Giuseppina SALZANO

Prof. Giuseppina SALZANO


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

24Years (2003-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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LRLuciana Rigoli
Luciana Rigoli
VCValerio Caruso
Valerio Caruso
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
Fortunato LombardoFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Wolfram syndrome 1 (WS1) is a rare neurodegenerative disease transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode. It is characterized by diabetes insipidus (DI), diabetes mellitus (DM), optic atrophy (OA), and sensorineural hearing loss (D) (DIDMOAD). The clinical picture may be complicated by other symptoms, such as urinary tract, endocrinological, psychiatric, and neurological abnormalities. WS1 is caused by mutations in the WFS1 gene located on chromosome 4p16 that encodes a transmembrane protein named wolframin. Many studies have shown that wolframin regulates some mechanisms of ER calcium homeostasis and therefore plays a role in cellular apoptosis. More than 200 mutations are responsible for WS1. However, abnormal phenotypes of WS with or without DM, inherited in an autosomal dominant mode and associated with one or more WFS1 mutations, have been found. Furthermore, recessive Wolfram-like disease without DM has been described. The prognosis of WS1 is poor, and the death occurs prematurely. Although there are no therapies that can slow or stop WS1, a careful clinical monitoring can help patients during the rapid progression of the disease, thus improving their quality of life. In this review, we describe natural history and etiology of WS1 and suggest criteria for a most pertinent approach to the diagnosis and clinical follow up. We also describe the hallmarks of new therapies for WS1.

1 February 2024 in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
Claudia PionaClaudia Piona
Claudia Piona
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
MMMarco Marigliano
Marco Marigliano
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
Fortunato LombardoFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Introduction: To evaluate time in tight range (TITR) 70–140 mg/dL (3.9–7.8 mmol/L), its correlation with standard continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics and the clinical variables that possibly have a substantial impact on its value, in a large cohort of pediatric subjects using different treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 854 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes were consecutively recruited in this real world, dual center, cross-sectional study. Participants were categorized into four treatment groups (multiple daily injections [MDI] + real-time CGM, MDI + intermittently scanned CGM, sensor augmented pump, and hybrid closed loop [HCL]). Demographical and clinical data, including CGM data, were collected and analyzed. Results: The overall study population exhibited an average TITR of 36.4% ± 12.8%. HCL users showed higher TITR levels compared to the other treatment groups ( P < 0.001). A time in range (TIR) cut-off value of 71.9% identified subjects achieving a TITR ≥50% (area under curve [AUC] 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.97–0.99, P < 0.001), and a strong positive correlation between these two metrics was observed ( r = 0.95, P < 0.001). An increase in TIR of 1% was associated with 1.84 ( R 2 Nagelkerke = 0.35, P < 0.001) increased likelihood of achieving TITR ≥50%. Use of HCL systems ( B = 7.78; P < 0.001), disease duration ( B = −0.26, P = 0.006), coefficient of variation ( B = −0.30, P = 0.004), and glycated hemoglobin ( B = −8.82; P < 0.001) emerged as significant predictors of TITR levels. Conclusions: Our study highlights that most children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes present TITR levels below 50%, except those using HCL. Tailored interventions and strategies should be implemented to increase TITR.

22 February 2021 in Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
FPFrancesco Pira
Francesco Pira
LSLacrima Sorrenti
Lacrima Sorrenti
GMGiuseppa La Monica
Giuseppa La Monica
FLFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Background: The year 2020 will be remembered as the “year of the COVID-19 pandemic”. The world population had to familiarize themselves with words as swabs, personal protective equipment, pandemic. To curb the wave of the pandemic, almost all the countries imposed self-isolation and social distancing. We conducted a web-based survey to investigate the behavioural responses during the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were 1860 youth aged 12–18 years attending lower secondary schools and upper secondary schools. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, lifestyle changes during the quarantine period, and the psychological impact of the lock-down on adolescents’ life. Results: Most adolescents experienced feelings of fear, discouragement, and anxiety which strongly affected the approach to their daily lifestyles. Most of the surveyed subjects reported having used this period to acquire new skills and to practice physical activities at home. The use of technology was predominant both for recreational activities and educational purposes. Conclusions: Despite the strong psychological impact of the quarantine, adolescents showed good levels of resilience. Technology played a crucial role during the quarantine for young subjects who have increased the daily use of technological devices to stay connected with the rest of the world.

