1
|
Bouali A, Spissu Y, Barberis A, Fadda A, Azara E, Orrù G, Scano A, Palmieri G, D’hallewin G, Ouarda HEF. Phytochemical evaluation and exploration of some biological activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of two species of the genus Plantago L. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298518. [PMID: 38421979 PMCID: PMC10903836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298518] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Plantago major L. and Plantago lagopus L. are cosmopolitan species, belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, used in traditional and modern medicine. In this study, a phytochemical evaluation of different aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of both species from the region of Beja in Tunisia was performed. Some biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial were also done. LC-MS qualitative analysis revealed that the aqueous extracts of the roots of P. lagopus were richer in polyphenols, mainly flavonoids (Luteoline 7-rutinoside, Luteoline 7-rhamnoside) and hydroxycinnamic acids including caffeic acid, than the hydro-ethanolic extracts. Additionally, we identified for the first time the presence of salicylic acid in the hot aqueous extracts of roots of P. lagopus and its absence in the roots of P. major. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), revealing that the voltammograms of leaf and root extracts from P. lagopus exhibited a higher antioxidant capacity compared to those of P. major. Antiproliferative activity, was determined against two-colon cancer cell lines, demonstrated that only the 12 h treatments with P. lagopus leaf and root aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts at low concentration were able to significantly reduce the colon carcinoma coli-2 (CaCo-2) cells proliferation. The antibacterial /antibiofilm activity was performed on yeast, Gram- negative and +positive bacterial strains. We demonstrated for the first time that ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of P. lagopus have an inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia at MIC = 2 μg/mL for leaves and 4 μg/mL for roots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouar Bouali
- Laboratory of Plant Toxicology and Environmental Microbiology, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Carthage, Tunisia
| | - Ylenia Spissu
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Barberis
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Angela Fadda
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Azara
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Department, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Department, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Guy D’hallewin
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Sassari, Italy
| | - Héla El Ferchichi Ouarda
- Laboratory of Plant Toxicology and Environmental Microbiology, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Carthage, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Puxeddu S, Scano A, Scorciapino MA, Delogu I, Vascellari S, Ennas G, Manzin A, Angius F. Physico-Chemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozonated Oils: The Case Study of Commercial Ozonated Olive and Sunflower Seed Refined Oils. Molecules 2024; 29:679. [PMID: 38338423 PMCID: PMC10856119 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents one of the great plagues of our time worldwide. This largely limits the treatment of common infections and requires the development of new antibiotics or other alternative approaches. Noteworthy, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is mostly responsible for the selection of mutations that confer drug resistance to microbes. In this regard, recently, ozone has been raising interest for its unique biological properties when dissolved in natural oils. Ozonated oils have been reported to act in a non-specific way on microorganisms hindering the acquisition of advantageous mutations that result in resistance. Here, we focused on the antimicrobial effect of two commercial olive (OOO) and sunflower seeds (OSO) oils. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed the change in the chemical composition of the oils after ozonation treatment. Different ozonated oil concentrations were then used to evaluate their antimicrobial profile against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Overall, our results revealed that both OOO and OSO showed a potent microbicidal effect, especially against C. albicans (IC50 = OOO: 0.3 mg/mL and OSO: 0.2 mg/mL) and E. faecalis (IC50 = OOO: 0.4 mg/mL and OSO: 2.8 mg/mL) albeit exerting a certain effect also against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, both OOO and OSO do not yield any relevant cytotoxic effect at the active concentrations in both cell lines. This indicates that the ozonated oils studied are not toxic for mammalian cells despite exerting a potent antimicrobial effect on specific microorganisms. Therefore, OOO and OSO may be considered to integrate standard therapies in the treatment of common infections, likely overcoming drug resistance issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Puxeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
- Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariano Andrea Scorciapino
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
| | - Ilenia Delogu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah Vascellari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
- Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scano A, Magner E, Pilloni M, Atzori L, Fantauzzi M, Slimani S, Peddis D, Fuentes GG, Ennas G. Combining high energy ball milling and liquid crystal templating method to prepare magnetic ordered mesoporous silica. A physico-chemical investigation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024. [PMID: 38275012 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04213h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The physico-chemical investigation of superparamagnetic MCM41 like materials prepared by the novel combination of high energy ball milling and a liquid crystal templating method is presented. Structural, morphological, textural, thermal, and preliminary magnetic characterization demonstrated the successful combination of the two synthesis techniques, avoiding the problems associated with the current methods used for the preparation of magnetic ordered mesoporous silica. MCM41 like materials with high specific surface area values (625-720 m2 g-1) and high mesopore volumes in the range 1-0.7 cm3 g-1 were obtained. The ordered mesoporous structure and accessible pores were maintained after the inclusion of increasing amounts of the magnetic component in the silica structure. All the samples showed superparamagnetic behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Edmond Magner
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Luciano Atzori
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Marzia Fantauzzi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Sawssen Slimani
- Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146-Genova, Italy
- Institute of Structure of Matter - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monterotondo Stazione, 00016, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Peddis
- Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146-Genova, Italy
- Institute of Structure of Matter - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monterotondo Stazione, 00016, Rome, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Gonzalo Garcia Fuentes
- Asociación de la Industria Navarra, Ctra. Pamplona, 1 - Edificio AIN, 31191 Cordovilla, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Primavera D, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Romano F, Kalcev G, Pinna S, Minerba L, Scano A, Orrù G, Cossu G. Does the Response to a Stressful Condition in Older Adults with Life Rhythm Dysregulations Provide Evidence of the Existence of the "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome"? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:87. [PMID: 38200993 PMCID: PMC10778618 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 lockdown periods have given rise to the "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS). This syndrome is characterized by a poor regulation of biological, social, and behavioral rhythms, including sleep, nutrition, and social contacts. The purpose of this cohort study was to examine whether older adults with pre-existing DYMERS had a more negative perception of their health-related quality of life (H-QoL) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, regardless of the presence of concurrent mood disorders. METHOD The entire study population (N = 93; age > 65 year) was categorized based on whether they exhibited dysregulated rhythms at the outset of the study. A comparison was made between DYMERS-positive individuals and DYMERS-negative individuals, and we assessed their H-QoL at the conclusion of the study. We also compared the H-QoL of individuals in the cohort who did not have a positive depression score to understand the impact of the rhythm dysregulation alone. RESULTS The frequency of individuals with a critical health-related quality of life score (SF12 < 25) was higher in the cohort with pre-existing DYMERS during lockdown (33.33% vs. 6.17%). This difference remained significant even when only individuals without depressive symptomatology were considered (27.27% vs. 2.60%). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that DYMERS can exert a substantial influence on health-related quality of life (H-QoL), even when mood disturbances are not present. Additional research is required to investigate the relationship between DYMERS and other psychiatric conditions as well as its nature as a standalone disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Primavera
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
- Nursing Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Popular del Cesar, Valledupar 200002, Colombia
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Chair of Public Health, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Samantha Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (D.P.); (G.K.); (S.P.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giovanni Carta M, Kalcev G, Scano A, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Ouali U, Pinna S, Carrà G, Romano F, Preti A, Orrù G, Minerba L, Cossu G, Nardi AE, Primavera D. The impact of MDQ positivity on quality of life impairment: Does it support the hypothesis of "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS)? J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231208356. [PMID: 37927350 PMCID: PMC10625312 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231208356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DSM-5 separates bipolar (BD) from depressive disorders, but some experts consider BD as part of a spectrum of mood disorders. The interpretation of numerous false positives of BD screened by the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) is part of this debate. Recent study results suggest that the worsening of health-related quality of life (H-Qol) associated with MDQ positivity does not depend solely on mood disorders. This study aims to clarify whether the impairment may be due to other concomitant disorders, unrelated to mood disorders, leading to a worsening of H-Qol. Additionally, the study aims to explore if MDQ positivity itself observe clinical significance. Design and methods The study involved pairs of cases (MDQ+) and controls (MDQ-) matched for sex, age, and absence of DSM-IV psychiatric comorbidity. The impact of MDQ positivity on the quality of life in a sample of MDQ+ comorbid with MDD was measured and compared to impact of MDD in other chronic disorders. Results The H-Qol was significantly worse in MDQ+ than in controls (both groups without any psychiatric co-morbidity). The worsening was similar to severe chronic disorders The burden of worsening quality of life due to MDD was mild in another sample of MDQ positives with comorbid MDD. Conclusion The study hypothesizes that MDQ positivity may be related to hyperactivation and dysregulation of rhythms typical of stress disorders. In fact, MDQ+ was found strongly related to sleep disturbances. Future studies could verify if a "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS), causes worsening the H-Qol in MDQ+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Science, Molecular Biology Service Lab, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Program, Univesidad Popular del Cesar, Sede Sabanas, Valledupar, Colombia
| | - Uta Ouali
- Razi Hospital, La Manouba 2010, Faculty of Medicine of Tunisia, University of Tunis, El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Samantha Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, London, UK
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Science, Molecular Biology Service Lab, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego Primavera
