Books by Francesco Belfiore
In The Triadic Structure of the Mind, Francesco Belfiore begins from the basic ontological concep... more In The Triadic Structure of the Mind, Francesco Belfiore begins from the basic ontological conception of the structure and functioning of the “mind” or “spirit” as an evolving, conscious triad composed of intellect, sensitiveness, and power, each exerting a selfish or moral activity. Based on this concept, Belfiore has developed a coherent philosophical system, through which he offers fresh solutions in the fields of ontology, knowledge, language, aesthetic, ethics, politics, and law. The second edition of the book includes a more extensive treatment of the topics addressed in the first edition, the introduction of new concepts, and the inclusion of additional thinkers, whose views have been discussed and reinterpreted.
The revised edition of The Ontological Foundation of Ethics, Politics, and Law (1st ed. 2007) add... more The revised edition of The Ontological Foundation of Ethics, Politics, and Law (1st ed. 2007) adds new concepts and discusses the views of additional thinkers. The author refers to his basic ontological conception of the human “mind” or “spirit” as an evolving, conscious, triadic entity composed of intellect, sensitivity, and power, each exerting a bidirectional (selfish and moral) activity. Through this approach, the notions of good, morality, society, and law are derived from the structure and functioning of the mind. It follows that the solutions presented are the results of a discovery and not the consequence of a choice. Otherwise stated, ethics, politics, and law are given an ontological foundation. For each topic considered, Belfiore shows how his thought can reinterpret the views of other philosophers. This new edition, enriched in concepts and quotations, appears as an innovative and highly stimulating contribution to the philosophical branches of ethics, politics, and law, and will be of interest to both graduate students and philosophy scholars.
In this book, the author attempts to explain the nature of human society and to provide a justifi... more In this book, the author attempts to explain the nature of human society and to provide a justification of the democratic system, often charged with favoring numerousness over quality. Starting from his conception of the structure and functioning of human mind, previously published, Belfiore derives a set of democratic principles that allow to conceive society as the necessary result of the trend of human actions and moral acts toward universalization, and the democratic system (based on majority rule and universal suffrage) as the only one through which actions and moral acts can reach the best possible approach to universality. Since evolution toward universality is regarded as part of mind evolution, which in turn is conceived as the objective good, democratic society is given an objective ontological and moral foundation. Likewise, the author provides new insights and offer novel solutions for many issues concerned with the complex functioning of the democratic society, such as: the nature of political parties, the political positions known as Right and Left, the duality of the forces that drive political activity (egoism/right/freedom versus morality/duties/equality), the voting system, the justification of majority rule, the role of leaders and elected representatives, voters’ preferences, political choices, the unity-distinction of the three powers of the State, and still others. Belfiore contrasts his views with those of other thinkers, who are extensively quoted. The result is an original and exhaustive text, which will be useful for a better understanding of the democratic society.
This short book describes the negative effects exerted by Catholicism on the large majority of Ca... more This short book describes the negative effects exerted by Catholicism on the large majority of Catholics. It is critically focused on such issues as: papal infallibility; believing in miracles; the imposition of rules that cannot be followed (condemn of any sexual act not directed to procreation); easy forgiveness; the exclusion of women; the cult of Saints as “protectors”; the ostentation of power and richness; the pursuing of pseudo-values, such as chastity; the undue interference in the sphere of politics. In the two final chapters, a general comment is given.
Molecular and Cell Biology of Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications
The volume (260 pages) summarizes current research on type 2 diabetes, its etiology, pathogenesis... more The volume (260 pages) summarizes current research on type 2 diabetes, its etiology, pathogenesis and longterm vascular and neurological consequences, with special emphasis on molecular and biochemical mechanisms. Alterations in insulin secretion are comprehensively treated, focusing on the role of glucokinase as glucose sensor. Insulin action is analysed with regard to both non-oxidative and oxidative glucose utilization. Concerning the chronic diabetes complications, topics covered include the effect of high glucose concentration on cellular and endothelial functions and on the glucose phosphorylation rate in non-insulin-sensitive tissues. Furthermore, the role of oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products as well as the significance of alterations in lipoprotein structure are considered. Finally, the pericyte loss in retinopathy and microalbuminuria as related to cardiovascular risk are discussed. Taken as a whole, the contributions included in this book represent a large body of information that will be of great value for diabetolo- gists, endocrinologists and internists interested in both the basic and clinical aspects of diabetes and its complications.
