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Genovese G, Maronese CA, Casazza G, Corti L, Venegoni L, Muratori S, Berti E, Fanoni D, Marzano AV. Clinical and serological predictors of relapse in pemphigus: a study of 143 patients. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 47:98-106. [PMID: 34288016 PMCID: PMC9290045 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous disease mediated by autoantibodies targeting epithelial cell-cell adhesion molecules. Predictors of relapse have not yet been clearly identified. AIMS To identify factors at diagnosis and during follow-up that could be predictors of relapse. METHODS Clinical and immunopathological data at diagnosis, clinical remission and first relapse from patients with pemphigus vulgaris or foliaceus and at least a 36-month follow-up were collected retrospectively. Based on the autoantibody profile at diagnosis, three serological patient subsets were devised: (i) anti-desmoglein (Dsg)1-positive and anti-Dsg3-negative; (iii) anti-Dsg1-negative and anti-Dsg3-positive; and (iii) anti-Dsg1-positive and anti-Dsg3-positive. RESULTS Data from 143 patients were collected. No significant differences were found between relapsers (n = 90) and nonrelapsers (n = 53) for time to remission or for anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 titres at diagnosis and remission. In the analysis of all patients, a higher risk of relapse was found for a body surface area (BSA) score of 3 compared with BSA < 3 (OR = 3.30, 95% CI 1.17-9.28; P = 0.02) and for a positive titre of either anti-Dsg1 or anti-Dsg3 autoantibodies at remission compared with both being negative (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.21-4.85, P = 0.01). In patients who were anti-Dsg3-positive and anti-Dsg1-negative at diagnosis, failure to achieve anti-Dsg3 negativity at clinical remission was a significant predictor of relapse (OR = 7.89, 95% CI 2.06-30.21; P < 0.01). Similarly, failure to achieve anti-Dsg1 negativity at clinical remission was a significant predictor of relapse in patients with both anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 positivity at diagnosis (OR = 5.74, 95% CI 1.15-28.61; P = 0.03), but not in those who were anti-Dsg1-positive/anti-Dsg3-negative at diagnosis (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.27-4.30; P = 0.91). CONCLUSION Regardless of pemphigus subtype, autoantibody titre negativity at clinical remission in patients classified based on their anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 profile at diagnosis and BSA were useful tools in predicting relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Genovese
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - C A Maronese
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L Corti
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - L Venegoni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - S Muratori
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - E Berti
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Fanoni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A V Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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2
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Flor N, Casazza G, Saggiante L, Savoldi AP, Vitale R, Villa P, Martucci F, Ballone E, Castelli A, Brambilla AM. Chest radiography predictor of COVID-19 adverse outcomes. A lesson learnt from the first wave. Clin Radiol 2021; 76:549.e1-549.e8. [PMID: 33888302 PMCID: PMC8011632 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2021.03.011] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the role of a severity score based on chest radiography (CXR) in predicting the risk of adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS Of the patients who presented to L. Sacco Hospital (Milan, Italy) between 21 February and 31 March 2020, patients with a laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 who also underwent a CXR were included in the study. To quantify the extent of lung involvement, each CXR image was given a score (Milan score), ranging from 0 to 24, depending on the presence of reticular pattern and/or ground-glass opacities and/or extensive consolidations in each of the 12 areas in which the lungs were divided. The score was calculated by an expert radiologist, blinded to laboratory tests. The ability of the Milan score to predict hospital admission and mortality, after adjusting for some variables (age; gender; comorbidities; time between symptoms onset and admission), using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was investigated retrospectively. RESULTS Among the 554 patients, 115 of which (21%) had a negative CXR, the in-hospital mortality was 16% (90/554). At univariate analysis, age, gender, and comorbidities were significant predictors of mortality and hospital admission. At multivariate analysis, adjusting for age and gender, the Milan score was an independent predictor of mortality and hospitalisation. In particular, patients with a Milan score ≥ 9 had a mortality risk five-times higher than those with a lower score. Other independent predictors of mortality were gender and age. CONCLUSIONS The CXR Milan score was an independent predictive factor of both in-hospital mortality and hospital admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Flor
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy.
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco" - Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - L Saggiante
- Postgraduation School in Radiodiagnostics - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
| | - A P Savoldi
- Postgraduation School in Radiodiagnostics - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
| | - R Vitale
- Postgraduation School in Radiodiagnostics - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono, 7, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
| | - P Villa
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy; U.O. di Medicina e Chirurgia d'Accettazione e d'Urgenza- Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
| | - F Martucci
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy; U.O. di Medicina e Chirurgia d'Accettazione e d'Urgenza- Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
| | - E Ballone
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy; U.O. di Anestesia e Rianimazione- Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
| | - A Castelli
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy; U.O. di Anestesia e Rianimazione- Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
| | - A M Brambilla
- U.O. di Radiodiagnostica - Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy; U.O. di Medicina e Chirurgia d'Accettazione e d'Urgenza- Ospedale L. Sacco ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
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3
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Ceriani E, Casazza G, Peta J, Torzillo D, Furlotti S, Cogliati C. Residual congestion and long-term prognosis in acutely decompensated heart failure patients. Intern Emerg Med 2020; 15:719-724. [PMID: 32266688 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-020-02326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Recent studies have established the role of residual congestion evaluated by lung ultrasound in estimating short-term risk of readmission or death in patients admitted for heart failure (HF) decompensation. However, if lung ultrasounds maintain a prognostic role of in long-term survival is still unknown. Aim of our study was to evaluate if residual congestion could predict all-cause mortality during 4 year follow up in a cohort of unselected patients admitted for acute decompensated HF. METHODS One-hundred fifty patients were enrolled. The anterolateral chest was scanned to evaluate the presence of B-lines. A sonographic score was calculated attributing 1 to each positive sector (≥ 3 B-lines). Clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were recorded. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between variables and 4-year survival. RESULTS During the follow-up, 86 patients (58%) died. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the sonographic score at discharge and events occurrence at long term follow up (HR 1.21; CI 1.11-1.31; p < 0.001) suggesting that, on average, the increase of 1 point in the sonographic score was associated with an increase of approximately 20% in the risk of death. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the role of LUS in the identification of more congested HF patients, that will be at risk for worse long term outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ceriani
- Department of Internal Medicine, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ca Granda Foundation IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Via F.Sforza 35, Milan, Italy.
