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Basolo A, Poma AM, Bonuccelli D, Proietti A, Macerola E, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Giannini R, Vignali P, Basolo F, Santini F, Toniolo A. Adipose tissue in COVID-19: detection of SARS-CoV-2 in adipocytes and activation of the interferon-alpha response. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1021-1029. [PMID: 35169984 PMCID: PMC8852916 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a recognized risk factor for the progression to severe forms of COVID-19, yet the mechanisms of the association are unclear. METHODS Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue specimens of subjects deceased from COVID-19 (n = 23) were compared to those of controls dying abruptly from causes other than infectious (accidental trauma, sudden cardiac death). Alterations of lung parenchyma consistent with moderate to severe disease were detected in all COVID-19 cases, not in controls. Investigations included: histopathologic features, detection of virus antigens and genome, characterization of infiltrating leukocytes, transcription levels of immune-related genes. RESULTS By RT-PCR, the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected in the adipose tissue of 13/23 (56%) cases of the COVID-19 cohort. The virus nucleocapsid antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of 1-5% adipocytes in 12/12 COVID-19 cases that were virus-positive by PCR in the adipose tissue (one case could not be assessed due insufficient tissue). The adipose tissue of COVID-19 cases showed leukocyte infiltrates and upregulation of the interferon-alpha pathway. After adjusting for age and sex, the activation score of IFN-alpha was directly related with transcription levels of the ACE2 gene, a key entry factor of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS In lethal COVID-19 cases, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen has been detected in a sizeable proportion of adipocytes, showing that the virus may directly infect the parenchymal cells of subcutaneous fat. Infection appears to activate the IFN alpha pathway and to attract infiltrating leukocytes. Due to the huge numbers of adipocytes in adults, the adipose tissue represents a significant reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 and an important source of inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Basolo
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. M. Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D. Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - A. Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R. Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P. Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Poma AM, Bonuccelli D, Giannini R, Macerola E, Vignali P, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Proietti A, Pistello M, Basolo A, Santini F, Toniolo A, Basolo F. COVID-19 autopsy cases: detection of virus in endocrine tissues. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:209-214. [PMID: 34191258 PMCID: PMC8243303 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been detected in a variety of human samples including blood, urine, semen, and faeces. However, evidence of virus presence in tissues other than lung are limited. METHODS We investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in 50 autoptic specimens of endocrine organs from 29 patients who died of COVID-19. RESULTS The virus was detected in 25 specimens including ten abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples (62%), six testes (67%), and nine thyroid (36%) samples. The analysis of multiple endocrine organ samples obtained from the same patients showed that, in virus-positive cases, the viral genome was consistently detected in all but two matched specimens. CONCLUSION Our findings show that the virus spread into endocrine organs is a common event in severe cases. Further studies should assess the rate of the phenomenon in clinically mild cases. The potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on endocrine functions should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - R Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Basolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Santini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - F Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Gallo D, Piantanida E, Veronesi G, Lai A, Sassi L, Lombardi V, Masiello E, Premoli P, Bianconi E, Cusini C, Rosetti S, Tanda ML, Toniolo A, Ferrario M, Bartalena L. Physical performance in newly diagnosed hypothyroidism: a pilot study. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:1099-1106. [PMID: 28434158 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypothyroidism is complicated by neuromuscular symptoms (myalgias, slowness of movements, and tiredness) and signs (easy fatigability and cramps), which may have a negative impact on general well-being and quality of life. In a pilot, prospective, controlled study, we investigated the features of muscle dysfunction in hypothyroidism by disease questionnaire, biochemical measures, and physical performance tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-seven consecutive patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism were enrolled, 27 subclinical (S-Hypo) and 30 overt (O-Hypo). A series of 30 euthyroid subjects, with similar demographic characteristics, served as controls. Patients were administered a short disease questionnaire and underwent laboratory exams and standardized physical tests, both at baseline and after restoration of biochemical euthyroidism. RESULTS Compared to euthyroid controls, the O-Hypo group showed significantly higher prevalence of neuromuscular symptoms and significantly higher serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels (p value < 0.0001). S-Hypo had slightly higher CPK levels and prevalence of neuromuscular symptoms than controls. Both S-Hypo and O-Hypo patients performed worse than controls in the six-minute walking test. Differences between patients and controls in handgrip strength test and timed chair standing test failed to reach statistical significance (although a trend was noticeable), possibly due to the small sample size. In O-Hypo, an inverse correlation was found between CPK levels and the handgrip strength test (p value < 0.001). Restoration of euthyroidism was associated with normalization of questionnaire responses, six-minute walking test, as well as serum CPK levels. CONCLUSION In addition to neuromuscular symptoms, hypothyroidism is associated with abnormalities of physical performance. The six-minute walking test is the most valuable test to assess this aspect. In the pilot study, levothyroxine therapy could reverse muscle functional abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - E Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - G Veronesi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - A Lai
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - L Sassi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - V Lombardi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - E Masiello
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - P Premoli
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - E Bianconi
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - C Cusini
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - S Rosetti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - M L Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - A Toniolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - M Ferrario
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - L Bartalena
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Viale Borri, 57, 21100, Varese, Italy.
