Indagini genetiche e trattamenti prenatali in utero della Sindrome Adreno Genitale (SAG) in una Coorte Siciliana.

La deficienza dell'enzima 21 idrossilasi (21OHD) è la causa più comune di sindrome adrenogenitale (SAG). Il gene implicato è il CYP21 (6p21.3). La SAG è un problema clinico-sociale in quanto nel 95% dei casi genera l'iperandrogenismo dei neonati di sesso femminile. Il trattamento più effettuato in corso di virilizzazzione dei genitali femminili esterni è di tipo chirurgico (genitoplastica). Il trattamento prenatale in utero è una alternativa medica con il fine di compensare il difetto enzimatico e prevenire l'eccesso di androgeni in corso di morfogenesi fetale. Un nuovo protocollo diagnostico-terapeutico prenatale è stato sviluppato sulla base di una terapia precoce (alla 5° WG) con Desamet…

In vitro models of blood-brain barrier set by co-culturing primary pericytes, astrocytes and brain capillary endothelial cells

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) under the effects of the brain microenvironment. BCECs are sealed together by tight junctions (TJs) [2]. We previously found that occludin, one of the main TJ components, is correctly localized at the cell periphery only if BCECs are co-cultured with neurons/astrocytes [1-2]. Moreover, pericytes induce PLA2 protein expression through activation of PKCalpha and the MAPK/ERK cascade in immortalized GP8.3 endothelial cells [3]. In the present work, we analyzed the effects of pericytes and/or astrocytes on survival and differentiation of primary endothelial cells, in the presence of a serum-free medium. To test…

Safety of glargine therapy during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

CFD Study of an Innovative Catamaran with Asymmetrical Hulls

The purpose of this paper is the study of the shape of catamaran with asymmetrical hulls by both experimental and numerical viewpoint. The experimental study is based on the towing tank tests on a catamaran hulls shape obtained from previous works, showing that the wave resistance is very low produces a lower energy loss and a greater effectiveness. The hulls shape is optimized by the CFD application by force of commercial software, which shows that the reduction of wasted energy is very sensitive to make some changes; in particular three different width of the catamaran are tested and their performances are compared.