Current Topics in Diabetes Research
This volume (285 pages) features up-to-date reviews of the most advanced clinical methods current... more This volume (285 pages) features up-to-date reviews of the most advanced clinical methods currently being used to evaluate the metabolic and biological alterations accompanying the diabetic disease. Of further interest is the in-deepth analysis of the complex "plurimetabolic syndrome", also known as syndrome X. Special consideration is given to diabetic retinopathy, which is discussed from both an experimental and a clinical point of view. A group of short reports containing experimental data relevant to the main topic areas concludes the book. Physicians specializing in diabetes, as well as teachers and research workers in the areas of diabetology, metabolism and endocrinology will find this to be a valuable source of information.
Obesity: Basic Concepts and Clinical Aspects
Obesity is a widespread phenomenon in industrialized countries, but its complexity and extreme pa... more Obesity is a widespread phenomenon in industrialized countries, but its complexity and extreme pathophysiological and clinical heterogeneity continues to challenge researchers and clinicians. This book (220 pages), which collects the papers presented at a meeting held in Catania (Italy), provides a survey of the most recent views on the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of obesity and allied disorders. Most contributions deal with the many facets of obesity including the morphology, development and metabolism of adipose tissue, the role played by genetic and environmental factors, and the associate neuroendocrine and metabolic alterations. Further chapters consider the relationships between obesity and such disorders as diabetes, hyperlipidemias and hypertension, while others discuss the role of both diet and new pharmacological agents in the treatment of obesity. Underlining the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the problem, this book will be of interest to many, but especially to endocrinologists, nutritionists and diabetologists.
Tissue-Specific Metabolic Alterations in Diabetes
This is a book (192 pages) concerned with the metabolic alterations which take place in specific ... more This is a book (192 pages) concerned with the metabolic alterations which take place in specific tissues during the course of the diabetic disease and which form the basis of the many abnormalities present in diabetes. It is an up-to-date review arising out of an international conference, and it brings together the most advanced data and views on these alterations. Leading diabetologists provide a full account of the metabolic derangements which occur both in tissues involved in general metabolic homeostasis, such as liver, muscle and adipose tissue, and in tissues most affected by diabetic complications, including blood vessels, kidney and nerve tissue. Presented in a very readable manner, this useful synthesis of knowledge will appeal to physicians and researchers in diabetology, metabolism and endocrinology, as well as teachers of graduate or post-graduate courses in these areas.
Endothelial Cell Function in Diabetic Microangiopathy: Problems in Methodology and Clinical Aspects
The endothelium, long regarded as a simple, inactive barrier between blood and surrounding tissue... more The endothelium, long regarded as a simple, inactive barrier between blood and surrounding tissues, has recently been implicated in the pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis and diabetic angiopathy. This volume (212 pages), which documents the proceedings of an international symposium (Melbourne, Australia, 1988), is among the first to present a comprehensive overview of existing data in the field, an illuminating exchange of the ideas and opinions of major experts, and an authoritative analysis and evaluation of current methods for studying endothelial function. Contributions cover a wide array of topics including the morphology, metabolism and physiology of capillaries and endothelium both in the normal state and in diabetes, the growth, replication and reactivity of endothelial cells, the changes in capillary permeability, the relationships between endothelial alterations and coagulation factors, and the regulation of angiogenesis and neovascularization. This book provides both scientists and physicians interested in the physiology and pathology of the endothelium with easy access to the most advanced views in this rapidly expanding area of investigation.