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Polloni L, DunnGalvin A, Ferruzza E, Bonaguro R, Lazzarotto F, Toniolo A, Celegato N, Muraro A. Coping strategies, alexithymia and anxiety in young patients with food allergy. Allergy 2017; 72:1054-1060. [PMID: 27886387 DOI: 10.1111/all.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food allergy is major public health concern affecting nearly 15 million Americans and 80 million Europeans. Risk of anaphylaxis and implications for social activities affect patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. We previously found that young patients reported higher levels of alexithymia (difficulty in recognizing and expressing emotions) compared with healthy peers and may influence affect, management style and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore links between coping strategies, alexithymia and anxiety among food-allergic adolescents and young adults. METHODS Ninety-two patients with IgE-mediated food allergy (mean age 18.6 years) completed Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Trait Anxiety subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multivariate analyses of variance assessed differences and associations between subgroups on the scales. RESULTS Significant differences found between alexithymia levels in coping style were explained by Avoidance strategies. 'Avoidance' had the highest contribution in explaining alexithymia, followed by trait anxiety, age, anaphylaxis and social support. Respondents with higher alexithymia use avoidance as coping strategy over and above other coping strategies such as problem-solving and positive thinking, are younger, will have experienced anaphylaxis and will have lower social support. CONCLUSIONS Recognizing the specific role of affect regulation in health behaviours may constitute an important step in supporting patients to explore more adaptive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Polloni
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - A. DunnGalvin
- School of Applied Psychology; University College Cork; Cork City Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health; Cork University Hospital; Cork City Ireland
| | - E. Ferruzza
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - R. Bonaguro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - F. Lazzarotto
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - A. Toniolo
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - N. Celegato
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - A. Muraro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Woman and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
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Polloni L, Ferruzza E, Ronconi L, Toniolo A, Lazzarotto F, Bonaguro R, Celegato N, Muraro A. Assessment of children's nutritional attitudes before oral food challenges to identify patients at risk of food reintroduction failure: a prospective study. Allergy 2017; 72:731-736. [PMID: 27659406 DOI: 10.1111/all.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate dietary eliminations may impair quality of life, affect children's growth and unnecessarily impact on healthcare costs. Previous retrospective studies reported that around 25% of children continue a food-avoidance diet despite a negative oral food challenge (OFC). A definite pattern has not been found yet for patients not reintroducing the food. This study aimed to examine the role of child's nutritional attitudes and maternal anxiety in reintroducing food after a negative OFC. METHODS A prospective study was conducted involving 81 mothers of children with IgE-mediated food allergy. They completed a survey on nutritional behaviour and attitudes and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory on the day of OFC and 6 months later. RESULTS In total, 11.1% of children never or rarely ate the food after a negative OFC. Consumption of the reintroduced food is positively correlated to child's interest in tasting new foods before and after OFC and to changes in child's nutritional habits after OFC. It is negatively correlated to monotony of the diet after OFC. No correlations were found with other participants' characteristics or maternal anxiety. State anxiety significantly decreased after the OFC. A correlation was found between trait and state anxiety and the degree of change in nutritional habits after OFC. CONCLUSIONS Evaluating child's approach towards food before the OFC is a promising approach to identify patients at risk of food reintroduction failure. Furthermore, it underlined the importance of reassessing food consumption in all patients after a negative OFC and supporting patients in the reintroduction of food.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Polloni
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - E. Ferruzza
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - L. Ronconi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - A. Toniolo
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - F. Lazzarotto
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - R. Bonaguro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - N. Celegato
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
| | - A. Muraro
- Food Allergy Referral Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment; Veneto Region; Department of Women and Child Health; Padua University Hospital; Padua Italy
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Abstract
Maternal stress in fetal and early life has been associated with the development of respiratory allergies, but no studies exist about food allergy. Stressful events and the quality of caregiving provided, as they affect the emotional and physiologic regulation of the infant, could alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune system, facilitating an increased allergic response. This study aimed to investigate the influence of perinatal stress, as perceived by mothers, on developing food allergy in childhood. A survey on pregnancy and the first three months after giving birth was submitted to 59 Italian mothers of at least one child suffering from severe food allergy and one completely healthy child, for a total of 118 children examined. The presence of stressful events and the quality of perinatal period for each child were assessed retrospectively. The food allergic children's data were compared to siblings' data through inferential statistics. The results showed a significantly higher number of stressful events occurred during patients' perinatal period, compared to siblings, in particular bereavements in pregnancy and parenting difficulties in postpartum. Mothers reported harder pregnancies and more stressful, harder, and, in general, worse postpartum when referring to their food-allergic children, in comparison with their siblings (p < .05). Psychological aspects are demonstrated to be involved in the development of allergic diseases. This study constitutes the first step to examine the role of early stress and perinatal psychosocial factors in the pathogenesis of food allergy; further studies are necessary to understand individual psychological impact and its relations with genetic and biological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Polloni
