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Papers by Lucio Torelli

Research paper thumbnail of Come leggere con senso critico un articolo scientifico? Suggerimenti di uno statistico

L'autore propone una prima guida per una lettura critica di un articolo scientifico, con part... more L'autore propone una prima guida per una lettura critica di un articolo scientifico, con particolare riguardo alla comprensione della statistica utilizzata nella sperimentazione oggetto dello studio

Research paper thumbnail of Giovanni Torelli: sono passati trent'anni…

Viene qui ricordato, da parte del figlio Lucio, Giovanni Torelli, matematico italiano morto trent... more Viene qui ricordato, da parte del figlio Lucio, Giovanni Torelli, matematico italiano morto trent\u2019anni fa. Viene in luce la figura del matematico e del docente appassionato, ma soprattutto il desiderio e la capacit\ue0 di Giovanni di entrare in relazione con l\u2019altro, collega o studente che fosse. Questa reciprocit\ue0 di relazione con l\u2019altro \ue8 diventata la base per il suo stile di insegnamento e per un lavoro di ricerca interdisciplinare

Research paper thumbnail of Satisfaction with online teaching of medical statistics during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A survey by the Education Committee of the Italian Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology

Teaching Statistics, 2021

On May 2020, after 2 months of online teaching with no face‐to‐face lectures, the Education Commi... more On May 2020, after 2 months of online teaching with no face‐to‐face lectures, the Education Committee of the Italian scientific Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology conceived an online survey to assess satisfaction of Italian academics of medical statistics with online teaching and remote exams. This survey highlighted teachers' perceptions as well as opportunities and limitations of online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Although 61% of Italian academics of medical statistics declared to be favorable to provide online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology in the future, we recognize that distance education cannot substitute the unique value of teaching and knowledge exchange that could only be transmitted through a personal interaction between students and teachers. These indications may be useful to improve the quality of the teaching process in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 in the tonsillectomised population

Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 2021

Objective. Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue are thought ... more Objective. Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue are thought to influence the manifestations of COVID-19. We aimed to determine whether a previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of a dysfunctional pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict the presentation and course of COVID-19. Methods. Multicentric cross-sectional observational study involving seven hospitals in Northern and Central Italy. Data on the clinical course and signs and symptoms of the infection were collected from 779 adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and analysed in relation to previous tonsillectomy, together with demographic and anamnestic data. Results. Patients with previous tonsillectomy showed a greater risk of fever, temperature higher than 39°C, chills and malaise. No significant differences in hospital admissions were found. Conclusions. A previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of immunological dysfunction of the pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict a more intense systemic manifestation of COVID-19. These results could provide a simple clinical marker to discriminate suspected carriers and to delineate more precise prognostic models.

Research paper thumbnail of Parità e Allattamento quali fattori protettivi di carcinoma mammario nelle donne triestine

Research paper thumbnail of Studio pilota sul ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nelrischio dei carcinomi mammari Luminali nelle donne in premenopausa

OBIETTIVO DELLO STUDIO Analizzare il ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nei tumor... more OBIETTIVO DELLO STUDIO Analizzare il ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nei tumori Luminali, il 75% di tutti i carcinomi della mammella, in un campione di donne giovani residenti nella provincia di Trieste, situata in FriuliVenezia Giulia, una tra le regioni con i più alti tassi d’incidenza di carcinoma mammario MATERIALI E METODI STUDIO RETROSPETTIVO CASO-CONTROLLO 864 donne di età compresa tra 21 e 49 anni in premenopausa di cui 286 cancri classificati nei sottotipi molecolari [vedi tabella a lato, 6] e 578 controlli. Le informazioni sui fattori riproduttivi sono state ottenute tramite un questionario con intervista. Sono stati utilizzati dei modelli di regressione logistica multivariata per analizzare le relazioni tra i fattori riproduttivi e il rischio di sviluppare un carcinoma mammario, stratificato poi per carcinomi Luminali. I carcinomi tripli negativi e HER2+ sono stati esclusi per la scarsa numerosità (rispettivamente 33 e 15 casi).