| | - G Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - J Peta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ca Granda Foundation IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Via F.Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - D Torzillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Furlotti
- Department of Internal Medicine, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Cogliati
- Department of Internal Medicine, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Marzano AV, Genovese G, Casazza G, Moltrasio C, Dapavo P, Micali G, Sirna R, Gisondi P, Patrizi A, Dini V, Bianchini D, Bianchi L, Fania L, Prignano F, Offidani A, Atzori L, Bettoli V, Cannavò SP, Venturini M, Bongiorno MR, Costanzo A, Fabbrocini G, Peris K. Evidence for a 'window of opportunity' in hidradenitis suppurativa treated with adalimumab: a retrospective, real-life multicentre cohort study. Br J Dermatol 2020; 184:133-140. [PMID: 32119111 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α adalimumab is the only licenced biologic for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). No predictors of response have been identified so far. OBJECTIVES To identify clinical parameters predicting response to adalimumab and confirm its efficacy/safety. METHODS The data of 389 patients with HS treated with adalimumab in 21 Italian centres were reviewed. Sex, age at onset/diagnosis/baseline, body mass index, smoking, phenotype, previous treatments, concomitant antibiotics and 'therapeutic delay', defined as the time from HS onset to adalimumab initiation, were assessed. Response to adalimumab and its impact on quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS pain), respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS The therapeutic delay correlated to lack of response to adalimumab at week 16 [odds ratio (OR) 1·92 for therapeutic delay > 10 years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·28-2·89; P = 0·0016). HiSCR was achieved in 43·7% and 53·9% patients at week 16 and 52, respectively. Significant reductions in both DLQI and VAS pain were found between week 16 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both) and week 52 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both). Previous immunosuppressants inversely correlated to HiSCR at week 52 (OR = 1·74, 95% CI 1·04-2·91, P = 0·0342). CONCLUSIONS Inverse correlation between therapeutic delay and clinical response was found, supporting early adalimumab use and providing evidence for a 'window of opportunity' in HS treatment. Adalimumab efficacy and safety were confirmed, along with patients' QoL improvement. Immunosuppressants could negatively influence the response to adalimumab inducing a switch to non-TNF-α-driven pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Genovese
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche 'L. Sacco', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - C Moltrasio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - P Dapavo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Micali
- Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Sirna
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgery, Misericordia Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
| | - P Gisondi
- Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Patrizi
- Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Dini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Bianchini
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, 'La Sapienza' University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bianchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - L Fania
- First Dermatology Clinic and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Prignano
- Department Health Science Section of Dermatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Offidani
- Dermatological Clinic Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | - L Atzori
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - V Bettoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S P Cannavò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Venturini
- Department of Dermatology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M R Bongiorno
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Promotion, Maternal-Infant, Internal Medicine and Specialization, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Costanzo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - G Fabbrocini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - K Peris
- Institute of Dermatology, Università Cattolica - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Pavlov CS, Varganova DL, Casazza G, Tsochatzis E, Nikolova D, Gluud C. [Glucocorticosteroids for people with alcoholic hepatitis (Cochrane review)]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2019; 91:52-66. [PMID: 32598755 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2019.08.000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a form of alcoholic liver disease. Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are used as anti - inflammatory drugs for people with alcoholic hepatitis. AIM To assess the benefits and harms of GCS in people with AH. MATERIAL AND METHODS We identified trials through electronic searches in Cochrane Hepato-Biliary's (CHB) Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and Science Citation Index Expanded. We considered for inclusion randomised clinical trials (RCTs) assessing GCS versus placebo/no intervention in adult participants with AH. We allowed co - interventions in the trial groups if they were similar. We followed Cochrane methodology, CHB Group methodology using Review Manager 5 and Trial Sequential Analysis(TSA) to perform meta - analysis (M-A), assessed bias risk of the trials, certainty of evidence using GRADE. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Sixteen trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fifteen trials provided data for analysis (927 participants received GCS, 934 - placebo/no intervention). The GCS were administered to adult participants at different stages of AH orally or parenterally for a median of 28 days. There was no evidence of effect of GCCs on our primary outcomes all - cause mortality up to 3 months following randomisation (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.70-1.15; n=1861), on health - related quality of life (MD - 0.04 points; 95% CI -0.11-0.03; n=377; trial = 1) (EQ-5D-3L scale), on the occurrence of serious adverse events during treatment (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85-1.29; n=1861). We found no evidence of a difference between the intervention groups. The risk of bias was high in all the trials except one. The certainty of evidence was very low or low. One of the trials seems to be not industry - funded. CONCLUSION We found no evidence of a difference between GCS and placebo or no intervention on all - cause mortality, health - related quality of life, and serious adverse events during treatment. We cannot exclude increases in adverse events and cannot rule out significant benefits and harms of GCSs. Future trials ought to report depersonalised individual participant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Pavlov
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital.,Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
| | - D L Varganova
- Center for Evidence Based Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ulyanovsk Regional Clinical Hospital
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano
| | - E Tsochatzis
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health
| | - D Nikolova
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - C Gluud
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital
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6
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Montuori M, Casella F, Casazza G, Franzetti F, Pini P, Invernizzi C, Torzillo D, Rizzardini G, Galli M, Cogliati C. Lung ultrasonography in pulmonary tuberculosis: A pilot study on diagnostic accuracy in a high-risk population. Eur J Intern Med 2019; 66:29-34. [PMID: 31235198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The validity of lung ultrasound (LUS) in the diagnosis of interstitial or focal lung pathologies is well documented, we assessed its accuracy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). METHODS Sonographic signs suggestive of PTB and their diagnostic accuracy were evaluated in patients admitted with clinical suspicion of PTB. Consolidations, subpleural nodules, pleural thickenings or irregularities and pleural effusion were assessed. LUS signs significantly associated with PTB in the univariate analysis (p < .05) were entered in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS PTB was confirmed in 51 out of 102 patients. Multiple consolidations (OR 3.54, 95%CI 1.43-8.78), apical consolidations (OR 9.65, 95%CI 3.02-30.78), superior quadrant consolidations (OR 4.01, 95%CI 1.76-9.14), and subpleural nodules (OR 5.29, 95%CI 2.27-12.33) were significantly associated with PTB diagnosis. Apical consolidation (OR 9.67, 95%CI 2.81-33.25, p 0.003) and subpleural nodules (OR 5.30, 95%CI 2.08-13.52, p 0.005) retained a significant association in a multivariate model, with an overall accuracy of 0.799. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest a possible role of LUS in the diagnosis of PTB, a high burden pathological condition for which the delay in diagnosis still represents a critical point in the control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Montuori
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" University of Milan, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy.