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Piras M, Coni P, Piludu M, Coni S, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Cau F, Scano A, Orrù G, Murru R, Pichiri G. Human breast milk cells are positive for the pioneer transcription factor ISL1. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:8842-8849. [PMID: 37782193 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33804] [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: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ISL1 is a pioneer transcription factor that plays important roles in cell lineage specification and differentiation, by programming the epigenome and recruiting additional regulatory factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether the human breastmilk contains ISL1-positive stem cells, and, if so, to describe the subcellular localization of ISL1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast milk was obtained from fourteen healthy females during the first 2-6 months of lactation. Cell morphology was examined in the breast milk with the automatic ThinPrep® processor (Hologic® Inc.) in commercial Cytological ThinPrep® solution (Hologic® Inc.), followed by standard immunohistochemical staining of ISL1. RESULTS ISL1 had a granular diffuse cytoplasmic localization, with varying intensity of staining in both single and grouped cells. Nuclear staining was also present, as was staining of intracellular and extracellular vesicles with ISL1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that ISL1 could distinguish a readily available source of putative stem cells in human breast milk. These stem cells may complete the network created between the mother and the newborn during gestation, thereby improving the efficiency of programming and reprogramming postnatal events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carta MG, Orrù G, Littera R, Firinu D, Chessa L, Cossu G, Primavera D, Del Giacco S, Tramontano E, Manocchio N, Buonomo C, Scano A. Comparing the responses of countries and National Health Systems to the COVID-19 pandemic: a critical analysis with a case-report series. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:7868-7880. [PMID: 37667964 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202308_33442] [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: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
This review aimed to compare the different responses of countries to the pandemic, their National Health Systems, and their impact on citizens' health. This work aimed to create a narrative plot that connects different discussion points and suggests organizational solutions and strategic choices in the face of the pandemic. In particular, this work focused on public health organizations, specifically the European Union and vaccination politics. It is also based on a case report series (about the United States, Germany, Vietnam, New Zealand, Cuba, and Italy), where each country has responded differently to the pandemic in terms of political decisions such as vaccination type, information to citizens, dealings with independent experts, and other specific country factors. In comparing the various models of care systems response to the pandemic, it emerges that: we have found some (few) good practices, but without global coordination, and this is obviously not enough. It is now quite clear that there cannot be a "good answer" in a single nation. Uncoordinated local responses cannot counter a global phenomenon. The second point is that the general context must be considered from a strategic point of view. With the threat of new pandemics (but also of health disasters linked to climate change, pollution, and wars), humanity finds itself at the crossroads between investing in a "democratic" management of international bodies but without power (and at the mercy of the need for funds with consequent conflicts) or in some new leadership proposals that advocate efficiency and problem-solving (and that would probably be able to implement it) but that would place processes totally outside of the public's control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carta MG, Kalcev G, Scano A, Pinna S, Gonzalez CIA, Nardi AE, Orrù G, Primavera D. Screening, Genetic Variants, and Bipolar Disorders: Can Useful Hypotheses Arise from the Sum of Partial Failures? Clin Pract 2023; 13:853-862. [PMID: 37623258 PMCID: PMC10453758 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13040077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a relevant public health issue, therefore accurate screening tools could be useful. The objective of this study is to verify the accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and genetic risk as screeners, and their comparison in terms of reliability. Older adults (N = 61, ≥60 years) received a clinical psychiatric evaluation, the MDQ, and were evaluated according to the presence of the genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C. MDQ+ versus the diagnosis of BD as a gold standard shows a sensitivity of 0.286 (Cl 95% 0.14-0.39); a specificity of 0.925 (Cl 95% 0.85-0.08); a predictive positive value (PPV) of 0.667 (Cl 95% 0.33-0.91); and a predictive negative value (PNV) of 0.702 (Cl 95% 0.65-0.75). The positivity for the variant RS1006737 of the CACNA1C against the diagnosis of BD as a gold standard shows a sensitivity of 0.750 (Cl 95% 0.55-0.90); a specificity of 0.375 (Cl 95% 0.28-0.45); a PPV of 0.375 (Cl 95% 0.28-0.45); and a PNV of 0.750 (Cl 95% 0.55-0.90). The reliability between the MDQ+ and positivity for the variant RS1006737 of the CACNA1C was very low (K = -0.048, Cl 95% -0.20-0.09). The study found that both the genetic and the paper and pencil test were quite accurate, but were not reliable in case finding. In fact, despite some validity, albeit specular (in the case of a positive genetic test, the probability of having the disorder is very high, whereas in the case of a negative score on the paper and pencil test, the probability of not having the disorder is very high), the unreliability of the two tests (i.e., they certainly do not measure the same underlying dimension) opens the door to the need for an interpretation and the possibility of a synergistic use for screening. From a heuristic perspective, which obviously requires all of the necessary verifications, this study seems to suggest the hypothesis that a condition of hyperactivation common to disorders and stress conditions, and identified by a positive score on the MDQ (which is common to BD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders and whose genetic basis has not yet been clarified) can trigger BD in people with a predisposition to hyperactivity (i.e., in people with the condition identified by the analyzed genetic variant).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (S.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (S.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco I, Asse Didattico Medicina P2, Monserrato (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Samantha Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (S.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Program, Univesidad Popular del Cesar, Sede Sabanas, Valledupar 20002, Colombia;
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry (Ipub), Federal University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro 22725, Brazil;
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco I, Asse Didattico Medicina P2, Monserrato (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Diego Primavera
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.G.C.); (S.P.); (D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalcev G, Scano A, Orrù G, Primavera D, Cossu G, Nardi AE, Carta MG. Is a Genetic Variant associated with Bipolar Disorder Frequent in People without Bipolar Disorder but with Characteristics of Hyperactivity and Novelty Seeking? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2023; 19:e174501792303280. [PMID: 37916199 PMCID: PMC10351339 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v19-e230419-2022-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objective is to verify whether a genetic condition associated with bipolar disorder (BD) is frequent in old adults adapted to their environment, without BD, but with aptitudes for hyperactivity and novelty seeking (H/NS). Methods In this cross-sectional study, the study sample included healthy elderly people (40 participants, aged 60 or older) living in an urban area and recruited from a previous study on physical exercise and active aging, who were compared with 21 old adults with BD from the same area. The genetic methodology consisted of blood sampling, DNA extraction, real-time PCR jointly with FRET probes, and the SANGER sequencing method. The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C, found to be associated with bipolar disorder diagnosis, was investigated. Results The frequency of the RS1006737 genetic variant in the study group (H/NS) is not higher than in the BD group and is statistically significantly higher than in all the control groups found in the literature. However, the familiarity for BD is higher in old adults with BD than in the H/NS sample without BD. The risk of BD in the family (also considering those without BD but with family members with BD) is not associated with the presence of the genetic variant examined. Conclusion The study suggests that the gene examined is associated with characteristics of hyperactivity rather than just BD. Nevertheless, choosing to participate in an exercise program is an excessively general way to identify H/NS. The next step would be to identify the old adults with well-defined H/NS features with an adequate tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goce Kalcev
- Department of Innovation Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Diego Primavera
- Azienda Regionale della Salute (ARES, Sardegna), Medio Campidano, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry (Ipub), Federal University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gerosa C, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Aimola V, Cau F, Coni P, Piras M, Cau R, Balestrieri A, Scano A, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Fanni D, Saba L. The human carotid atherosclerotic plaque: an observational review of histological scoring systems. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:3784-3792. [PMID: 37140327 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202304_32179] [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: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The atherosclerotic plaque is a complex dynamic pathological lesion of the arterial wall, characterized by multiple elementary lesions of different diagnostic and prognostic significance. Fibrous cap thickness, lipid necrotic core dimension, inflammation, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque neovascularization and endothelial dysfunction (erosions) are generally considered the most relevant morphological details of plaque morphology. In this review, the most relevant features able to discriminate between stable and vulnerable plaques at histological level are discussed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Retrospectively, we have evaluated the laboratory results from one hundred old histological samples from patients treated with carotid endarterectomy. These results were analyzed to assess elementary lesions that characterize stable and unstable plaques. RESULTS A thin fibrous cap (<65 micron), loss of smooth muscle cells, collagen depletion, a large lipid-rich necrotic core, infiltrating macrophages, IPH and intra-plaque vascularization are identified as the most important risk factors associated with plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin (smooth muscle cell marker) and for CD68 (marker of monocytes/macrophages) and glycophorin (marker of red blood cells) are suggested as useful tools for an in deep characterization of any carotid plaque and for distinguishing plaque phenotypes at histology. Since patients with a carotid vulnerable plaque are at higher risk of developing vulnerable plaques in other arteries as well, the definition of the vulnerability index is underlined, in order to stratify patients at higher risk for undergoing cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scano A, Kalcev G, Piras M, Fais S, Cossu G, Gonzalez CIA, Carta MG, Orrù G. Usefulness of salivary sampling for the molecular detection of a
genetic variant associated with bipolar disorders. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036221146915. [PMID: 36967730 PMCID: PMC10037733 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221146915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Under certain conditions, the hyperthymic temperament traits associated with an
increased risk of developing bipolar disorders may in fact produce adaptive
responses. The purpose of this study is to see if the type of biological
material used for genetic analysis (saliva or blood) affects the detection of
mutations in the CACNA1C (RS1006737) gene. The first experimental group
consisted of Sardinian migrants (“volunteers”) in South American and European
megacities. The second experimental group consisted of older healthy subjects
with hyperactivity and novelty-seeking characteristics from Cagliari, Italy. The
genetic procedure included DNA extraction, real-time PCR, and the Sanger method.
