Antonino De Lorenzo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Antonino De Lorenzo

Research paper thumbnail of 15.29: Preliminary results of a new pharmacologic stress protocol for myocardial perfusion imaging

Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Triponderal mass index rather than body mass index: An indicator of high adiposity in Italian children and adolescents

Research paper thumbnail of May nutritional status worsen during hospital stay? A sub-group analysis from a cross-sectional study

Internal and Emergency Medicine

Hospital malnutrition is a detrimental prognostic factor regarding hospital mortality, complicati... more Hospital malnutrition is a detrimental prognostic factor regarding hospital mortality, complications, and length of stay. However, the role of hospitalization itself on nutritional status has not been fully elucidated. We report the results of a secondary analysis from the dataset of a recent cross-sectional study at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. Data from patients evaluated at admission and discharge were collected and compared. One hundred thirty-nine patients were evaluated. Mean length of stay was 13.6 (± 7.7) days. Patients at risk of malnutrition, according to NRS-2002, were 75 (53.9%), while 63 (45.3%) were malnourished according to ESPEN Criteria. Compared to admission, at discharge, patients reported a significant decrease in Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)-from 26.5 cm (± 3.6) to 25.9 cm (± 3.7) (p = 0.016), a reduction in Phase angle (PhA)-from 4.25° (± 1.20) to 4.01° (± 1.15) (p = 0.005), fat-free mass (FFM)-from 47.5 kg (± 9.19) to 44.9 kg (± 9.4) (p = 0.03) and fat-free mass index (FFMI)-from 16.9 kg/m (± 2.3) to 15.8 kg/m (± 2.7) (p = 0.04). Laboratory data showed a reduction of albumin-from 29.2 (± 5.7) to 28.0 (± 5.9) (p = 0.01) and Onodera's PNI- from 29.1 (± 5.6) to 27.6 kg (± 5.6) (p = 0.039). At the multivariate linear regression analysis, the variables significantly associated with a worsening of PhA at discharge are the PhA value at admission and the diagnosis of malnutrition according to ESPEN Criteria. Hospitalization leads to significative changes in nutritional status. A clinical concern should be raised about the quality of hospital food and meal times and on the need for a clinical nutritionist on the ward.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic aspects of adult patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompa... more Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of NAFLD and its progression are probably due to a metabolic profile expressed within the context of a genetic predisposition and is associated with a higher energy intake. The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic alterations associated with an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. NAFLD patients have more than one feature of the MS, and now they are considered the hepatic components of the MS. Several scientific advances in understanding the association between NAFLD and MS have identified insulin resistance (IR) as the key aspect in the pathophysiology of both diseases. In the multi parallel hits theory of NAFLD pathogenesis, IR was described to be central in the predisposition of hepatocytes to be susceptible to other multiple pathogenetic factors. The recent knowledge gained from these advances can be applied clinically in the prevention and management of NAFLD and its associated metabolic changes. The present review analyses the current literature and highlights the new evidence on the metabolic aspects in the adult patients with NAFLD.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapies on body mass index in patients with psoriasis

Pharmacological Research, Apr 30, 2008

Psoriasis is a lifelong, chronic and immune-mediated skin disease affecting ∼1-3% of the Caucasia... more Psoriasis is a lifelong, chronic and immune-mediated skin disease affecting ∼1-3% of the Caucasian population. Pathogenesis of psoriasis is associated with an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-␣). TNF-␣ is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and important mediator of cachexia. Anti-TNF-␣ therapies are effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The primary end-point was to investigate retrospectively the effect of anti-TNF-therapies on body weight and body mass index (BMI) in patients with psoriasis under treatment with infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab (anti-TNF-␣ group), efalizumab or methotrexate (control group). The patients were treated for 48 weeks. BMI, weight and disease activity were measured at baseline (week 0), weeks 12, 24 and 48. At week 24 a significant increase in body weight and BMI in the anti-TNF-␣ treatment group compared to the control was observed. BMI and body weight did not interfere with the drugs' efficacy. We report a significant weight-gain associated with three different anti-TNF-␣ therapies in a large number of patients affected with psoriasis.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of multi-frequency impedance in assessing changes in body water compartments

