK, Chiang WC, de Oliveira Leite N, Harwell H, Lessa R, Fredou FL, Oxenford HA, Serra R, Shao KT, Sumaila R, Wang SP, Watson R, Yáñez E. High Value and Long Life—Double Jeopardy for Tunas and Billfishes. Science 2011; 333:291-2. [PMID: 21737699 DOI: 10.1126/science.1208730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B B Collette
- National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA.
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Busca A, Cavecchia I, Locatelli F, D'Ardia S, De Rosa F, Marmont F, Ciccone G, Baldi I, Serra R, Gaido E, Falda M. Blood stream infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single-center experience with the use of levofloxacin prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011; 14:40-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00650.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Kinumatsu T, Shibukawa Y, Yasuda T, Nagayama M, Yamada S, Serra R, Pacifici M, Koyama E. TMJ development and growth require primary cilia function. J Dent Res 2011; 90:988-94. [PMID: 21566205 DOI: 10.1177/0022034511409407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia regulate limb and axial skeletal formation and hedgehog signaling, but their roles in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development are unknown. Thus, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in ciliary transport protein Kif3a in cartilage. In post-natal wild-type mice, primary cilia were occasionally observed on the superior, inferior, or lateral side of condylar cells. Cilia were barely detectable in mutant chondrocytes but were evident in surrounding tissues, attesting to the specificity of chondrocyte Kif3a ablation. Mutant condyles from 3-month-old mice were narrow and flat along their antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes, were often fused with the articular disc, and displayed an irregular bony surface. The polymorphic layer in P15 mutants contained fewer Sox9-expressing chondroprogenitor cells because of reduced mitotic activity, and newly differentiated chondrocytes underwent precocious hypertrophic enlargement accompanied by early activation of Indian hedgehog (Ihh). Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by local expression of the hedgehog receptor Patched-1 and up-regulation of Osterix and Collagen I. In summary, Kif3a and primary cilia are required for coordination of chondrocyte maturation, intramembranous bone formation, and chondrogenic condylar growth. Defects in these processes in Kif3a condylar cartilage are likely to reflect abnormal hedgehog signaling topography and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kinumatsu
- Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Abramson Research Center, 902 Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abstract
Despite myriads of possible gene expression profiles, cells tend to be found in a confined number of expression patterns. The dynamics of Boolean models of gene regulatory networks has proven to be a likely candidate for the description of such self-organisation phenomena. Because cells do not live in isolation, but they constantly shape their functions to adapt to signals from other cells, this raises the question of whether the cooperation among cells entails an expansion or a reduction of their possible steady states. Multi random Boolean networks are introduced here as a model for interaction among cells that might be suitable for the investigation of some generic properties regarding the influence of communication on the diversity of cell behaviours. In spite of its simplicity, the model exhibits a non-obvious phenomenon according to which a moderate exchange of products among adjacent cells fosters the variety of their possible behaviours, which on the other hand are more similar to one another. On the contrary, a more invasive coupling would lead cells towards homogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Damiani
- Department of Social, Cognitive and Quantitative Sciences, Modena and Reggio Emilia University, Reggio Emilia, Italia.
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Graudenzi A, Serra R, Villani M, Colacci A, Kauffman S. Robustness Analysis of a Boolean Model of Gene Regulatory Network with Memory. J Comput Biol 2011; 18:559-77. [DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2010.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Graudenzi
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - R. Serra
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
- Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - M. Villani
- European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), University Ca’ Foscari of Venice, Venice, Italy
- Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - A. Colacci
- Excellence Environmental Carcinogenesis, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S.A. Kauffman
- UVM's Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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Basso A, Lovreglio P, D'Errico MN, Panuzzo L, Ferrara F, Lepera A, Serra R, Milano V, Nesta D, Soleo L. [The role of the occupational physician in the assessment of accident risk]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2010; 32:374-378. [PMID: 21438303] [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: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The prevention of accidents at work in Italy is a target still to be reached for the safety of workers in workplaces, despite the innovative provisions introduced by the Legislative Decree 81/08 and the decrease of the number of total and fatal accidents occurred in the period 2001-2008, as reported in the statistics of the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL). The occupational physician performs a very important role in the accident risk assessment, based on his biomedical and ergonomic knowledge. His role is carried out during the phase of safety risk assessment, contributing to assess plants, machines, tools, personal protective equipments, to be used by the workers. His knowledge of the health status of workers, acquired by medical surveillance and aimed to prevent accidents by providing the fitness for work evaluation in relation to the presence of diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal diseases, sleep disorders, or to the assumption of hypnotic drugs, when the employee works at height or as driver such as in the transport or construction industry, is not less important. Unfortunately, this latter role of the occupational physician is limited because the Italian Safety Legislation does not provide for the sanitary surveillance of all the workers employed in factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Basso
- Università di Bari Aldo Moro, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro E.C. Vigliani, Bari, Italy