Nonetheless, the authors believe that saliva is the most appropriate biological
material, given its many advantages. In contrast to blood, saliva can be
collected by any type of healthcare provider after following a few simple
instructions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Alessandra Scano, Department of Surgical
Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 46, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Martina Piras
- International PhD in Innovation
Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Fais
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ebau F, Scano A, Manca ML, Manconi M, Cabras V, Pilloni M, Ennas G. Centella asiatica extract-SiO 2 nanocomposite: More than a drug-delivery system for skin protection from oxidative damage. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:300-308. [PMID: 36278820 PMCID: PMC10092495 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
An innovative nanotechnology-based approach was used for the preparation of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) extract-SiO2 nanocomposites, specifically tailored for skin protection from oxidative damage. Different amounts of C. asiatica glycolic extract (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt %) and fumed silica were used to prepare the nanocomposites by means of ball milling method. The influence of both composition of the starting mixture and milling time on the final products was evaluated by different techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen sorption analysis. Results confirmed the integrity of the natural extract after the milling process, and its successful loading in the silica matrix. No cytotoxicity was observed for the obtained nanocomposites, which showed high in-vitro ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and to protect human keratinocytes from damages induced with hydrogen peroxide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ebau
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM)Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoMonserratoItaly
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM)Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoMonserratoItaly
| | - Maria Letizia Manca
- Life and Environment Science Department, Section of Drug Sciences, CNBSUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Maria Manconi
- Life and Environment Science Department, Section of Drug Sciences, CNBSUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Valentina Cabras
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM)Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoMonserratoItaly
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM)Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoMonserratoItaly
| | - Guido Ennas
- Chemical and Geological Sciences Department, University of Cagliari, Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM)Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoMonserratoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Maxia C, Isola M, Grecu E, Cuccu A, Scano A, Orrù G, Di Girolamo N, Diana A, Murtas D. Synergic Action of Insulin-like Growth Factor-2 and miRNA-483 in Pterygium Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054329. [PMID: 36901760 PMCID: PMC10002351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pterygium is a multifactorial disease in which UV-B is speculated to play a key role by inducing oxidative stress and phototoxic DNA damage. In search for candidate molecules that are useful for justifying the intense epithelial proliferation observed in pterygium, our attention has been focused on Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF-2), mainly detected in embryonic and fetal somatic tissues, which regulate metabolic and mitogenic functions. The binding between IGF-2 and its receptor Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) activates the PI3K-AKT pathway, which leads to the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and the expression of specific genes. Since IGF2 is regulated by parental imprinting, in different human tumors, the IGF2 Loss of Imprinting (LOI) results in IGF-2- and IGF2-derived intronic miR-483 overexpression. Based on these activities, the purpose of this study was to investigate the overexpression of IGF-2, IGF-1R, and miR-483. Using an immunohistochemical approach, we demonstrated an intense colocalized epithelial overexpression of IGF-2 and IGF-1R in most pterygium samples (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.021). RT-qPCR gene expression analysis confirmed IGF2 upregulation and demonstrated miR-483 expression in pterygium compared to normal conjunctiva (253.2-fold and 12.47-fold, respectively). Therefore, IGF-2/IGF-1R co-expression could suggest their interplay through the two different paracrine/autocrine IGF-2 routes for signaling transfer, which would activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In this scenario, miR-483 gene family transcription might synergically reinforce IGF-2 oncogenic function through its boosting pro-proliferative and antiapoptotic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Maxia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michela Isola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Eleonora Grecu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alberto Cuccu
- Department of Surgical Science, Eye Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU), 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 4385, Australia
| | - Andrea Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Aragoni MC, Podda E, Caria V, Carta SA, Cherchi MF, Lippolis V, Murgia S, Orrù G, Pippia G, Scano A, Slawin AMZ, Woollins JD, Pintus A, Arca M. [Au III(N^N)Br 2](PF 6): A Class of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Complexes (N^N = 2,2'-Bipyridine and 1,10-Phenanthroline Derivatives). Inorg Chem 2023; 62:2924-2933. [PMID: 36728360 PMCID: PMC9930124 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c04410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A series of new complexes of general formula [AuIII(N^N)Br2](PF6) (N^N = 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives) were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic, electrochemical, and diffractometric techniques and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus intermedius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), showing promising antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Carla Aragoni
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Enrico Podda
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy,Centro
Servizi di Ateneo per la Ricerca (CeSAR), Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Veronica Caria
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Silvia A. Carta
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - M. Francesca Cherchi
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Vito Lippolis
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Simone Murgia
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chirurgiche, University of Cagliari, Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pippia
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chirurgiche, University of Cagliari, Cagliari09042, Italy
| | - Alexandra M. Z. Slawin
- EaStCHEM
School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, Fife, St. AndrewsKY16 9ST, U.K.
| | - J. Derek Woollins
- EaStCHEM
School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, Fife, St. AndrewsKY16 9ST, U.K.,Department
of Chemistry, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Pintus
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy,
| | - Massimiliano Arca
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università
degli Studi di Cagliari, S. S. 554 bivio per Sestu, Monserrato Cagliari09042, Italy,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Re R, Scano A, Tomba A, Pirovano I, Caserta A, Spinelli L, Contini D, Cubeddu R, Panella L, Torricelli A. No Difference in Muscle Basal Oxygenation in a Bedridden Population Pre and Post Rehabilitation. Adv Exp Med Biol 2023; 1438:149-152. [PMID: 37845453 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42003-0_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Long periods of bed rest for elderly population, due to a femur fracture event, can cause a deterioration in the muscular capacity. Therefore, monitoring of the muscle oxidative capacity in this fragile population is necessary to define the muscular oxidative metabolism state before and after a rehabilitation period. The time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-NIRS) technique enables the absolute values to be calculated for hemodynamic parameters such as oxy- (O2Hb), deoxy- (HHb), total- (tHb) haemoglobin, and tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) of the muscular tissue. In this work, we have characterized vastus lateralis muscle hemodynamics during a baseline period at two different time points: after the surgery (PRE) and after 15 days of rehabilitation (POST). The mean values for the absolute values of the hemodynamic parameters were: O2Hb_PRE = 49.1 ± 14.1 μM; O2Hb_POST = 47.1 ± 13.4 μM; HHb_PRE = 28.3 ± 10.3 μM; HHb_POST = 26.7 ± 9.9 μM; tHb_PRE = 77.3 ± 23.6 μM; tHb_POST = 73.8 ± 21.4 μM; SO2_PRE = 63.9 ± 4.0% and SO2_POST = 64.9 ± 5.6%. The hemodynamic parameters did not show significant differences at both group and single subject level. These results suggest that for this kind of population, the baseline of the hemodynamic parameters is not the best one to consider to assess the rehabilitation progresses in terms of muscular oxidative metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Re
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy.
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy.
| | - A Scano
- Istituto di Sistemi e Tecnologie Industriali Intelligenti per il Manifatturiero Avanzato, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - A Tomba
- Dipartimento di Riabilitazione, ASST Gaetano Pini CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - I Pirovano
- Istituto di Tecnologie Biomediche, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Segrate (MI), Italy
| | - A Caserta
- Dipartimento di Riabilitazione, ASST Gaetano Pini CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - L Spinelli
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy
| | - D Contini
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy
| | - R Cubeddu
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy
| | - L Panella
- Dipartimento di Riabilitazione, ASST Gaetano Pini CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - A Torricelli
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Carta MG, Kalcev G, Scano A, Primavera D, Orrù G, Gureye O, Cossu G, Nardi AE. Is Bipolar Disorder the Consequence of a Genetic Weakness or Not Having Correctly Used a Potential Adaptive Condition? Brain Sci 2022; 13:brainsci13010016. [PMID: 36671999 PMCID: PMC9856125 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesized that factors associated with bipolar disorder could, uer defined conditions, produce adaptive behaviors. The aim is to verify whether a genetic feature associated with bipolar disorder can be found in people without bipolar disorder but with hyperactivity/exploration traits. Healthy old adults (N = 40) recruited for a previous study on exercise were subdivided using a previously validated tool into those with and without hyperactivity/exploration traits and compared with a group of old patients with bipolar disorder (N = 21). The genetic variant RS1006737 of CACNA1C was analyzed using blood samples, DNA extraction, real-time PCR, FRET probes, and SANGER method sequencing. People with hyperactivity/exploration traits and without bipolar disorder were like people with bipolar disorder regarding the frequency of the genetic variant (OR = 0.79, CI95%: 0.21-2.95), but were different from people without either hyperactivity/exploration traits and bipolar disorder (OR = 4.75, CI95%: 1.19-18.91). The combined group of people with hyperactivity/exploration traits without bipolar disorder plus people with bipolar disorder had a higher frequency of the variant than people without either hyperactivity/exploration traits or bipolar disorder (OR = 4.25, CI95%: 1.24-14.4). To consider the genetic profile of bipolar disorder not an aberrant condition opens the way to a new approach in which the adaptive potential would be a central point in psychosocial treatment in addition to drug therapy. Future research can confirm the results of our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International Ph.D. in Innovation Sciences and Technology, University of Cagliari, Via Università 40, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico Medicina P2—Monserrato (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Diego Primavera
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Asse Didattico Medicina P2—Monserrato (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Oye Gureye
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neuroscience and Substance Abuse, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Oduduwa Road, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserato Blocco I (CA), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Laboratory Panic and Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry (Ipub), Federal University of Rio De Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro 22725, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mannias G, Scano A, Pilloni M, Magner E, Ennas G. Tailoring MOFs to Biomedical Applications: A Chimera or a Concrete Reality? The Case Study of Fe-BTC by bio-friendly Mechanosynthesis. COMMENT INORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02603594.2022.2153837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Mannias
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM unit, Monserrato, Italy
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM unit, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM unit, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Edmond Magner
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM unit, Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Casu C, Orrù G, Scano A. Curcumin/H2O2 photodynamically activated: an antimicrobial time-response assessment against an MDR strain of Candida albicans. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8841-8851. [PMID: 36524503 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human candidiasis is typically treated with antifungal drugs, but the rise of drug-resistant strains of Candida spp. poses a serious problem, making treatment difficult. At the same time, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn increasing attention from researchers for its potential to effectively inhibit multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungi and for its low tendency to induce drug resistance. This study's goal was to examine how a multidrug-resistant oral isolate of Candida albicans responded to a PDT that used a curcumin/H202 formulation as a photosensitizer and was exposed to various light sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS A commercial product containing curcumin/H2O2 3% was used as a photosensitizer and evaluated in a PDT treatment that can use two different light sources: traditional irradiation with 7 W light at λ = 460 nm or a new, never evaluated, polarized light source of 25 W with a wavelength range of λ = 380-3,400 nm. The antimicrobial activity of these procedures was assessed on a clinical oral isolate of Candida albicans, in terms of agar susceptibility test, growth curve behavior, and biofilm inhibition. RESULTS Both light sources were able to activate the photosensitizer formulation, suggesting a fungistatic activity vs. this C. albicans MDR strain. An interesting difference was observed in the cell-generation-time (CGTOD) after PDT treatment, where the polarized light was more active compared to the source of 460 nm. In fact, CGTOD was 16 and 8 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The PDT evaluated here presented an inhibition window time, a crucial point for clinicians, who could activate an additional prophylactic treatment to resolve the clinical management of Candida infections in the oral cavity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Casu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Piras M, Fanni D, Congiu T, Cau F, Piludu M, Coni S, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orgerie J, Scano A, Orrù G, Gerosa C, Faa G. CD44 is highly expressed in stem/progenitor cells originating the intervertebral discs in the human notochord. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8502-8507. [PMID: 36459031 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202211_30385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The notochord acts as a patterning structure, playing a key role in the formation of the vertebral column, both indirectly by inducing sclerotome cell differentiation and directly by forming the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs. The abnormal development of the notochord results in an easy equation with a variety of birth defects. Therefore, we focused our attention on the analysis of the early stages of human notochord development by highlighting the role of progenitor stem cells involved in the origin of intervertebral discs (IVDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight human fetuses, ranging from 8 up to 21 weeks of gestational age, were obtained from spontaneous abortion or voluntary interruption of gestation. Samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed, and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-tick paraffin sections were obtained from each sample. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. Tissue samples were immunostained with a commercial anti-human CD44 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for CD44 was detected in six out of eight notochords examined in this study. Reactivity for CD44 was restricted to progenitor cells giving rise to the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the developing IVDs. Positive cells showed a membranous and/or cytoplasmic immunostaining, no reactivity was observed in the nuclear compartment. CD44 expression was always restricted to IVD precursor cells, whereas cartilage precursors were devoid of labelling. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows, for the first time, that the stem cell marker CD44 selectively marks intervertebral disc progenitor cells, paralleling their differentiation toward a discogenic phenotype. Therefore, our results suggest that CD44 plays a key role in IVD development, allowing its differentiation from surrounding undifferentiated notochordal cells toward a IVD phenotype. Given the role of CD44 in IVD development, we may hypothesize that low CD44 levels might be associated with changes in IVD development and with susceptibility to develop back pain later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Scano A, Mereu E, Cabras V, Mannias G, Garau A, Pilloni M, Orrù G, Scano A, Ennas G. Green Preparation of Antimicrobial 1D-Coordination Polymers: [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞ by Ultrasonication of Zn(II) Salts and 4,4'-Bipyridine. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196677. [PMID: 36235214 PMCID: PMC9572912 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the green preparation of one-dimensional metal coordination polymers by sonochemical approach. The spacer ligand 4,4'-bipyridine was ultrasonicated with chloride or acetate zinc salts to obtain [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞, respectively. Benign solvents such as ethanol and water were selected as reaction media, and the synthesis took place in a few minutes-a very short time compared to conventional methods where some days' synthesis is required. X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry), and CHN techniques investigated the influence of using different reaction solvents on the chemical, structural, and thermal properties of the final products. The 1D [Zn(4,4'-bipy)Cl2]∞ and [Zn(4,4'-bipy)2(OAc)2]∞ polymers, in agreement with the structures reported in the literature, were obtained in the form of nanocrystals with an average crystal size around 100 nm. As a proof of concept, a set of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae), and three yeast strains (Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata) were tested to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the coordination polymers, following the Kirby-Bauer procedure and microplate dilution method. Thus, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) were evaluated. Except for Candida krusei, the compounds showed an appreciable antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against these strains grown in the liquid medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.S.); (G.E.)