Research paper thumbnail of Clustering eating habits: frequent consumption of different dietary patterns among the Italian general population in the association with obesity, physical activity, sociocultural characteristics and psychological factors

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 2015

(a) To identify clusters of eating patterns among the Italian population aged 15-64 years, focusi... more (a) To identify clusters of eating patterns among the Italian population aged 15-64 years, focusing on typical Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) items consumption; (b) to examine the distribution of eating habits, as identified clusters, among age classes and genders; (c) evaluate the impact of: belonging to a specific eating cluster, level of physical activity (PA), sociocultural and psychological factors, as elements determining weight abnormalities. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using self-reporting questionnaires administered to a sample of 33,127 subjects participating in the Italian population survey on alcohol and other drugs (IPSAD(®)2011). The cluster analysis was performed on a subsample (n = 5278 subjects) which provided information on eating habits, and adapted to identify categories of eating patterns. Stepwise multinomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between weight categories and eating clusters, adjusted for the following background variables: PA levels, sociocultural and psychological factors. Three clusters were identified: "Mediterranean-like", "Western-like" and "low fruit/vegetables". Frequent consumption of Med-diet patterns was more common among females and elderly. The relationship between overweight/obesity and male gender, educational level, PA, depression and eating disorders (p < 0.05) was confirmed. Belonging to a cluster other than "Mediterranean-like" was significantly associated with obesity. The low consumption of Med-diet patterns among youth, and the frequent association of sociocultural, psychological issues and inappropriate lifestyle with overweight/obesity, highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach including market policies, to promote a wider awareness of the Mediterranean eating habit benefits in combination with an appropriate lifestyle.

Research paper thumbnail of Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and digitalis poisoning: Management in the emergency room

European review for medical and pharmacological sciences

Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers intoxications account for up to 65% of deaths for card... more Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers intoxications account for up to 65% of deaths for cardiovascular drugs, causing severe clinical symptoms refractory to standard medications. The most serious poisonings are those resulting from verapamil and propanolol ingestion. Both support and antidotic therapy are necessary for these potentially unstable patients. Supportive measures and the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments are first line treatment for digitalis glycoside poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of Does metabolic syndrome influence psoriasis?

European review for medical and pharmacological sciences

The metabolic syndrome is a combination of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, central obesit... more The metabolic syndrome is a combination of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, central obesity and combined hyperlipidemia. The metabolic syndrome and its components have been largely associated with psoriasis. We report the case of a 66-year-old man affected with metabolic syndrome and psoriasis in which a multidisciplinary approach with endocrinologists and nutritionists led to an improvement of both conditions. After only 4 months of diet and an appropriate therapeutic regimen we observed an improvement of the hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, significant lose of weight, BMI switching from obesity to overweight and improvement of plaque psoriasis in absence of other treatments. We report this case to emphasise the need of a major control of the metabolic syndrome and associated comorbidities in psoriatic patients. Moreover we suggest that diet counselling and regular nutritional visits should be recommended in some patients to obtain dual benefits.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term follow-up of cellular proliferation as a predictive index for the relapse of nasal polyposis

American journal of rhinology

The objective of this study was to identify a reproducible clinical parameter for predicting rela... more The objective of this study was to identify a reproducible clinical parameter for predicting relapses of nasal polyposis after surgery. Ninety-three patients who had undergone ethmoidectomy of bilateral nasal polyps were followed for 3 years. Nasal polyps were obtained from all patients, and cellular suspensions were analyzed individually using flow cytometry. Based on the percentage of cells in the S phase, we identified three groups of patients (high, medium, and low percentages). A relapse of nasal polyposis was observed in 15.00, 70.00, and 100.00% of patients from the low-, medium-, and high-percentage groups, respectively. Patients suffering relapses had a high percentage of cells in the S phase. We identified two cutoff values for the percentage of cells in the S phase; above the first cutoff, some of the patients suffered relapses; above the second cut-off, all patients suffered relapses.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Type 2 diabetes using an electronic nose-based artificial neural network analysis