Research paper thumbnail of Compounded glycopyrrolate is a compelling choice for drooling children: five years of facility experience

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2021

Background Describe the efficacy of a galenic glycopyrrolate formulation and its impact on patien... more Background Describe the efficacy of a galenic glycopyrrolate formulation and its impact on patients with sialorrhea Quality of Life (QoL), including costs analysis. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study on 21 patients who received a custom-formulated galenic glycopyrrolate syrup for sialorrhea for an average period of 14.3 months. We analyzed the telephone interviews with elaborated and validated questionnaires and the therapy costs comparing the brand marketed drug with the galenic formulation. Results Overall, 16 out of 21 patients (76.2%) reported a significant improvement in sialorrhea and QoL. In 14 subjects (66.7%), there was a remarkable decrease in the drooling severity; 10 individuals (47.6%) reported a reduction in drooling frequency. Nine patients experienced at least one adverse effect of glycopyrrolate therapy, and three of them stopped the treatment. No severe side effects were observed. The galenic drug significantly reduced costs for patients. Conc...

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation of cochlear aperture stenosis with cochlear nerve deficiency in congenital unilateral hearing loss and prognostic relevance for cochlear implantation

Scientific Reports, 2021

The use of neonatal hearing screening has enabled the identification of congenital unilateral sen... more The use of neonatal hearing screening has enabled the identification of congenital unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) immediately after birth, and today there are several intervention options available to minimize potential adverse effects of this disease, including cochlear implantation. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the inner ear of a homogeneous group of congenital non-syndromic USNHL to highlight the features of the inner ear, which can help in clinical, surgical, and rehabilitative decision-making. A retrospective chart review was carried out at a tertiary referral center. Systematic diagnostic work-up and rigorous inclusion–exclusion criteria were applied to 126 children with unilateral hearing impairment, leading to a selection of 39 strictly congenital and non-syndromic USNHL cases, undergoing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies. The frequency and type of malformations of the inner ear in USNHL and unaffected co...

Research paper thumbnail of Modeling Postnatal Hearing Case Finding Within the Italian National Health System

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2021

Objective: Despite the successful implementation of newborn hearing screening (NHS), a debate is ... more Objective: Despite the successful implementation of newborn hearing screening (NHS), a debate is emerging as to what should be the best means of enabling timely diagnosis and intervention for preschoolers with educationally significant sensorineural or conductive hearing impairment (HI) missed at the time of NHS or occurred after birth. Our study aims to document the proportion and characteristics of HIs diagnosed in children in need of audiologic assessment, in order to outline the optimization areas of an operational framework for auditory surveillance during preschool age.Method: The referral routes and outcomes of 730 audiological assessments performed in 3 years within the framework of the early hearing identification program in Trieste (Italy) were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Among 570/595 completed evaluations, an HI was diagnosed in 114 children, 73.7% of which presenting an exclusively conductive HI due to middle ear effusion. HIs were found in 36/141 who failed NHS, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Malar rash is a predictor of subclinical airway inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study

Clinical Rheumatology, 2019

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, auto-immune, multi-organ disease that... more Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, auto-immune, multi-organ disease that can affect both the skin and the lungs. Malar rash is a common skin manifestation of SLE and is linked to SLE disease activity, whereas lung involvement is a generally negative prognostic factor for these patients. However, a sensitive and non-invasive screening tool for potential lung involvement in SLE patients is still not available. Methods This study aimed to investigate the relationship between malar rash and airway inflammation in adult SLE patients who were not known to have any lung involvement (clinical or radiologic). The study comprised of the measurement of the concentration of NO in exhaled breath or fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and levels were compared between those with and without malar rash. This tool is considered as a sensitive and non-invasive method that is routinely used in patients with asthma or other respiratory diseases to identify airway inflammation. Results A total of 125 patients (100 females, 25 males) were enrolled during the study period from January 2011 to December 2014. Patients with malar rash (N = 35) had a significant decrease in serum levels of C4 (p < 0.05) compared to patients without malar rash (N = 90). The mean levels of FeNO in overall patients were 36.44 ± 8.87 ppb. A statistically significant difference in FeNO 50 values between patients with malar rash (43.46 ± 6.72 ppb) and without (29.43 ± 3.64 ppb) was found (p < 0.001). FeNO 50 values were inversely correlated only with serum C4 (p < 0.01). However, no correlation between FeNO 50 values and SLE clinical disease activity scores was found.

