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1.
J Neuroinflammation ; 19(1): 292, 2022 Dec 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36482444

RESUMEN

The hippocampus is a plastic brain area that shows functional segregation along its longitudinal axis, reflected by a higher level of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) compared to the ventral hippocampus (VH), but the mechanisms underlying this difference remain elusive. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of microglia-neuronal communication in modulating synaptic transmission and hippocampal plasticity, although its role in physiological contexts is still largely unknown. We characterized in depth the features of microglia in the two hippocampal poles and investigated their contribution to CA1 plasticity under physiological conditions. We unveiled the influence of microglia in differentially modulating the amplitude of LTP in the DH and VH, showing that minocycline or PLX5622 treatment reduced LTP amplitude in the DH, while increasing it in the VH. This was recapitulated in Cx3cr1 knockout mice, indicating that microglia have a key role in setting the conditions for plasticity processes in a region-specific manner, and that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway is a key element in determining the basal level of CA1 LTP in the two regions. The observed LTP differences at the two poles were associated with transcriptional changes in the expression of genes encoding for Il-1, Tnf-α, Il-6, and Bdnf, essential players of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, microglia in the CA1 SR region showed an increase in soma and a more extensive arborization, an increased prevalence of immature lysosomes accompanied by an elevation in mRNA expression of phagocytic markers Mertk and Cd68 and a surge in the expression of microglial outward K+ currents in the VH compared to DH, suggesting a distinct basal phenotypic state of microglia across the two hippocampal poles. Overall, we characterized the molecular, morphological, ultrastructural, and functional profile of microglia at the two poles, suggesting that modifications in hippocampal subregions related to different microglial statuses can contribute to dissect the phenotypical aspects of many diseases in which microglia are known to be involved.


Asunto(s)
Plasticidad Neuronal , Masculino , Animales , Ratones
2.
Eur J Neurol ; 27(4): 709-715, 2020 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31769567

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to assess the value of insoluble PABPN1 muscle fibre nuclei accumulation in the diagnosis of atypical cases of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). METHODS: Muscle biopsies from a selected cohort of 423 adult patients from several Italian neuromuscular centres were analysed by immunofluorescence: 30 muscle biopsies of genetically proven OPMD, 30 biopsies from patients not affected by neuromuscular disorders, 220 from genetically undiagnosed patients presenting ptosis or swallowing disturbances, progressive lower proximal weakness and/or isolated rimmed vacuoles at muscle biopsy and 143 muscle biopsies of patients affected by other neuromuscular diseases. RESULTS: The detection of insoluble nuclear PABPN1 accumulation is rapid, sensitive (100%) and specific (96%). The revision of our cohort allowed us to discover 23 new OPMD cases out of 220 patients affected with nonspecific muscle diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is often misdiagnosed leading to diagnosis delay, causing waste of time and resources. A great number of these cases present symptoms and histological findings frequently overlapping with other muscle diseases, i.e. inclusion body myositis and progressive external ophthalmoplegia. PABPN1 nuclear accumulation is a reliable method for diagnostic purposes and it is safe and useful in helping pathologists and clinicians to direct genetic analysis in the case of suspected OPMD, even when clinical and histological clues are deceptive.


Asunto(s)
Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Distrofia Muscular Oculofaríngea/diagnóstico , Proteína I de Unión a Poli(A)/metabolismo , Núcleo Celular/patología , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente , Humanos , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Distrofia Muscular Oculofaríngea/metabolismo , Distrofia Muscular Oculofaríngea/patología
3.
Eur J Neurol ; 27(12): 2604-2615, 2020 12.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32697863