| | - Elisabetta Mereu
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Valentina Cabras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giada Mannias
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Alessandra Garau
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari and INSTM Unit, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
- Correspondence: or (A.S.); (G.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Casu C, Murgia MS, Orrù G, Scano A. Photodynamic therapy for the successful management of cyclosporine-related gum hypertrophy: A novel therapeutic option. J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221116177. [PMID: 36226306 PMCID: PMC9549190 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221116177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is associated with the intake of three classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. It is clinically characterized by hyperplasia of the gingival connective tissue which appears edematous, bloody, and purplish-red in color. In more severe cases, drug-induced gingival hyperplasia negatively affects the patient's quality of life, making it difficult to eat and practice good oral hygiene. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth therapy is controversial and, in fact, no studies in the literature highlight a well-defined therapeutic protocol. The therapies that are described provide primarily for non-surgical periodontal treatment and second-line surgical treatment. The aim of this work is to highlight a case of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia which was completely resolved thanks to photodynamic therapy which is completely free from side effects. Design and Methods Photodynamic therapy was performed on an 18 year-old female patient with LEDs at a power of 450-470 nm and 5500 mW/cm2 + 7500 mW/cm2, combined with a Curcuma longa-based photosensitizer. A single session was performed, with applications of approximately 30 s for each interdental papilla. Results The patient improved markedly after only one cycle of PDT. There was an absence of clinically detectable inflammation, edema, and rubor of the involved dental papillae. At the 4, 6, and 12 week follow-ups there were no recurrences. Conclusions This case report highlights the first case of drug-induced gingival hypertrophy entirely treated with photodynamic therapy to be described in the literature. Therefore, although it is only a case report, this therapy which is free from side effects should be investigated as an alternative to current therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Casu
- International Ph.D. in Innovation
Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Department of Surgical Science, Oral
Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Cinzia Casu, International Ph.D. in
Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,
Cagliari 09124 Emails: ;
| | | | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Science, Oral
Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Science, Oral
Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Scano A, Casu C, Orrù G, Coni P. Editorial - Epigenetic mechanisms in oral cancer: new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:7318-7320. [PMID: 36314301 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_30000] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Scano
- Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cau F, Fanni D, Manchia M, Gerosa C, Piras M, Murru R, Paribello P, Congiu T, Coni P, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, Orrù G, Scano A, Coghe F, Saba L, Castagnola M, Faa G. Expression of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) in extracellular vesicles in the human spinal cord during development. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6273-6282. [PMID: 36111928 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29651] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a glycoprotein characterized by three components: an extracellular region, a transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic tail. L1CAM is expressed in multiple human cells, including neurons. The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 has been implicated in a variety of neurologic processes, including neuritogenesis and cerebellar cell migration. The presence of L1CAM on the surface of nerve cells allows the adhesion of neurons among them. Furthermore, when it is bound to itself or to other proteins, L1-CAM induces signals inside the cell. The aim of this work was to study L1CAM expression in the human spinal cord during development, at different gestational ages, through immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in five human spinal cord samples, including three embryos and two fetuses of different gestational ages, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. RESULTS L1CAM expression was detected in all 5 spinal cords examined in this study. The adhesion molecule was found in the vast majority of cells. The highest levels of immunoreactivity for L1CAM were detected at the periphery of the developing organs, in the spinal cord zones occupied by sensory and motor fibers. In the alar and basal columns, immunoreactivity for L1CAM was characterized by a reticular pattern, being mainly expressed in axons. Strong reactivity of L1CAM was also found in extracellular vesicles. This extracellular localization might indicate the ability of L1CAM to mediate the transduction of extracellular signals that support axon outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS The high reactivity of L1cam in the axons of developing neurons in the fetal spinal cord confirms previous studies on the ability of L1CAM to promote axon sprouting and branching in the developing nervous system. In this work, a new actor is reported to have a role in the complex field of human spinal cord development: L1CAM, whose expression is highly found in the developing neuronal and glial precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Peiretti E, Demarinis G, Casu C, Scano A, Orrù G. Oral-ocular trans infection of Epstein Barr virus. A possible new way of transmission by wearing masks in the SARS-CoV-2 era. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 27:101626. [PMID: 35761878 PMCID: PMC9217628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101626] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
25
|
Carta MG, Orrù G, Peracchia A, Cossu G, Velluzzi F, Atzori L, Ferreli C, Ivan Aviles Gonzalez C, Romano F, Littera R, Puxeddu R, Chessa L, Firinu D, Del Giacco S, Restivo A, Deidda S, Scano A, Coghe F, Minerba L, Manconi M, Saba L. Differences in lethality and diffusion of Covid-19 in countries using different kinds of vaccines. J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221107062. [PMID: 36105780 PMCID: PMC9465600 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221107062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To verify if lethality and diffusivity of Covid-19 correlated with percentage of
people vaccinated in different countries and whether results on these indicators
were comparable under different types of vaccines. A linear regression analysis
was conducted between vaccines/inhabitant, new cases/inhabitants and ratio
deaths/cases. A comparison between the three indicators was carried out in
countries subdivided by kind of vaccine. The proportion of
vaccinations/inhabitants correlates negatively with proportion of deaths × 100
cases (R = −3.90, p < 0.0001), but didn’t
on incidence of new cases. Countries with prevalence of mRNA vaccines were
similar to others on incidence of new cases; but a lower lethality of Sars-Cov2
was found than in countries with prevalence of viral vehicle vaccines
(F = 6.064, p = 0.0174) but didn’t against
countries with prevalence of inactivated vaccines. The higher is the proportion
of vaccine/inhabitant in a given country, the less is the fraction of infected
people who die.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ambra Peracchia
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fernanda Velluzzi
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Caterina Ferreli
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Littera
- Department of Medical Genetic, R. Binaghi Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Puxeddu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Deidda
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Manconi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aviles-Gonzalez CI, Scano A, Cossu G, Littera R, Campagna M, Deidda S, Romano F, Kalcev G, Firinu D, Meloni F, Carta MG, Del Giacco S, Restivo A, Zorcolo L, Marongiu L, Tamburini G, Maleci A, Orrù G, Chessa L, Brasesco MV. Verifying the Theory of Climate Affecting Lethality of COVID-19 by an Analysis in Two Climatic Zones of Chile. TOPHJ 2022; 15. [DOI: 10.2174/18749445-v15-e2204140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction:
The study of seasonal influences on the COVID-19 pandemic can take advantage of the unique position of Chile and its different climatic profiles in the north-south extension. The purpose is to verify the influence of seasonal climate changes on the COVID-19 in the temperate and sub-arctic areas of Chile.
Methods:
We monitored the evolution of CFR in temperate versus sub-boreal regions, reporting from the John Hopkins University COVID-19 Center on the CFR in each province in midwinter, spring, and early summer.
Results:
CFR worsened from mid-winter to mid-spring in the temperate zone of Chile, while in the sub-boreal area the CFR improves in the same period, (Kruskal Wallis Test, p=0.004). In the temperate zone after the increase in late winter-early spring, CRF tends to stabilize; on the contrary in the sub-boreal zone, there is a more marked tendency to worsen the CFR at the same time (Kruskal Wallis Test, p=0.010). The temperate zone of Chile shows a CFR increasing until spring-like temperate Europe, unlike Europe CFR does not decrease in summer, but the mean minimum temperature in temperate Chile is lower in summer than in temperate Europe. In Patagonian, CFR remains stable or drops from winter to spring but increases in early summer.