Research paper thumbnail of Problemi Di Statistica Biomedica Con MS Excel®

Quaderni del centro di calcolo

§1. La covarianza e la correlazione Un ginecologo ed una ostetrica hanno seguito lo sviluppo dell... more §1. La covarianza e la correlazione Un ginecologo ed una ostetrica hanno seguito lo sviluppo della crescita del femore e dell'omero di un feto tramite immagini ecografiche. A quanto pare, i dati relativi alla lunghezza seguono un "andamento comune". Come possiamo precisare meglio questo concetto? pagina 6 §2.1 La regressione dei dati (parte prima) Visitando un sito Internet, ci si imbatte in una serie di dati che descrivono il peso stimato di un feto. I dati sono elencati solo per le settimane pari (28, 30, 32, … 42). A partire da quei dati, si può in qualche modo stimare il peso fetale di quelle dispari? §2.2 La regressione dei dati (parte seconda) Un tecnico di laboratorio esegue una coltura batterica, prendendo nota di ora in ora della quantità di microorganismi viventi. Sfortunatamente, il dato relativo ad una certa ora non viene registrato. Si può stimarne in qualche modo l'entità? pagina pagina §3. I numeri casuali Un infermiere professionale dispone di più di tre migliaia di cartelle cliniche, archiviate con numeri progressivi che vanno da N2473 ad N5824. Deve estrarre, a caso, un campione di duecento pazienti da studiare. Come può fare? pagina §4.1 Le variabili aleatorie Cosa intendono i matematici quando utilizzano questa terminologia? pagina §4.2 La distribuzione binomiale Una casa di cura possiede 20 letti disponibili per interventi di day hospital, e siccome l'esperienza mostra che il 10% dei pazienti già prenotati non si presenta all'appuntamento, la direzione decide di accettare fino ad un massimo di 22 prenotazioni al giorno. E' ragionevole fare così?

Research paper thumbnail of La statistica: strumento utile per la pratica e la ricerca medica? Media, mediana, quartili, deviazione standard, intervalli di fiducia\u2026istruzioni per un uso corretto e di buon senso

Molto spesso la statistica \ue8 un grosso scoglio, un grosso problema per un medico e, al tempo s... more Molto spesso la statistica \ue8 un grosso scoglio, un grosso problema per un medico e, al tempo stesso, oramai sempre pi\uf9 articoli scientifici danno grande spazio e risalto alla raccolta e all\u2019analisi dei dati. Come fare per capirci qualcosa, anche se non si \ue8 degli esperti statistici? Come fare per capire quali analisi statistiche sono condotte in maniera corretta? In questo breve articolo, attraverso dei semplici esempi, l\u2019autore propone alcuni elementi base della statistica, nell\u2019auspicio di una maggiore collaborazione interdisciplinare

Research paper thumbnail of Il liberismo in farmacoeconomia e una proposta per la misura del risultato

A chi legge con attenzione più di un lavoro di farmacoeconomia sul medesimo argomento non può cer... more A chi legge con attenzione più di un lavoro di farmacoeconomia sul medesimo argomento non può certamente sfuggire una caratteristica evidente che accomuna questo tipo di studi: la marcata variabilità dei risultati. Le cause sono di due ordini. Il primo, di carattere oggettivo, deriva dallo stretto legame che gli studi farmacoeconomici hanno con lo specifico ambito locale e temporale che analizzano. È più che normale che, tra ambiti locali e temporali diversi, vi siano differenze di modelli organizzativi, procedure sanitarie, caratteristiche sociali e territoriali, sistemi di concedibilità delle prestazioni, tipologia di popolazione e, ultimi ma non ultimi, costi. Di conseguenza i risultati di una medesima analisi, effettuata però in ambiti loco-temporali diversi, presentano tra loro differenze “fisiologiche” attese e non sono quasi mai automaticamente trasferibili da un ambito all’altro.5, 6, 35 Ma la variabilità dei risultati è molto più vasta di quanto sia lecito attendersi dalla ...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative evaluation of the haemodynamic effects of continuous negative external pressure (CNEP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in mechanically ventilated trauma patients