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Botta G, Baldoni G, Serra R, de Franciscis S. The phlebological surgery in elderly patients. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290302 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-l6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Serra R, Villani M, Barbieri A, Kauffman S, Colacci A. On the dynamics of random Boolean networks subject to noise: Attractors, ergodic sets and cell types. J Theor Biol 2010; 265:185-93. [PMID: 20399217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Longo C, Serra R, Mastrangelo D, de Franciscis S. VEG F as a biological marker of the venous disease-associated ulcers natural history in the elderly: preliminary data. BMC Geriatr 2010. [PMCID: PMC3290209 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-10-s1-a64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Schwartzlose RA, Alheit J, Bakun A, Baumgartner TR, Cloete R, Crawford RJM, Fletcher WJ, Green-Ruiz Y, Hagen E, Kawasaki T, Lluch-Belda D, Lluch-Cota SE, MacCall AD, Matsuura Y, Nevárez-Martínez MO, Parrish RH, Roy C, Serra R, Shust KV, Ward MN, Zuzunaga JZ. Worldwide large-scale fluctuations of sardine and anchovy populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.2989/025776199784125962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Illanes S, Parra M, Serra R, Pino K, Figueroa-Diesel H, Romero C, Arraztoa JA, Michea L, Soothill PW. Increased free fetal DNA levels in early pregnancy plasma of women who subsequently develop preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Prenat Diagn 2009; 29:1118-22. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.2372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Irace C, Scavelli F, Carallo C, Serra R, Gnasso A. Plasma and blood viscosity in metabolic syndrome. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 19:476-480. [PMID: 19201176 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and blood and plasma viscosity has been scarcely investigated. In the present study we have evaluated the difference in blood and plasma viscosity between subjects with and without MS, in order to verify whether viscosity measurement can add more information on the overall cardiovascular risk connected with the presence of the MS. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred and sixty nine women and 520 men have been enrolled. Blood and plasma viscosity have been measured with a cone-plate viscometer equipped with a cp-40 spindle. MS has been defined according to the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III. Eighty four women and 154 men fulfilled the criteria for MS. Hematocrit adjusted blood viscosity was higher in subjects with MS compared to those without the syndrome, both in males (shear rate 225 s(-1): 4.60+/-0.38 vs. 4.52+/-0.33 cP, p<0.01) and females (4.57+/-0.28 vs. 4.46+/-0.31 P, p<0.01). Blood viscosity was correlated with all components of MS but glucose, and after adjustment for them the difference between subjects with or without MS was completely abolished. Plasma viscosity was significantly higher only in females with MS. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that blood viscosity is increased in subjects with MS, but the increase seems to depend on the metabolic alterations of the syndrome. The independent contribution of the rise in blood viscosity to the cardiovascular risk connected with the presence of MS seems therefore negligible. The increased plasma viscosity in females with MS needs further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Irace
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica G. Salvatore, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
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Ochiai T, Nagayama M, Nakamura T, Morrison T, Pilchak D, Kondo N, Hasegawa H, Song B, Serra R, Pacifici M, Koyama E. Roles of the primary cilium component Polaris in synchondrosis development. J Dent Res 2009; 88:545-50. [PMID: 19587160 DOI: 10.1177/0022034509337775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia regulate several developmental processes and mediate hedgehog signaling. To study their roles in cranial base development, we created conditional mouse mutants deficient in Polaris, a critical primary cilium component, in cartilage. Mutant post-natal cranial bases were deformed, and their synchondrosis growth plates were disorganized. Expression of Indian hedgehog, Patched-1, collagen X, and MMP-13 was reduced and accompanied by decreases in endochondral bone. Interestingly, there was excessive intramembranous ossification along the perichondrium, accompanied by excessive Patched-1 expression, suggesting that Ihh distribution was wider and responsible for such excessive response. Indeed, expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HS-PGs), normally involved in restricting hedgehog distribution, was barely detectable in mutant synchondroses. Analyses of the data provides further evidence for the essential roles of primary cilia and hedgehog signaling in cranial base development and chondrocyte maturation, and point to a close interdependence between cilia and HS-PGs to delimit targets of hedgehog action in synchondroses.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ochiai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University College of Medicine, 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Room 501, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Fragomeni G, Merola A, Serra R, de Franciscis S, Amato F. A nonlinear lumped parameters model to analyze the dynamics of venous reflux. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2009; 2008:1407-10. [PMID: 19162932 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2008.4649429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to formulate a lumped parameters model of the venous tree of the lower limbs in order to study the effects and the possible clinical treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). CVI is a pathology characterized by an important socio-economic impact due to its relevant prevalence, the costs for its diagnosis and treatment being more frequently widespread among the working population. The planning of haemodynamic surgical operations is critical to treat a pathological pattern of venous blood flow; such planning, in turn, depends on the right analysis of the possible consequences of flow modification. To this regard, the blood flow correction allows to solve the most important venous pathologies, in order to guarantee the restoration of normal blood flow by means of proper modifications of the venous tree. The developed model preserves the geometry of the venous network and considers some non linear resistive and capacitive effects. In fact, the study of the variability of some parameters (i.e. vessel radius) is very important to allow a correct diagnosis of vascular diseases. This variability causes a non linear behaviour of resistance and compliance effects. With the aid of the developed model we evaluate the time profile of blood velocity, flow and pressure in the entire venous network, both in physiological and pathological cases. The obtained results are discussed in comparison with available experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fragomeni
- School of Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Università degli Studi Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Campus Universitario di Germaneto, 88100, ITALY
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