Diabetes, nutrition & metabolism, 2002

Diabetes is a major health problem in both industrial and developing countries, and its incidence... more Diabetes is a major health problem in both industrial and developing countries, and its incidence is rising. Although detection of diabetes is improving, about half of the patients with Type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed and the delay from disease onset to diagnosis may exceed 10 yr. Thus, earlier detection of Type 2 diabetes and treatment of hyperglycaemia and related metabolic abnormalities is of vital importance. The objectives of the present study were to examine urine samples from Type 2 diabetic patients and healthy volunteers using the electronic nose technology and to evaluate possible application of data classification methods such as self-learning artificial neural networks (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) in comparison with principal components analysis (PCA). Urine samples from Type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls were processed randomly using a simple 8-sensors electronic nose and individual electronic nose patterns were qualitatively classified using the "...

Research paper thumbnail of Food habits in a southern Italian town (Nicotera) in 1960 and 1996: still a reference Italian Mediterranean diet?

Diabetes, nutrition & metabolism, 2001

A follow-up analysis of cohorts surveyed in the "Seven Countries Study" has provided in... more A follow-up analysis of cohorts surveyed in the "Seven Countries Study" has provided increasing evidence of an association between diet and morbidity or mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancer. The effects of the "Mediterranean diet" on mortality is still evident in Italy, where food patterns differ significantly in different geographical areas. To examine differences in food habits in Nicotera, one of the Italian rural areas of the Seven Countries Study, between 1960 and 1996. In 1996, 80 subjects, 37 females and 43 males, aged 40-59 years, were examined in Nicotera assessing food intake by means of a semiquantitative questionnaire of food frequency, validated for the Italian population. In 1960, food intake of a sample of Nicotera subjects was assessed by weighed record method for three seasons. Food choices differed markedly between 1960 and 1996. Consumption of animal foods increased, as did that of cakes, pies and cookies and sweet beverages i...

Research paper thumbnail of Body composition measurement in highly trained male athletes. A comparison of three methods

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2000

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the body composition estimate... more The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the body composition estimate of highly trained male athletes by three different methods: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness measurement (SFT). The study occurred during a non-intensive training period. The measurements were performed at the Human Physiology laboratory. forty-three male athletes (19 waterpolo, 9 judo, 15 karate) who exercised regularly at least three hours per day, six days per week. DXA, BIA and SFT measurements of percentage fat mass (%FM) and the amount of fat-free mass (FFM) were performed. the different %FM estimates by the three methods were compared using a one-way ANOVA, with posthoc Bonferroni test when values were significantly different. The same test was used to compare FFM values. The coefficient of variation (CV%=100xSD/mean) was calculated for each methods. Methodological differences among the various methods were anal...

Research paper thumbnail of A new predictive equation to calculate resting metabolic rate in athletes

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1999

The purposes of the present study were: 1) to examine the accuracy and precision of seven publish... more The purposes of the present study were: 1) to examine the accuracy and precision of seven published equations for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in male athletes and 2) to develop a population-specific equation. The study occurred during a non-intensive training period. The measurements were performed at the Human Physiology laboratory. Fifty-one male athletes (22 waterpolo, 12 judo, 17 karate) who exercised regularly at least three hours per day. RMR was measured (mRMR) using indirect calorimetry (ventilated hood system). Besides, mRMR was compared with values predicted (pRMR) using equations of FAO/WHO/UNU, Harris and Benedict, Mifflin et al., Owen et al., Cunningham, Robertson and Reid, Fleisch. Statistical analyses. mRMR was compared with pRMR by means of Student's paired "t" tests, linear regression analysis and the Bland-Altman test. Relationships between mRMR and the different predictive variables were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Improved prediction formula for total body water assessment in obese women

International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 1995

To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance valu... more To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance values in obese women. A sample of 37 overweight females BMI ranging from 29.5 to 44.1 kg/m2. The reference measurements for TBW were obtained by deuterium oxide dilution. Body height (h), hip circumference (C) as well as body impedance at 100 kHz (Z100) were also measured. The values obtained for h, C and Z100 were introduced in the calculations and the following developed formula for total body water was determined: TBW = 0.069 [hC2/(4 pi .Z100)]+19.671. The validity of this formula was assessed through the statistical test of Bland and Altman which we also performed for other formulas containing the weight and/or the height. We found that the accuracy of the prediction of TBW by our formula, although lower than those formulas using body weight, is higher than that which takes into account only body height. We conclude that body volume, expressed through body height and hip circumference, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ketanserin (S2-receptor blocking agents), hypertension and chronic alcoholism