Conclusion:
The temperate and sub-boreal zones of Chile have a markedly different CFR variation profile during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|
27
|
Cau F, Gerosa C, Murru R, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Fanni D, Faa G. Interindividual variability in L1CAM expression in the human kidney during development: are there implications for fetal programming of kidney diseases presenting in adulthood? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4346-4353. [PMID: 35776035 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. The present study investigated the expression of L1CAM during the development in the fetal human kidney at different gestational ages, to reach a better knowledge on the role of L1CAM in renal morphogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in 24 fetal kidneys of different gestational ages, ranging from 10 to 38 weeks. L1CAM expression was observed in all 24 kidneys examined. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for L1CAM was restricted to the collecting tubules, of the developing fetal kidneys. Moreover, L1CAM was detected in the ureteric bud tips, near the subcapsular metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. L1CAM was also expressed in the collecting tubules undergoing fusion with the distal tubules of the developing nephrons. L1CAM was mainly expressed along the cell membrane. In fetal kidneys in which the renal pelvis was observed, epithelial cells of the renal pelvis showed strong membranous reactivity for L1CAM. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that L1CAM is expressed in all stages of human kidney nephrogenesis, being restricted to the renal structures derived from the ureteric bud. The expression of L1CAM in the cells of the ureteric bud tips suggests a major role for this adhesion molecule in the induction of metanephric mesenchymal cells to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and differentiation into new nephrons. The interindividual variability in L1CAM expression observed in this study might be related to different levels of nephrogenesis, suggesting L1CAM involvement in the fetal programming of adult kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ennas G, Gedanken A, Mannias G, Kumar VB, Scano A, Porat Z, Pilloni M. Formation of Iron (III) Trimesate Xerogel by Ultrasonic Irradiation. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202200263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Ennas
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Aharon Gedanken
- Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| | - Giada Mannias
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Vijay B. Kumar
- Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Ze'ev Porat
- Division of Chemistry Nuclear Research Center-Negev Beer-Sheva 841900 Israel
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
- Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Coghe F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Ravarino A, Mureddu M, Cerrone G, Coni P, Pichiri G, Congiu T, Piras M, Cau F, Aimola V, Balestrieri A, Lai E, Manchia M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Scartozzi M, Castagnola M, Faa G. The role of fetal programming in human carcinogenesis - May the Barker hypothesis explain interindividual variability in susceptibility to cancer insurgence and progression? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3585-3592. [PMID: 35647840 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28854] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing incidence of cancers is pushing oncologists to find out new explanations other than the somatic mutation theory, based on the accumulation of DNA mutations. In particular, the embryo-fetal exposure to an increasing number of environmental factors during gestation might represent a trigger able to influence the susceptibility of the newborn to develop cancer later in life. This idea agrees with the fetal programming theory, also known as the Barker hypothesis. Here the role of insulin-like growth factors, thymosin beta-4, and epigenome are discussed as mediators of cancer in prenatal human development. The role of epigenetic factors that during gestation increase the predisposition to develop cancer and the similarities in the gene expression (like MMP9, OPN, TP53 and CDKN2A) between embryonic development and cancer are key factors. Likewise, maternal obesity might be able to re-program embryo-fetal development with long-term changes, including an increased risk to develop neuroblastoma and acute leukemia. Birth weight alone and birth weight corrected for gestational age are proposed as important variables capable of predicting the vulnerability to develop cancers. According to the findings here reported, we hypothesize that cancer prevention should start during gestation by improving the quality of maternal diet. In conclusion, the Barker hypothesis should be applied to cancer as well. Therefore, the identification of the epigenetic factors of cancer appears mandatory, so that the cancer prevention might start in the womb before birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Coghe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Piras M, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Coni P, Murru R, Denotti G, Orrù G, Scano A, Ledda F, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Faa G, Castagnola M. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is highly expressed in the developing human kidney. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3301-3309. [PMID: 35587082 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28749] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), is a small phylogenetically conserved protein. This ancestral peptide is multifunctional, performing intracellular activities as ACBP protein or extracellular roles as DBI. Several studies showed its endless facets, including a relevant activity as appetite stimulator and as anabolic factor. High levels of ACBP have been described in erythrocytes, liver, kidney, and gut cells. The aim of this study was to analyze, at immunohistochemical level, the expression of ACBP in fetal human tissues during development, focusing on the developing kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for ACBP was performed on 30 human fetal kidneys, from 15 fetuses of gestational age ranging from 13 to 19 weeks. At autopsy, all kidney samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-thick paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. RESULTS ACBP was detected in all 30 kidneys analyzed in this study. No significant changes in ACBP expression were observed at different gestational ages. Immunostaining for ACBP was restricted to the epithelium covering the renal pelvis, the papillae, the collecting tubules, and the proximal and distal tubules. On the other hand, medullary regions and in the metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells did not show any reactivity for ACBP. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, ACBP should be considered as a new player in the complex field of human nephrogenesis, given that it was detected in all fetal kidneys immunostained. Its preferential localization in the renal structures derived from the Wolf duct, such as pelvis epithelium and collecting ducts, suggests a major role for ACBP in the induction of the metanephric mesenchymal cells toward the differentiation into glomerular structures. ACBP expression in proximal and distal tubules, two structures originating from the metanephric mesenchyme, indicates a further role of this protein in nephron development. In conclusion, ACBP should be added to the multiple molecules involved in human nephrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ennas G, Gedanken A, Mannias G, Kumar VB, Scano A, Porat Z, Pilloni M. Formation of Iron (III) Trimesate Xerogel by Ultrasonic Irradiation. Eur J Inorg Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Ennas
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Aharon Gedanken
- Department Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| | - Giada Mannias
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Vijay B. Kumar
- Department Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Ze'ev Porat
- Division of Chemistry Nuclear Research Center-Negev Beer-Sheva 841900 Israel
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Chemical and Geological Science Department Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM) University of Cagliari SS 554 Bivio Sestu 09042 Monserrato (CA) Italy
- Department Department of Chemistry Bar-Ilan University Ramat-Gan 5290002 Israel
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Piras M, Cau F, Manchia M, Paribello P, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Pichiri G, Cerrone G, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Fanni D, Gerosa C. Strong ACE-2 expression in the choroidal vessels: do high choroid plexuses serve as a gateway for SARS-CoV-2 infection on the human brain? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3025-3029. [PMID: 35503602 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have confirmed the key mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. It is well established that ACE2 is the receptor that can mark the beginning of the infection. In light of this, the organs that express higher levels of ACE2 are generally considered at higher risk, while those with lower levels should be somehow more protected. This - if related to the scarcity of ace2-expressing cells in the brain - seems to contrast with the presence of a variety of neurological symptoms that follow infection with ace2. The aim of this work was to analyze ACE2 expression in the human brain, focusing on the choroid plexuses. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty brain samples were obtained at autopsy from ten human fetuses and from ten adult subjects. All samples were selected to contain the choroid plexus. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed and paraffin embedded. 5-micron sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunostained with a commercial anti-human ACE2 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS We analyzed 20 samples by immunohistochemistry, and we noted that, as far as fetal samples are concerned, a strong reactivity for ACE2 was detected in the myxoid stroma of the choroid plexuses and in the endothelial cells in fetuses. The complete absence of the ACE2 marker was detected in epithelial cells, neurons and glial cells of the cerebral cortex, both in fetuses and in adults. Whereas a strong but selective reactivity for ACE2 was also detected in adult choroid plexuses, mainly localized in the endothelial cells of the choroid capillaries. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a strong expression of ACE in the fetal and adult brain choroid plexuses. This new histopathological finding may clarify the susceptibility of the human brain to SARS-COV-2 infection. Our data indicate the choroid plexus as the entry gate of virus for in the human brain; therefore, the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into the cerebrospinal fluid through the choroid plexuses might represent the mechanism utilized by this coronavirus to cause direct injury to brain cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Carta MG, Orrù G, Cossu G, Velluzzi F, Atzori L, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Romano F, Littera R, Chessa L, Firinu D, Del Giacco S, Restivo A, Deidda S, Scano A, Onali S, Kalcev G, Coghe F, Minerba L. Covid-19 vaccines work but other factors play a relevant role: a data analysis on spread and mortality in 24 countries. J Public Health Res 2022; 11. [PMID: 35322646 PMCID: PMC8996068 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2022.2665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to outline a methodology to monitor the impact of vaccinations in different countries comparing at two different times within countries and between countries the frequency of new cases and Covid-19 related deaths and the percentage of vaccinations conducted. DESIGN AND METHODS The 25 countries with the largest increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases on 8 August 2021 were evaluated. In each nation was calculated the proportion of Covid-19 deaths divided per new cases x 100 and the proportion of new cases per 1.000 inhabitants on 10 January 2021 (before vaccinations' distribution) and 8 August 2021 (when large percentage of the population had been vaccinated in many countries). RESULTS The study shows that in the countries with the highest number of cases as of 8 August 2021, the proportion of vaccinations carried out in the population correlates negatively with both the proportion between Covid-19 dead people x100 infected people and with the rate of new cases. However, the proportion of vaccinations does not correlate with the differences in the two same indicators considered in the weeks observed, thus additional factors seem to play an important role. CONCLUSIONS This work indicates that mass vaccination is associated with a lower spread of the pandemic and, to greater extent, with a lowering of mortality in infected people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Fernanda Velluzzi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | | | - Roberto Littera
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Simona Onali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Ferinando Coghe
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Carta MG, Fornaro M, Minerba L, Pau M, Velluzzi F, Atzori L, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Romano F, Littera R, Chessa L, Firinu D, Del Giacco S, Restivo A, Deidda S, Orrù G, Scano A, Onali S, Coghe F, Kalcev G, Cossu G. Previous functional social and behavioral rhythms affect resilience to COVID-19-related stress among old adults. J Public Health Res 2022; 11. [PMID: 35299585 PMCID: PMC8973204 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2022.2768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functioning of Social Behavioral Rhythms (SBRs) may affect resilience toward stressful events across different age groups. However, the impact of SBRs on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in elder people is yet to ascertain, representing the aim of the present report. DESIGN AND METHODS Follow-up of a peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial on exercise on old adults (³65 years), concurrent to the onset of the pandemic-related lockdown. Post-RCT evaluations occurred after further 12 and 36 weeks since the beginning of the lockdown phase. People with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) at week-48 (follow-up endpoint) were deemed as cases, people without such condition were considered controls. MDE was ascertained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); SBRs functioning at week 12 onward, through the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS). RESULTS Seventy-nine individuals (53.2%, females) entered the RCT-follow-up phase. The frequency of MDE did not significantly change before versus during lockdown (OR 2.60, CI95%=0.87-9.13). People with BSRS>1 standard deviation of the whole sample score at week-12 had an inflated risk of DE during lockdown (OR=5.6, 95%CI: 1.5-21.4) compared to those with lower BSRS scores. Such odd hold after excluding individuals with MDD at week-12. The post-hoc analysis could be potentially affected by selection bias. CONCLUSIONS Overall, older adults were resilient during the first phase of the pandemic when functioning of pre-lockdown was still preserved, in contrast to the subsequent evaluations when the impairment of daily rhythms was associated with impaired reliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari.
