1
|
Izzo F, Di Renzo V, Langella A, D'Antonio M, Tranfa P, Widory D, Salzano L, Germinario C, Grifa C, Varricchio E, Mercurio M. Investigating strontium isotope linkage between biominerals (uroliths), drinking water and environmental matrices. Environ Pollut 2024; 344:123316. [PMID: 38185358 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123316] [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] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
This study presents the mineralogy and strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) of 21 pathological biominerals (bladder and kidney stones) collected from patients admitted between 2018 and 2020 at the Department of Urology of the San Pio Hospital (Benevento, southern Italy). Urinary stones belong to the calcium oxalate, purine or calcium phosphate mineralogy types. Their corresponding 87Sr/86Sr range from 0.707607 for an uricite sample to 0.709970 for a weddellite one, and seem to be partly discriminated based on the mineralogy. The comparison with the isotope characteristics of 38 representative Italian bottled and tap drinking waters show a general overlap in 87Sr/86Sr with the biominerals. However, on a smaller geographic area (Campania Region), we observe small 87Sr/86Sr differences between the biominerals and local waters. This may be explained by external Sr inputs for example from agriculture practices, inhaled aerosols (i.e., particulate matter), animal manure and sewage, non-regional foods. Nevertheless, biominerals of patients that stated to drink and eat local water/wines and foods every day exhibited a narrower 87Sr/86Sr range roughly matching the typical isotope ratios of local geological materials and waters, as well as those of archaeological biominerals from the same area. Finally, we conclude that the strontium isotope signature of urinary stones may reflect that of the environmental matrices surrounding patients, but future investigations are recommended to ultimately establish the potential for pathological biominerals as reliable biomonitoring proxies, taking into the account the contribution of the external sources of Sr.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Izzo
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - V Di Renzo
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - A Langella
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - M D'Antonio
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - P Tranfa
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, Naples, 80126, Italy
| | - D Widory
- Geotop/Université du Québec a Montréal (UQAM), 201 Ave Président Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - L Salzano
- UOC Urology, San Pio Hospital, Via dell'Angelo, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Germinario
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, Benevento, 82100, Italy
| | - C Grifa
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, Benevento, 82100, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, Benevento, 82100, Italy
| | - M Mercurio
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, Benevento, 82100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mercurio M, Izzo F, Gatta GD, Salzano L, Lotrecchiano G, Saldutto P, Germinario C, Grifa C, Varricchio E, Carafa A, Di Meo MC, Langella A. May a comprehensive mineralogical study of a jackstone calculus and some other human bladder stones unveil health and environmental implications? Environ Geochem Health 2022; 44:3297-3320. [PMID: 34529244 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01083-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper represents the first result of an active collaboration between the University of Sannio and the San Pio Hospital (Benevento, Italy), started in the 2018, that aims to a detailed mineralogical investigation of urinary stones of patients from Campania region. Herein, selected human bladder stones have been deeply characterized for clinical purposes and environmental biomonitoring, focusing on the importance to evaluate the concentration and distribution of undesired trace elements by means of microscopic techniques in the place of conventional wet chemical analyses. A rare bladder stone with a sea-urchin appearance, known as jackstone calculus, were also investigated (along with bladder stones made of uric acid and brushite) by means a comprehensive analytical approach, including Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Simultaneous Thermal Analyses. Main clinical assumptions were inferred according to the morpho-constitutional classification of bladder stones and information about patient's medical history and lifestyle. In most of the analyzed uroliths, undesired trace elements such as copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, mercury and arsenic have been detected and generally attributable to environmental pollution or contaminated food. Simultaneous occurrence of selenium and mercury should denote a methylmercury detoxification process, probably leading to the formation of a very rare HgSe compound known as tiemannite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Mercurio
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - F Izzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Diego Gatta
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Botticelli 23, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - L Salzano
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - G Lotrecchiano
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - P Saldutto
- UOC Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Pio di Benevento, Via dell'Angelo 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Germinario
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Grifa
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - A Carafa
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Di Meo