| | - F Casella
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "Luigi Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - F Franzetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" University of Milan, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - P Pini
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - C Invernizzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - D Torzillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - G Rizzardini
- First Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - M Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" University of Milan, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
| | - C Cogliati
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Italy
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7
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Marzano AV, Genovese G, Casazza G, Fierro MT, Dapavo P, Crimi N, Ferrucci S, Pepe P, Liberati S, Pigatto PD, Offidani A, Martina E, Girolomoni G, Rovaris M, Foti C, Stingeni L, Cristaudo A, Canonica GW, Nettis E, Asero R. Predictors of response to omalizumab and relapse in chronic spontaneous urticaria: a study of 470 patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 33:918-924. [PMID: 30451325 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as spontaneous occurrence of wheals and/or angioedema for ≥6 weeks. Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody effective in refractory CSU, but its mechanism of action and markers predictive of response remain not completely defined. OBJECTIVES To correlate baseline levels of two proposed biomarkers, total IgE (bIgE) and d-dimer (bd-dimer), and clinical parameters to omalizumab response and to relapses after drug withdrawal. METHODS In this retrospective Italian multicentre study, clinical data were collected in 470 CSU patients, and bIgE and bd-dimer were measured in 340 and 342 patients, respectively. Disease activity was determined by Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7) at week 1 and 12 after omalizumab starting. Relapses were evaluated during a 2- and 3-month interval after a first and a second course of treatment, respectively. RESULTS bIgE correlated to a good response to omalizumab since levels were significantly higher in responders than non-responders (P = 0.0002). Conversely, bd-dimer did not correlate to response. There was no correlation between both bIgE and d-dimer and either first or second relapse. Disease duration was significantly longer in patients who experienced either first or second relapse (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0105, respectively), while baseline UAS7 correlated only to first relapse (P = 0.0023). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms bIgE as a reliable biomarker predicting response to omalizumab in CSU, while it does not support the usefulness of bd-dimer unlike previous findings. CSU duration before omalizumab and baseline UAS7 may be clinical markers of relapse risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Marzano
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Genovese
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M T Fierro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - P Dapavo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - N Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine-Respiratory Medicine & Allergy, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Ferrucci
- UOC Dermatologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - P Pepe
- Dermatology Unit, Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - S Liberati
- Dermatology Unit, Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - P D Pigatto
- Clinical Dermatology, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Offidani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic Marche University, Ancona, Italy
| | - E Martina
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic Marche University, Ancona, Italy
| | - G Girolomoni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - M Rovaris
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Foti
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Dermatology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - L Stingeni
- Section of Clinical, Allergological and Venereological Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Cristaudo
- Service of Occupational and Environmental Allergic Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatology Institute for Research and Care, Rome, Italy
| | - G W Canonica
- Department of Internal Medicine, Respiratory Disease Clinic, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - E Nettis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - R Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Milan, Italy
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8
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Cugno M, Genovese G, Ferrucci S, Casazza G, Asero R, Marzano AV. IgE and D-dimer baseline levels are higher in responders than nonresponders to omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:776-777. [PMID: 29582427 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Cugno
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Medicina Interna, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G Genovese
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,UOC Dermatologia, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - S Ferrucci
- UOC Dermatologia, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - R Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Italy
| | - A V Marzano
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,UOC Dermatologia, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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9
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Abraha I, Luchetta M, De Florio R, Cozzolino F, Casazza G, Duca P. Ultrasonography for Endoleak Detection After Endoluminal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair. J Vasc Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.11.024] [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: 11/15/2022]
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10
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Dagnino D, Minuto L, Casazza G. Divergence is not enough: the use of ecological niche models for the validation of taxon boundaries. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2017; 19:1003-1011. [PMID: 28691341 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Delimiting taxon boundaries is crucial for any evolutionary research and conservation regulation. In order to avoid mistaken description of species, the approach of integrative taxonomy recommends considering multidisciplinary lines of evidence, including ecology. Unfortunately, ecological data are often difficult to quantify objectively. Here we test and discuss the potential use of ecological niche models for validating taxon boundaries, using three pairs of closely related plant taxa endemic to the south-western Alps as a case study. We also discuss the application of ecological niche models for species delimitation and the implementation of different approaches. Niche overlap, niche equivalency and niche similarity were assessed both in multidimensional environmental space and in geographic space to look for differences in the niche of three pairs of closely related plant taxa. We detected a high degree of niche differentiation between taxa although this result seems not due to differences in habitat selection. The different statistical tests gave contrasting outcomes between environmental and geographic spaces. According to our results, niche divergence does not seem to support taxon boundaries at species level, but may have had important consequences for local adaptation and in generating phenotypic diversity at intraspecific level. Environmental space analysis should be preferred to geographic space as it provides more clear results. Even if the different analyses widely disagree in their conclusions about taxon boundaries, our study suggests that ecological niche models may help taxonomists to reach a decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dagnino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Ambiente e Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - L Minuto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Ambiente e Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Ambiente e Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
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11
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Podda GM, Casazza G, Soru P, Scavone M, Vismara G, Cattaneo M. In vitro variations of Mean platelet volume over time in blood samples collected in different anticoagulants from thrombocytopenic patients and healthy subjects. Int J Lab Hematol 2017; 39:e151-e154. [PMID: 28990313 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.12745] [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] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G M Podda
- Unità di Medicina III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - P Soru
- Unità di Medicina III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Scavone
- Unità di Medicina III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Vismara
- S.I.M.T, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milano, Italy
| | - M Cattaneo
- Unità di Medicina III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo - Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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12