Intensive Care Medicine, 1995

Objective: To compare the haemodynamic effects of identical values of continuous negative externa... more Objective: To compare the haemodynamic effects of identical values of continuous negative external pressure (CNEP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a group of mechanically ventilated patients 9

Research paper thumbnail of Combined use of Rheology and portable Low-Field NMR in cystic fibrosis patients

Research paper thumbnail of Prolonged low-dose methylprednisolone in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia

BackgroundIn hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, progression to acute respiratory fail... more BackgroundIn hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, progression to acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe dysregulated systemic inflammation is the putative mechanism. We hypothesize that early prolonged methylprednisolone (MP) treatment could accelerate disease resolution, decreasing the need for ICU and mortality.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, observational study to explore the association between exposure to prolonged, low-dose, MP treatment and need for ICU referral, intubation or death within 28 days (composite primary endpoint) in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to Italian respiratory high-dependency units. Secondary outcomes were invasive MV-free days and changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.ResultsFindings are reported as MP (n=83) vs. control (n=90). The composite primary endpoint was met by 19 vs. 40 [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confi...

Research paper thumbnail of Age Dependent Modification of the Metabolic Profile of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Fibers in C57BL/6J Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Skeletal muscle aging is accompanied by mass reduction and functional decline, as a result of mul... more Skeletal muscle aging is accompanied by mass reduction and functional decline, as a result of multiple factors, such as protein expression, morphology of organelles, metabolic equilibria, and neural communication. Skeletal muscles are formed by multiple fibers that express different Myosin Heavy Chains (MyHCs) and have different metabolic properties and different blood supply, with the purpose to adapt their contraction to the functional need. The fine interplay between the different fibers composing a muscle and its architectural organization determine its functional properties. Immunohistochemical and histochemical analyses of the skeletal muscle tissue, besides evidencing morphological characteristics, allow for the precise determination of protein expression and metabolic properties, providing essential information at the single-fiber level. Aiming to gain further knowledge on the influence of aging on skeletal muscles, we investigated the expression of the MyHCs, the Succinate ...

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term resveratrol treatment improves the capillarization in the skeletal muscles of ageing C57BL/6J mice

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

Research paper thumbnail of Integrated pilot medical study on 40 patients affected by open angle glaucoma undergoing topical therapy with additional osteopathic manipulation

Research paper thumbnail of Primary Stability of Short Implants Inserted Using Piezoelectric or Drilling Systems: An In Vitro Comparison

Journal of Oral Implantology

The primary objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of implant site... more The primary objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of implant site preparation technique (drills vs ultrasonic instrumentation) on the primary stability of short dental implants with two different designs inserted in simulated low-quality cancellous bone. Eighty implant sites were prepared in custom-made solid rigid polyurethane blocks with two different low cancellous bone densities (5 or 15 pounds per cubic foot [PCF]), equally distributed between piezoelectric (Surgysonic Moto, Esacrom, Italy) and conventional drilling techniques. Two short implant systems (Prama and Syra, Sweden & Martina) were tested by inserting 40 fixtures of each system (both 6.0 mm length and 5.0 mm diameter), divided in the four subgroups (drills/5 PCF density; drills/15 PCF density; piezo/5 PCF density; piezo/15 PCF density). Insertion torque (Ncm), implant stability quotient values, removal torque (Ncm), and surgical time were recorded. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and...