International journal of clinical pharmacology research, 1986

Ketanserin is a pure antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors, in blood vessels, platelets and bronch... more Ketanserin is a pure antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors, in blood vessels, platelets and bronchial tissue. Ketanserin has been suggested as hypotensive drug in man, but it shows as well a specific activity on platelet aggregation. An increased incidence of hypertension, of unknown origin, has been found in patients with chronic alcoholism: hypotheses have been made upon an increased incretion of catecholamines and a greater sensitivity of blood vessels' receptors to their action. The data from the present study of eleven patients show that these subjects had an increased platelet activity and ketanserin administration was effective in allowing both the blood pressure levels and platelet activity to resume their normal range. This drug is thus suggested, for its pharmacological properties, as an elective medication for hypertensive patients with chronic alcoholism.

Research paper thumbnail of Ketanserin (S2-receptor blocking agent), platelet activity and chronic alcoholism

International journal of clinical pharmacology research, 1986

Ketanserin is a pure and selective antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors in blood vessels, platele... more Ketanserin is a pure and selective antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors in blood vessels, platelets and bronchial tissue. It antagonizes serotonin-induced vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction and platelet aggregation, and indirectly it blocks platelet release reaction. Ketanserin has little or no effect on healthy subjects. Serotonin-induced or serotonin-potentiated platelet aggregation is inhibited in blood drawn from ketanserin-treated healthy volunteers. Oral or parenteral ketanserin treatment did not cause major changes in beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma concentrations, when basic values were normal. Increased microaggregate formation was found in alcoholics and heavy drinkers. It was also found that beta-TG and PF4 levels were higher in these patients than in the controls. Ketanserin treatment tended to normalize these protein levels in such patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Alimentary regimen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Mediterranean diet

World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The mechani... more Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The mechanisms of the underlying disease development and progression are awaiting clarification. Insulin resistance and obesity-related inflammation status, among other possible genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, are thought to play the key role. There is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment. However, the dietary nutritional management to achieve weight loss is an essential component of any treatment strategy. On the basis of its components, the literature reports on the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular risk and in preventing major chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. New evidence supports the idea that the Mediterranean diet, associated with physical activity and cognitive behaviour therapy, may have an important role in the prevention and the treatment of NAFLD.

Research paper thumbnail of Oral high dose Beclomethasone dipropionate for treatment of active ulcerative colitis

Gastroenterology Insights, 2012

Oral corticosteroids (CS) have been widely used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) at the p... more Oral corticosteroids (CS) have been widely used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) at the price of systemic side effects. Role of topically active oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in clinical practice is still unclear. The aim of this paper is to investigate efficacy and tolerability of a high dose BDP regimen in mild to moderately active UC. Twenty-five patients (9 males, aged 25-40 years) with mild to moderately active UC, unresponsive to oral and topical 5-ASA (4.8 gr daily) and BDP (5 mg daily), were enrolled. All patients continued 5-ASA plus high dose oral BDP (15 mg od for 4 weeks and than tapered). Clinical, endoscopic, histological and laboratory parameters were monitored. Mean disease activity index (DAI) score at study entry was 8.82±4. Response to treatment was observed in all patients after 2 weeks. Remission was observed in all patients within 4-6 weeks from entering the study (mean DAI score: 2.34±0.5) and maintained throughout 6-month follow-up. No major adverse events were documented. Quality of life global evaluation score improved. This study provides the first evidence of efficacy and safety of high dose oral BDP-scheme in UC demonstrating excellent tolerability and favourable acceptability profile. This new BDPscheme might be a valid alternative to conventional oral CS when standard dose BDP is not effective. Future studies are needed to explore further clinical indications.