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Fraquelli M, Baccarin A, Casazza G, Conti CB, Giunta M, Massironi S, Invernizzi F, Donato MF, Maggioni M, Aghemo A, Conte D, Colombo M. Liver stiffness measurement reliability and main determinants of point shear-wave elastography in patients with chronic liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 44:356-65. [PMID: 27363587 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver stiffness (LS) measured by transient elastography (TE) accurately predicts the severity of chronic liver diseases (CLD). Point quantification shear-wave elastography (pSWE) is a new technique incorporated into a conventional ultrasound system for measuring LS. We evaluated pSWE feasibility, reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy in consecutively recruited CLD patients who concomitantly underwent TE and liver biopsy. AIM To evaluate pSWE feasibility, reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy in consecutively recruited CLD patients who concomitantly underwent TE and liver biopsy. METHODS Over 2 years 186 CLD patients (116 males, 132 viral hepatitis) consecutively underwent pSWE (10 valid measurements by ElastPQ) blindly performed by two raters. A further operator performed TE. Inter-observer agreement for pSWE was analysed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and correlated with histological liver fibrosis (METAVIR). Main determinants of pSWE were investigated by linear regression model. RESULTS Three hundred and seventy-two (100%) reliable measurements were obtained by pSWE and 184 by TE (99%). LS was 8.1 ± 4.5 kPa for pSWE with the first rater and 8.0 ± 4.2 kPa with the second one vs. 8.8 ± 3.6 kPa for TE. pSWE ICC was 0.89 (95% CI 0.85-0.91), not influenced by age, sex, BMI, liver enzymes, liver aetiology. ICC increased over time with year 1 at 0.86 and 95% CI 0.81-0.90 vs. year 2 at 0.92 and 95% CI 0.87-0.95. Liver fibrosis was the only independent determinant of LS on pSWE. The AUROCs for diagnosing F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 were 0.77, 0.85 and 0.88 for pSWE vs. 0.81, 0.88 and 0.94 for TE. After 1-year training they were 0.86, 0.94 and 0.91. CONCLUSION Point quantification shear-wave elastography reliably and reproducibly evaluates liver stiffness, matching transient elastography for accuracy after a 1-year learning curve or 130 examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fraquelli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Baccarin
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - G Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - C B Conti
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Giunta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - S Massironi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - F Invernizzi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M F Donato
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Maggioni
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Aghemo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - D Conte
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Colombo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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13
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Schaal K, Tiollier E, Le Meur Y, Casazza G, Hausswirth C. Elite synchronized swimmers display decreased energy availability during intensified training. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2016; 27:925-934. [PMID: 27367601 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Elite synchronized swimmers follow high-volume training regimen that result in elevated rates of exercise energy expenditure (ExEE). While adequate energy intake (EI) is important to optimize recovery, a number of sport-specific constraints may lead to chronically low energy availability (EA = EI-ExEE). This study aimed to quantify changes in EA, endocrine markers of energy conservation, and perceived fatigue in synchronized swimmers, during a week of baseline training followed by 4 weeks of intensified training (IT). EI, ExEE, and body composition were measured in nine swimmers at Baseline, midpoint (ITWK2 ), and end of IT (ITWK4 ). Waking saliva samples were obtained to measure [leptin]s , [ghrelin]s , and [cortisol]s . Fatigue ratings were provided daily. ExEE increased by 27% during IT. Swimmers increased EI from Baseline to ITWK2 , but decreased it significantly from ITWK2 to ITWK4 . EA, fat mass, and [leptin]s decreased from Baseline to ITWK4 , while [ghrelin]s increased significantly. Fatigue at ITWK4 was inversely correlated with Baseline EI and EA. The significant decrease in EA was accompanied by endocrine signs of energy conservation in elite swimmers. As perceived fatigue was associated with low EA, particular attention should be paid to these athletes' energy intake during phases of heavy training.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schaal
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance, Paris, France.,Sports Performance Laboratory, Sports Medicine Program, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - E Tiollier
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance, Paris, France
| | - Y Le Meur
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance, Paris, France
| | - G Casazza
- Sports Performance Laboratory, Sports Medicine Program, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - C Hausswirth
- Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Research Department, French National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance, Paris, France
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14
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Pavlov C, Casazza G, Nikolova D, Gluud C. Editorial: in vino veritas--transient elastography for staging liver fibrosis in alcoholic liver disease--authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:1015-6. [PMID: 27040165 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13587] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Pavlov
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Clinic of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - G Casazza
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Nikolova
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Gluud
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Pavlov CS, Casazza G, Nikolova D, Tsochatzis E, Gluud C. Systematic review with meta-analysis: diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for staging of fibrosis in people with alcoholic liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 43:575-85. [PMID: 26791825 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The progression of hepatic fibrosis into cirrhosis is a main prognostic factor for survival in people with alcoholic liver disease. The range of cut-off values characterising the stage of hepatic fibrosis seems to be dependent on the aetiology of the liver disease. AIMS To determine the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography (the index test) for diagnosis of fibrosis in alcoholic liver disease when compared with liver biopsy (the reference standard), using the METAVIR scoring system. To establish the optimal cut-off values for the hepatic fibrosis stages. METHODS We followed Cochrane Methodology for diagnostic test accuracy reviews. We identified 14 studies. Among the study participants with alcoholic liver disease, 834 provided numerical data for analysis (August 2014). Only half of the studies were monoaetiology studies. We used the bivariate model and estimated the summary sensitivities and summary specificities. Hence, we calculated the summary likelihood ratios (LRs) to rule in or rule out hepatic fibrosis. We investigated pre-defined sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS Severe fibrosis (F3 or worse): summary (95% CI) sensitivity 0.92(0.89-0.96) and specificity 0.70(0.61-0.79); LR+ 3.1(2.1-4.1), LR- 0.11(95% CI 0.06-0.16). Cirrhosis (F4): summary (95% CI) sensitivity of 0.95(0.87-0.98) and specificity 0.71(0.56-0.82); LR+ 3.3(2.1-5.0); LR- 0.07(0.03-0.19). CONCLUSIONS Transient elastography may be used as a diagnostic method to exclude cirrhosis or severe fibrosis when the test is negative. Cut-off values of around 12.5 kPa for cirrhosis may be used in clinical practice, but caution is needed, as the values reported in the review are not yet prospectively validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Pavlov
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinic of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - G Casazza
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - D Nikolova
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Tsochatzis
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, London, UK
| | - C Gluud
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Zanichelli A, Mansi M, Azin GM, Wu MA, Periti G, Casazza G, Vacchini R, Suffritti C, Cicardi M. Efficacy of on-demand treatment in reducing morbidity in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency. Allergy 2015; 70:1553-8. [PMID: 26304015 DOI: 10.1111/all.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angioedema due to hereditary deficiency of C1 inhibitor causes temporarily disability. Guidelines recommend early on-demand treatment of attacks to reduce morbidity. In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the efficacy of on-demand approach. METHODS From January 2009 to August 2014, data on attacks and treatments were collected from 227 patients from our centre in Milan. RESULTS A total of 4244 attacks were reported; 50% were treated with approved therapies (pdC1-INH or icatibant), 15% were with tranexamic acid, and 35% were not treated. Attack locations were peripheral cutaneous (46%), abdominal (34%), multiple (12%), facial (5%) and laryngeal (3%). Attack severities were moderate (48%), mild (28%) and severe (24%). Median attack duration (data available for 2393 attacks) with approved therapies was 10 h, significantly shorter than without treatment (45 h) or with tranexamic acid (38 h). Most of the treatments were self-administered: 93% with icatibant and 59% with pd-C1-INH. Median attack duration with icatibant was 8 and 11.5 h with pd-C1 INH. Median time from onset of symptoms to drug administration was 1 h with icatibant and 2 h with pd-C1INH and median time from drug administration to complete resolution was 5.5 and 8 h, respectively. Second treatment was required in 12.7% of icatibant-treated attacks and in 1.9% of pdC1-INH-treated attacks. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that on-demand treatment is effective in reducing disease-related morbidity. The use of on-demand treatment in Italy has increased up to 50% of attacks in the last years, reflecting a better adherence to international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Zanichelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - M. Mansi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - G. M. Azin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - M. A. Wu