Research paper thumbnail of Come leggere con senso critico un articolo scientifico? Suggerimenti di uno statistico

L'autore propone una prima guida per una lettura critica di un articolo scientifico, con part... more L'autore propone una prima guida per una lettura critica di un articolo scientifico, con particolare riguardo alla comprensione della statistica utilizzata nella sperimentazione oggetto dello studio

Research paper thumbnail of Giovanni Torelli: sono passati trent'anni…

Viene qui ricordato, da parte del figlio Lucio, Giovanni Torelli, matematico italiano morto trent... more Viene qui ricordato, da parte del figlio Lucio, Giovanni Torelli, matematico italiano morto trent\u2019anni fa. Viene in luce la figura del matematico e del docente appassionato, ma soprattutto il desiderio e la capacit\ue0 di Giovanni di entrare in relazione con l\u2019altro, collega o studente che fosse. Questa reciprocit\ue0 di relazione con l\u2019altro \ue8 diventata la base per il suo stile di insegnamento e per un lavoro di ricerca interdisciplinare

Research paper thumbnail of Satisfaction with online teaching of medical statistics during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A survey by the Education Committee of the Italian Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology

Teaching Statistics, 2021

On May 2020, after 2 months of online teaching with no face‐to‐face lectures, the Education Commi... more On May 2020, after 2 months of online teaching with no face‐to‐face lectures, the Education Committee of the Italian scientific Society of Medical Statistics and Clinical Epidemiology conceived an online survey to assess satisfaction of Italian academics of medical statistics with online teaching and remote exams. This survey highlighted teachers' perceptions as well as opportunities and limitations of online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Although 61% of Italian academics of medical statistics declared to be favorable to provide online teaching of medical statistics, biostatistics, and epidemiology in the future, we recognize that distance education cannot substitute the unique value of teaching and knowledge exchange that could only be transmitted through a personal interaction between students and teachers. These indications may be useful to improve the quality of the teaching process in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 in the tonsillectomised population

Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 2021

Objective. Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue are thought ... more Objective. Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue are thought to influence the manifestations of COVID-19. We aimed to determine whether a previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of a dysfunctional pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict the presentation and course of COVID-19. Methods. Multicentric cross-sectional observational study involving seven hospitals in Northern and Central Italy. Data on the clinical course and signs and symptoms of the infection were collected from 779 adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and analysed in relation to previous tonsillectomy, together with demographic and anamnestic data. Results. Patients with previous tonsillectomy showed a greater risk of fever, temperature higher than 39°C, chills and malaise. No significant differences in hospital admissions were found. Conclusions. A previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of immunological dysfunction of the pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict a more intense systemic manifestation of COVID-19. These results could provide a simple clinical marker to discriminate suspected carriers and to delineate more precise prognostic models.

Research paper thumbnail of Parità e Allattamento quali fattori protettivi di carcinoma mammario nelle donne triestine

Research paper thumbnail of Studio pilota sul ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nelrischio dei carcinomi mammari Luminali nelle donne in premenopausa

OBIETTIVO DELLO STUDIO Analizzare il ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nei tumor... more OBIETTIVO DELLO STUDIO Analizzare il ruolo dell’allattamento e dei fattori riproduttivi nei tumori Luminali, il 75% di tutti i carcinomi della mammella, in un campione di donne giovani residenti nella provincia di Trieste, situata in FriuliVenezia Giulia, una tra le regioni con i più alti tassi d’incidenza di carcinoma mammario MATERIALI E METODI STUDIO RETROSPETTIVO CASO-CONTROLLO 864 donne di età compresa tra 21 e 49 anni in premenopausa di cui 286 cancri classificati nei sottotipi molecolari [vedi tabella a lato, 6] e 578 controlli. Le informazioni sui fattori riproduttivi sono state ottenute tramite un questionario con intervista. Sono stati utilizzati dei modelli di regressione logistica multivariata per analizzare le relazioni tra i fattori riproduttivi e il rischio di sviluppare un carcinoma mammario, stratificato poi per carcinomi Luminali. I carcinomi tripli negativi e HER2+ sono stati esclusi per la scarsa numerosità (rispettivamente 33 e 15 casi).

