Publications by authors named "Franceschi R"

Bone morphogenetic proteins are essential for bone regeneration/fracture healing but can also induce heterotopic ossification (HO). Understanding accessory factors modulating BMP signaling would provide both a means of enhancing BMP-dependent regeneration while preventing HO. This study focuses on the ability of the collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), to regulate BMP activity.

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Background: Untreated patients affected by hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) present an abnormal transferrin (Tf) glycosylation pattern suggestive of N-hypoglycosylation. Analysis of defects in N-glycosylation is possible by analysis of serum sialotransferrin (sialoTf) pattern. The sialoTf profile is a valuable tool to facilitate the diagnosis of HFI.

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Aims: New technology has been reported as a factor driving people to choose an automatic insulin delivery system (AIDs) and to sustain its acceptance. We aimed to explore the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology (instant scanning vs. real-time) and insulin treatment modality to determine the future acceptance of AIDs among T1D individuals.

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The current clinical applications of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are limited to only a few specific indications. Locally controlled delivery of combinations of growth factors can be a promising strategy to improve BMP-based bone repair. However, the success of this approach requires the development of an effective release system and the correct choice of growth factors capable of enhancing BMP activity.

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  • The study aimed to analyze how often type 1 diabetes (T1D) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurred in kids aged 0-14 in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy from 2014 to 2023.
  • Results showed an overall T1D incidence of 21.5 per 100,000 person-years, peaking at 31.1 during 2021, and DKA occurred in about 36.9% of cases, with younger patients showing higher HbA1c levels.
  • The findings suggest that the incidence of T1D in the region is similar to other northern Italian areas, highlighting the need for educational campaigns to raise
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  • * A new phase-separation technology was developed to create nanofibrous poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds designed to mimic the bone matrix and enhance regeneration by attaching synthetic collagen-like peptides that activate key bone cell receptors.
  • * The resulting peptide-decorated scaffolds showed significantly improved bone regeneration (7.8 times more) compared to traditional scaffolds in a study, highlighting their ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
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Hydrogels can improve the delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) by providing crucial biophysical cues that mimic the extracellular matrix. The differentiation of MSCs is dependent on biophysical cues like stiffness and viscoelasticity, yet conventional hydrogels cannot be dynamically altered after fabrication and implantation to actively direct differentiation. We developed a composite hydrogel, consisting of type I collagen and phase-shift emulsion, where osteogenic differentiation of MSCs can be non-invasively modulated using ultrasound.

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In the post-COVID-19 era, telehealth experience and knowledge must be structured to deliver high-quality care. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that lends itself to being a model for telehealth diffusion, especially in the pediatric setting where the use of cloud-connected technologies is widespread. Here, we present "how to set the tone" and manage a telemedicine session according to our experiences and those reported in the literature, according to the health professional perspective.

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  • The study aimed to create a questionnaire that evaluates how likely individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are to accept Automatic Insulin Delivery systems (AIDs), focusing on their usefulness, ease of use, and trust in the technology.
  • A comprehensive questionnaire was developed using a 5-point Likert scale and completed by 239 participants, including children and their parents, demonstrating excellent reliability and agreement in their responses about AIDs.
  • The results showed a positive acceptance level of AIDs among both youths and parents, with parents generally recognizing more benefits, indicating the tool could be useful for clinicians and researchers in assessing the acceptance of these insulin delivery systems.
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Background: sepiapterine reductase deficiency (SRD) is a rare levodopa (L-dopa)-responsive disorder treated with a combination therapy of controlled-release L-dopa and carbidopa. The currently available formulation of controlled-release carbidopa/L-dopa does not entirely meet the requirements for the long-term therapy in pediatric patients. In fact, administration of a manufactured tablet at a dose intended for adults necessitates its adjustment to the child's needs, as the splitting of the tablet into smaller portions or its dilution in water.

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Methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase enzyme (MCEE) is responsible for catalyzing the isomeric conversion between D- and L-methylmalonyl-CoA, an intermediate along the conversion of propionyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA. A dedicated test for MCEE deficiency is not included in the newborn screening (NBS) panels but it can be incidentally identified when investigating methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia. Here, we report for the first time the biochemical description of a case detected by NBS.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Hypoglycemia continues to be a major concern for those using insulin therapy, prompting the need for evidence-based recommendations for its recognition, treatment, and management among pediatric diabetologists.
  • * The guidelines suggest raising blood glucose levels above 70 mg/dL using oral glucose, with specific dosages tailored for different treatment settings, and they include practical flow charts to assist in clinical decision-making, aiming for a global applicability.
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  • * The study used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the planet-forming disk around ISO-ChaI 147, revealing a carbon-rich environment with 13 identified carbon-bearing molecules, such as ethane and benzene.
  • * Findings suggest that the high carbon-to-oxygen ratio and presence of hydrocarbons in the disk could influence the chemical makeup of any planets that form there due to material movement within the disk.
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Background: Skin reactions due to technological devices pose a significant concern in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This multicentric, comparative cross-sectional study aimed to assess the psychological impact of device-related skin issues on youths with T1D and their parents.