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - G. Periti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - G. Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - R. Vacchini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - C. Suffritti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
| | - M. Cicardi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ospedale Luigi Sacco; Milan Italy
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17
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Woodhouse L, Adams S, Burnett D, Casazza G, Chandler C, Domek J, Gustafson M, Keim N, Sheets C, Souza E. Effects of a Hypocaloric Diet and Exercise Intervention on Circulating Zinc and Inflammatory Markers in Obese, Sedentary, Insulin‐Resistant Women. FASEB J 2015. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.761.1] [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: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. Adams
- USDA ARS WHNRCDavisCAUnited States
| | | | | | | | - J. Domek
- USDA ARS WHNRCDavisCAUnited States
| | | | - N. Keim
- USDA ARS WHNRCDavisCAUnited States
| | - C Sheets
- CTSI UCSan FranciscoCAUnited States
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18
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De Rocco D, Bottega R, Cappelli E, Cavani S, Criscuolo M, Nicchia E, Corsolini F, Greco C, Borriello A, Svahn J, Pillon M, Mecucci C, Casazza G, Verzegnassi F, Cugno C, Locasciulli A, Farruggia P, Longoni D, Ramenghi U, Barberi W, Tucci F, Perrotta S, Grammatico P, Hanenberg H, Ragione FD, Dufour C, Savoia A. Molecular analysis of Fanconi anemia: the experience of the Bone Marrow Failure Study Group of the Italian Association of Pediatric Onco-Hematology. Haematologica 2014. [DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.116004] [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: 11/09/2022] Open
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19
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Zocchi L, Perego F, Casella F, Arquati M, Renesto E, Casazza G, D'Ambrosio A, Cortellaro M. Does the metabolic syndrome predict subclinical atherosclerotic damage in an asymptomatic population at intermediate cardiovascular risk? Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2013; 23:864-870. [PMID: 22901845 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2012.06.003] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It is not clear whether the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a distinct entity or a combination of risk factors. Several studies showed the association between MetS and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Subclinical target organ damage (TOD) is a recognized marker of atherosclerosis and predictor of cardiovascular events. Increased burden of subclinical atherosclerosis was detected in individuals with MetS. We thus aimed to examine the association between MetS and cumulative or specific TOD and to assess whether MetS predicts TOD better than the risk factors included in current definitions. METHODS AND RESULTS We recorded TOD in 979 patients at intermediate cardiovascular risk with and without MetS according to IDF and NCEP criteria. We measured common carotid intima-media thickness, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), and ankle-brachial index. We found no correlation between having at least one TOD and being positive for MetS. A high UACR was associated with MetS using both IDF and NCEP criteria, while only NCEP identified individuals with increased LVMI. Using a multivariate logistic regression model including MetS, age, sex, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels we found no correlations between the presence of MetS and at least one TOD. The associations with high UACR and LVMI disappeared when age, blood pressure and glycemia were counted in. CONCLUSION Although MetS showed some relation with subclinical renal and cardiac damage, it does not predict TOD any better than the risk factors specified in the definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Luigi Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, 20154 Milan, Italy
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20
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Franzetti M, Violin M, Casazza G, Meini G, Callegaro A, Corsi P, Maggiolo F, Pignataro AR, Paolucci S, Gianotti N, Francisci D, Rossotti R, Filice G, Carli T, Zazzi M, Balotta C. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 B and non-B subtypes with the same drug resistance pattern respond similarly to antiretroviral therapy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 18:E66-70. [PMID: 22192680 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03740.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We analysed the 12-week virological response to protease inhibitor (PI) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) therapy in 1108 patients carrying B or non-B human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 subtypes with matched resistance mutation patterns. Response rates were not significantly different for non-B and B subtypes stratified for treatment status (51.5% vs. 41.5% in naïve patients; 46.7% vs. 38.7% in experienced patients) or regimens (46.9% vs. 39.7% with PI; 56.7% vs. 40% with NNRTI). No difference in response was detected in patients harbouring B and non-B subtypes with any resistance profile. Further studies are advisable to fully test this approach on larger datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Franzetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Zecca G, Casazza G, Minuto L, Labra M, Grassi F. Allopatric divergence and secondary contacts in Euphorbia spinosa L: Influence of climatic changes on the split of the species. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-011-0063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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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Costantino G, Solbiati M, Sagone A, Vago T, Pisano G, Barbic F, Dipaola F, Casazza G, Viecca M, Furlan R. Time course of B-type natriuretic peptides changes after ventricular fibrillation in humans: Relationship with cardiac syncope. Auton Neurosci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2011.05.176] [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: 10/18/2022]
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Barbic F, Angaroni L, Orlandi M, Costantino G, Dipaola E, Borleri D, Borchini R, D'Adda F, Perego F, Borella M, Galli A, Solbiati M, Casazza G, Furlan R, Seghizzi P. [Syncope and occupational risk survey: the role of continuing education and multidisciplinary approach]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2011; 33:306-309. [PMID: 23393863] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Syncope is a common disorder characterized most of the times by a positive clinical outcome. However, it may turn to a life threatening event even for working colleagues and third party when occurring during an high risk job. We have recently found that, out of 670 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) for syncope, about 50% were potential workers, being their age between 18 and 65 years. Also, we found that in this group of patients syncope recurrence was as high as 11% at 6 months. It is unknown how physicians address the problem of the occupational risk in patients suffering from syncope and how occupational aspects are taken into account in the clinical judgment before work readmission. One hundred eighty five doctors (149 occupational physicians, OP), participating in a work-shop on syncope, were asked to fulfill a questionnaire about their clinical experience and their attention to the occupational aspects in patients after syncope. Despite long lasting clinical experience, 41% of OP did not scrutinize syncope as a relevant symptom in their daily activity. 65% of the other specialists were used to address the occupational risk aspects in their syncope patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving continuing education on safety at work might reduce work accidents due to syncope relapse and promote a safe and suitable re-employment of patients with syncope. scrutinize syncope as a relevant symptom in their daily activity. 65% of the other specialists were used to address the occupational risk aspects in their syncope patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving continuing education on safety at work might reduce work accidents due to syncope relapse and promote a safe and suitable re-employment of patients with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barbic
- Unità Sincopi, Ospedale Bolognini, Associazione di Ricerca sulle Neuroscienze, Seriate, Bergamo, Italy.