4 September 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
ATArianna Torre
Arianna Torre
ALAlessandro Longo
Alessandro Longo
MPMaria Pecoraro
Maria Pecoraro
MPMATTIA PAPA
MATTIA PAPA
GSGiuseppina SALZANO
Giuseppina SALZANO
Adolescence, a critical period of physical and psychological development, presents unique challenges in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management due to endocrinological changes, reduced therapeutic adherence, and elevated susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This narrative review explores the impact of psychological and behavioral factors on glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. We examine the prevalence and influence of mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, harmful behaviors, and social dynamics on diabetes management and glycemic outcomes. Strategies for improving metabolic control are also reviewed, including cognitive behavioral therapy, technological devices, and educational interventions. The importance of tailored psychological support, family involvement, and targeted interventions to improve adherence to treatment and glycemic control in adolescents with T1D should be emphasized.

15 May 2015 in Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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TATommaso Aversa
Tommaso Aversa
FLFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Mariella ValenziseMariella Valenzise
Mariella Valenzise
MMMaria Francesca Messina
Maria Francesca Messina
CSConcetta Sferlazzas
Concetta Sferlazzas
Malgorzata WasniewskaMalgorzata Wasniewska
Malgorzata Wasniewska
Aim of this commentary is to summarize the salient literature news on the relationships between autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) and either Down syndrome (DS) or Turner syndrome (TS). According to literature reports both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) are more frequent in children with DS or TS than in those without these chromosomopathies. An up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines might be responsible for the enhanced susceptibility of TS children to ATDs, whereas a dysregulation of immune system may favor the development of ATDs in DS. In TS children biochemical presentation of HT is less severe than in peer controls. In both DS and TS GD picture at the time of diagnosis is not significantly different than in the pediatric general population. The evolution over time of GD in DS and TS does not differ from that observed in the pediatric general population, whereas the evolution of HT in both TS and DS is more severe than in girls without these chromosomopathies. Conclusions: The association with TS or DS is able to affect both epidemiology and course of ATDs by conditioning: a) an increased susceptibility to these disorders; b) a less severe biochemical presentation and a more severe evolutive pattern of HT in TS girls; c) a more severe biochemical presentation and evolution of HT in DS patients.

1 December 2023 in Diabetes Therapy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Stefano PassanisiStefano Passanisi
Stefano Passanisi
FLFortunato Lombardo
Fortunato Lombardo
Chiara MameliChiara Mameli
Chiara Mameli
Bruno BombaciBruno Bombaci
Bruno Bombaci
MMMaddalena Macedoni
Maddalena Macedoni
Maurizio DelvecchioMaurizio Delvecchio
Maurizio Delvecchio
The MiniMed™ 780G is a second-generation automated insulin delivery system that implements a modified proportional–integral–derivative algorithm with some features of an MD-Logic artificial pancreas algorithm. The system may deliver automatic correction boluses up to every 5 min, and it allows the user to choose between three glucose target setpoints (100, 110 and 120 mg/dL). We aimed to review the current evidence on this device in children, adolescents, and young adults living with type 1 diabetes. We screened 783 papers, but only 31 manuscripts were included in this review. Data on metabolic outcomes show that this system is safe as regards severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. The glycated haemoglobin may drop to levels about 7%, with CGM reports showing a time in range of 75–80%. The time above range and the time below range are within the recommended target in most of the subjects. Few studies evaluated the psychological outcomes. This system seems to be more effective than the first-generation automated insulin delivery systems. The MiniMed™ 780G has been associated with an improvement in sleep quality in subjects living with diabetes and their caregivers, along with an improvement in treatment satisfaction. Psychological distress is as reduced as the glucose control is improved. We also discuss some case reports describing particular situations in clinical practice. Finally, we think that data show that this system is a further step towards the improvement of the treatment of diabetes as concerns both metabolic and psychological outcomes.