| | - Fernanda Velluzzi
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | | | - Roberto Littera
- Unit of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Local Public Health and Social Care Unit (ASSL) of Cagliari, Sardinian Regional Company for the Protection of Health (ATS Sardegna), Cagliari.
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Simona Deidda
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Simona Onali
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- Clinical Chemical and Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital of Cagliari.
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International Ph.D in Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari.
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Castangia I, Manconi M, Allaw M, Perra M, Orrù G, Fais S, Scano A, Escribano-Ferrer E, Ghavam M, Rezvani M, Manca ML. Mouthwash Formulation Co-Delivering Quercetin and Mint Oil in Liposomes Improved with Glycol and Ethanol and Tailored for Protecting and Tackling Oral Cavity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020367. [PMID: 35204248 PMCID: PMC8868597 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was the simultaneous loading of quercetin and mint essential oil (mint oil) in phospholipid vesicles specifically tailored to obtain an antibacterial and antioxidant mouthwash. The vesicles were prepared using soy lecithin and Tween 80 as bilayer components, and a mixture of phosphate buffer solution (33%), propylene glycol (33%) and ethanol (33%) as dispersing phase. The formation of regularly shaped, spherical and unilamellar vesicles was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy analyses. Similarly, light scattering results disclosed that the size of the vesicles increased by increasing the concentration of mint oil, but at the same time the high amount of mint oil ensured high stability, as the size of these vesicles remained unchanged during 12 months of storage. All tested formulations were highly biocompatible towards epithelial cells and capable of counteracting oxidative cell damages caused by hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, the vesicles prepared with the highest concentration of mint oil inhibited the proliferation of the cariogenic Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Castangia
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Maria Manconi
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0706758542; Fax: +39-0706758553
| | - Mohamad Allaw
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Matteo Perra
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.O.); (S.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Sara Fais
- Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.O.); (S.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Molecular Biology Service Laboratory, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.O.); (S.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Elvira Escribano-Ferrer
- Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Unit, Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mansureh Ghavam
- Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Kashan 8731753153, Iran;
| | - Maryam Rezvani
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Maria Letizia Manca
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Drug Science Division, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (I.C.); (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.R.); (M.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Congiu T, Demontis R, Cau F, Piras M, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Botta C, Scano A, Chighine A, Faedda E, Cau R, Van Eyken P, Marongiu F, Barcellona D, Saba L, Orrù G, Coghe F, Suri JS, Faa G, d'Aloja E. Scanning electron microscopy of lung disease due to COVID-19 - a case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 25:7997-8003. [PMID: 34982463 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) showed similar characteristics with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In the most compromised cases, COVID-19 infection leads to death due to severe respiratory complications. COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the primary cause of death in these patients. In the present study, we show an ultrastructural analysis on the lungs of a patient affected by COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS Lung specimens obtained at autopsy from a 63-years old patient affected by COVID-19 were fixed in 1% paraformaldehyde. Slices of 300 µm thickness were dehydrated and dried by Critical Point Drying in CO2. Slices were covered with a conductive gold film approximately 30 nm thick and observed at a Zeiss Sigma 300 SEM FEG in the secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) modes. As case control a lung biopsy from a 60-year-old man was considered. RESULTS At low power in all COVID-19 lung specimens severe changes in the pulmonary architecture were found, due to the collapse of air spaces. Moreover, alveolar cavities were covered by large membranes. At high power, alveolar membranes showed a fibrillar structure, suggestive of a loose network of fibrin. It has been also found that intra-alveolar red blood cells were frequently present in the alveolar spaces, surrounded by a reticular fibrin network, suggestive for fibrin-hemorrhagic alveolitis. Alveolar changes were constantly associated with pathological features related to the pulmonary vessels. Vascular changes were prominent, including endothelial damage and thrombosis of large pulmonary vessels. Fibrinous microthrombi were frequently detected in the inter-alveolar septal capillaries. In addition, it has been frequently detected capillary proliferation in the alveolar septa with finding suggestive for intussusceptive neo-angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our electron microscopy analysis showed that COVID-19-related lung disease is characterized by a substantial architectural distortion, with the interactions between alveolar and vascular changes. Intra-alveolar hyaline membranes are associated with macro- and micro-thrombotic angiopathy, ending with capillary proliferation. The new blood vessel formation originates from the septa and extends into the surrounding parenchyma. Our findings confirm previous reports on the specificity of the multiple and complex morphological pattern typical, and apparently specific, of COVID-19-related lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Congiu T, Fanni D, Piras M, Gerosa C, Cau F, Barcellona D, D'Aloja E, Demontis R, Chighine A, Nioi M, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Aimola V, Botta C, Scano A, Orrù G, Coghe F, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Marongiu F. Ultrastructural findings of lung injury due to Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombo- cytopenia (VITT) following COVID-19 vaccination: a scanning electron microscopic study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:270-277. [PMID: 35049004 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27777] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare new syndrome occurring after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine immunization. Patients with VITT are characterized by a variable clinical presentation, likewise also the outcome of these patients is very variable. Here we report the lung ultrastructural findings in the course of VITT of a 58-year-old male patient. Alveoli were mainly dilated, irregular in shape, and occupied by a reticular network of fibrin, while interalveolar septa appeared thickened. The proliferation of small capillaries gave rise to plexiform structures and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis-like features. Near the alveoli occupied by a dense fibrin network, the medium-sized arteries showed a modified wall and an intraluminal thrombus. This scenario looks quite similar to that found during COVID-19, where the lungs suffer from the attack of the antigen-antibodies complexes and the virus respectively. In both diseases, the final outcome is a severe inflammation, activation of the haemostatic system and fibrinolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, Preti A, Marchese C, Kalcev G. Can an Investigation of a Single Gene be Effective in Differentiating Certain Features of the Bipolar Disorder Profile? Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2021; 17:187-189. [PMID: 35173786 PMCID: PMC8728559 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is amongst the most common heritable mental disorders, but the clarification of its genetic roots has proven to be very challenging. Many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to be associated with BD. SNPs in the CACNA1C gene have emerged as the most significantly associated with the disease. The aim of the present study is to provide a concise description of SNP 1006737 variants identified by Real Time PCR and confirm sequencing analysis with the Sanger method in order to estimate the association with BD. The molecular method was tested on 47 Sardinian subjects of whom 23 were found to not be mutated, 1 was found to be a carrier of the homozygous A allele and 23 were found to be carriers of the heterozygous G allele. Moreover, the positive results of the preliminary application suggest that the development of the screener could be extended to the other 5 genetic variables identified as associated with BD.