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to define the radiological picture of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 2 (FSHD2) in comparison with FSHD1 and to explore correlations between imaging and clinical/molecular data. METHODS: Upper girdle and/or lower limb muscle magnetic resonance imaging scans of 34 molecularly confirmed FSHD2 patients from nine European neuromuscular centres were analysed. T1-weighted and short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were used to evaluate the global pattern and to assess the extent of fatty replacement and muscle oedema. RESULTS: The most frequently affected muscles were obliquus and transversus abdominis, semimembranosus, soleus and gluteus minimus in the lower limbs; trapezius, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major in the upper girdle. Iliopsoas, popliteus, obturator internus and tibialis posterior in the lower limbs and subscapularis, spinati, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae in the upper girdle were the most spared. Asymmetry and STIR hyperintensities were consistent features. The pattern of muscle involvement was similar to that of FSHD1, and the combined involvement of trapezius, abdominal and hamstring muscles, together with complete sparing of iliopsoas and subscapularis, was detected in 91% of patients. Peculiar differences were identified in a rostro-caudal gradient, a predominant involvement of lower limb muscles compared to the upper girdle, and in the higher percentage of STIR hyperintensities in FSHD2. CONCLUSION: This multicentre study defines the pattern of muscle involvement in FSHD2, providing useful information for diagnostics and clinical trial design. Both similarities and differences between FSHD1 and FSHD2 were detected, which is also relevant to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the FSHD-related disease spectrum.


Asunto(s)
Distrofia Muscular Facioescapulohumeral , Humanos , Extremidad Inferior , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Músculo Esquelético/diagnóstico por imagen , Distrofia Muscular Facioescapulohumeral/diagnóstico por imagen , Distrofia Muscular Facioescapulohumeral/genética
4.
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents ; 33(2 Suppl. 1): 163-169. XIX Congresso Nazionale S.I.C.O.O.P. Societa' Italiana Chirurghi Ortopedici Dell'ospedalita' Privata Accreditata, 2019.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31172734

RESUMEN

Post-menopausal osteoporosis women are at increased risk for skeletal fractures with higher mortality and lower quality of life. Some studies have reported fall risk reduction in the elderly after Tai chi practice. Tai chi is a weight bearing mind-body exercise that has been reported to positively influence bone mineral density and improve postural control in different pathologies. The aim of this observational randomized case control study is to evaluate the effect of Tai chi on balance and quality of life in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A total of 98 postmenopausal osteoporosis women, aged 70.6±8.2 years (mean and standard deviation), (mean T-score of the hip and spine were-2.9± 0.92 and -2.8±1.08), have been recruited in outpatients University Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital between June 2016 and September 2018. They have been randomized to a Tai group (56 patients, mean age 71.61±7.97 years) practiced 6-month Tai chi program, two times week, plus standard care or to a Control Group (42 patients, mean age 69.71±8.61 years) practiced usual care. Patients with oncological, neurological, cognitive, vestibular and visual diseases were excluded. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), prior Tai chi and after 6 month (T1) with 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and a stabilometric-standardized exam performed for the evaluation, respectively, of the quality of life and the static balance. The groups were homogenous at baseline. T1 evaluation showed better results in Tai chi group, in SF36 Physical functioning (p level: 0.021), Physical health pain (p level: 0.020), Physical composite score (p level: 0.003) scores, compared with control group. There were not significant differences between groups in stabilometric analysis. Tai chi group showed significant better stabilometric values at T1 compared with T0 in mean anterior-posterior (p level: 0.001) and medio-lateral (p level: 0.019) velocity, in perimeter (p level 0.001) , and in the area of the ellipse ( p level 0.006) in a within group analysis. Tai chi seemed to be effective in improving physical aspects of quality of life, in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Standing balance seems to increase after 6 months Tai chi program, in post-menopausal also if results were not significant. Further studies will be useful to measure effects of a Tai chi longer practice, as literature suggests, and a possible reduction of falling risk and fractures.