Vascular and Neurologic Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
This volume (255 pages), written by European and American experts, summarizes the latest advances... more This volume (255 pages), written by European and American experts, summarizes the latest advances from recent research on vascular and neurologic complications of diabetes mellitus. The 33 contributions, recorded from an international conference, cover advances in understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms and the varied clinical pictures and therapeutic options in the whole spectrum of diabetic complications. Topic covered include: pathogenesis of microangiopathic complications, nonenzymatic glycosylation, alterations in endothelial function, metabolic alterations, immunological factors, platelet abnormalities, animal model of functional vascular changes, pathophysiology and management of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, hyperlipidemia and macrovascular disease, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. A study of the diabetic foot is also included. The volume concludes with 16 brief studies on research topics of interest at present in diabetes complications. As an updated survey of both practical and theoretical concerns in the complications of diabetes mellitus, this book offers the interested clinician and researcher the most current knowledge available conveniently presented in a single volume.
Latest Achievements of Diabetes Research
As with earlier books in this series, this volume (297 pages) provides a coherently-organized sur... more As with earlier books in this series, this volume (297 pages) provides a coherently-organized survey of a vast amount of data from recent diabetes research. Contents are drawn from over 900 reports presented at the 1984 meetings of the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The first section covers basic aspects of normal pancreatic function, the secretion and action of insulin and other hormones, and normal carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and protein metabolism. The second section is focused on diabetes mellitus and covers: etiologic factors, genetic and environmental; alterations in pancreatic function and in the secretion and action of insulin and other hormones; alterations in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and protein metabolism; diagnosis; treatment with diet, insulin, drugs, and other therapeutic measures; complications (metabolic, vascular and neurologic); and diabetes-associated disorders (obesity, dyslipidemia and others). Information is collected around each topic, correlated, contrasted, and critically interpreted. The result is a unique reference work, both in organization and scope, which allows ready access to a wealth of new data.
Current Diabetology
This book (284 pages) transforms the vast body of recent diabetes research into a coherent overvi... more This book (284 pages) transforms the vast body of recent diabetes research into a coherent overview of what is known about the disease, its causes, clinical course, treatment, complications, and associated disorders. Drawing upon more than 700 reports presented at major American and European diabetes meetings, the author has imposed a sense of order and continuity upon otherwise isolated findings. In many cases, readers can see how work in the basic sciences supports clinical observations. With all findings on a similar topic interrelated, contrasted and interpreted by the author, the reader is made immediately aware of those areas where conclusions can be drawn, where controversy continues, or where future studies are most likely to yield useful findings. The result is a sourcebook that allows a wealth of new data to be studied and comprehended in terms of their impact on general theories and problems. Apart from its value as an interpretative account of new research, the book will also be useful for anyone planning future research in diabetes and interested in reviewing what has been done, what has been agreed upon, and which speculations warrant further study.
Advances in World Diabetes Research. Reviewed Contents of 1982's Major Diabetes Congresses
With this book (257 pages), once again authors have produced a systematically organized review of... more With this book (257 pages), once again authors have produced a systematically organized review of new findings and preliminary results presented at major diabetes congresses held during 1982. Drawing upon close to 800 studies, the book transforms the diversified directions of worldwide diabetes research into an ordered, coherent view of the points where knowledge either converges or remains controversial. Content ranges from basic data on the physiology of hormone secretion and action, through the mechanisms of islet function, up to the etiopathogenetic and clinical aspects of diabetes, including its complications and associated disorders. All physicians and scientists interested in diabetes mellitus will benefit from the wealth of new information presented in this book.
Diabetes Mellitus: Etiopathogenesis and Metabolic Aspects
This volume (282 pages) consolidates the work of European and American investigators who have led... more This volume (282 pages) consolidates the work of European and American investigators who have led recent developments in both basic research and the management of patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The volume opens with a chapter exploring etiologic and pathogenetic factors (genetic, environmental, viral, and immunological in nature). The second chapter discusses critical defects in insulin secretion and action. Metabolic derangements and the the mechanisms of late complications are dealt with in two especially important chapters. The remaining chapters deal with strategies to improve management, ranging from dietary guidelines, through the use of minipumps for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, up to value of exercise and of patient education. The volume concludes with a group of brief reports offering reference to significant research now in progress. This book will be important reading for all diabetologists and endocrinologists interested in learning about the newest research, technology, and management strategies in both types of diabetes.
