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Viceconte G, Buonomo AR, D’Agostino A, Foggia M, Di Fusco A, Pinchera B, Scotto R, Iacovazzo C, Fanasca L, Messina G, Cacciatore F, Salvatore P, Gentile I. Risk Factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Case-Control Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:838. [PMID: 37623609 PMCID: PMC10455879 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080838] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very few cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) have been reported in COVID-19 so far, and mostly in patients with concomitant HIV infection or in solid-organ transplant recipients. Despite COVID-19 being associated with lymphopenia and the use of steroids, there are no studies specifically aimed at investigating the risk factors for PJP in COVID-19. METHODS A retrospective case-control study was performed. We matched PJP cases with controls with a 1:2 ratio, based on age ± 10 years, solid-organ transplantation (SOT), hematological malignancies, and in the setting of PJP development (ICU vs. non-ICU). A direct immunofluorescence assay on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was used to diagnose PJP. RESULTS We enrolled 54 patients. Among 18 cases of PJP, 16 were diagnosed as "proven". Seven of the eighteen cases were immunocompromised, while the other patients had no previous immunological impairment. Patients with PJP had significantly lower median lymphocyte values (p = 0.033), longer COVID-19 duration (p = 0.014), a higher dose of steroid received (p = 0.026), higher CRP values (p = 0.005), and a lower SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rate than the controls (p = 0.029). Cumulative steroid dose is the independent risk factor for PJP development (OR = 1.004, 95%CI = 1-1.008, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS PJP develops in COVID-19 patients regardless of immunosuppressive conditions and the severity of disease, and it is correlated to the corticosteroid dose received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Viceconte
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Maria Foggia
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Antonio Di Fusco
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Biagio Pinchera
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Carmine Iacovazzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luca Fanasca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 8031 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (P.S.)
| | - Gaetana Messina
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Cacciatore
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy;
| | - Paola Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 8031 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (P.S.)
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini n.5, 8031 Naples, Italy; (A.R.B.); (A.D.); (M.F.); (A.D.F.); (B.P.); (R.S.); (I.G.)
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Minutolo A, Gismondi A, Chirico R, Di Marco G, Petrone V, Fanelli M, D’Agostino A, Canini A, Grelli S, Albanese L, Centritto M, Zabini F, Matteucci C, Meneguzzo F. Antioxidant Phytocomplexes Extracted from Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Show Potential Anticancer Activity In Vitro. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1560. [PMID: 37627555 PMCID: PMC10451776 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081560] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), as an effective, efficient, and scalable extraction technique for natural products, could enable the affordable production of valuable antioxidant extracts from plant resources. For the first time, whole pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits, rich in bioactive phytochemicals endowed with anti-cancer properties, were extracted in water using HC. Aqueous fractions sequentially collected during the process (M1-M5) were lyophilized (L), filtered (A), or used as such, i.e., crude (C), and analyzed for their biochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant power. The fractions M3 and M4 from the L and C series showed the highest antiradical activity and phytochemical content. While the lyophilized form is preferable for application purposes, sample L-M3, which was produced faster and with lower energy consumption than M4, was used to assess the potential antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer line (AU565-PAR) and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells from healthy donors. In a pilot study, cell growth, death, and redox state were assessed, showing that L-M3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and intracellular oxygen reactive species. No effect on PBMCs was detected. Thus, the antioxidant phytocomplex extracted from pomegranate quickly (15 min), at room temperature (30 °C), and efficiently showed potential anticancer activity without harming healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Rossella Chirico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
- Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Albanese
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
| | - Mauro Centritto
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Federica Zabini
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
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Abstract