- Dipartimento di Scienze E Tecnologie, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Via F. De Sanctis, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - A Langella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e delle Risorse, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Di Monte Sant'Angelo, Edificio 10, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Limongelli G, Iucolano S, Monda E, Elefante P, De Stasio C, Lubrano I, Caiazza M, Mazzella M, Fimiani F, Galdo M, De Marchi G, Esposito M, Rubino M, Cirillo A, Fusco A, Esposito A, Trama U, Esposito S, Scarano G, Sepe J, Andria G, Orlando V, Menditto E, Chiodini P, Iolascon A, Franzese A, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Tessitore A, Romano A, Venosa A, Nunzia Olivieri A, Bianco A, La Manna A, Cerbone AM, Spasiano A, Agnese Stanziola A, Colao A, De Bellis A, Gambale A, Toriello A, Tufano A, Ciampa A, Maria Risitano A, Pisani A, Russo A, Volpe A, De Martino B, Amato B, De Fusco C, Piscopo C, Selleri C, Tucci C, Pignata C, Cioffi D, Melis D, Pasquali D, De Brasi D, Spitaleri D, De Brasi D, Russo D, Martellotta D, De Michele E, Varricchio E, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Coscioni E, Cimino E, Pane F, Tranfa F, Pollio F, Lonardo F, Nuzzi F, Simonelli F, Trojsi F, Habetswallner F, Valentini G, Cerbone G, Parenti G, Tedeschi G, Capasso G, Battista Rossi G, Gaglione G, Sarnelli G, Argenziano G, Bellastella G, De Michele G, Fiorentino G, Spadaro G, Scala I, Santoro L, Zeppa L, Auricchio L, Elio Adinolfi L, Alessio M, Amitrano M, Savanelli MC, Russo MG, Ferrucci MG, Carbone MT, Pellecchia MT, Salerno M, Melone M, Del Donno M, Vitale M, Triggiani M, Della Monica M, Lo Presti M, Tenuta M, Mignogna MD, Schiavulli M, Zacchia M, Brunetti-Pierri N, Iovino P, Moscato P, Iandoli R, Scarpa R, Russo R, Troisi S, Sbordone S, Perrotta S, Fecarotta S, Sampaolo S, Cicalese V. Diagnostic issues faced by a rare disease healthcare network during Covid-19 outbreak: data from the Campania Rare Disease Registry. J Public Health (Oxf) 2021; 44:586-594. [PMID: 33982102 PMCID: PMC8194710 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab137] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this study were: to investigate the capacity of the rare disease healthcare network in Campania to diagnose patients with rare diseases during the outbreak of Covid-19; and to shed light on problematic diagnoses during this period. Methods To describe the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of patients with rare diseases, a retrospective analysis of the Campania Region Rare Disease Registry was performed. A tailored questionnaire was sent to rare disease experts to investigate major issues during the emergency period. Results Prevalence of new diagnoses of rare disease in March and April 2020 was significantly lower than in 2019 (117 versus 317, P < 0.001 and 37 versus 349, P < 0.001, respectively) and 2018 (117 versus 389, P < 0.001 and 37 versus 282, P < 0.001, respectively). Eighty-two among 98 rare disease experts completed the questionnaire. Diagnostic success (95%), access to diagnosis (80%) and follow-up (72%), lack of Personal Protective Equipment (60%), lack of Covid-19 guidelines (50%) and the need for home therapy (78%) were the most important issues raised during Covid-19 outbreak. Conclusions This study describes the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the diagnosis of rare disease in a single Italian region and investigates potential issues of diagnosis and management during this period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Iucolano
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Emanuele Monda
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Pasquale Elefante
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Chiara De Stasio
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Imma Lubrano
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Fimiani
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria Galdo
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Giulia De Marchi
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Martina Esposito
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Marta Rubino
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Annapaola Cirillo
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Adelaide Fusco
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Augusto Esposito
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Salvatore Esposito
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Scarano
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Joseph Sepe
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Generoso Andria
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Valentina Orlando
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Enrica Menditto
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Paolo Chiodini
- Centro di Coordinamento Malattie Rare, Regione Campania Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cupisti A, Bruno RM, Puntoni A, Varricchio E, Giglio E, Meniconi O, Zullo C, Barsotti M, Egidi MF, Ghiadoni L. Blood pressure phenotype reproducibility in CKD outpatients: a clinical practice report. Intern Emerg Med 2020; 15:87-93. [PMID: 31209681 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02127-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement is encouraged by recent hypertension guidelines for assessing BP phenotypes. These showed acceptable reproducibility in the short term, but few data exist about long-term reproducibility, particularly for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We evaluated changes of the BP phenotypes at 6 and 12 months in 280 consecutive non-dialysis CKD outpatients (186 males, age 71 ± 12 years, eGFR 38 ± 13 ml/min/1.73), without any change in drug therapy. Elevated BP is defined as office BP > 140/90 and home BP > 135/85 mmHg for defining the following BP phenotypes: sustained uncontrolled hypertension (SUCH); white-coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH); masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH); and controlled hypertension (CH). At baseline, the prevalence of the phenotypes was SUCH 36.6%, CH 30.1%, WUCH 25.4% and MUCH 7.9%, and it was similar at 6 months and 12 months. On the other hand, individual phenotype reproducibility at 12 months was poor both overall (38.0%) and across the different phenotypes (SUCH 53.9%, WUCH 32.4% and CH 32.1%, MUCH 9.1%). Patients who were not maintaining the same phenotype (non-concordant) were not distinguished by age, sex, BMI, eGFR, presence of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or pharmacological therapy. When reproducibility of BP phenotypes both at 6 months and at 12 months was assessed, it was very low (19.6%), particularly for MUCH (0%), CH (14%) and WUCH (15.5%), while it was 31% for SUCH. In a CKD cohort, the overall prevalence of the different BP phenotypes defined by office and home BP remains constant over time. However, only 38% of patients maintained the same phenotype at 12 months, suggesting a poor reproducibility over time for the BP phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adamasco Cupisti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - R M Bruno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Puntoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Giglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - O Meniconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Zullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Barsotti