New Events and Facts in Diabetes
In this second volume (189 pages) of the Frontiers in Diabetes series, the authors have again man... more In this second volume (189 pages) of the Frontiers in Diabetes series, the authors have again managed to consolidate, organize, and critically interpret the vast amount of new knowledge derived from diabetes research. Contents of this volume are based on findings presented at 1981 congresses held by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Readers will find new work and preliminary reports presented with a coherence that facilitates analysis and allows comparison of methods and results from different research groups working on similar problems. As such, the book performs a major service for all scientists conducing experimental or clinical work on diabetes, and will be appreciated as a reference tool that affords convenient, well ordered access to information that will not be made available in journal articles until a much later date.
Reviewed contents of major diabetes congresses
This volume inaugurates a series, Frontiers in Diabetes, reporting data at the frontiers of diabe... more This volume inaugurates a series, Frontiers in Diabetes, reporting data at the frontiers of diabetes research. Contents are based on information presented, orally or by poster, at meetings of European and American diabetes associations.The result is a unique reference tool allowing ready access to a well organized material not available elsewhere. The author has organized this extensive data into two main sections, devoted to basic (physiological and pathophysiological) concepts and clinical aspects, respectively. Unique in its organization and range, this work gives a clear indication of the progress gained when data from related studies are drawn together for critical comparison. All physicians and scientists interested in diabetes, metabolism and endocrinology will benefit from the wealth of new knowledge collected and integrated in this single reference work.
Enzyme Regulation and Metabolic Diseases
A large scientific monograph (877 pp.) based on the premise that the main metabolic diseases (obe... more A large scientific monograph (877 pp.) based on the premise that the main metabolic diseases (obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis) are due to alterations in enzyme regulation, i.e. to change in the activity of the "key" enzymes that regulate the various metabolic pathways in different tissues.
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"... it could become a classic ..." (Prof. E. W. Knox, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA - from the book cover).
"... a magnum opus .... a remarkable book ..." (Prof. D. Galton - London - in Int. J. Obesity).
"... unprecedented ... impressive ... the most complete and singular source of information for the experts ... highly recommended ..." (from J. Med. Chem.).
"... gigantic review of enzyme alterations associate with the most important metabolic disorders ... strongly recommended ..." (from Hormone Research).
"... superb book ... it really is superb ... I am full of admiration ..." (Prof. KGMM Alberti, University of New Castle Upon Tyne, UK - letter).
"... it is really a master piece ..." (Prof. P. Lefebvre, University of Liege - letter).
"... marvelous book ... excellent work ... I know of nothing else like it ..." (Prof. G.M. Reaven, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA - letter).
Papers by Francesco Belfiore
New Concepts in Diabetes and Its Treatment
The aim of this book is to serve as a tool to provide physicians with the latest views on diagnos... more The aim of this book is to serve as a tool to provide physicians with the latest views on diagnostic aspects and pathophysiological mecha- nisms of diabetes mellitus and its complications as a premise to go deep into the various facets of the modern management strategies. The international panel of authors has made any effort to condense a rich content into a relatively short text and to present it in a clear and smooth-to- read form. This medium-size book will be useful to all physicians interested in the management of diabetic patients by providing them with a simple yet updated source of information concerning the new concepts in diabetes and its treatment.