- a Department of Women and Child Health, Referral Centre for Food Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment , Padua University Hospital , Padua , Italy
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Fadini GP, de Kreutzenberg SV, Boscaro E, Albiero M, Cappellari R, Kränkel N, Landmesser U, Toniolo A, Bolego C, Cignarella A, Seeger F, Dimmeler S, Zeiher A, Agostini C, Avogaro A. An unbalanced monocyte polarisation in peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with type 2 diabetes has an impact on microangiopathy. Diabetologia 2013; 56:1856-66. [PMID: 23616239 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-013-2918-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM/HYPOTHESIS Monocytes/macrophages play important roles in adipose and vascular tissues and can be polarised as inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2. We sought to analyse monocyte polarisation status in type 2 diabetes, which is characterised by chronic inflammation. METHODS We enrolled 60 individuals without diabetes and 53 patients with type 2 diabetes. We quantified standard monocyte subsets defined by cluster of differentiation (CD)14 and CD16. In addition, based on the phenotype of polarised macrophages in vitro, we characterised and quantified more definite M1 (CD68(+)CCR2(+)) and M2 (CX3CR1(+)CD206(+)/CD163(+)) monocytes. We also analysed bone marrow (BM) samples and the effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) stimulation in diabetic and control individuals. RESULTS We found no alterations in standard monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate and non-classical) when comparing groups. For validation of M1 and M2 phenotypes, we observed that M2 were enriched in non-classical monocytes and had lower TNF-α content, higher LDL scavenging and lower transendothelial migratory capacity than M1. Diabetic patients displayed an imbalanced M1/M2 ratio compared with the control group, attributable to a reduction in M2. The M1/M2 ratio was directly correlated with waist circumference and HbA1c and, among diabetic patients, M2 reduction and M1/M2 increase were associated with microangiopathy. A decrease in M2 was also found in the BM from diabetic patients, with a relative M2 excess compared with the bloodstream. BM stimulation with G-CSF mobilised M2 macrophages in diabetic but not in healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We show that type 2 diabetes markedly reduces anti-inflammatory M2 monocytes through a dysregulation in bone-marrow function. This defect may have a negative impact on microangiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Fadini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Vulcano E, Murena L, Falvo DA, Baj A, Toniolo A, Cherubino P. Bone marrow aspirate and bone allograft to treat acetabular bone defects in revision total hip arthroplasty: preliminary report. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2013; 17:2240-2249. [PMID: 23893192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The safety and effectiveness of autologous mesenchymal cells for treating bone defects in humans is still uncertain. The present study presents a new technique consisting of allogeneic bone grafting enriched with bone marrow concentrate to treat acetabular bone defects resulting from aseptic loosening of the acetabular cup after total hip replacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five adult patients were included in the study. Prior to surgery, patients were tested for antibodies to common pathogens. Treatment consisted of bone allogeneic scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal cells harvested from the iliac crest and concentrated using an FDA-cleared device. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. To assess viability, morphology, and the immunophenotype, bone marrow nucleated cells were cultured in vitro, then tested for sterility and evaluated for the possible replication of adventitious viruses. RESULTS In 4 of 5 patients, both clinical and radiographic healing of the bone defect together with bone graft integration was observed at the mean time of 3.5 months. Mean follow-up was 2 years. One patient failed to respond. No post-operative complications were observed. Bone marrow nucleated cells were enriched 3.8-fold by a single concentration step. Enriched cells were free of microbial contamination. The immunophenotype of adherent cells was compatible with that of mesenchymal stem cells. No viral reactivation was observed. CONCLUSIONS Allogeneic bone scaffold enriched with concentrated autologous bone marrow cells obtained from the iliac crest, may represent a good alternative to treat acetabular bone defects observed in revision hip arthroplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vulcano
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, and Department of Microbiology; University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Lazzarotto F, Bonaguro R, Toniolo A, Muraro MA. Immunotherapy protocol with extensively heated milk/egg: preliminary results. Clin Transl Allergy 2013. [PMCID: PMC3723653 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-3-s3-p34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Tebini A, Radrizzani D, Gasperina D, Lattanzio M, Toniolo A, Grossi P. P65 AMPICILLIN PLUS GENTAMICIN OR AMPICILLIN PLUS DAPTOMYCIN FOR ENTEROCOCCAL INFECTIOUS ENDOCARDITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(13)70089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Taylor K, Toniolo A. Abstracts of papers presented at a satellite meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Stockholm, Sweden in September 2010 for the Viruses in Diabetes International Study Group (VIDIS). J Med Virol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.22059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Toniolo A, Baj A. Evidence for enterovirus infection in the blood of children with type 1 diabetes. J Med Virol 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Pini B, Brigante G, Sokeng G, Gualandris S, Luzzaro F, Toniolo A. CORYNEBACTERIUM STRIATUM: EPIDEMIOLOGIA E SENSIBILITÀ AGLI ANTIBIOTICI DI UN PATOGENO EMERGENTE. Microbiol Med 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Luzzaro F, Mugnaioli C, Gualandris S, Pallecchi L, Brigante G, Pini B, Rossolini G, Toniolo A. P1691 Activity of tigecycline against ESBL-producing enterobacteria spreading in Italy. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(07)71530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Baj A, Monaco S, Zanusso G, Molteni F, Toniolo A. P1531 Persistence of the poliovirus genome in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients affected by post-polio syndrome. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(07)71370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Endimiani A, Luzzaro F, Toniolo A. P948 Risk factors and outcome of bloodstream infections caused by enterobacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(07)70789-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Toniolo A, Ciminelli C, Persico M, Martínez TJ. Simulation of the photodynamics of azobenzene on its first excited state: Comparison of full multiple spawning and surface hopping treatments. J Chem Phys 2005; 123:234308. [PMID: 16392921 DOI: 10.1063/1.2134705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We have studied the cis-->trans and trans-->cis photoisomerization of azobenzene after n-->pi* excitation using the full multiple spawning (FMS) method for nonadiabatic wave-packet dynamics with potential-energy surfaces and couplings determined "on the fly" from a reparametrized multiconfigurational semiempirical method. We compare the FMS results with a previous direct dynamics treatment using the same potential-energy surfaces and couplings, but with the nonadiabatic dynamics modeled using a semiclassical surface hopping (SH) method. We concentrate on the dynamical effects that determine the photoisomerization quantum yields, namely, the rate of radiationless electronic relaxation and the character of motion along the reaction coordinate. The quantal and semiclassical results are in good general agreement, confirming our previous analysis of the photodynamics. The SH method slightly overestimates the rate of excited state decay, leading in this case to lower quantum yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Toniolo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, via Risorgimento 35, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Gualandris S, Endimiani A, Brigante G, Pini B, Sokeng G, Luzzaro F, Toniolo A. INFEZIONI URINARIE RICORRENTI CAUSATE DA ESCHERICHIA COLI. Microbiol Med 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2005.3530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Brigante G, Bettaccini A, Luzzaro F, Endimiani A, Pini B, Toniolo A. RESISTENZA AD ALTO LIVELLO AI FLUOROCHINOLONI IN UN ISOLATO CILINICO DI STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE. Microbiol Med 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2005.3502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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21
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Ferrari M, Corradi A, Petronini PG, Tosini A, Toniolo A, Robotti C, Moratti R. Evaluation of endogenous pig retrovirus expression and of tumorigenicity in nude mice. Vet Res Commun 2004; 28 Suppl 1:287-90. [PMID: 15372979 DOI: 10.1023/b:verc.0000045428.62652.fd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Via A. Bianchi, 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy.
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Basolo F, Giannini R, Faviana P, Fontanini G, Patricelli Malizia A, Ugolini C, Elisei R, Miccoli P, Toniolo A. Thyroid papillary carcinoma: preliminary evidence for a germ-line single nucleotide polymorphism in the Fas gene. J Endocrinol 2004; 182:479-84. [PMID: 15350189 DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1820479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The expression of Fas in thyroid tumours and Graves' disease was analysed by mRNA transcript expression. As compared with unaffected thyroid tissue, Fas expression was enhanced in Graves' disease, adenomas, and papillary and follicular carcinomas. This pattern was also reflected in immunohistochemical studies. The PCR single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) method and DNA sequencing were used to analyse Fas exons 1-9. The study was carried out on five different histotypes of thyroid tumours (n=93) and tissue from Graves' disease patients. As compared with a group of healthy blood donors (n=64), a significant association (P=0.006) emerged between papillary thyroid carcinoma and a silent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, 988C-->T) in exon 7 of the Fas gene. Other forms of thyroid pathology were not associated with the above polymorphism. Patients with neoplasia showed the same SNP in tumour tissue, in the unaffected contralateral thyroid lobe, and in peripheral blood cells. Thus, the 988C-->T polymorphism appeared to be of germ-line origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Basolo
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 57, Via Roma 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Toniolo A, Thompson AL, Martı́nez TJ. Excited state direct dynamics of benzene with reparameterized multi-reference semiempirical configuration interaction methods. Chem Phys 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2004.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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24
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Rossi A, Bassani A, Trabacchin C, Berrone A, Toniolo A. INDAGINI SIEROLOGICHE E VALUTAZIONE DELLA VIREMIA CON METODI IMMUNOLOGICI E DI BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE IN UNA POPOLAZIONE DI TRAPIANTATI RENALI CON INFEZIONE DA CITOMEMALOVIRUS (HCMV). Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.4025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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25
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Rossi A, Bassani A, Berrone A, Pinese L, Tamborini A, Canali E, Toniolo A. VALUTAZIONE PRELIMINARE DEGLI ANTICORPI ANTI HTLV I-II IN PAZIENTI HIV-SIEROPOSITIVI ED IN POPOLAZIONE DI CONTROLLO. Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.4024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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26
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Rossi A, Rivetta E, Bassani A, Berrone A, Pinese L, Canali E, Milano A, Rinaldi L, Toniolo A. RELAZIONE TRA LIVELLI DI VIREMIA E DI ANTIGENE “s” IN UNA POPOLAZIONE DI PAZIENTI HBsAg POSITIVI. Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.4027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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27
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Rossi A, Tamborini A, Baj A, Bassani A, Berrone A, Maccarini A, Pinese L, Toniolo A. ANALISI DI DATI SIEROLOGICI E DI BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE IN INFEZIONI DA CITOMEGALOVIRUS (HCMV) IN TRE ANNI DI INDAGINI IN POPOLAZIONE NON SELEZIONATA, IN CASI MATERNO-FETALI ED IN POPOLAZIONI A RISCHIO. Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.4026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