Introduction Since February 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread to several countries worldwide, including Italy, leading to an uptake of telework. Objectives We aim to evaluate the psychopathological impact of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, identifying mental health determinants among home-based workers. Methods 804 participants completed an online survey, including the psychometric scales “Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items” (DASS-21) and the “Insomnia Severity Index” (ISI). Teleworkers were also asked to provide information about their current work routine, home environment and clinical history. Results At the DASS-21, 30% of the participants presented pathological levels of depression, 20.8% of anxiety and 30.7% of stress. At the ISI, 5% appeared to suffer from insomnia. Respondents with psychological and physical frailties, greater social isolation or inadequate working spaces manifested higher levels of psychiatric symptoms. Moreover, we also find a correlation of these symptoms with occupations in education. Telework was broadly appreciated and 87% of respondents expressed a willingness to maintain access to this arrangement. Conclusions Our results document that about a third of our sample manifested psychopathological symptoms while teleworking during the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. However, telework itself does not seem to be directly associated with increased psychiatric symptoms, which were instead exacerbated by COVID-19-related stressful circumstances, as well as by constitutional and social determinants of health. Going forward, authorities should promote adequate measures in order to guarantee a healthy approach to teleworking. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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D’Agostino A, Canini A, Di Marco G, Nigro L, Spagnoli F, Gismondi A. Investigating Plant Micro-Remains Embedded in Dental Calculus of the Phoenician Inhabitants of Motya (Sicily, Italy). Plants (Basel) 2020; 9:plants9101395. [PMID: 33092237 PMCID: PMC7590007 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant records reveal remarkable evidence about past environments and human cultures. Exploiting dental calculus analysis and using a combined approach of microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, our research outlines dietary ecology and phytomedicinal practices of the ancient community of Motya (Sicily, eight to sixth century BC), one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean basin. Micro-remains suggest use or consumption of Triticeae cereals, and animal-derived sources (e.g., milk and aquatic birds). Markers of grape (or wine), herbs, and rhizomes, endemic of Mediterranean latitudes and the East, provide insight into the subsistence of this colony, in terms of foodstuffs and phytotherapeutic products. The application of resins and wood of Gymnosperms for social and cultural purposes is hypothesized through the identification of Pinaceae secondary metabolites and pollen grains. The information hidden in dental calculus discloses the strong human-plant interaction in Motya’s Phoenician community, in terms of cultural traditions and land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-06-7259-4330 (A.C.); +39-06-7259-4344 (A.G.); Fax: +39-06-2023-500 (A.C. & A.G.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Nigro
- Department Italian Institute of Oriental Studies—ISO, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Spagnoli
- Department Italian Institute of Oriental Studies—ISO, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-06-7259-4330 (A.C.); +39-06-7259-4344 (A.G.); Fax: +39-06-2023-500 (A.C. & A.G.)
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Abstract
IntroductionOver the past decade, emotion dysregulation has become a very popular term in the psychiatric and clinical psychology literature and it has been described as a key component in a range of mental disorders. For this reason, it has been recently called the “hallmark of psychopathology” (Beauchaine et al., 2007). However, many issues make this concept controversial.ObjectivesTo explore emotion dysregulation, focusing on problems related to its definition, meanings and role in many psychiatric disorders.AimsTo clarify the psychopathological core of emotion dysregulation and to discuss potential implications for clinical practice.MethodsA literature review was carried out by examining articles published in English between January 2003 and June 2015. A search of the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Medline, EMBASE and Google Scholar was performed to identify the relevant papers.ResultsAlthough, there is no agreement about the definition of emotion dysregulation, the following five overlapping, not mutually exclusive dimensions were identified: decreased emotional awareness, inadequate emotional reactivity, intense experience and expression of emotions, emotional rigidity and cognitive reappraisal difficulty. These dimensions characterise a number of psychiatric disorders in different proportions, with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders seemingly more affected than other conditions.ConclusionsThis review highlights a discrepancy between the widespread clinical use of emotion dysregulation and inadequate conceptual status of this construct. Better understanding of the various dimensions of emotion dysregulation has implications for treatment. Future research needs to address emotion dysregulation in all its multifaceted complexity.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Gismondi A, Baldoni M, Gnes M, Scorrano G, D’Agostino A, Di Marco G, Calabria G, Petrucci M, Müldner G, Von Tersch M, Nardi A, Enei F, Canini A, Rickards O, Alexander M, Martínez-Labarga C. A multidisciplinary approach for investigating dietary and medicinal habits of the Medieval population of Santa Severa (7th-15th centuries, Rome, Italy). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227433. [PMID: 31990948 PMCID: PMC6986732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach, combining stable isotope analysis from bone proteins and investigations on dental calculus using DNA analysis, light microscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, was applied to reconstruct dietary and medicinal habits of the individuals recovered in the cemetery of the Castle of Santa Severa (7th-15th centuries CE; Rome, Italy). Stable isotope analysis was performed on 120 humans, 41 faunal specimens and 8 charred seeds. Dental calculus analyses were carried out on 94 samples. Overall, isotope data indicated an omnivorous diet based on C3-terrestrial protein, although some individuals possessed carbon values indicative of C4 plant consumption. In terms of animal protein, the diet was probably based on cattle, sheep, pig and chicken products, as witnessed by the archaeozoological findings. Evidence from calculus suggested the consumption of C3 cereals, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, milk and dairy products. Secondary metabolites of herbs and wine were also detected. The detection of marine fish ancient DNA, as well as of ω3 fatty acids in calculus, hypothesized the consumption of marine foodstuffs for this coastal population, despite the lack of a clear marine isotopic signal and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in plant tissues. Moreover, the knowledge of ethnopharmacological tradition and the application of medicinal plants (e.g. Punica granatum L., Ephedra sp. L.) were also identified. The detection of artemisinin, known to have antimalarial properties, led to hypothesize the presence of malaria in the area. Altogether, the combined application of microscopy and biomolecular techniques provided an innovative reconstruction of Medieval lifeways in Central Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Baldoni
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Gnes
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Scorrano
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Calabria
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Petrucci
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gundula Müldner
- Department of Archaeology, University of Reading, Reading, England, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Von Tersch
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Nardi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Enei
- Museo Civico di Santa Marinella “Museo del Mare e della Navigazione Antica”, Castello di Santa Severa (Roma–Italia)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Rickards
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelle Alexander
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Martínez-Labarga
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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D’Agostino A, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Lo Castro M, Olevano R, Cinti T, Leonardi D, Canini A. Lifestyle of a Roman Imperial community: ethnobotanical evidence from dental calculus of the Ager Curensis inhabitants. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2019; 15:62. [PMID: 31801550 PMCID: PMC6894264 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The analysis of ancient calcified dental plaque is a powerful archaeobotanical method to elucidate the key role of the plants in human history. METHODS In this research, by applying both optic microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry on this matrix, a detailed qualitative investigation for reconstructing the lifestyle of a Roman imperial community of the Ager Curensis (Sabina Tiberina, Central Italy) was performed. RESULTS The detection of animal micro-remains and molecules (e.g., hairs, feather barbules, markers of dairy products), starch granules of several cereals and legumes, pollen (e.g., Juglans regia L., Hedera sp. L.) and other plant micro-debris (e.g., trichome of Olea sp., hemp fibers), and phytochemicals (e.g., Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae herbs, Ferula sp., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., wine, and Humulus lupulus L.) in the dental calculus sample demonstrated that plant-derived foods were regularly consumed together with animal resources. CONCLUSIONS This nutritional plan, consistent with the information reported in ancient written texts, suggested that the studied population based its own subsistence on both agriculture and husbandry, probably also including beekeeping and hunting activities. All together, these results represent proofs for the comprehension of food habits, phytotherapeutic practices, and cultural traditions of one of the first Roman settlements in the Sabina Tiberina area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Lo Castro
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Rosaria Olevano
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Tiziano Cinti
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Donatella Leonardi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Gallucci A, Mattavelli G, Schiena G, D’Agostino A, Sassetti T, Bonora S, Bertelli S, Benetti A, Tugnoli E, Ruggiero G, Sassaroli S, Lauro LR, Gambini O, Papagno C. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tdcs) modulates implicit attitudes towards food in eating disorders. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Cavalli N, Bonanno E, Stella G, Pisasale G, Ricottone N, D’Agostino A, Girlando A, Marino C. 137. Monitor Units constraints for SBRT plans and prostate cancer. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Bonanno E, Amico A, Cavalli N, D’Agostino A, Girlando A, Pisasale G, Ricottone N, Marino C. 116. Characterization of a commercial Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dosimetry system for VMAT treatments verifications. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Baldoni M, Scorrano G, Gismondi A, D’Agostino A, Alexander M, Gaspari L, Vallelonga F, Canini A, Rickards O, Martínez-Labarga C. Who were the miners of Allumiere? A multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct the osteobiography of an Italian worker community. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205362. [PMID: 30308078 PMCID: PMC6181348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This research presents an in-depth study of the skeletal remains collected from the archaeological site of Allumiere (15th-16th centuries CE; Rome, Italy). A multidisciplinary approach was used, combining skeletal biology, molecular anthropology and archaeobotany with the aim of reconstructing the osteobiography of the alum miners buried at the site. Since 1460, the area of the Tolfa Mountains was significant for the exploitation of alum which was used for a wide range of purposes in the Middle Ages, ranging from woven production to medical practice. A total of 70 individuals (63 adults and 7 juveniles) were studied. The sex ratio of the community indicated a higher prevalence of males with respect to females. Morphological examination indicated occupational musculoskeletal stress markers, which might reflect the specific phase of alum production that each individual was occupied in. Dietary reconstruction was primarily performed through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis with integration of the results obtained by microscopic, genetic and GC-MS investigations on dental calculus. The diet was omnivorous, indicating a reliance on C3-terrestrial protein and evidence for limited C4 consumption by some individuals. Herbivores, such as sheep and cattle, appear to have contributed to the diet more than pigs and chickens. Consumption of Fagaceae and Poaceae species was predominant; moreover, indicators of Brassicaceae and milk and its derivatives were abundantly recurrent in the population, followed by plant oils and theophylline. Furthermore, the detection of pharmacological alkaloids indicated the knowledge and application of medicinal plants by the community. The novel use of multiple techniques based on cutting-edge technologies has provided a unique window on the lifestyles of individuals from one of the first Italian settlements of alum workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Baldoni
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Forense e Biologia dello Scheletro, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
- Laboratorio di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriele Scorrano
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Michelle Alexander
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Gaspari
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Fabrizio Vallelonga
- Sapienza Università di Roma, Dipartimento di Scienza dell'Antichità, Cattedra di Archeologia Cristiana e Medievale, Roma, Italia
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Olga Rickards
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Cristina Martínez-Labarga
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Forense e Biologia dello Scheletro, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
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Marcatili M, Marsoner F, D’Agostino A, Scarone S, Conti L. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in schizophrenia: Modelling the disease and the treatment response. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1602] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Response to drug treatment is under the sophisticated control of complex signalling pathways and gene regulatory networks. Indeed, drug-induced modulation of dysregulated gene expression and altered synaptic plasticity are critical steps for the successful treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Among the antipsychotic drugs, clozapine (CLZ) is widely considered to be the most effective medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, due to its high risk for severe side effects, CLZ use is currently restricted to patients who do not respond to other antipsychotics. Nonetheless, up to 20% of patients are considered nonresponders to CLZ treatment. The mechanism of action underlying CLZ's exceptional clinical efficacy in SCZ is not fully understood. In this context, in vitro molecular and functional assessment of patient-derived glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons’ properties are mandatory to reveal the mechanisms underlying CLZ responsiveness and might mirror the clinical response. Here, we will describe the generation of hiPSCs from SCZ patients, classified based on their response to conventional treatments, to CLZ or total resistance to every treatment. These patient-specific hiPSCs have been converted into enriched cortical glutamatergic neurons and parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons populations that are under inspection to reveal phenotypic and molecular/pharmacological aspects correlating with patient-specific responsivity pattern to CLZ treatment. These results might help to unveil the molecular basis of treatment response profiles that can be exploited to predict response to antipsychotic drugs and that might help to develop personalized treatments, more individually tailored and less hazardous.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Mattavelli G, Romero lauro L, D’Agostino A, Schiena G, Bertelli S, Ruggero G, Papagno C. P113 Modulation of food and body weight implicit attitudes with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Clin Neurophysiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pomeroy-Stevens A, D’Agostino A, Shrestha M, Muzoora A, Adero N, Shrestha M. Estimating country-level nutrition investments: Global implications of a
two country study. Ann Glob Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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De Santis D, Bertossi D, Albanese M, D’Agostino A, Rossini N, Castegnaro G, Chemolli P, Zanotti G, Fazioni M. La scelta del colore in odontoiatria. Dental Cadmos 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0011-8524(16)30033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ostinelli E, Guanella E, Cavallotti S, Casetta C, D’Agostino A. Effectiveness of long-acting injectables and clozapine in a real-world setting during the early-stages of psychotic illness. Eur Psychiatry 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.088] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIntervention in the early-stages of psychosis may be able to shape the clinical course; critical period (CP) is best represented by the first 5 years from first admission (FA).ObjectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of pharmacological intervention within and beyond the CP.Aims(1) To compare hospitalization rates of patients stabilized on treatment with LAIs and CLZ. (2) To determine whether treatment with LAIs and CLZ within CP can influence hospitalization rates.