Collapse
|
39
|
Gerosa C, Faa G, Fanni D, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Barcellona D, Coni P, Congiu T, Lai ML, Piras M, Cau F, Coghe F, Balestrieri A, Cau R, Orru' G, Scano A, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Campagna M, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Marongiu F, Saba L. Fetal programming of atherosclerosis: may the barker hypothesis explain the susceptibility of a subset of patients to develop stroke or cardiac infarct? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6633-6641. [PMID: 34787867 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202111_27107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The risk stratification of young adults between subjects who will develop a mild form of atherosclerosis and subjects who will undergo a severe disease remains inaccurate. In the eighties of the previous century, David JP Barker has demonstrated the relationship between fetal conditions and occurrence of pathologies in adulthood. In this paper, the multiple evidence that might explain the increased susceptibility to severe forms of atherosclerosis, including stroke and cardiac infarct, in subjects who underwent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) will be analyzed. Specifically, we will review those inter-connected data indicating an association between a low weight at birth and an adult phenotype which might favor a severe outcome of atherosclerosis. Young and adult subjects born too small (IUGR) or too early (pre-terms) might represent a subgroup of "at risk subjects", more susceptible toward severe forms of atherosclerosis. Given that low birth weight (LBW) may be considered a surrogate of IUGR, this phenotypic feature could be considered among those indispensable clinical data collected in every patient presenting with atherosclerosis, irrespectively of age. According to the hypothesis that structural arterial changes might represent the link between LBW and susceptibility to atherosclerosis later in life, we suggest that the prevention of atherosclerosis should begin at birth. Regenerative and physiological substances such as thymosin Beta-4 could be challenged for a new "arterial regenerative medicine" in the perinatal period. The goal of this new approach should be the reinforcement of the structure of the arterial wall, allowing LBW newborns to avoid the most severe complications of atherosclerosis later in life: a dream that our research could contribute to bringing to life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Carta MG, Cossu G, Pintus E, Zaccheddu R, Callia O, Conti G, Pintus M, Aviles Gonzalez CI, Massidda MV, Mura G, Sardu C, Contu P, Minerba L, Demontis R, Pau M, Finco G, Cocco E, Penna MP, Orr G, Kalcev G, Cabras F, Lorrai S, Loviselli A, Velluzzi F, Monticone M, Cacace E, Musu M, Rongioletti F, Cauli A, Ruggiero V, Scano A, Crisafulli A, Cosentino S, Atzori L, Massa E, Mela Q, Fortin D, Migliaccio G, Machado S, Romano F, Preti A. Moderate Exercise Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Elderly People: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2021; 17:75-80. [PMID: 34733346 PMCID: PMC8493830 DOI: 10.2174/1745017902117010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment. Objective This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance. Design RCT with parallel and balanced large groups. Setting Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms. Subjects People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity. Methods Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of "life movements", strength and balance. The primary outcome was: any change in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its subscales. Results At the end of the trial, 52 people completed the active intervention, and 53 people completed the control condition. People in the active intervention improved on the ACE-R (ANOVA: F(1;102)=4.32, p=0.040), and also showed better performances on the memory (F(1;102)=5.40 p=0.022) and visual-space skills subscales of the ACE-R (F(1;102)=4.09 p=0.046). Conclusion A moderate-intensity exercise administered for a relatively short period of 12 weeks is capable of improving cognitive performance in a sample of elderly people who live independently in their homes.Clinical Trials Registration No: NCT03858114.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pintus
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zaccheddu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Omar Callia
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuliana Conti
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirra Pintus
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Valeria Massidda
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences and Publcic Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Chimica e Dei Materiali, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Education, University of Cagliari, Psychology and Philosophy, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano, Sezione Sardegna, Rome, Italy.,Departament of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil.,Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil.,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Gioia Mura
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sardu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Contu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Publcic Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Chimica e Dei Materiali, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Germano Orr
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano, Sezione Sardegna, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Cabras
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorrai
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Loviselli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fernanda Velluzzi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Monticone
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Cacace
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Musu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franco Rongioletti
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Ruggiero
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Crisafulli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sofia Cosentino
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Atzori
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Massa
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Quirico Mela
- Department of Medical Sciences and Publcic Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Fortin
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Machado
- Departament of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil.,Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil
| | - Ferdinando Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università degli studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Faa G, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Barcellona D, Cerrone G, Orrù G, Scano A, Marongiu F, Suri J, Demontis R, Nioi M, D'Aloja E, La Nasa G, Saba L. Aortic vulnerability to COVID-19: is the microvasculature of vasa vasorum a key factor? A case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6439-6442. [PMID: 34730226 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_27018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Arterial thromboembolic complications reported in patients with COVID-19 infection suggested that SARS-CoV-2 can trigger atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. While endothelial cells in healthy subjects protect against thrombus formation, after injury they show prothrombotic activity. In addition, it has been hypothesized that "cytokine storm" might stimulate the production of neo-platelets triggering an abnormal "immunothrombosis" responsible for the hypercoagulable state induced in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to report a case of severe COVID-19 infection characterized by the occurrence of microthrombosis in the vasa vasorum of the aorta. A 67-year-old male patient, in good health status and without comorbidities, who underwent a severe COVID-19 infection with fatal outcome, showed scattered aortic atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by multiple occlusive micro-thromboses in the vasa vasorum, spread out lymphocytic infiltrates and foci of endotheliitis and endothelial detachment. This case report confirms the previously described thrombotic involvement of vasa vasorum in COVID-19. The occurrence of the synchronous damage involving both the lumen surface (endothelial dysfunction, endotheliitis and endothelial detachment) and the adventitia (inflammation and occlusive thrombosis of vasa vasorum) could be the key points related to the fatal outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 patients. In our opinion, vasa vasorum thrombosis may thus initiate an atherogenic process that could be characterized by a much more rapid development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fanni D, Cerrone G, Saba L, Demontis R, Congiu T, Piras M, Gerosa C, Suri J, Coni P, Caddori A, Piga M, Mancosu G, Barcellona D, Ravarino A, Chighine A, Cau F, Scano A, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, D'Aloia E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Thrombotic sinusoiditis and local diffuse intrasinusoidal coagulation in the liver of subjects affected by COVID-19: the evidence from histology and scanning electron microscopy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5904-5912. [PMID: 34661248 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver injury has been reported in patients with COVID-19. This condition is characterized by severe outcome and could be related with the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to activate cytotoxic T cells. The purpose of this study is to show the histological and scanning electron microscopy features of liver involvement in COVID-19 to characterize the liver changes caused by the activation of multiple molecular pathways following this infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Liver biopsies from 4 patients (3 post-mortems and 1 in vivo) with COVID-19 were analyzed with histology and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The liver changes showed significant heterogeneity. The first case showed ground glass hepatocytes and scattered fibrin aggregates in the sinusoidal lumen. The second evidenced intra-sinusoidal thrombi. The third was characterized by sinusoidal dilatation, atrophy of hepatocytes, Disse's spaces dilatation and intra-sinusoidal aggregates of fibrin and red blood cells. The fourth case exhibited diffuse fibrin aggregates in the dilated Disse spaces and microthrombi in the sinusoidal lumen. CONCLUSIONS In COVID-19-related liver injury, a large spectrum of pathological changes was observed. The most peculiar features were very mild inflammation, intra-sinusoidal changes, including sinusoidal dilatation, thrombotic sinusoiditis and diffuse intra-sinusoidal fibrin deposition. These findings suggested that a thrombotic sinusoiditis followed by a local diffuse intra-vascular (intra-sinusoidal) coagulation could be the typical features of the SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cossu G, Agus M, Atzori L, Aviles Gonzales CI, Minerba L, Ferreli C, Puxeddu R, Orrù G, Scano A, Romano F, Pintus E, Penna MP, Carta MG. Principal Component Analysis of the Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale in elderly. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619859 PMCID: PMC8859713 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in social and behavioral rhythms (SBR) in elderly are related to health status. Nevertheless, there is no data on factor analysis of the Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS) an internationally well-known tool in this field. The aim was to analyze, in elderly, the factorial structure of the Italian version of BSRS. DESIGN AND METHODS Principal Component Analysis of the BSRS carried out in elderly living at home. RESULTS Sample of 141 participants (83 Females, 58,9%), aged 72.3±4.8. All the items of the questionnaire were related and could compose a single factor, explaining 56% of variance. A solution adopting two factors, the first (including items 1,2,3,4,9,10), the second (including items 5,6,7,8), covered cumulatively 78.8% of the variance. CONCLUSION The study confirms that the BSRS is consistent with the idea for which it was built and can be useful for the study of regularity of SBR in old adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Mirian Agus
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari.
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Caterina Ferreli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | | | | | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kalcev G, Preti A, Scano A, Orrù G, Carta MG. Insight into susceptibility genes associated with bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5701-5724. [PMID: 34604962 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe disorder, and it is associated with an increased risk of mortality. About 25% of patients with BD have attempted and 11% have died by suicide. All these characteristics suggest that the disorders within the bipolar spectrum are a crucial public health problem. With the development of molecular genetics in recent decades, it was possible to more easily detect risk genes associated with this disorder. This study aimed at summarizing the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topic and assessing the quality of the available evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed/Medline and Web of Science were searched to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published during 2013-2019. Standard methodology was applied to synthesize and assess the retrieved literature. RESULTS This systematic review identifies a number of potential risk genes associated with bipolar disorder whose mechanism of action has yet to be confirmed. They are divided into several groups: 1) a list of the most significant susceptibility genetic factors associated with BD; 2) the implication of the ZNF804A gene in BD; 3) the role of genes involved in calcium signaling in BD; 4) DNA methylation in BD; 5) BD and risk suicide genes; 6) susceptibility genes for early-onset BD; 7) candidate genes common to both BD and schizophrenia; 8) genes involved in cognitive status in BD cases; 9) genes involved in structural alteration in BD brain tissue; 10) genes involved in lithium response in BD. CONCLUSIONS Future research should concentrate on molecular mechanisms by which genetic variants play a major role in BD. Supplemental research is needed to replicate the applicable results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Kalcev
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Isola D, Scano A, Orrù G, Prenafeta-Boldú FX, Zucconi L. Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sites: Is There Something More Than Exophiala xenobiotica? New Insights into Black Fungal Diversity Using the Long Cold Incubation Method. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100817. [PMID: 34682237 PMCID: PMC8538888 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-made hydrocarbon-rich environments are important reservoirs of microorganisms with specific degrading abilities and pathogenic potential. In particular, black fungi are of great interest, but their presence in the environment is frequently underestimated because they are difficult to isolate. In the frame of a biodiversity study from fuel-contaminated sites involving 30 diesel car tanks and 112 fuel pump dispensers (52 diesel and 60 gasoline, respectively), a total of 181 black fungal strains were isolated. The long cold incubation (LCI) of water-suspended samples, followed by plating on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC), gave isolation yields up to six times (6.6) higher than those of direct plating on DRBC, and those of enrichment with a phenolic mix. The sequencing of ITS and LSU-rDNA confirmed the dominance of potentially pathogenic fungi from the family Herpotrichiellaceae and Exophiala xenobiotica. Moreover, other opportunistic species were found, including E. opportunistica, E. oligosperma, E. phaeomuriformis, and Rhinocladiella similis. The recurrent presence of E. crusticola, Knufia epidermidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Cladosporium spp., and Scolecobasidium spp. was also recorded. Interestingly, 12% of total isolates, corresponding to 50% of taxa found (16/32), represent new species. All the novel taxa in this study were isolated by LCI. These findings suggest that black fungal diversity in hydrocarbon-rich niches remains largely unexplored and that LCI can be an efficient tool for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Isola