Asunto(s)
Osteoporosis Posmenopáusica/terapia , Equilibrio Postural , Calidad de Vida , Taichi Chuan , Anciano , Densidad Ósea , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad
5.
Eur J Appl Physiol ; 119(6): 1461, 2019 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31004218

RESUMEN

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

6.
Eur J Appl Physiol ; 119(1): 247-255, 2019 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30350155

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Underwater divers face several potential neurological hazards when breathing compressed gas mixtures including nitrogen narcosis which can impact diver's safety. Various human studies have clearly demonstrated brain impairment due to nitrogen narcosis in divers at 4 ATA using critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) as a cortical performance indicator. However, recently some authors have proposed a probable adaptive phenomenon during repetitive exposure to high nitrogen pressure in rats, where they found a reversal effect on dopamine release. METHODS: Sixty experienced divers breathing Air, Trimix or Heliox, were studied during an open water dive to a depth of 6 ATA with a square profile testing CFFF measurement before (T0), during the dive upon arriving at the bottom (6 ATA) (T1), 20 min of bottom time (T2), and at 5 m (1.5 ATA) (T3). RESULTS: CFFF results showed a slight increase in alertness and arousal during the deep dive regardless of the gas mixture breathed. The percent change in CFFF values at T1 and T2 differed among the three groups being lower in the air group than in the other groups. All CFFF values returned to basal values 5 min before the final ascent at 5 m (T3), but the Trimix measurements were still slightly better than those at T0. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that nitrogen and oxygen alone and in combination can produce neuronal excitability or depression in a dose-related response.


Asunto(s)
Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Buceo/fisiología , Helio/efectos adversos , Narcosis por Gas Inerte/fisiopatología , Nitrógeno/efectos adversos , Adulto , Nivel de Alerta , Buceo/efectos adversos , Fusión de Flicker , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad
7.
Mol Psychiatry ; 22(4): 552-561, 2017 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26645631

RESUMEN

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the most common treatment for major depression. However, their efficacy is variable and incomplete. In order to elucidate the cause of such incomplete efficacy, we explored the hypothesis positing that SSRIs may not affect mood per se but, by enhancing neural plasticity, render the individual more susceptible to the influence of the environment. Consequently, SSRI administration in a favorable environment promotes a reduction of symptoms, whereas in a stressful environment leads to a worse prognosis. To test such hypothesis, we exposed C57BL/6 mice to chronic stress in order to induce a depression-like phenotype and, subsequently, to fluoxetine treatment (21 days), while being exposed to either an enriched or a stressful condition. We measured the most commonly investigated molecular, cellular and behavioral endophenotypes of depression and SSRI outcome, including depression-like behavior, neurogenesis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and long-term potentiation. Results showed that, in line with our hypothesis, the endophenotypes investigated were affected by the treatment according to the quality of the living environment. In particular, mice treated with fluoxetine in an enriched condition overall improved their depression-like phenotype compared with controls, whereas those treated in a stressful condition showed a distinct worsening. Our findings suggest that the effects of SSRI on the depression- like phenotype is not determined by the drug per se but is induced by the drug and driven by the environment. These findings may be helpful to explain variable effects of SSRI found in clinical practice and to device strategies aimed at enhancing their efficacy by means of controlling environmental conditions.


Asunto(s)
Fluoxetina/metabolismo , Fluoxetina/farmacología , Afecto/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/metabolismo , Región CA1 Hipocampal/efectos de los fármacos , Región CA1 Hipocampal/metabolismo , Depresión/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/tratamiento farmacológico , Endofenotipos , Ambiente , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisario/efectos de los fármacos , Potenciación a Largo Plazo/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Sistema Hipófiso-Suprarrenal/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/farmacología
8.
Neurobiol Learn Mem ; 139: 63-68, 2017 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28039088

RESUMEN

MicroRNAs are endogenous, noncoding RNAs crucial for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-335-5p in spatial learning and synaptic plasticity. To this end we first showed spatial learning induced down-regulation of miR-335-5p. Next we found impairment in long-term memory and reduction in hippocampal long-term potentiation by exogenous administration of the miRNA. These findings demonstrate that miR-335-5p is a key coordinator of the intracellular pathways that mediate experience-dependent changes in the brain.