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Barbic F, Angaroni L, Orlandi M, Costantino G, Dipaola E, Borleri D, Borchini R, D'Adda F, Perego F, Borella M, Galli A, Solbiati M, Scanella E, Casazza G, Seghizzi P, Furlan R. [Syncope and work: role of the occupational physician and global risk stratification]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2011; 33:303-305. [PMID: 23393862] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Safety risk for subjects suffering from syncope while working has not been as yet addressed by occupational medicine. The present study was aimed at evaluating a new developed methodology for job tasks risk stratification in patients with syncope. During a work-shop on syncope and occupational risk, 149 occupational physicians (OP) with about 10 years of clinical experience were asked to fulfil a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) concerning the doctor's estimated potential damage (D) to the worker and the probability of a damage to occur (P) should syncope take place during the job task. Five job tasks characterized by different risk for safety (1, driving; 2, toxic products handling; 3, job performed closed to hot surfaces o free flames; 4, surgical activity; 5, office job) were identified. OP correctly stratified the risk associated to the different job tasks in patients with syncope. Unexpectedly, task #3 was given a risk similar to that obtained in drivers. This might be of paramount clinical and social importance when patients with syncope have to return to their job tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barbic
- Unità Sincopi Ospedale Bolognini, Seriate, Bergamo, Italy.
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Orlando G, Merli S, Cordier L, Mazza F, Casazza G, Villa AM, Codecasa L, Negri E, Cargnel A, Ferrarese M, Rizzardini G. Interferon-gamma releasing assay versus tuberculin skin testing for latent tuberculosis infection in targeted screening programs for high risk immigrants. Infection 2010; 38:195-204. [PMID: 20411295 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-010-0015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent immigrants from developing countries (<2 years since immigration) are at very high risk of active TB disease due to reactivation of latent infections acquired in the country of origin. In industrialized low-incidence TB countries targeted testing programs for high risk groups could allow the detection of latently infected persons who would likely benefit from a course of preventive treatment. In this study we evaluated the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (QuantiFERON TB-gold in tube, QFT-IT) strategies for TB infection screening programs in recent immigrants from highly endemic countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Paired tests performed in 1,130 immigrants attending an outpatient ward, between 2005 and 2007 for any health problem were evaluated by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis for efficiency and efficacy of screening program. RESULTS Positive TST and QFT-IT were observed in 36.04 versus 29.82% (ITT) and in 45.27 versus 30.22% (PP) respectively. A higher drop-out rate was observed for TST (20.35 vs. 1.33%) (p < 0.0001). Second level assessment was accepted by half of the TST positive patients. Overall agreement rate between 887 paired tests was fair (k = 0.38). Higher k values were observed for higher TB prevalence rate in the country of origin (k = 0.43), for TST induration diameters >20 mM (k = 0.47), in subjects aged 40-50 years (k = 0.41) and in unvaccinated persons (k = 0.40). In a multiple logistic regression model continent of origin, class of TB prevalence in the country of origin and contacts with TB patients were found to be significantly associated with the probability of TST and QFT-IT positive result. Low education levels were associated only to an increased risk of TST positive results. CONCLUSIONS The drawback of the TST screening strategy in recent immigrants from highly endemic countries is due to low sensitivity/specificity of the test and to high drop-out rate with an overall significant lowering in strategy efficacy/efficiency. The higher QFT-IT specificity prevents unnecessary overload of the health care system and, although more expensive, might represent a cost-effective alternative to TST in targeted screening programs directed to high risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orlando
- II Division Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, L Sacco University Hospital, Via GB Grassi, 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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Mauri D, Valachis A, Tsali L, Polyzos N, Casazza G. 5146 Does adjuvant bisphosphonate in early breast cancer modify the natural course of the disease – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. EJC Suppl 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(09)71038-9] [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: 11/26/2022] Open
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Grassi F, Minuto L, Casazza G, Labra M, Sala F. Haplotype richness in refugial areas: phylogeographical structure of Saxifraga callosa. J Plant Res 2009; 122:377-387. [PMID: 19363647 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-009-0230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This paper illustrates the phylogeographical structure of Saxifraga callosa in order to describe its genetic richness in refugial areas and to reconstruct its glacial history. S. callosa is a species spread throughout south-east France and Italy with a high distribution in the Maritime Alps. Four chloroplast microsatellite and AFLP markers were analyzed in populations of S. callosa. The size variants of all tested loci amount to 11 different haplotypes. Intrapopulational haplotype variation was found in two of the populations analyzed: on the Mt. Toraggio in the Maritime Alps, and in the Apuan Alps. On the other hand, no intrapopulational variation was found in 25 populations, most of which were sampled from isolated areas. Analysis of the haplotype distribution showed that population subdivision across all populations was high (G (ST) = 0.899). Moreover, its genetic structure was studied using AMOVA and STRUCTURE analysis. The study legitimated inferred conclusions about the phylogeographical structure of the species and identified centers of diversity. Considerations concerning genetic structure and divergence among three major clades (Maritime Alps, Apuan Alps and Apennines), the patchy distribution of haplotypes, and the high number of private haplotypes support the proposal that S. callosa survived in some refugia within the Italian Peninsula refugium, and that mainly northern populations of refugia were involved in postglacial recolonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Grassi
- Botanical Garden, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Valachis A, Mauri D, Polyzos NP, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V, Casazza G. Partial breast irradiation or whole breast radiotherapy for early breast cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.18_suppl.cra532] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CRA532 Background: The purpose of the study was to compare treatment outcomes in patients with breast cancer treated with partial breast irradiation and of those treated with whole breast radiation therapy. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published. Randomized clinical trials comparing partial breast irradiation versus whole breast radiation therapy. Primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcomes were locoregional, distant and supraclavicular recurrences. Results: A search of the literature identified 3 trials with pooled total of 1,140 patients. We found no statistically significant difference between partial and whole breast radiation arms associated with death (OR 0.912, 95% CI 0.674–1.234, p = 0.550), distant metastasis (OR 0.740, 95% CI, 0.506–1.082, p = 0.120), or supraclavicular recurrences (pooled OR 1.415, 95% CI 0.278–7.202, p = 0.560). However, partial breast irradiation was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of both local (pooled OR 2.150, 95% CI, 1.396–3.312; p = 0.001) and regional disease recurrences (pooled OR 3.430, 95% CI, 2.058–5.715; p < 0.0001) compared with whole breast radiation. Conclusions: Partial breast irradiation does not jeopardize survival and may be used as an alternative to whole breast radiation. Nevertheless, the issue of locoregional recurrence needs to be further addressed. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Valachis