We use ab initio results to reparameterize a multi-reference semiempirical method to reproduce the ground and excited state potential energy surfaces (PESs) for the chromophore of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). The validity of the new parameter set is tested, and the new method is combined with a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) treatment so that it can be applied in the solution phase. Solvent effects on the energetics of the relevant conical intersections are explored. We then combine this representation of the ground and excited state PESs with the full multiple spawning (FMS) nonadiabatic wavepacket dynamics method to simulate the photodynamics of the neutral GFP chromophore in both gas and solution phases. In these calculations, the PESs and their nonadiabatic couplings are evaluated simultaneously with the nuclear dynamics, ie. "on-the-fly". The effect of solvation is seen to be quite dramatic, resulting in an order of magnitude decrease in the excited state lifetime. We observe a correlated torsion about a double bond and its adjacent single bond in both gas and solution phases. This is discussed in the context of previous proposals about minimal volume isomerization mechanisms in protein environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Toniolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Toniolo A, Ciminelli C, Granucci G, Laino T, Persico M. QM/MM connection atoms for the multistate treatment of organic and biological molecules. Theor Chem Acc 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/s00214-003-0522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ko C, Levine B, Toniolo A, Manohar L, Olsen S, Werner HJ, Martínez TJ. Ab Initio Excited-State Dynamics of the Photoactive Yellow Protein Chromophore. J Am Chem Soc 2003; 125:12710-1. [PMID: 14558810 DOI: 10.1021/ja0365025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The photoisomerization mechanism of the neutral form of the photoactive yellow protein (PYP) chromophore is investigated using ab initio quantum chemistry and first-principles nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (ab initio multiple spawning or AIMS). We identify the nature of the two lowest-lying excited states, characterize the short-time behavior of molecules excited directly to S2, and explain the origin of the experimentally observed wavelength-dependent photoisomerization quantum yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaehyuk Ko
- Department of Chemistry and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Toniolo A, Granucci G, Martínez TJ. Conical Intersections in Solution: A QM/MM Study Using Floating Occupation Semiempirical Configuration Interaction Wave Functions. J Phys Chem A 2003. [DOI: 10.1021/jp022468p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Toniolo
- Department of Chemistry and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, v. Risorgimento, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Granucci
- Department of Chemistry and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, v. Risorgimento, Pisa, Italy
| | - Todd J. Martínez
- Department of Chemistry and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, v. Risorgimento, Pisa, Italy
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Luzzaro F, Viganò EF, Fossati D, Grossi A, Sala A, Sturla C, Saudelli M, Toniolo A. Prevalence and drug susceptibility of pathogens causing bloodstream infections in northern Italy: a two-year study in 16 hospitals. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2002; 21:849-55. [PMID: 12525919 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-002-0837-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of bacterial pathogens causing bloodstream infection was studied in 16 hospitals in Lombardy (northern Italy) over a 2-year period (1999 and 2000). Overall, 2924 microorganisms causing significant bacteremia were collected. The most frequent isolates were Escherichia coli ( n=663; 22.7%), Staphylococcus aureus ( n=534; 18.3%), Staphylococcus epidermidis ( n=242; 8.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( n=176; 6.0%). Unlike Escherichia coli, which was usually acquired from the community, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were usually acquired in hospitals. Rates of resistance to oxacillin and its associated traits were significantly higher among hospital-acquired staphylococci as compared to those of isolates from the community. Escherichia coli was highly susceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, with a very low percentage of strains producing extended-spectrum ss-lactamases (ESBLs). On the contrary, production of ESBL appeared to be an important mechanism of resistance among nosocomial isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was widespread in several members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, with rates often exceeding 10%. Moreover, with regard to ciprofloxacin, there were no significant differences between rates of resistance among Enterobacteriaceae causing hospital-acquired infections versus those causing community-acquired infections. Multidrug resistance was commonly observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicating the need for new antimicrobial agents that are more active against nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, epidemiological studies of the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of blood isolates in northern Italy appear to provide useful information for both empirical treatment of suspected infections and better management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Luzzaro
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia, Università dell'Insubria e Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Viale Borri 57, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Abstract