Asunto(s)
Hipocampo/metabolismo , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Plasticidad Neuronal/genética , Aprendizaje Espacial/fisiología , Memoria Espacial/fisiología , Animales , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Memoria a Largo Plazo/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria a Largo Plazo/fisiología , Ratones , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/farmacología , Plasticidad Neuronal/efectos de los fármacos , Aprendizaje Espacial/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria Espacial/efectos de los fármacos
9.
Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) ; 44(4): 376-81, 2016.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27255476

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: To analyse specific immune response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine by measuring pneumococcal antibodies in children with asthma and with respiratory recurrent infection (RRI) as compared to healthy children. METHODS: The study included 60 children, divided into three groups: 20 with asthma, 20 with RRI, and 20 healthy controls. Post-vaccination specific IgG antibodies against 10 pneumococcal serotypes (S1, S3, S4, S5, S6B, S9V, S14, S18C, S19F, and S23F) contained in the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) were measured. A specific IgG concentration ≥1.3µg/mL was considered a protective response to the vaccine. For statistical analysis, levels of specific IgG antibodies against each of the 10 pneumococcal serotypes were compared across the three groups of children using the x(2) test. RESULTS: All of the children showed antipneumococcal antibody levels >1.3µg/mL for over 70% of the serotypes, considered within the normal range of response. Average IgG antibody levels and percentages of children protected were statistically comparable among the three groups studied. CONCLUSION: The asthmatic children without RRI had pneumococcal antibody levels and percentages of serotype-specific protection to PPV comparable to those of healthy children. Asthmatic children with recurrent infections should be evaluated for specific antibody deficiency (SAD). Because asthma patients are at high risk for invasive pneumococcal infections, it would be worthwhile to explore systematic administration of PPV in children over the age of two years who have not received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, considering the positive response to PPV reported here.


Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Asma/inmunología , Vacunas Neumococicas/inmunología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/inmunología , Streptococcus pneumoniae/inmunología , Adolescente , Asma/sangre , Niño , Preescolar , Chile , Femenino , Voluntarios Sanos , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Síndromes de Inmunodeficiencia/diagnóstico , Masculino , Vacunas Neumococicas/administración & dosificación , Estudios Prospectivos , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/sangre , Vacunación
10.
J Physiol ; 593(18): 4181-99, 2015 Sep 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26096614

RESUMEN

KEY POINTS: Loss-of-function mutations of the skeletal muscle ClC-1 channel cause myotonia congenita with variable phenotypes. Using patch clamp we show that F484L, located in the conducting pore, probably induces mild dominant myotonia by right-shifting the slow gating of ClC-1 channel, without exerting a dominant-negative effect on the wild-type (WT) subunit. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that F484L affects the slow gate by increasing the frequency and the stability of H-bond formation between E232 in helix F and Y578 in helix R. Three other myotonic ClC-1 mutations are shown to produce distinct effects on channel function: L198P shifts the slow gate to positive potentials, V640G reduces channel activity, while L628P displays a WT-like behaviour (electrophysiology data only). Our results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and altered ClC-1 function. ABSTRACT: Myotonia congenita is an inherited disease caused by loss-of-function mutations of the skeletal muscle ClC-1 chloride channel, characterized by impaired muscle relaxation after contraction and stiffness. In the present study, we provided an in-depth characterization of F484L, a mutation previously identified in dominant myotonia, in order to define the genotype-phenotype correlation, and to elucidate the contribution of this pore residue to the mechanisms of ClC-1 gating. Patch-clamp recordings showed that F484L reduced chloride currents at every tested potential and dramatically right-shifted the voltage dependence of slow gating, thus contributing to the mild clinical phenotype of affected heterozygote carriers. Unlike dominant mutations located at the dimer interface, no dominant-negative effect was observed when F484L mutant subunits were co-expressed with wild type. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed that F484L affected the slow gate by increasing the frequency and stability of the H-bond formation between the pore residue E232 and the R helix residue Y578. In addition, using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we characterized three other myotonic ClC-1 mutations. We proved that the dominant L198P mutation in the channel pore also right-shifted the voltage dependence of slow gating, recapitulating mild myotonia. The recessive V640G mutant drastically reduced channel function, which probably accounts for myotonia. In contrast, the recessive L628P mutant produced currents very similar to wild type, suggesting that the occurrence of the compound truncating mutation (Q812X) or other muscle-specific mechanisms accounted for the severe symptoms observed in this family. Our results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying normal and altered ClC-1 function.