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Mauri
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - N. P. Polyzos
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Mavroudis
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Georgoulias
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Casazza
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Valachis A, Mauri D, Polyzos NP, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V, Casazza G. Partial breast irradiation or whole breast radiotherapy for early breast cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.cra532] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CRA532 The full, final text of this abstract will be available in Part II of the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, distributed onsite at the Meeting on May 30, 2009, and as a supplement to the June 20, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Valachis
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Mauri
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - N. P. Polyzos
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Mavroudis
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Georgoulias
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Casazza
- University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; PACMeR: Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mauri D, Valachis A, Polyzos NP, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V, Casazza G. Fulvestrant in the treatment of advanced breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Oncol 2009. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.1087] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
1087 Background: The purpose of the study was to compare efficacy and tolerability of fulvestrant with aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen that actually represent the standard of care in hormonesensitive breast cancer. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials. Primary outcomes were overall survival, time to progression, clinical outcome, and objective response. Secondary outcome was the tolerability profile of the drugs. Results: Four trials were identified with 2,125 eligible patients. There was no statistically significant difference between fulvestrant and other hormonal agents in terms of overall survival (pooled HR: 1.047, 95% CI: 0.688 to 1.592), time to progression (pooled HR: 0.994, 95% CI: 0.691 to 1.431), clinical benefit (pooled OR: 1.044, 95% CI: 0.828 to 1.315), or objective response rate (pooled OR: 0.949, 95% CI: 0.736 to 1.224). A higher incidence of joint disorders (pooled OR: 0.621, 95% CI: 0.424 to 0.909; p = 0.014) was noted in patients receiving hormonal agents other than fulvestrant. Conclusions: Fulvestrant was similar to other hormonal agents with respect to efficacy measures, with good tolerability profile. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Mauri
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Valachis
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - N. P. Polyzos
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D. Mavroudis
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Georgoulias
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Casazza
- PACMeR, Oncology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lamia, Greece; University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Karathanasi I, Kamposioras K, Cortinovis I, Karampoiki V, Alevizaki P, Dambrosio M, Zorba E, Panou C, Pantazi E, Bristianou M, Kouiroukidou P, Bouiatiotis E, Xilomenos A, Zavou D, Casazza G, Mauri D. Moving ahead in diabetics' cancer screening; food for thought from the Hellenic experience. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2009; 18:255-63. [PMID: 19175670 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2354.2007.00858.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although data from literature suggest that diabetic women are frequently under screened for gynaecological cancers little is known about screening implementation for other cancers for both genders. This study investigates comprehensive cancer screening practices of diabetics as compared with non-diabetics; analyses screening patterns both by gender and level of evidence and reveals target subgroups that should be paid more attention for screening implementation. 675 diabetics vs. 5772 non-diabetic Greek individuals entered the PACMeR 02 cancer screening study. Diabetic women reported significantly lower performance for the sex-specific evidence-based cancer screening tests and digital rectal examination (DRE) as compared with non-diabetics (P < 0.05). Diabetic women older than 60 years old, of elementary education, housewives and farmers showed the lowest performance rates (P < 0.01). Prostate cancer screening was higher among diabetic men with ultrasound and DRE reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05). Subgroups analysis did not reveal a hidden relationship. Both genders of diabetics reported never performing skin examination at higher rates (P < 0.001), although screening intent is extremely low in both diabetics and non-diabetics (<1%). Evidence-based screening coverage was inconsistent in both genders independently by the diabetic status. Primary care efforts should be provided to implement presymptomatic cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Karathanasi
- Department Of Endocrinology, Polykliniki General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Rigamonti C, Donato MF, Fraquelli M, Agnelli F, Ronchi G, Casazza G, Rossi G, Colombo M. Transient elastography predicts fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Gut 2008; 57:821-7. [PMID: 18218676 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2007.135046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transient elastography (TE) allows non-invasive evaluation of the severity of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C. This procedure, however, warrants further validation in the setting of liver transplantation (LT), including patients under follow-up for recurrent hepatitis C. SETTING Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS 95 patients (75 males) transplanted for end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C virus. INTERVENTIONS Paired liver biopsy (LB) and TE were carried out 6-156 (median, 35) months after LT. 40 patients with recurrent hepatitis C sequentially evaluated 6-21 months apart. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical, laboratory and graft histological features influencing TE results. RESULTS Median TE values were 7.6 kPa in the 90 patients with a successful TE examination, being 5.6 kPa in the 30 patients with Ishak fibrosis score (S) of 0-1, 7.6 kPa in the 38 with S2-3; 16.7 kPa in the 22 with S4-6, (p < 0.0001). Areas under the ROC curves were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76 to 0.92) for S > or = 3, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.95) for S > or = 4 with 7.9 and 11.9 kPa optimal TE cut-off (81% and 82% sensitivity, 88% and 94% negative predictive value, respectively). Fibrosis, necroinflammatory activity and higher than 200 IU/l gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels independently influenced TE results. During post-LT follow-up, TE results changed in parallel with grading (r = 0.63) and staging (r = 0.71), showing 86% sensitivity and 92% specificity in predicting staging increases. CONCLUSIONS TE accurately predicts fibrosis progression in LT patients with recurrent hepatitis C, suggesting that protocol LB might be avoided in patients with improved or stable TE values during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rigamonti
- First Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Via Sforza, 35-20122 Milano, Italy.