Research paper thumbnail of Compounded glycopyrrolate is a compelling choice for drooling children: five years of facility experience

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2021

Background Describe the efficacy of a galenic glycopyrrolate formulation and its impact on patien... more Background Describe the efficacy of a galenic glycopyrrolate formulation and its impact on patients with sialorrhea Quality of Life (QoL), including costs analysis. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study on 21 patients who received a custom-formulated galenic glycopyrrolate syrup for sialorrhea for an average period of 14.3 months. We analyzed the telephone interviews with elaborated and validated questionnaires and the therapy costs comparing the brand marketed drug with the galenic formulation. Results Overall, 16 out of 21 patients (76.2%) reported a significant improvement in sialorrhea and QoL. In 14 subjects (66.7%), there was a remarkable decrease in the drooling severity; 10 individuals (47.6%) reported a reduction in drooling frequency. Nine patients experienced at least one adverse effect of glycopyrrolate therapy, and three of them stopped the treatment. No severe side effects were observed. The galenic drug significantly reduced costs for patients. Conc...

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation of cochlear aperture stenosis with cochlear nerve deficiency in congenital unilateral hearing loss and prognostic relevance for cochlear implantation

Scientific Reports, 2021

The use of neonatal hearing screening has enabled the identification of congenital unilateral sen... more The use of neonatal hearing screening has enabled the identification of congenital unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) immediately after birth, and today there are several intervention options available to minimize potential adverse effects of this disease, including cochlear implantation. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the inner ear of a homogeneous group of congenital non-syndromic USNHL to highlight the features of the inner ear, which can help in clinical, surgical, and rehabilitative decision-making. A retrospective chart review was carried out at a tertiary referral center. Systematic diagnostic work-up and rigorous inclusion–exclusion criteria were applied to 126 children with unilateral hearing impairment, leading to a selection of 39 strictly congenital and non-syndromic USNHL cases, undergoing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies. The frequency and type of malformations of the inner ear in USNHL and unaffected co...

Research paper thumbnail of Modeling Postnatal Hearing Case Finding Within the Italian National Health System

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2021

Objective: Despite the successful implementation of newborn hearing screening (NHS), a debate is ... more Objective: Despite the successful implementation of newborn hearing screening (NHS), a debate is emerging as to what should be the best means of enabling timely diagnosis and intervention for preschoolers with educationally significant sensorineural or conductive hearing impairment (HI) missed at the time of NHS or occurred after birth. Our study aims to document the proportion and characteristics of HIs diagnosed in children in need of audiologic assessment, in order to outline the optimization areas of an operational framework for auditory surveillance during preschool age.Method: The referral routes and outcomes of 730 audiological assessments performed in 3 years within the framework of the early hearing identification program in Trieste (Italy) were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Among 570/595 completed evaluations, an HI was diagnosed in 114 children, 73.7% of which presenting an exclusively conductive HI due to middle ear effusion. HIs were found in 36/141 who failed NHS, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Malar rash is a predictor of subclinical airway inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study

Clinical Rheumatology, 2019

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, auto-immune, multi-organ disease that... more Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, auto-immune, multi-organ disease that can affect both the skin and the lungs. Malar rash is a common skin manifestation of SLE and is linked to SLE disease activity, whereas lung involvement is a generally negative prognostic factor for these patients. However, a sensitive and non-invasive screening tool for potential lung involvement in SLE patients is still not available. Methods This study aimed to investigate the relationship between malar rash and airway inflammation in adult SLE patients who were not known to have any lung involvement (clinical or radiologic). The study comprised of the measurement of the concentration of NO in exhaled breath or fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and levels were compared between those with and without malar rash. This tool is considered as a sensitive and non-invasive method that is routinely used in patients with asthma or other respiratory diseases to identify airway inflammation. Results A total of 125 patients (100 females, 25 males) were enrolled during the study period from January 2011 to December 2014. Patients with malar rash (N = 35) had a significant decrease in serum levels of C4 (p < 0.05) compared to patients without malar rash (N = 90). The mean levels of FeNO in overall patients were 36.44 ± 8.87 ppb. A statistically significant difference in FeNO 50 values between patients with malar rash (43.46 ± 6.72 ppb) and without (29.43 ± 3.64 ppb) was found (p < 0.001). FeNO 50 values were inversely correlated only with serum C4 (p < 0.01). However, no correlation between FeNO 50 values and SLE clinical disease activity scores was found.