Methods: Participants with skin reactions were matched in a 1:1 ratio with a control group.

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  • * 143 participants were divided into two groups: those who regularly used AGP (group A) and those who did not (group B), with follow-ups to compare metabolic outcomes and glucose metrics over 12 months.
  • * Results showed that group A had higher sensor usage and better TIR, while experiencing lower Time Above Range and HbA1c levels, indicating that consistent AGP use can lead to better metabolic control despite no significant predictors found for sustained usage.
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Rickets results from impaired mineralization of growing bone due to alterations in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Clinical signs of rickets are related to the age of the patient, the duration of the disease, and the underlying disorder. The most common signs of rickets are swelling of the wrists, knees or ankles, bowing of the legs (knock-knees, outward bowing, or both) and inability to walk.

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Objective: To investigate glucose metrics and identify potential predictors of the achievement of glycemic outcomes in children and adolescents during their first 12 months of MiniMed 780G use.

Research Design And Methods: This multicenter, longitudinal, real-world study recruited 368 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) starting SmartGuard technology between June 2020 and June 2022. Ambulatory glucose profile data were collected during a 15-day run-in period (baseline), 2 weeks after automatic mode activation, and every 3 months.

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  • The study aimed to determine how having both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD) affects the quality of life (QoL) in youths compared to those with T1D only.
  • Researchers compared 86 youths with both conditions and their parents to 167 youths with T1D, using the KINDL questionnaire for QoL assessment and dietary interviews to evaluate gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence.
  • Results showed that while the combination of T1D and CD minimally impacts overall QoL, those not strictly following a GFD reported significantly lower QoL scores, highlighting the need for psychological support in managing the diet to improve QoL.
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The Special Issue "Diabetes Mellitus: Current Research and Future Perspectives" is focused on the importance of customized medicine in monogenic diabetes of the young (MODY) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) [...

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Aims: To analyze metabolic outcomes, diabetes impact and device satisfaction in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Italy who used different treatment modalities for diabetes care in a real-life context.

Methods: In this multicenter, nationwide, cross-sectional study, 1464 participants were enrolled at a routine visit. The following treatment modalities were considered MDI + SMBG; MDI + CGM; Sensor Augmented Pump Therapy; predictive management of low glucose; Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL); Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL).

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Diet is an essential element of treating and managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited research has examined food behaviour in children and adolescents with T1D and their relationship to glycaemic control. This study evaluated food behaviour, metabolic characteristics and their impact on the glycaemic control of children and adolescents with T1D.

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  • The study evaluated how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) affects quality of life (QoL) for young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers, focusing on the relationship between CGM satisfaction and QoL.
  • Researchers used a cross-sectional approach, analyzing responses from 210 youths with T1D and their parents through specific questionnaires that measure QoL and CGM satisfaction.
  • Results indicated that higher satisfaction with CGMs correlated with better QoL across all dimensions, suggesting that enhancing CGM experiences could improve well-being for youths with T1D, regardless of the treatment method used.
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Pulmonary fibrosis, especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), portends significant morbidity and mortality, and current therapeutic options are suboptimal. We have previously shown that type I collagen signaling through discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed by fibroblasts, is critical for the regulation of fibroblast apoptosis and progressive fibrosis. However, the downstream signaling pathways for DDR2 remain poorly defined and could also be attractive potential targets for therapy.

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Different studies and systematic reviews have reported weight increase after tonsillectomy. However, the odds of a child being overweight or obese after tonsillectomy were no different than before surgery, according to a few studies. This systematic review aims to analyze the impact of adenotonsillectomy (TA) on weight gain and identify subgroups of children and adolescents at risk of experiencing weight gain.

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The extracellular matrix (ECM) niche plays a critical role in determining cellular behavior during bone development including the differentiation and lineage allocation of skeletal progenitor cells to chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or marrow adipocytes. As the major ECM component in mineralized tissues, collagen has instructive as well as structural roles during bone development and is required for bone cell differentiation. Cells sense their extracellular environment using specific cell surface receptors.

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