Asunto(s)
Canales de Cloruro/genética , Mutación/genética , Miotonía Congénita/genética , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Femenino , Estudios de Asociación Genética/métodos , Heterocigoto , Humanos , Activación del Canal Iónico/genética , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Adulto Joven
11.
Br J Cancer ; 112(4): 745-54, 2015 Feb 17.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25647013

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a multifactorial disease not only restricted to transformed epithelium, but also involving cells of the immune system and cells of mesenchymal origin, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells contribute to blood- and lymph- neoangiogenesis, generate myofibroblasts, with pro-invasive activity and may suppress anti-tumour immunity. METHODS: In this paper, we evaluated the presence and features of MSCs isolated from human head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). RESULTS: Fresh specimens of HNSCC showed higher proportions of CD90+ cells compared with normal tissue; these cells co-expressed CD29, CD105, and CD73, but not CD31, CD45, CD133, and human epithelial antigen similarly to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Adherent stromal cells isolated from tumour shared also differentiation potential with BM-MSCs, thus we named them as tumour-MSCs. Interestingly, tumour-MSCs showed a clear immunosuppressive activity on in vitro stimulated T lymphocytes, mainly mediated by indoelamine 2,3 dioxygenase activity, like BM-MSCs. To evaluate their possible role in tumour growth in vivo, we correlated tumour-MSC proportions with neoplasm size. Tumour-MSCs frequency directly correlated with tumour volume and inversely with the frequency of tumour-infiltrating leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the concept that tumour-MSCs may favour tumour growth not only through their effect on stromal development, but also by inhibiting the anti-tumour immune response.


Asunto(s)
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/inmunología , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patología , Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/inmunología , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/patología , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/patología , Linfocitos T/fisiología , Carga Tumoral , Anciano , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Recuento de Células , Regulación hacia Abajo , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeza y Cuello , Antígenos Thy-1/metabolismo
14.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1224603, 2023.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37600787

RESUMEN

We report the case of a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) presenting with short stature and treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel single-nucleotide duplication in the NFKB1 gene (c.904dup, p.Ser302fs), leading to a frameshift and thus causing NFKB1 haploinsufficiency. The variant was considered pathogenic and was later found in the patient's mother, also affected by CVID. This is the first reported case of a patient with CVID due to NFKB1 mutation presenting with short stature. We analyzed the interconnection between NFKB1 and GH - IGF-1 pathways and we hypothesized a common ground for both CVID and short stature in our patient.


Asunto(s)
Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común , Síndromes de Inmunodeficiencia , Niño , Humanos , Femenino , Haploinsuficiencia , Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común/diagnóstico , Inmunodeficiencia Variable Común/genética , Mutación del Sistema de Lectura , Madres , Subunidad p50 de NF-kappa B/genética
15.
Psychol Med ; 41(1): 151-62, 2011 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20380782

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Although many studies suggest that, on average, depression-specific psychotherapy and antidepressant pharmacotherapy are efficacious, we know relatively little about which patients are more likely to respond to one versus the other. We sought to determine whether measures of spectrum psychopathology are useful in deciding which patients with unipolar depression should receive pharmacotherapy versus depression-specific psychotherapy. METHOD: A total of 318 adult out-patients with major depression were randomly assigned to escitalopram pharmacotherapy or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) at academic medical centers at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Pisa, Italy. Our main focus was on predictors and moderators of time to remission on monotherapy at 12 weeks. RESULTS: Participants with higher scores on the need for medical reassurance factor of the Panic-Agoraphobic Spectrum Self-Report (PAS-SR) had more rapid remission with IPT and those with lower scores on the psychomotor activation factor of the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) experienced more rapid remission with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) pharmacotherapy. Non-specific predictors of longer time to remission with monotherapy included several panic spectrum and mood spectrum factors and the Social Phobia Spectrum (SHY) total score. Higher baseline scores on the 17- and 25-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HAMD-17 and HAMD-25) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) also predicted a longer time to remission, whereas being married predicted a shorter time to remission. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study identified several non-specific predictors but few moderators of psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy outcome. It offers useful indicators of the characteristics of patients that are generally difficult to treat, but only limited guidance as to who benefits from IPT versus SSRI pharmacotherapy.