The protective activity of a DNA plasmid encoding the immunodominant capsid protein VP1 of coxsackievirus B4 (CBV-4) was studied in BALB/c mice. The plasmid pCI-B4-1-c - which gave the highest expression level of VP1 in cultured monkey and human cells - was chosen for immunization. Two injections of pCI-B4-1-c (1 month apart) into the regenerating mouse muscle tissue induced a specific antibody response to CBV-4, as shown by immunoenzyme and neutralization assays. Upon challenge with live CBV-4, the mortality rate of mice vaccinated with the recombinant plasmid was significantly reduced (21% versus >58%) as compared with that of mice that had been either nontreated or injected with a control plasmid devoid of the insert. The VP1-based vaccine, however, did not provide complete protection as - after virus challenge - moderate viraemia occurred together with modest plasma elevations of pathogenesis-related enzymes (amylase and creatine kinase). Yet, immunofluorescence of the small intestine and heart did confirm the protective effect of the VP1-encoding vaccine. In order to obtain a more complete protection against CBV-4, it may be beneficial to immunize mice with combinations of separate DNA plasmids encoding not only VP1 but also the VP2 and VP3 capsid proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Toniolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese Department of Oncology, University of Pisa, Pisa Department of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Endimiani A, Luzzaro F, Tamborini A, Lombardi G, Elia V, Belloni R, Toniolo A. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of nonfermenting gram-negative bacteria by the Phoenix Automated Microbiology System. New Microbiol 2002; 25:323-9. [PMID: 12173774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The Phoenix Automated Microbiology System (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, MD) was evaluated for its ability to identify nonfermenting gram-negative pathogens and measure their drug susceptibility. Isolates producing rare extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (PER-1, IMP-2, VIM-1, and VIM-2) were included in the study. Species identification was compared to that given by the ATB System (bio-Mérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France), whereas susceptibility results were compared to those produced by a reference broth microdilution test (panels manufactured by Pasco Laboratories, Becton Dickinson). The Phoenix system consistently identified all isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 55) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 28), while in other cases species agreement was obtained for 47/53 isolates (Acinetobacter baumannii, 29/31; Pseudomonas putida, 10/11; Burkholderia cepacia, 6/7; and Pseudomonas fluorescens, 2/4). Overall, the Phoenix and ATB systems gave equal results in 130/136 cases (95.6%). For two isolates, consistent identification was obtained at the genus level, thus bringing the cumulative agreement to 97.1%. MIC values (interpreted according to NCCLS guidelines) gave essential and categorical agreement in 94.2% and 93.1% of cases, respectively. Minor and major errors were 5.1% and 5.2%, respectively. No very major errors were produced. The mean time to results (TTR) for the Phoenix system was 14.8 +/- 1.6 h (mean +/- SD), with the shortest TTR being observedfor A. baumannii (13.0 +/- 1.8 h) and the longest one for P. aeruginosa (15.6 +/- 1.2 h). In conclusion, the Phoenix system performed rapidly and correctly in the identification of clinical isolates of important opportunistic pathogens and in measuring their susceptibility to antipseudomonal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Endimiani
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Ospedale di Circolo, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Toniolo A, Ben-Nun M, Martínez TJ. Optimization of Conical Intersections with Floating Occupation Semiempirical Configuration Interaction Wave Functions. J Phys Chem A 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/jp014289y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Toniolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - M. Ben-Nun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - T. J. Martínez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
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Spanu T, Luzzaro F, Perilli M, Amicosante G, Toniolo A, Fadda G. Occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in Italy: implications for resistance to beta-lactams and other antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46:196-202. [PMID: 11751134 PMCID: PMC126983 DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.1.196-202.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An Italian nationwide survey was carried out to assess the prevalences and the antimicrobial susceptibilities of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Over a 6-month period, 8,015 isolates were obtained from hospitalized patients and screened for resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams. On the basis of a synergistic effect between clavulanate and selected beta-lactams (ceftazidime, aztreonam, cefotaxime, cefepime, and ceftriaxone), 509 isolates were found to be ESBL positive (6.3%). Colony blot hybridization with bla(TEM) and bla(SHV) DNA probes allowed one to distinguish four different genotypes: TEM-positive, SHV-positive, TEM- and SHV-positive, and non-TEM, non-SHV ESBL types. MICs for each isolate (E-test) were obtained for widely used beta-lactams, combinations of beta-lactams with beta-lactamase inhibitors, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Among ESBL-positive strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli accounted for 73.6% of isolates. Overall, TEM-type ESBLs were more prevalent than SHV-type enzymes (234 versus 173), whereas the prevalence of strains producing both TEM- and SHV-type ESBLs was similar to that of isolates producing non-TEM, non-SHV enzymes (55 and 38, respectively). In vitro, all but one of the ESBL-producing isolates remained susceptible to imipenem. Susceptibility to other drugs varied: piperacillin-tazobactam, 91%; amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 85%; cefoxitin, 78%; amikacin, 76%; ampicillin-sulbactam, 61%; ciprofloxacin, 58%; and gentamicin, 56%. Associated resistance to aminoglycosides and ciprofloxacin was observed most frequently among TEM-positive strains. Since therapeutic options for multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae are limited, combinations of beta-lactams and beta-lactamase inhibitors appear to represent an important alternative for treating infections caused by ESBL-producing ENTEROBACTERIACEAE:
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Affiliation(s)
- T Spanu
- Institute of Microbiology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Endimiani A, Tamborini A, Luzzaro F, Lombardi G, Toniolo A. Epidemiology of bloodstream infections and time to detection of positive blood cultures: an evaluation of the automated BacT/Alert and BACTEC 9240 systems. New Microbiol 2002; 25:9-16. [PMID: 11837397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Data of 3,097 blood culture sets processed with the BacT/Alert system in 1997 were compared to those of 3,158 blood culture sets processed with BACTEC 9240 in 1999. Agents responsible for bloodstream infections (BSI) were detected in 15.9% and 20.0% of blood cultures in 1997 and 1999, respectively. The incidence of BSI was 9.3 (1997) vs. 11.3 (1999) per 1,000 admissions. In both years, S. aureus was the most frequent isolate, followed by E. coli. Overall, the mean detection time (MDT) obtained with the BACTEC 9240 was significantly shorter than that of the BacT/Alert. Significant MDT differences were found for all organisms, except for Enterobacteriaceae (12.7 vs. 10.6 h). With both systems, over 95% positive samples were detected within 3 days, indicating that a 4-day incubation protocol may disclose most BSI agents. Thus, the added speed of the BACTEC 9240 allowed a particularly fast clinical management of septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Endimiani