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Mauri D, Kamposioras K, Cortinovis I, Karampoiki V, Thanopoulou E, Koukourakis G, Tzachanis D, Zacharias G, Pectasides D, Casazza G. Rethinking economics of misplaced priorities within the Hellenic opportunistic cancer screening policy. J Clin Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.26.15_suppl.17521] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
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Kamposioras K, Valachis A, Cortinovis I, Karampoiki V, Polyzos NP, Koukourakis G, Tzachanis D, Pectasides D, Casazza G, Mauri D. Cancer screening practice and misplaced priorities in Greece. J Clin Oncol 2008. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.26.15_suppl.1536] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Saxifraga callosa Sm. is an evergreen perennial species distributed from Eastern Spain, through the Western Alps and the Apennines, to southern Italy. The existence of high morphological variation within different subspecies indicates that phenotypic characters are useful but not sufficient taxonomic tools. Indeed, available morphological data already suggested that S. callosa subentity lantoscana may be an outcross between S. callosa and S. cochlearis. In this work, by analyzing ITS (Internal Transcribed Sequences), AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms), and cpDNA (chloroplast DNA) markers, a comprehensive study of the genomic relationships among S. callosa and related species has been carried out. The sequence of the ITS region of S. callosa subentity lantoscana gave no conclusive results on the taxonomy status of S. callosa subentity lantoscana. On the other hand, the use of the "NewHybrids" software to analyze an AFLP data-set (208 polymorphic amplified fragments) supported a significant posterior probability that S. callosa subentity lantoscana individuals are natural hybrids between S. callosa and S. cochlearis. The level of introgression of genes from alien genomes was confirmed by a simpler and quick methodology that analyze length variation in cpDNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Grassi
- Botanical Garden, Department of Biology, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Favre C, Menconi MC, Nardi M, Casazza G, Oliveri F, Macchia P, Bonino F, Brunetto MR. Horse antilymphocytic globulin in hepatitis B exacerbation after bone marrow transplantation adoptive immunity transfer. Bone Marrow Transplant 2004; 33:1057-9. [PMID: 15048140 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1704471] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We describe the case of a HBsAg+, HBeAg+ carrier, treated with lamivudine, who experienced exacerbation of hepatitis after BMT from an anti-HBs+, anti-HBc+, anti-HBe+ donor. The serological profile of the donor and the timing of exacerbation suggested that the adoptive immunity transfer played a major pathogenetic role. Antilymphocyte globulin administration resulted in resolution of hepatitis and seroconversion to anti-HBs+. Therapy aimed at blocking the effector arm of liver damage could represent a novel approach to avoid the risk of progression to fulminant hepatitis without hampering the chances of recovery from hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Favre
- Unità Trapianto di Midollo, Clinica Pediatrica I, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The amount of hepatology-related information available on the Internet has substantially increased, but little is known about the characteristics and quality of the websites. AIM The aim of this study was to describe analytically and evaluate critically the information concerning three diseases of hepatological interest: chronic hepatitis, hemochromatosis and Caroli's disease. METHODS In accordance with a validated method, the three search terms were entered into four English language search engines and the first five links of each were considered (a total of 60 sites). The characteristics of the websites were described and their quality was evaluated by three independent reviewers who assigned scores of 1-5 for accuracy, reliability and depth. The relationships between the site characteristics and quality scores were analysed by means of multiple logistic regression. RESULTS The overall rating score was sufficient (>3) in 51% (95% confidence interval: 38-65%) of cases. The majority of the sites (73%) were aimed at patients rather than at physicians. Commercial sponsorship was significantly more frequent among the chronic hepatitis sites (45%) than among the hemochromatosis (15%) or Caroli's disease sites (0%) (P = 0.002); 61% of the commercial sites did not include a financial disclosure. The only variable that independently related to poor quality was the presence of commercial sponsorship (odds ratio 18.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.7-192.5). CONCLUSIONS Hepatological websites are characterised by poor quality and are mainly aimed at patients. Quality is negatively affected by commercial interests, which are often undeclared. Guidelines for the certification and surveillance of websites relating to liver diseases are highly advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fraquelli
- Postgraduate School of Gastroenterology, Pad. Granelli 3rd floor, IRCCS Maggiore Hospital, Via F Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Innocenti F, Danesi R, Favre C, Nardi M, Menconi MC, Di Paolo A, Bocci G, Fogli S, Barbara C, Barachini S, Casazza G, Macchia P, Del Tacca M. Variable correlation between 6-mercaptopurine metabolites in erythrocytes and hematologic toxicity: implications for drug monitoring in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ther Drug Monit 2000; 22:375-82. [PMID: 10942174 DOI: 10.1097/00007691-200008000-00002] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen pediatric patients affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were examined weekly with respect to 6-mercaptopurine nucleotide (6-MPN) and 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) levels in erythrocytes during the course of maintenance treatment with 6-MP 50 mg/m2 per d and results were related to various parameters of bone marrow function to assess, in the same individual, the level of reliability of 6-MP metabolites in predicting a later change in peripheral blood cell counts. Median values for 6-MPN and 6-TGN were 57 and 200 pmol/8 x 10(8) erythrocytes, respectively, as measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 6-TGN levels in erythrocytes were inversely related with white blood cell count (r = -0.463, p < 0.0001, n = 361), absolute neutrophil count (r = -0.386, p < 0.0001, n = 347), erythrocyte (r = -0.354, p < 0.0001, n = 287), and platelet counts (r = -0.24, p < 0.0001, n = 319) in the majority of patients (n = 10-12), while no correlation was found for 6-MPN. In the remaining children, no evidence of correlation was demonstrated between 6-TGN levels and myelotoxicity. The results confirm the role of 6-TGN as the reference cytotoxic metabolite for evaluating the exposure to 6-MP and identifying treatment compliance in ALL children but indicate the limits of a follow-up based solely on metabolite levels and suggest that a more correct approach remains the double monitoring of 6-TGN and blood cell count with differential.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Innocenti
- Department of Oncology, University of Pisa, Italy
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Rosati F, Pinto MR, Casazza G. The acrosomal region of the spermatozoon of Ciona intestinalis: Its relationship with the binding to the vitelline coat of the egg. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1985. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120110405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
In this paper we show that in the ascidia Ciona intestinalis extracellular Ca2+ is required for the binding of the spermatozoa to the vitelline coat (VC) glycerol-treated eggs and for fertilization to occur. Divalent cations, Mg2+ and Mn2+, cannot replace Ca2+. Once bound, the spermatozoa cannot be detached from the vitelline coat by adding of EGTA. Verapamil does not interfere with the binding of spermatozoa to the vitelline coat, whereas it blocks the Ca2+ ionophore A23187-induced sperm activation and acrosome reaction. Fertilization too was inhibited by the presence of this drug.
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De Maria C, Casazza G. [Comparative evaluation of the bronchospasmolytic action of fenoterol and iprafen]. Arch Monaldi 1984; 39:223-5. [PMID: 6242134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Cerrito F, Casazza G, Levi G, Raiteri M. Evidence for a similar compartmentation of recaptured and endogenously synthesized dopamine in striatal synaptosomes. Neurochem Res 1980; 5:115-21. [PMID: 7366797 DOI: 10.1007/bf00964326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the release pattern of [3H]dopamine ([(3H]DA) originated from [3H]tyrosine or by uptake in striatal synaptosomes. Synaptosomes prelabeled either with [3H]DA or with [3H]tyrosine were superfused in three conditions stimulating DA release by different mechanisms: (1) depolarization with high K+ (2) inversion of the NA+ gradient across the plasma membrane; (3) exposure to d-amphetamine. Since DA contained in different pools may exit from nerve endings by different processes, DA release was analyzed in the presence or in the absence of nomifensine which allows discrimination between carrier-mediated and carrier-independent processes. The pattern of DA release in the three conditions tested was idential, whether [(3)H]DA originated from synthesis or from uptake. Nomifensine did not affect the high-K+-induced release and inhibited that induced by the other two stimuli. The results suggest that newly synthesized and recaptured DA have similar compartmentation in nerve endings.
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Raiteri M, Cerrito F, Casazza G, Levi G. Presynaptic dopamine receptors in striatal nerve endings: absence of haloperidol-induced supersensitivity. Adv Biochem Psychopharmacol 1980; 24:37-43. [PMID: 7405669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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