Research paper thumbnail of Composizione corporea con tecnica DXA

Osteoporosi e malattie metaboliche dell’osso, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of 15.29: Preliminary results of a new pharmacologic stress protocol for myocardial perfusion imaging

Journal of Nuclear Cardiology, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Triponderal mass index rather than body mass index: An indicator of high adiposity in Italian children and adolescents

Research paper thumbnail of May nutritional status worsen during hospital stay? A sub-group analysis from a cross-sectional study

Internal and Emergency Medicine

Hospital malnutrition is a detrimental prognostic factor regarding hospital mortality, complicati... more Hospital malnutrition is a detrimental prognostic factor regarding hospital mortality, complications, and length of stay. However, the role of hospitalization itself on nutritional status has not been fully elucidated. We report the results of a secondary analysis from the dataset of a recent cross-sectional study at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. Data from patients evaluated at admission and discharge were collected and compared. One hundred thirty-nine patients were evaluated. Mean length of stay was 13.6 (± 7.7) days. Patients at risk of malnutrition, according to NRS-2002, were 75 (53.9%), while 63 (45.3%) were malnourished according to ESPEN Criteria. Compared to admission, at discharge, patients reported a significant decrease in Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)-from 26.5 cm (± 3.6) to 25.9 cm (± 3.7) (p = 0.016), a reduction in Phase angle (PhA)-from 4.25° (± 1.20) to 4.01° (± 1.15) (p = 0.005), fat-free mass (FFM)-from 47.5 kg (± 9.19) to 44.9 kg (± 9.4) (p = 0.03) and fat-free mass index (FFMI)-from 16.9 kg/m (± 2.3) to 15.8 kg/m (± 2.7) (p = 0.04). Laboratory data showed a reduction of albumin-from 29.2 (± 5.7) to 28.0 (± 5.9) (p = 0.01) and Onodera's PNI- from 29.1 (± 5.6) to 27.6 kg (± 5.6) (p = 0.039). At the multivariate linear regression analysis, the variables significantly associated with a worsening of PhA at discharge are the PhA value at admission and the diagnosis of malnutrition according to ESPEN Criteria. Hospitalization leads to significative changes in nutritional status. A clinical concern should be raised about the quality of hospital food and meal times and on the need for a clinical nutritionist on the ward.

Research paper thumbnail of Metabolic aspects of adult patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompa... more Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and it encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The mechanisms involved in the occurrence of NAFLD and its progression are probably due to a metabolic profile expressed within the context of a genetic predisposition and is associated with a higher energy intake. The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic alterations associated with an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. NAFLD patients have more than one feature of the MS, and now they are considered the hepatic components of the MS. Several scientific advances in understanding the association between NAFLD and MS have identified insulin resistance (IR) as the key aspect in the pathophysiology of both diseases. In the multi parallel hits theory of NAFLD pathogenesis, IR was described to be central in the predisposition of hepatocytes to be susceptible to other multiple pathogenetic factors. The recent knowledge gained from these advances can be applied clinically in the prevention and management of NAFLD and its associated metabolic changes. The present review analyses the current literature and highlights the new evidence on the metabolic aspects in the adult patients with NAFLD.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapies on body mass index in patients with psoriasis

Pharmacological Research, Apr 30, 2008

Psoriasis is a lifelong, chronic and immune-mediated skin disease affecting ∼1-3% of the Caucasia... more Psoriasis is a lifelong, chronic and immune-mediated skin disease affecting ∼1-3% of the Caucasian population. Pathogenesis of psoriasis is associated with an increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-␣). TNF-␣ is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and important mediator of cachexia. Anti-TNF-␣ therapies are effective in the treatment of psoriasis. The primary end-point was to investigate retrospectively the effect of anti-TNF-therapies on body weight and body mass index (BMI) in patients with psoriasis under treatment with infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab (anti-TNF-␣ group), efalizumab or methotrexate (control group). The patients were treated for 48 weeks. BMI, weight and disease activity were measured at baseline (week 0), weeks 12, 24 and 48. At week 24 a significant increase in body weight and BMI in the anti-TNF-␣ treatment group compared to the control was observed. BMI and body weight did not interfere with the drugs' efficacy. We report a significant weight-gain associated with three different anti-TNF-␣ therapies in a large number of patients affected with psoriasis.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of multi-frequency impedance in assessing changes in body water compartments