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University of Insubria and Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
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Granucci G, Persico M, Toniolo A. Direct semiclassical simulation of photochemical processes with semiempirical wave functions. J Chem Phys 2001. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1376633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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40
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Luzzaro F, Mantengoli E, Perilli M, Lombardi G, Orlandi V, Orsatti A, Amicosante G, Rossolini GM, Toniolo A. Dynamics of a nosocomial outbreak of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing the PER-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:1865-70. [PMID: 11326005 PMCID: PMC88040 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.5.1865-1870.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
From November 1998 to August 1999, a large outbreak occurred in the general intensive care unit of the Ospedale di Circolo in Varese (Italy), caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing the PER-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. A total of 108 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa resistant to broad-spectrum cephalosporins were recovered from 18 patients. Epidemic isolates were characterized by synergy between clavulanic acid and ceftazidime, cefepime, and aztreonam. Isoelectric focusing of crude bacterial extracts detected two nitrocefin-positive bands with pI values of 8.0 and 5.3. PCR amplification and characterization of the amplicons by restriction analysis and direct sequencing indicated that the epidemic isolates carried a bla(PER-1) determinant. The outbreak was of clonal origin as shown by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. This technique also indicated that the epidemic strain was not related to three other PER-1-positive isolates obtained at the same hospital in 1997. Typing by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR showed that minor genetic variations occurred during the outbreak. The epidemic strain was characterized by a multiple-drug-resistance phenotype that remained unchanged over the outbreak, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins, monobactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Isolation of infected patients and appropriate carbapenem therapy were successful in ending the outbreak. Our report indicates that the bla(PER-1) resistance determinant may become an emerging therapeutic problem in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Luzzaro
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Ospedale di Circolo and University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, Italy
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Luzzaro F, Perilli M, Amicosante G, Lombardi G, Belloni R, Zollo A, Bianchi C, Toniolo A. Properties of multidrug-resistant, ESBL-producing Proteus mirabilis isolates and possible role of beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2001; 17:131-5. [PMID: 11165117 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(00)00325-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
At our institution, isolation rates of clinical strains of ESBL-producing Proteus mirabilis increased to 8.8% of all P. mirabilis isolates during the period 1997-1999. To evaluate the susceptibility of ESBL-producing P. mirabilis strains against commonly used drugs, we studied 50 non-duplicated isolates selected on the basis of synergy between clavulanate and beta-lactams (ceftazidime, aztreonam, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone). The presence of ESBL-coding genes was confirmed by colony hybridization with bla(TEM-1) and bla(SHV-1) probes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of several antimicrobial agents for each isolate were obtained using the Etest method. All strains were encoding for TEM-derived enzymes. Gene sequencing showed that at least three different genes (TEM-15, TEM-20, and TEM-52) were present. These enzymes have not been previously reported in P. mirabilis. Isolates were characterized by: (a) reduced susceptibility or resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (MIC > or = 2 mg/l), (b) resistance to piperacillin that was abolished by tazobactam (MIC > or = 256 vs. < or = 2 mg/l, respectively), (c) multiple antibiotic resistance that included gentamicin, fluoroquinolones and co-trimoxazole. Therapeutic failure and lack of eradication of ESBL-positive P. mirabilis by third-generation cephalosporins has been repeatedly observed both at our Institution and elsewhere. Piperacillin-tazobactam, as well as amikacin and meropenem appear to be important therapeutic options for infections due to multidrug-resistant, ESBL-producing P. mirabilis isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Luzzaro
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi and University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Casalone R, Albini A, Righi R, Granata P, Toniolo A. Nonrandom chromosome changes in Kaposi sarcoma: cytogenetic and FISH results in a new cell line (KS-IMM) and literature review. Cancer Genet Cytogenet 2001; 124:16-9. [PMID: 11165317 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-4608(00)00241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The karyotype of a new tumorigenic Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-derived cell line, as defined by cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis is 49,XY,i(1)(q10),i(7)(p10),+i(7) (q10),+der(8)t(8;13)(p11;q11),-13,+del(14)(q22),+der(17)t(1;17)(p13;p13). Our aim was to point out some characteristics and recurrent chromosome changes probably playing a relevant role in the malignant progression of KS, by a comparison of the cytogenetic results obtained in the present study with data from the literature. The interpretation of the cytogenetic results is that KS development occurs by multiple steps: an initial reactive polyclonal cell proliferation is associated with chromosome instability; the cells in a later stage acquire clonal chromosome changes. If many chromosome changes are present, particularly 8q and 1q trisomy, 3p14-->pter deletion, 1p13, 13p14.3, 7q22, 8p11, 13q11, and 19q13 band rearrangements, KS acquires a neoplastic aggressive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Casalone
- Laboratorio di Citogenetica e Genetica, Ospedale di Circolo e Università dell'Insubria, Viale Borri 57, 21100, Varese, Italy.