Asunto(s)
Citalopram/uso terapéutico , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/terapia , Psicoterapia , Inhibidores Selectivos de la Recaptación de Serotonina/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Afecto , Ansiedad/psicología , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Pruebas Psicológicas , Inducción de Remisión , Factores de Tiempo
16.
J Nanosci Nanotechnol ; 21(11): 5694-5697, 2021 11 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33980382

RESUMEN

Magnetic nanocomposites based on maghemite nanoparticles supported (ex situ route) on styrene- divinilbenzene (Sty-DVB) copolymer templates were produced and characterized for their structure and morphology. The as-produced nanocomposites were further chemically-treated with different oxidant agents and surface-coated with stearic acid. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy data show that the incorporated nanoparticles are preserved despite the aggressive chemical treatments employed. From the dynamical susceptibility measurements performed on the nanocomposites, the values of the saturation magnetization (76 emu/g) and the effective magnetic anisotropy (1.7 × 104 J/m³) were obtained, in excellent agreement with the values reported in the literature for maghemite. This finding strongly supports the preservation of the magnetic properties of the supported nanosized maghemite throughout the entire samples' processing.

17.
Exp Cell Res ; 315(2): 264-73, 2009 Jan 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19014933

RESUMEN

Current immunosuppressive protocols have reduced rejection occurrence in heart transplantation; nevertheless, management of heart transplant recipients is accompanied by major adverse effects, due to drug doses close to toxic range. In allograft rejection, characterized by T-helper 1 (Th1) cell-mediated response, the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis plays a pivotal role in triggering a self-promoting inflammatory loop. Indeed, CXCL10 intragraft production, required for initiation and development of graft failure, supports organ infiltration by Th1 cells. Thus, targeting the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis while avoiding generalized immunosuppression, may be of therapeutic significance. Based on preclinical evidence for immunoregulatory properties of vitamin D receptor agonists, we propose that a less hypercalcemic vitamin D analogue, BXL-01-0029, might have the potential to contribute to rejection management. We investigated the effect of BXL-01-0029 on CXCL10 secretion induced by proinflammatory stimuli, both in human isolated cardiomyocytes (Hfcm) and purified CD4+ T cells. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active agent of mycophenolate mofetil, was used for comparison. BXL-01-0029 inhibited IFNgamma and TNFalpha-induced CXCL10 secretion by Hfcm more potently than MPA, impairing cytokine synergy and pathways. BXL-01-0029 reduced also CXCL10 protein secretion and gene expression by CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, BXL-01-0029 did not exert any toxic effect onto both cell types, suggesting its possible use as a dose-reducing agent for conventional immunosuppressive drugs in clinical transplantation.


Asunto(s)
Colecalciferol/farmacología , Inmunosupresores/farmacología , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Linfocitos T/efectos de los fármacos , Transporte Activo de Núcleo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Western Blotting , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Quimiocina CXCL10/genética , Quimiocina CXCL10/metabolismo , Colecalciferol/análogos & derivados , Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Interferón gamma/metabolismo , Interferón gamma/farmacología , Ionomicina/farmacología , Microscopía Fluorescente , Ácido Micofenólico/farmacología , Miocitos Cardíacos/citología , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Calcitriol/agonistas , Receptores de Interferón/genética , Receptores de Interferón/metabolismo , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Factor de Transcripción STAT1/metabolismo , Linfocitos T/citología , Linfocitos T/metabolismo , Acetato de Tetradecanoilforbol/farmacología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/farmacología , Receptor de Interferón gamma
18.
G Ital Med Lav Ergon ; 32(4 Suppl): 172, 2010.
Artículo en Italiano | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21438251