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from patients diagnosed with non-affective psychoses with FA between 2000 and 2014; 200 patients were then divided into three groups, according to stabilized treatment regimen during the final year of observation: treatment as usual (TAU), CLZ, LAIs. hospitalization duration (HSPD) and frequency (HSP) were calculated for each group.ResultsDespite a major severity before assignment to either CLZ or LAIs treatment, HSPD and HSP in both groups shifted below those observed for the TAU arm. Patients who began treatment with LAIs within the CP showed a highly significant decrease of both HSPD and HSP (respectively 17.4 ± 18 vs. 2.6 ± 8.2; Z = −2.856; P < 0.005 and 1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 0.2 ± 0.5; Z = −3.115; P < 0.005). No significant changes in hospitalization rates were observed for subjects who began treatment with LAIs after the CP.ConclusionsOur study confirms that treatment with either CLZ or LAIs significantly impacts the course of psychotic disorders. The data seem to suggest that LAIs and CLZ should be considered more effective than conventional oral antipsychotics in the early-stages of psychotic illness. The difference among treatments tends to wane beyond the CP, especially for LAIs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Castelnovo A, Ranieri R, Marcatili M, D’Agostino A, Scarone S. P-1269 - Dreaming mentation in healthy people and psychotic patients: a content analysis. Eur Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(12)75436-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Bissolotti G, Trevisiol L, D’Agostino A, Nocini P. The use of BioOss Collagen® in orthognathic surgery: clinical and histological results. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2009.03.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Del Prete S, Addeo R, Maiorino L, Cennamo G, Montesarchio V, Leo L, Faiola V, Guarrasi R, Tarantino L, Vascone A, D’Agostino A, Palmieri G, Bianco M, Caraglia M, Pizza C, Mamone R, Montella L. Sorafenib plus long-acting octreotide in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Preliminary results of a multicenter ongoing study. EJC Suppl 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcsup.2008.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Carillio G, Alì M, Mazzola A, Bagnato S, Todaro A, D’Agostino A, Girlando A, Aiello R, Fallica G, Chiarenza M, Caruso M. Association of weekly gemcitabine to conformal radiotherapy as organ-sparing strategy in locally advanced or relapsed bladder cancer. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.15570] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
15570 Background: Radical surgery is considered the only curative option for locally advanced or relapsed bladder cancer. However, the uncertain prognosis of disease and the poor quality of life due to lack of bladder reservoir require further investigation on possible therapeutic approaches. Methods: This trial has been designed for testing safety and activity of dose-escalating gemcitabine associated to concomitant conformal radiotherapy for locally advanced or relapsed bladder cancer. Patients received radiotherapy at 2 Gy per day to reach a total dose of 60 Gy over 6 weeks. Gemcitabine was administered once-a-week as one-hour IV infusion before starting the radiation treatment. The first explored dose of drug was 300 mg/m2 and the escalation was planned through a Fibonacci modified method by subsequent increases of 100 mg/m2 until definition of the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The recommended dose for future phase II study was one level inferior to the reached maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Results: Eighteen patients with median age of 72 years entered the study, half of whom affected by locally advanced tumours, the remainders by recurrence after conservative surgery. The majority of the latter initially had pT2 (UICC staging) muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma. Twelve patients were treated with weekly gemcitabine at 300 mg/m2 without appearance of any DLT. Among the first 3 patients receiving the dose level of 400 mg/m2, one patient had grade 4 neutropenia. Further 3 patients were enrolled for testing the above dose level, but one of them experienced bowel perforation, therefore the established MTD was 400 mg/m2. The recommended dose of weekly gemcitabine was 300 mg/m2. Effectively, we could observe 11 (61%) pathological complete responses (pCR) confirmed by bladder mapping two months after treatment completion. Nine pCR (82%) occurred in the patients with locally advanced therapy-naïve bladder cancer. Patients with conserved bladders had excellent function, without hematuria, urgency or incontinence. Conclusions: The association of weekly gemcitabine to conformal radiotherapy provides a new alternative to radical surgery approach and strongly supports the organ-sparing strategy for locally advanced bladder cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Carillio
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - M. Alì
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - A. Mazzola
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - S. Bagnato
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - A. Todaro
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - A. D’Agostino
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - A. Girlando
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - R. Aiello
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - G. Fallica
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - M. Chiarenza
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
| | - M. Caruso
- Humanitas Centro Catanese di Oncologia, Catania, Italy
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