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Docquier JD, Luzzaro F, Amicosante G, Toniolo A, Rossolini GM. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing PER-1 extended-spectrum serine-beta-lactamase and VIM-2 metallo-beta-lactamase. Emerg Infect Dis 2001; 7:910-1. [PMID: 11747713 PMCID: PMC2631876 DOI: 10.3201/eid0705.010528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Pereira M, Perilli M, Mantengoli E, Luzzaro F, Toniolo A, Rossolini GM, Amicosante G. PER-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in an Alcaligenes faecalis clinical isolate resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams from a hospital in Northern Italy. Microb Drug Resist 2000; 6:85-90. [PMID: 10868812 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2000.6.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An Alicaligenes faecalis (FL-424/98) resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam was isolated from the urine of an inpatient at the Intensive Care Unit of the Varese Hospital (Northern Italy) after antimicrobial chemotherapy with cefazolin, vancomycin, and amikacin. Clavulanic acid restored the activity of expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, suggesting the production of an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESbetaL). A crude extract of FL-424/98 showed the presence of two beta-lactamase activities focusing at pH 5.3 and 7.6, respectively. The ESbetaL activity, purified by means of three chromatographic steps, was found to correspond to the pI 5.3 enzyme. Determination of kinetic parameters confirmed that the enzyme efficiently hydrolyzed expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and aztreonam. A colony-blot hybridization revealed the presence of blaPER-related sequences in FL-424/98, and sequencing confirmed the identity of this determinant with blaPER-1, previously detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and Salmonella clinical isolates from Turkey. Finding of blaPER-1 in a species that can be part of the resident human microbiota raises the possibility that it could be an efficient shuttle for spreading of this resistance gene among other opportunistic pathogens that are normally members of the resident microbiota. Kinetic parameters determined for the PER-1 enzyme with some cephalosporin substrates were somewhat different from those previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pereira
- Department of Sciences and Biomedical Technology, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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Conaldi PG, Bottelli A, Wade-Evans A, Biancone L, Baj A, Cantaluppi V, Serra C, Dolei A, Toniolo A, Camussi G. HIV-persistent infection and cytokine induction in mesangial cells: a potential mechanism for HIV-associated glomerulosclerosis. AIDS 2000; 14:2045-7. [PMID: 10997410 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-200009080-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P G Conaldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Basolo F, Fiore L, Baldanzi A, Giannini R, Dell'Omodarme M, Fontanini G, Pacini F, Danesi R, Miccoli P, Toniolo A. Suppression of Fas expression and down-regulation of Fas ligand in highly aggressive human thyroid carcinoma. J Transl Med 2000; 80:1413-9. [PMID: 11005209 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3780148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Fas-FasL system seems to mediate thyrocyte death in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In thyroid cancer, down-regulation of bcl-2 seems to alter apoptosis control. We compared the expression of immunoreactive Fas and FasL in normal thyroid with that of tumors ranging from benign to highly aggressive. Fas is essentially not expressed in normal thyrocytes, whereas FasL is expressed in approximately one-third of cases. Expression of both markers is significantly up-regulated in adenoma and in well-differentiated papillary and follicular carcinoma. In contrast, Fas is suppressed and FasL is strongly reduced in the most aggressive histological variants (poorly differentiated and undifferentiated carcinoma). Immunohistochemistry findings have been confirmed by analysis of Fas-FasL mRNA transcripts. In vitro studies showed that the Fas receptor of thyroid tumor cells was functional, because apoptosis was induced by an agonistic Fas antibody. Fas-expressing and Fas-resistant mammary cell lines were used as specificity controls. Together with our previous data inversely relating bcl-2 expression and thyroid tumor grade, the present findings further indicate that apoptotic pathways are altered in thyroid neoplasia. Thus, the Fas-FasL system may represent a marker of tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Basolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Toniolo
- Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università di Milano, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milano, Italy, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, via Risorgimento 35, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Persico
- Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università di Milano, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milano, Italy, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, via Risorgimento 35, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - D. Pitea
- Dipartimento di Chimica Fisica ed Elettrochimica, Università di Milano, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milano, Italy, and Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, via Risorgimento 35, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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