RESUMEN

The evolution of social and health setting in its demographic, productive and welfare elements make work as a finalized activity oriented to different tasks, from individual indepencence to social integration. In this context, the word "re-habilitation" has a double value; on one hand consideration of lifetime acquired abilities; on the other hand recovery of residual activities, consistent with the disablement. In Italy, for years, rehabilitation activities were performed by physiotherapists, who had inadequate occupational knowledge and preferred technical skills of non-finalized function recovery. The acknowledgment of Occupational Therapist took place in the end of the '90s, so that the few organizations sensitive to Occupational Therapy, as "Fondazione Maugeri" and "Fondazione Don Gnocchi", found "prepared ad hoc" personnel only abroad, above all in Spain and Switzerland. Nowadays we have specific first degree courses, but what really obstacles the development of this field is the economic crisis which afflicts healthcare services and avoids the growth of new sectors.


Asunto(s)
Accidentes de Trabajo , Terapia Ocupacional , Heridas y Lesiones/rehabilitación , Humanos
19.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 3037, 2020 02 20.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32080232

RESUMEN

Allosteric modulation is involved in a plethora of diverse protein functions, which are fundamental for cells' life. This phenomenon can be thought as communication between two topographically distinct site of a protein structure. How this communication occurs is still matter of debate. Many different descriptions have been presented so far. Here we consider a specific case where any significant conformational change is involved upon allosteric modulator binding and the phenomenon is depicted as a vibrational energy diffusion process between distant protein regions. We applied this model, by employing computational tools, to the human muscarinic receptor M2, a transmembrane protein G-protein coupled receptor known to undergo allosteric modulation whose recently X-ray structure has been recently resolved both with and without the presence of a particular allosteric modulator. Our calculations, performed on these two receptor structures, suggest that for this case the allosteric modulator modifies the energy current between functionally relevant regions of the protein; this allows to identify the main residues responsible for this modulation. These results contribute to shed light on the molecular basis of allosteric modulation and may help design new allosteric ligands.


Asunto(s)
Modelos Moleculares , Receptor Muscarínico M2/metabolismo , Regulación Alostérica , Sitio Alostérico , Cristalografía por Rayos X , Humanos
20.
J Affect Disord ; 112(1-3): 59-70, 2009 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18541309

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The observation that bipolar disorders frequently go unrecognized has prompted the development of screening instruments designed to improve the identification of bipolarity in clinical and non-clinical samples. Starting from a lifetime approach, researchers of the Spectrum Project developed the Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOODS-SR) that assesses threshold-level manifestations of unipolar and bipolar mood psychopathology, but also atypical symptoms, behavioral traits and temperamental features. The aim of the present study is to examine the structure of mania/hypomania using 68 items of the MOODS-SR that explore cognitive, mood and energy/activity features associated with mania/hypomania. METHODS: A data pool of 617 patients with bipolar disorders, recruited at Pittsburgh and Pisa, Italy was used for this purpose. Classical exploratory factor analysis, based on a tetrachoric matrix, was carried out on the 68 items, followed by an Item Response Theory (IRT)-based factor analytic approach. RESULTS: Nine factors were initially identified, that include Psychomotor Activation, Creativity, Mixed Instability, Sociability/Extraversion, Spirituality/Mysticism/Psychoticism, Mixed Irritability, Inflated Self-esteem, Euphoria, Wastefulness/Recklessness, and account overall for 56.4% of the variance of items. In a subsequent IRT-based bi-factor analysis, only five of them (Psychomotor Activation, Mixed Instability, Spirituality/Mysticism/Psychoticism, Mixed Irritability, Euphoria) were retained. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the central role of Psychomotor Activation in mania/hypomania and support the definitions of pure manic (Psychomotor Activation and Euphoria) and mixed manic (Mixed Instability and Mixed Irritability) components, bearing the opportunity to identify patients with specific profiles for a better clinical and neurobiological definition.


Asunto(s)
Trastorno Bipolar/diagnóstico , Inventario de Personalidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedad Aguda , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Trastorno Bipolar/clasificación , Trastorno Bipolar/psicología , Comparación Transcultural , Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales , Análisis Factorial , Femenino , Humanos , Italia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pennsylvania , Determinación de la Personalidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica/estadística & datos numéricos , Psicometría , Encuestas y Cuestionarios
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