Research paper thumbnail of Clustering eating habits: frequent consumption of different dietary patterns among the Italian general population in the association with obesity, physical activity, sociocultural characteristics and psychological factors

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 2015

(a) To identify clusters of eating patterns among the Italian population aged 15-64 years, focusi... more (a) To identify clusters of eating patterns among the Italian population aged 15-64 years, focusing on typical Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) items consumption; (b) to examine the distribution of eating habits, as identified clusters, among age classes and genders; (c) evaluate the impact of: belonging to a specific eating cluster, level of physical activity (PA), sociocultural and psychological factors, as elements determining weight abnormalities. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using self-reporting questionnaires administered to a sample of 33,127 subjects participating in the Italian population survey on alcohol and other drugs (IPSAD(®)2011). The cluster analysis was performed on a subsample (n = 5278 subjects) which provided information on eating habits, and adapted to identify categories of eating patterns. Stepwise multinomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between weight categories and eating clusters, adjusted for the following background variables: PA levels, sociocultural and psychological factors. Three clusters were identified: "Mediterranean-like", "Western-like" and "low fruit/vegetables". Frequent consumption of Med-diet patterns was more common among females and elderly. The relationship between overweight/obesity and male gender, educational level, PA, depression and eating disorders (p < 0.05) was confirmed. Belonging to a cluster other than "Mediterranean-like" was significantly associated with obesity. The low consumption of Med-diet patterns among youth, and the frequent association of sociocultural, psychological issues and inappropriate lifestyle with overweight/obesity, highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach including market policies, to promote a wider awareness of the Mediterranean eating habit benefits in combination with an appropriate lifestyle.

Research paper thumbnail of Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and digitalis poisoning: Management in the emergency room

European review for medical and pharmacological sciences

Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers intoxications account for up to 65% of deaths for card... more Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers intoxications account for up to 65% of deaths for cardiovascular drugs, causing severe clinical symptoms refractory to standard medications. The most serious poisonings are those resulting from verapamil and propanolol ingestion. Both support and antidotic therapy are necessary for these potentially unstable patients. Supportive measures and the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments are first line treatment for digitalis glycoside poisoning.

Research paper thumbnail of Does metabolic syndrome influence psoriasis?

European review for medical and pharmacological sciences

The metabolic syndrome is a combination of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, central obesit... more The metabolic syndrome is a combination of diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, central obesity and combined hyperlipidemia. The metabolic syndrome and its components have been largely associated with psoriasis. We report the case of a 66-year-old man affected with metabolic syndrome and psoriasis in which a multidisciplinary approach with endocrinologists and nutritionists led to an improvement of both conditions. After only 4 months of diet and an appropriate therapeutic regimen we observed an improvement of the hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, significant lose of weight, BMI switching from obesity to overweight and improvement of plaque psoriasis in absence of other treatments. We report this case to emphasise the need of a major control of the metabolic syndrome and associated comorbidities in psoriatic patients. Moreover we suggest that diet counselling and regular nutritional visits should be recommended in some patients to obtain dual benefits.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term follow-up of cellular proliferation as a predictive index for the relapse of nasal polyposis

American journal of rhinology

The objective of this study was to identify a reproducible clinical parameter for predicting rela... more The objective of this study was to identify a reproducible clinical parameter for predicting relapses of nasal polyposis after surgery. Ninety-three patients who had undergone ethmoidectomy of bilateral nasal polyps were followed for 3 years. Nasal polyps were obtained from all patients, and cellular suspensions were analyzed individually using flow cytometry. Based on the percentage of cells in the S phase, we identified three groups of patients (high, medium, and low percentages). A relapse of nasal polyposis was observed in 15.00, 70.00, and 100.00% of patients from the low-, medium-, and high-percentage groups, respectively. Patients suffering relapses had a high percentage of cells in the S phase. We identified two cutoff values for the percentage of cells in the S phase; above the first cutoff, some of the patients suffered relapses; above the second cut-off, all patients suffered relapses.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting Type 2 diabetes using an electronic nose-based artificial neural network analysis