Animal and human tissue Na,K-ATPase in normal and insulin-resistant states: regulation, behaviour and interpretative hypothesis on NEFA effects
The sodium(Na)- and potassium(K)-activated adenosine-triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) is a membrane e... more The sodium(Na)- and potassium(K)-activated adenosine-triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) is a membrane enzyme that energizes the Na-pump by hydrolysing adenosine triphosphate and wasting energy as heat, so playing a role in thermogenesis and energy balance. Na,K-ATPase regulation by insulin is controversial; in tissue of hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mice, we reported a reduction, whereas in streptozotocin-treated hypoinsulinemic-diabetic Swiss and ob/ob mice we found an increased activity, which is against a genetic defect and suggests a regulation by hyperinsulinemia. In human adipose tissue from obese patients, Na,K-ATPase activity was reduced and negatively correlated with body mass index, oral glucose tolerance test-insulinemic area and blood pressure. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with tissue Na,K-ATPase reduction, apparently linked to hyperinsulinemia, which may repress or inactivate the enzyme, thus opposing thyroid hormones and influencing thermogenesis and obesity development. Insulin action on Na,K-ATPase, in vivo, might be mediated by the high level of non-esterified fatty acids, which are circulating enzyme inhibitors and increase in obesity, diabetes and hypertension. In this paper, we analyse animal and human tissue Na,K-ATPase, its level, and its regulation and behaviour in some hyperinsulinemic and insulin-resistant states; moreover, we discuss the link of the enzyme with non-esterified fatty acids and attempt to interpret and organize in a coherent view the whole body of the exhaustive literature on this complicated topic.
Animal and human tissue Na,K-ATPase in obesity and diabetes: A new proposed enzyme regulation
BACKGROUND: Na,K-ATPase is a membrane enzyme that energizes the Na-pump, hydrolyzing ATP and wast... more BACKGROUND: Na,K-ATPase is a membrane enzyme that energizes the Na-pump, hydrolyzing ATP and wasting energy as heat. It may play a role in thermogenesis, energy balance, and obesity development. Regulation of the enzyme by insulin is controversial. METHODS: In animal and human obesity, tissue Na,K-ATPase was assayed by colorimetric measurement of released Pi. RESULTS: Na,K-ATPase of hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic ob/ob mice (compared with lean control animals) was reduced in liver (-63%) and in kidney (-47%) (P < 0.001 in both instances). In contrast, in streptozotocin-treated hypoinsulinemic-diabetic Swiss mice, versus untreated animals, we found an increase of liver (+54%, P < 0.01) and kidney (+94%, P < 0.001) Na,K-ATPase. The enzyme was also increased (+99%, P < 0.05) in kidney from ob/ob mice made diabetic-hypoinsulinemic with streptozotocin (versus untreated obese animals). This is contrary to the occurrence of a genetic enzymatic defect and suggests regulation by hyperinsulinemia, present in ob/ob mice. A positive correlation between tissue enzyme activity and glycemia existed in both ob/ob and Swiss mice. In adipose tissue from obese patients (compared with lean subjects), Na,K-ATPase was reduced (-65%, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with body mass index, oral glucose tolerance test-insulinemic area, and mean blood pressure. In vitro, in human liver tissue, 3 mug/mL glucagon exerted a statistically inhibitory effect on Na,K-ATPase (-44%). CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that animal and human obesity is associated with reduction of tissue Na,K-ATPase, linked to hyperinsulinemia, which may repress or inactivate the enzyme, influencing thermogenesis and energy balance.
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Books by Francesco Belfiore
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"... it could become a classic ..." (Prof. E. W. Knox, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA - from the book cover).
"... a magnum opus .... a remarkable book ..." (Prof. D. Galton - London - in Int. J. Obesity).
"... unprecedented ... impressive ... the most complete and singular source of information for the experts ... highly recommended ..." (from J. Med. Chem.).
"... gigantic review of enzyme alterations associate with the most important metabolic disorders ... strongly recommended ..." (from Hormone Research).
"... superb book ... it really is superb ... I am full of admiration ..." (Prof. KGMM Alberti, University of New Castle Upon Tyne, UK - letter).
"... it is really a master piece ..." (Prof. P. Lefebvre, University of Liege - letter).
"... marvelous book ... excellent work ... I know of nothing else like it ..." (Prof. G.M. Reaven, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA - letter).
Papers by Francesco Belfiore