Auricular acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in the treatment of women who have insomnia.

Background: Improvement in sleep parameters in relation to acupuncture treatment is often found and referred to as being a positive side-effect in the treatment of other illnesses. There is a lack of randomized studies, which primarily study the direct effect of acupuncture on sleep.

Objectives: To investigate whether or not auricular acupuncture has an effect on sleep parameters among people with insomnia.

The molecular basis of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency syndromes: a comprehensive study of molecular and biochemical findings in 13 unrelated Italian families.

Objective: To better understand the role of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in lipoprotein metabolism through the genetic and biochemical characterization of families carrying mutations in the LCAT gene.

Methods And Results: Thirteen families carrying 17 different mutations in the LCAT gene were identified by Lipid Clinics and Departments of Nephrology throughout Italy. DNA analysis of 82 family members identified 15 carriers of 2 mutant LCAT alleles, 11 with familial LCAT deficiency (FLD) and 4 with fish-eye disease (FED).

Root resorption in elderly patients.

Root resorption in permanent teeth is a frequently observed pathology that may originate in various causes. Life expectancy is progressively rising, odontological preventive care is becoming more widespread and professionals are educating their patients in the importance of preventive practices. Because senior citizens are thus losing fewer teeth prematurely they will be conversely more at risk for dental problems later in life.

Two Italian kindreds carrying the Arg136-->Ser mutation of the Apo E gene: development of premature and severe atherosclerosis in the presence of epsilon 2 as second allele.

Background And Aims: Type III hyperlipoproteinemia, or dysbetalipoproteinemia, is commonly associated with apolipoprotein E2 homozygosity (Cys112, Cys158). Apo E2-Christchurch (Arg136-->Ser), a rare mutation of the Apo E gene, located in the receptor-binding domain of the protein, has been found to be associated in the vast majority of cases of dysbetalipoproteinemia.

Methods And Results: This is the first report of two Italian kindreds carrying the Arg136-->Ser mutation.

Italian familial defective apolipoprotein B patients share a unique haplotype with other Caucasian patients.

Familial defective apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 together with familial hypercholesterolemia are the two common genetic conditions that cause hypercholesterolemia. Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 is due to mutations around codon 3500 of the apo B gene. The most-characterized mutation is a G>A transition at nucleotide 10,708 that results in the substitution of arginine by glutamine at codon 3500 (Apo B Arg3500Gln).