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0761-357138
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | | | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Fanni D, Saba L, Demontis R, Gerosa C, Chighine A, Nioi M, Suri JS, Ravarino A, Cau F, Barcellona D, Botta MC, Porcu M, Scano A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, D'aloja E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Vaccine-induced severe thrombotic thrombocytopenia following COVID-19 vaccination: a report of an autoptic case and review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5063-5069. [PMID: 34355379 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a new syndrome occurring primarily in healthy young adults, with a female predominance, after receiving the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. We describe VITT syndrome characterized by severe thrombosis and thrombocytopenia found in our patient, with fatal outcome. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old man, after 13 days from the first administration of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca), presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomitus. Laboratory tests revealed a severe thrombocytopenia, low fibrinogen serum levels and marked increase of D-dimer serum levels. The patient quickly developed a multiple organ failure, till death, three days after the hospital admission. RESULTS At histology, in the lungs, interalveolar septa appeared thickened with microthrombi in the capillaries and veins. Interalveolar septa appeared thickened and showed vascular proliferation. Thrombi were detected in the capillaries of glomerular tufts. In the hearth, thrombi were observed in veins and capillaries. In the liver, voluminous fibrin thrombi were diffusely observed in the branches of the portal vein. Microthrombi were also found in the vasa vasorum of the wall of abdominal aorta. In the brain, microthrombi were observed in the capillaries of the choroid plexuses. Diffuse hemorrhagic necrosis was observed in the intestinal wall with marked congestion of the venous vessels. CONCLUSIONS In our patient, the majority of data necessary for a VITT final diagnosis were present: thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in pulmonary, portal, hepatic, renal and mesenteric veins, associated with a marked increase of D-dimer serum levels. The finding of cerebral thrombosis in choroid plexuses, is a new finding in VITT. These features are suggestive for a very aggressive form of VITT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Marongiu F, Grandone E, Scano A, Orrù G, Marongiu S, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Faa G, Barcellona D. Infectious agents including COVID-19 and the involvement of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. A narrative review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3886-3897. [PMID: 34109597 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Platelets, blood coagulation along with fibrinolysis are greatly involved in the pathophysiology of infectious diseases induced by bacteria, parasites and virus. This phenomenon is not surprising since both the innate immunity and the hemostatic systems are two ancestral mechanisms which closely cooperate favoring host's defense against foreign invaders. However, the excessive response of these systems may be dangerous for the host itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched and retrieved the articles, using the following electronic database: MedLine and Embase. We limited our search to articles published in English, but no restrictions in terms of article type, publication year, and geography were adopted. RESULTS The hemostatic phenotype of the infectious diseases is variable depending on the points of attack of the different involved pathogens. Infectious diseases which show a prothrombotic phenotype are bacterial sepsis, SARS-CoV-2 and malaria. However, among the bacterial sepsis, Yersinia Pestis is characterized by a profibrinolytic behavior. On the contrary, the hemorrhagic fevers, due to Dengue and Ebola virus, mainly exploit the activation of fibrinolysis secondary to a huge endothelial damage which can release a large amount of t-PA in the early phase of the diseases. CONCLUSIONS Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are greatly activated based on the strategy of the different infectious agents which exploit the excess of response of both systems to achieve the greatest possible virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Marongiu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Carta MG, Minerba L, Demontis R, Orrù G, Romano F, Scano A, Restivo A, Del Giacco S, Deidda S, Firinu D, Campagna M, Meloni F, Cossu G, Sancassiani F, Chessa L, Kalcev G, Littera R, Zorcolo L, Aviles-Gonzale CI, Usai P. The COVID-19 incidence in Italian regions correlates with low temperature, mobility and PM10 pollution but lethality only with low temperature. J Public Health Res 2021; 10:2303. [PMID: 34121380 PMCID: PMC8636947 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to verify whether the density of particulate matter (PM10), the climate, and the mobility of people can influence the pandemic in the 19 regions and in the two autonomous Italian provinces as incidence rate and lethality. DESIGN AND METHODS The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the case fatality ratio (CFR) (dependent variables) in all Italian regions were calculated in January 2021 at John Hopkins University Coronavirus Center. The independent variables were: Minimum average temperatures in the same month (January) of 2020; average pollution of PM10 in the air in each region in the last year available reported on a 0-10 scale to 0 = total absence of PM10 to 10 maximum pollutions; number of places in hotels occupied per inhabitants in 2020. Linear regression and Multiple Regression Analysis were carried out. RESULTS The spread of the COVID-19 in the Italian regions seems to be related to pollution of PM10, the number of beds occupied in hotels (as an index of mobility and temperature (indirect correlation). On the contrary, the CFR correlates inversely with temperature but not with pollution. Measuring the concomitant effect of two independent variables by means of Multiple Regression Analysis, temperature and pollution show a synergistic effect on COVID-19 incidence. CONCLUSIONS The study seems to confirm the literature on the influence of temperature on the lethality of COVID-19 but adds the new results of an inverse relationship between the spread of the virus and low temperature in regions between the Mediterranean area (which includes southern Italy and Sicily and Sardinia islands) and the cold European temperate zone which includes the northern regions under the Alps. A new date also concerns the summation effect of the risk between cold weather and PM10 air pollution was found. Due to several methodic weaknesses, the study has an exploratory than conclusive relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Germano Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service Lab, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Alessandra Scano
- Molecular Biology Service Lab, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Occupational Health Section, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Federico Meloni
- Occupational Health Section, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy .
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Luchino Chessa
- Center for the Study of Liver Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari .
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International Ph.D. in Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari.
| | - Roberto Littera
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Area Socio-Sanitaria Locale (ASSL) Cagliari, Azienda per la Tutela della Salute (ATS), Cagliari.
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Paolo Usai
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Carta MG, Minerba L, Demontis R, Orrù G, Romano F, Scano A, Restivo A, Del Giacco S, Deidda S, Firinu D, Campagna M, Meloni F, Cossu G, Sancassiani F, Chessa L, Kalcev G, Littera R, Zorcolo L, Aviles-Gonzale CI, Usai P. The COVID-19 incidence in Italian regions correlates with low temperature, mobility and PM10 pollution but lethality only with low temperature. J Public Health Res 2021. [PMID: 34121380 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2303.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to verify whether the density of particulate matter (PM10), the climate, and the mobility of people can influence the pandemic in the 19 regions and in the two autonomous Italian provinces as incidence rate and lethality. DESIGN AND METHODS The incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the case fatality ratio (CFR) (dependent variables) in all Italian regions were calculated in January 2021 at John Hopkins University Coronavirus Center. The independent variables were: Minimum average temperatures in the same month (January) of 2020; average pollution of PM10 in the air in each region in the last year available reported on a 0-10 scale to 0 = total absence of PM10 to 10 maximum pollutions; number of places in hotels occupied per inhabitants in 2020. Linear regression and Multiple Regression Analysis were carried out. RESULTS The spread of the COVID-19 in the Italian regions seems to be related to pollution of PM10, the number of beds occupied in hotels (as an index of mobility and temperature (indirect correlation). On the contrary, the CFR correlates inversely with temperature but not with pollution. Measuring the concomitant effect of two independent variables by means of Multiple Regression Analysis, temperature and pollution show a synergistic effect on COVID-19 incidence. CONCLUSIONS The study seems to confirm the literature on the influence of temperature on the lethality of COVID-19 but adds the new results of an inverse relationship between the spread of the virus and low temperature in regions between the Mediterranean area (which includes southern Italy and Sicily and Sardinia islands) and the cold European temperate zone which includes the northern regions under the Alps. A new date also concerns the summation effect of the risk between cold weather and PM10 air pollution was found. Due to several methodic weaknesses, the study has an exploratory than conclusive relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Germano Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service Lab, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Alessandra Scano
- Molecular Biology Service Lab, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Angelo Restivo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Internal Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari.
| | - Simona Deidda
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Occupational Health Section, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | - Federico Meloni
- Occupational Health Section, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy .
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Luchino Chessa
- Center for the Study of Liver Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari .
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International Ph.D. in Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari.
| | - Roberto Littera
- Complex Structure of Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, Area Socio-Sanitaria Locale (ASSL) Cagliari, Azienda per la Tutela della Salute (ATS), Cagliari.
| | - Luigi Zorcolo
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| | | | - Paolo Usai
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Carta MG, Cossu G, Pintus E, Zoccheddu R, Callia O, Conti G, Pintus M, Gonzalez CIA, Massidda MV, Mura G, Sardu C, Contu P, Minerba L, Demontis R, Pau M, Finco G, Cocco E, Penna MP, Orrù G, Kalcev G, Cabras F, Lorrai S, Loviselli A, Velluzzi F, Monticone M, Cacace E, Musu M, Rongioletti F, Cauli A, Ruggiero V, Scano A, Crisafulli A, Cosentino S, Atzori L, Massa E, Mela Q, Fortin D, Migliaccio G, Nardi AE, Angermeyer M, Preti A. Active elderly and health-can moderate exercise improve health and wellbeing in older adults? Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:331. [PMID: 33962664 PMCID: PMC8103665 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is marked by a progressive rise in chronic diseases with an impact on social and healthcare costs. Physical activity (PA) may soothe the inconveniences related to chronic diseases, has positive effects on the quality of life and biological rhythms, and can prevent the decline in motor functions and the consequent falls, which are associated with early death and disability in older adults. Methods We randomized 120 over-65 males and females into groups of similar size and timing and will give each either moderate physical activity or cultural and recreational activities. Being younger than 65 years, inability to participate in physical activity for any medical reason, and involvement in a massive program of physical exercise are the exclusion criteria. The primary outcome measures are: quality of life, walking speed, and postural sway. Participants are tested at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month (24 weeks) and 12-month (48 weeks) follow-ups. Discussion This study aims at improving the quality of life, wellness, and cognitive functioning in the elderly through a low-cost affordable program of moderate physical activity. Given the growing aging of the world population and the social and economic burden of disability in the elderly, our results might have a major impact on future practices. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03858114. Registered on 28 February 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05278-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giovanni Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zoccheddu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Omar Callia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuliana Conti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirra Pintus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Gioia Mura
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sardu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Contu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Pau
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria meccanica, chimica e dei materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Petronilla Penna
- Dipartimento di Pedagogia, psicologia, filosofia, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Goce Kalcev
- International PhD in Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federico Cabras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorrai
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Loviselli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fernanda Velluzzi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Monticone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Cacace
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Musu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franco Rongioletti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Vita-Salute - S. Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Ruggiero
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Crisafulli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sofia Cosentino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Atzori
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Massa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Quirico Mela
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Fortin
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Preti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|