Research paper thumbnail of Problemi Di Statistica Biomedica Con MS Excel®

Quaderni del centro di calcolo

§1. La covarianza e la correlazione Un ginecologo ed una ostetrica hanno seguito lo sviluppo dell... more §1. La covarianza e la correlazione Un ginecologo ed una ostetrica hanno seguito lo sviluppo della crescita del femore e dell'omero di un feto tramite immagini ecografiche. A quanto pare, i dati relativi alla lunghezza seguono un "andamento comune". Come possiamo precisare meglio questo concetto? pagina 6 §2.1 La regressione dei dati (parte prima) Visitando un sito Internet, ci si imbatte in una serie di dati che descrivono il peso stimato di un feto. I dati sono elencati solo per le settimane pari (28, 30, 32, … 42). A partire da quei dati, si può in qualche modo stimare il peso fetale di quelle dispari? §2.2 La regressione dei dati (parte seconda) Un tecnico di laboratorio esegue una coltura batterica, prendendo nota di ora in ora della quantità di microorganismi viventi. Sfortunatamente, il dato relativo ad una certa ora non viene registrato. Si può stimarne in qualche modo l'entità? pagina pagina §3. I numeri casuali Un infermiere professionale dispone di più di tre migliaia di cartelle cliniche, archiviate con numeri progressivi che vanno da N2473 ad N5824. Deve estrarre, a caso, un campione di duecento pazienti da studiare. Come può fare? pagina §4.1 Le variabili aleatorie Cosa intendono i matematici quando utilizzano questa terminologia? pagina §4.2 La distribuzione binomiale Una casa di cura possiede 20 letti disponibili per interventi di day hospital, e siccome l'esperienza mostra che il 10% dei pazienti già prenotati non si presenta all'appuntamento, la direzione decide di accettare fino ad un massimo di 22 prenotazioni al giorno. E' ragionevole fare così?

Research paper thumbnail of La statistica: strumento utile per la pratica e la ricerca medica? Media, mediana, quartili, deviazione standard, intervalli di fiducia\u2026istruzioni per un uso corretto e di buon senso

Molto spesso la statistica \ue8 un grosso scoglio, un grosso problema per un medico e, al tempo s... more Molto spesso la statistica \ue8 un grosso scoglio, un grosso problema per un medico e, al tempo stesso, oramai sempre pi\uf9 articoli scientifici danno grande spazio e risalto alla raccolta e all\u2019analisi dei dati. Come fare per capirci qualcosa, anche se non si \ue8 degli esperti statistici? Come fare per capire quali analisi statistiche sono condotte in maniera corretta? In questo breve articolo, attraverso dei semplici esempi, l\u2019autore propone alcuni elementi base della statistica, nell\u2019auspicio di una maggiore collaborazione interdisciplinare

Research paper thumbnail of Il liberismo in farmacoeconomia e una proposta per la misura del risultato

A chi legge con attenzione più di un lavoro di farmacoeconomia sul medesimo argomento non può cer... more A chi legge con attenzione più di un lavoro di farmacoeconomia sul medesimo argomento non può certamente sfuggire una caratteristica evidente che accomuna questo tipo di studi: la marcata variabilità dei risultati. Le cause sono di due ordini. Il primo, di carattere oggettivo, deriva dallo stretto legame che gli studi farmacoeconomici hanno con lo specifico ambito locale e temporale che analizzano. È più che normale che, tra ambiti locali e temporali diversi, vi siano differenze di modelli organizzativi, procedure sanitarie, caratteristiche sociali e territoriali, sistemi di concedibilità delle prestazioni, tipologia di popolazione e, ultimi ma non ultimi, costi. Di conseguenza i risultati di una medesima analisi, effettuata però in ambiti loco-temporali diversi, presentano tra loro differenze “fisiologiche” attese e non sono quasi mai automaticamente trasferibili da un ambito all’altro.5, 6, 35 Ma la variabilità dei risultati è molto più vasta di quanto sia lecito attendersi dalla ...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparative evaluation of the haemodynamic effects of continuous negative external pressure (CNEP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in mechanically ventilated trauma patients