Diabetes, nutrition & metabolism, 2002

Diabetes is a major health problem in both industrial and developing countries, and its incidence... more Diabetes is a major health problem in both industrial and developing countries, and its incidence is rising. Although detection of diabetes is improving, about half of the patients with Type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed and the delay from disease onset to diagnosis may exceed 10 yr. Thus, earlier detection of Type 2 diabetes and treatment of hyperglycaemia and related metabolic abnormalities is of vital importance. The objectives of the present study were to examine urine samples from Type 2 diabetic patients and healthy volunteers using the electronic nose technology and to evaluate possible application of data classification methods such as self-learning artificial neural networks (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) in comparison with principal components analysis (PCA). Urine samples from Type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls were processed randomly using a simple 8-sensors electronic nose and individual electronic nose patterns were qualitatively classified using the "...

Research paper thumbnail of Food habits in a southern Italian town (Nicotera) in 1960 and 1996: still a reference Italian Mediterranean diet?

Diabetes, nutrition & metabolism, 2001

A follow-up analysis of cohorts surveyed in the "Seven Countries Study" has provided in... more A follow-up analysis of cohorts surveyed in the "Seven Countries Study" has provided increasing evidence of an association between diet and morbidity or mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancer. The effects of the "Mediterranean diet" on mortality is still evident in Italy, where food patterns differ significantly in different geographical areas. To examine differences in food habits in Nicotera, one of the Italian rural areas of the Seven Countries Study, between 1960 and 1996. In 1996, 80 subjects, 37 females and 43 males, aged 40-59 years, were examined in Nicotera assessing food intake by means of a semiquantitative questionnaire of food frequency, validated for the Italian population. In 1960, food intake of a sample of Nicotera subjects was assessed by weighed record method for three seasons. Food choices differed markedly between 1960 and 1996. Consumption of animal foods increased, as did that of cakes, pies and cookies and sweet beverages i...

Research paper thumbnail of Body composition measurement in highly trained male athletes. A comparison of three methods

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2000

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the body composition estimate... more The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the body composition estimate of highly trained male athletes by three different methods: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness measurement (SFT). The study occurred during a non-intensive training period. The measurements were performed at the Human Physiology laboratory. forty-three male athletes (19 waterpolo, 9 judo, 15 karate) who exercised regularly at least three hours per day, six days per week. DXA, BIA and SFT measurements of percentage fat mass (%FM) and the amount of fat-free mass (FFM) were performed. the different %FM estimates by the three methods were compared using a one-way ANOVA, with posthoc Bonferroni test when values were significantly different. The same test was used to compare FFM values. The coefficient of variation (CV%=100xSD/mean) was calculated for each methods. Methodological differences among the various methods were anal...

Research paper thumbnail of A new predictive equation to calculate resting metabolic rate in athletes

The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1999

The purposes of the present study were: 1) to examine the accuracy and precision of seven publish... more The purposes of the present study were: 1) to examine the accuracy and precision of seven published equations for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in male athletes and 2) to develop a population-specific equation. The study occurred during a non-intensive training period. The measurements were performed at the Human Physiology laboratory. Fifty-one male athletes (22 waterpolo, 12 judo, 17 karate) who exercised regularly at least three hours per day. RMR was measured (mRMR) using indirect calorimetry (ventilated hood system). Besides, mRMR was compared with values predicted (pRMR) using equations of FAO/WHO/UNU, Harris and Benedict, Mifflin et al., Owen et al., Cunningham, Robertson and Reid, Fleisch. Statistical analyses. mRMR was compared with pRMR by means of Student's paired "t" tests, linear regression analysis and the Bland-Altman test. Relationships between mRMR and the different predictive variables were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients. The ...

Research paper thumbnail of Improved prediction formula for total body water assessment in obese women

International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders : journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 1995

To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance valu... more To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance values in obese women. A sample of 37 overweight females BMI ranging from 29.5 to 44.1 kg/m2. The reference measurements for TBW were obtained by deuterium oxide dilution. Body height (h), hip circumference (C) as well as body impedance at 100 kHz (Z100) were also measured. The values obtained for h, C and Z100 were introduced in the calculations and the following developed formula for total body water was determined: TBW = 0.069 [hC2/(4 pi .Z100)]+19.671. The validity of this formula was assessed through the statistical test of Bland and Altman which we also performed for other formulas containing the weight and/or the height. We found that the accuracy of the prediction of TBW by our formula, although lower than those formulas using body weight, is higher than that which takes into account only body height. We conclude that body volume, expressed through body height and hip circumference, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Ketanserin (S2-receptor blocking agents), hypertension and chronic alcoholism