Intensive Care Medicine, 1995

Objective: To compare the haemodynamic effects of identical values of continuous negative externa... more Objective: To compare the haemodynamic effects of identical values of continuous negative external pressure (CNEP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a group of mechanically ventilated patients 9

Research paper thumbnail of Combined use of Rheology and portable Low-Field NMR in cystic fibrosis patients

Research paper thumbnail of Prolonged low-dose methylprednisolone in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia

BackgroundIn hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, progression to acute respiratory fail... more BackgroundIn hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, progression to acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Severe dysregulated systemic inflammation is the putative mechanism. We hypothesize that early prolonged methylprednisolone (MP) treatment could accelerate disease resolution, decreasing the need for ICU and mortality.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, observational study to explore the association between exposure to prolonged, low-dose, MP treatment and need for ICU referral, intubation or death within 28 days (composite primary endpoint) in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to Italian respiratory high-dependency units. Secondary outcomes were invasive MV-free days and changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.ResultsFindings are reported as MP (n=83) vs. control (n=90). The composite primary endpoint was met by 19 vs. 40 [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confi...

Research paper thumbnail of Age Dependent Modification of the Metabolic Profile of the Tibialis Anterior Muscle Fibers in C57BL/6J Mice

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Skeletal muscle aging is accompanied by mass reduction and functional decline, as a result of mul... more Skeletal muscle aging is accompanied by mass reduction and functional decline, as a result of multiple factors, such as protein expression, morphology of organelles, metabolic equilibria, and neural communication. Skeletal muscles are formed by multiple fibers that express different Myosin Heavy Chains (MyHCs) and have different metabolic properties and different blood supply, with the purpose to adapt their contraction to the functional need. The fine interplay between the different fibers composing a muscle and its architectural organization determine its functional properties. Immunohistochemical and histochemical analyses of the skeletal muscle tissue, besides evidencing morphological characteristics, allow for the precise determination of protein expression and metabolic properties, providing essential information at the single-fiber level. Aiming to gain further knowledge on the influence of aging on skeletal muscles, we investigated the expression of the MyHCs, the Succinate ...

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term resveratrol treatment improves the capillarization in the skeletal muscles of ageing C57BL/6J mice

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

Research paper thumbnail of Integrated pilot medical study on 40 patients affected by open angle glaucoma undergoing topical therapy with additional osteopathic manipulation

Research paper thumbnail of Primary Stability of Short Implants Inserted Using Piezoelectric or Drilling Systems: An In Vitro Comparison

Journal of Oral Implantology

The primary objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of implant site... more The primary objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of implant site preparation technique (drills vs ultrasonic instrumentation) on the primary stability of short dental implants with two different designs inserted in simulated low-quality cancellous bone. Eighty implant sites were prepared in custom-made solid rigid polyurethane blocks with two different low cancellous bone densities (5 or 15 pounds per cubic foot [PCF]), equally distributed between piezoelectric (Surgysonic Moto, Esacrom, Italy) and conventional drilling techniques. Two short implant systems (Prama and Syra, Sweden & Martina) were tested by inserting 40 fixtures of each system (both 6.0 mm length and 5.0 mm diameter), divided in the four subgroups (drills/5 PCF density; drills/15 PCF density; piezo/5 PCF density; piezo/15 PCF density). Insertion torque (Ncm), implant stability quotient values, removal torque (Ncm), and surgical time were recorded. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and...