International journal of clinical pharmacology research, 1986

Ketanserin is a pure antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors, in blood vessels, platelets and bronch... more Ketanserin is a pure antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors, in blood vessels, platelets and bronchial tissue. Ketanserin has been suggested as hypotensive drug in man, but it shows as well a specific activity on platelet aggregation. An increased incidence of hypertension, of unknown origin, has been found in patients with chronic alcoholism: hypotheses have been made upon an increased incretion of catecholamines and a greater sensitivity of blood vessels' receptors to their action. The data from the present study of eleven patients show that these subjects had an increased platelet activity and ketanserin administration was effective in allowing both the blood pressure levels and platelet activity to resume their normal range. This drug is thus suggested, for its pharmacological properties, as an elective medication for hypertensive patients with chronic alcoholism.

Research paper thumbnail of Ketanserin (S2-receptor blocking agent), platelet activity and chronic alcoholism

International journal of clinical pharmacology research, 1986

Ketanserin is a pure and selective antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors in blood vessels, platele... more Ketanserin is a pure and selective antagonist of serotonin S2-receptors in blood vessels, platelets and bronchial tissue. It antagonizes serotonin-induced vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction and platelet aggregation, and indirectly it blocks platelet release reaction. Ketanserin has little or no effect on healthy subjects. Serotonin-induced or serotonin-potentiated platelet aggregation is inhibited in blood drawn from ketanserin-treated healthy volunteers. Oral or parenteral ketanserin treatment did not cause major changes in beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma concentrations, when basic values were normal. Increased microaggregate formation was found in alcoholics and heavy drinkers. It was also found that beta-TG and PF4 levels were higher in these patients than in the controls. Ketanserin treatment tended to normalize these protein levels in such patients.

Research paper thumbnail of Alimentary regimen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Mediterranean diet

World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The mechani... more Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The mechanisms of the underlying disease development and progression are awaiting clarification. Insulin resistance and obesity-related inflammation status, among other possible genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, are thought to play the key role. There is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment. However, the dietary nutritional management to achieve weight loss is an essential component of any treatment strategy. On the basis of its components, the literature reports on the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular risk and in preventing major chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. New evidence supports the idea that the Mediterranean diet, associated with physical activity and cognitive behaviour therapy, may have an important role in the prevention and the treatment of NAFLD.

Research paper thumbnail of Oral high dose Beclomethasone dipropionate for treatment of active ulcerative colitis

Gastroenterology Insights, 2012

Oral corticosteroids (CS) have been widely used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) at the p... more Oral corticosteroids (CS) have been widely used for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) at the price of systemic side effects. Role of topically active oral beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in clinical practice is still unclear. The aim of this paper is to investigate efficacy and tolerability of a high dose BDP regimen in mild to moderately active UC. Twenty-five patients (9 males, aged 25-40 years) with mild to moderately active UC, unresponsive to oral and topical 5-ASA (4.8 gr daily) and BDP (5 mg daily), were enrolled. All patients continued 5-ASA plus high dose oral BDP (15 mg od for 4 weeks and than tapered). Clinical, endoscopic, histological and laboratory parameters were monitored. Mean disease activity index (DAI) score at study entry was 8.82±4. Response to treatment was observed in all patients after 2 weeks. Remission was observed in all patients within 4-6 weeks from entering the study (mean DAI score: 2.34±0.5) and maintained throughout 6-month follow-up. No major adverse events were documented. Quality of life global evaluation score improved. This study provides the first evidence of efficacy and safety of high dose oral BDP-scheme in UC demonstrating excellent tolerability and favourable acceptability profile. This new BDPscheme might be a valid alternative to conventional oral CS when standard dose BDP is not effective. Future studies are needed to explore further clinical indications.

Research paper thumbnail of Composizione corporea con tecnica DXA

Osteoporosi e malattie metaboliche dell’osso, 2009