- Nephrology, Transplants and Dialysis Unity, Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - M F Egidi
- Nephrology, Transplants and Dialysis Unity, Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Ghiadoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sateriale D, Scioscia E, Colicchio R, Pagliuca C, Salvatore P, Varricchio E, Grazia Volpe M, Paolucci M, Pagliarulo C. Italian acacia honey exhibits lytic effects against the crayfish pathogens Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum. Lett Appl Microbiol 2018; 68:64-72. [PMID: 30315651 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study purpose was to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory properties of Italian acacia honey extracts against pathogenic aquatic oomycete/fungal isolates that cause different diseases in crayfish, resulting in an elevated mortality rate. The antimycotic activity of acacia honey aqueous extracts was evaluated against the strain UEF88662 of Aphanomyces astaci (oomycete) and the strain SMM2 of Fusarium avenaceum (fungus). The extracts preparation was carried out with water by a cheap, not complex and organic solvent-free procedure, with low environmental impact and the higher possibility of large-scale reproducibility. The anti-oomycete and antifungal activities were quantitatively evaluated by growth, survival and sporulation microbiological assays. The extracts displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory efficacy on oomycete and fungal growth and survival, as well as on the production of oomycete and fungal spores. Supported by future in vivo studies, our results encourage the use of natural extracts like honey as innovative tools to counteract mycotic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The continuous spread of aquatic fungal disease as the 'crayfish plague' and the 'burn spot disease' has severe ecological and commercial repercussions. Critical factor to prevent further spread is the availability of effective antifungals possibility derived from local natural resources to use in innovative strategies of control and eradication of these diseases. This study provides relevant information about the in vitro anti-oomycete and antifungal activity of Italian acacia honey aqueous extracts against two highly infectious and dangerous pathogenic species, Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, that are responsible for important crayfish diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Sateriale
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - E Scioscia
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - R Colicchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy
| | - C Pagliuca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy
| | - P Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE, Advanced Biotechnologies s.c.ar.l., Napoli, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - M Paolucci
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Pagliarulo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Varricchio E, Lombardi V, Paolucci M, Viola C, Coccia E, Romania S, Pasquale V, Maruccio L, Arcamone N, Avallone L, Russo F. Histological and immunohistochemical features of gastrointestinal tract, alveolar macrophages and blood leukocytes of pigs fed with polyphenols. Ann Anat 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.04.028] [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: 11/15/2022]
|
7
|
D’Angelo L, Avallone L, Cellerino A, de Girolamo P, Paolucci M, Varricchio E, Lucini C. NT-4 mRNA and protein in the central nervous system of Nothobranchius furzeri. Ann Anat 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.04.009] [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]
|
8
|
Manna L, Picillo E, Esposito G, Rendina M, Campanile G, Varricchio E, Gravino A, Zicarelli L, Neglia G. Preliminary results on ghrelin mRNA quantification in buffalo calves during fasting and refeeding by real-time reverse transcription PCR assay. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
Zicarelli L, Di Palo R, Neglia G, Ariota B, Varricchio E, Campanile G. Estimation of the intercalving period in Italian Mediterranean buffalo. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
10
|
D'Angelo L, Avallone L, Cellerino A, de Girolamo P, Paolucci M, Varricchio E, Lucini C. Neurotrophin-4 in the brain of adult Nothobranchius furzeri. Ann Anat 2016; 207:47-54. [PMID: 26970500 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) is a member of the well-known family of neurotrophins that regulate the development of neuronal networks by participating in neuronal survival and differentiation, the growth of neuronal processes, synaptic development and plasticity, as well as myelination. NT-4 interacts with two distinct receptors: TrkB, high affinity receptor and p75 low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)). In the present survey, we identified the gene encoding NT-4 in the teleost Nothobranchius furzeri, a model species for aging research. The identified gene shows a similarity of about 72% with medaka, the closest related species. The neuroanatomical localization of NT-4 mRNA is obtained by using an LNA probe. NT-4 mRNA expression is observed in neurons and glial cells of the forebrain and hindbrain, with very low signal found in the midbrain. This survey confirms that NT-4 is expressed in the brain of N. furzeri during adulthood, suggesting that it could also be implicated in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - L Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Cellerino
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Laboratory of Aging, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - P de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Paolucci
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - E Varricchio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - C Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bifulco G, Veneziano V, Cimmino R, Esposito L, Auletta L, Varricchio E, Balestrieri A, Claps S, Campanile G, Neglia G. Effect of pour-on alphacypermethrin on feed intake, body condition score, milk yield, pregnancy rates, and calving-to-conception interval in buffaloes. J Anim Sci 2016; 93:1850-8. [PMID: 26020206 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2014-8352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of alphacypermethrin (ACYP) on pediculosis due to Haematopinus tuberculatus and to evaluate the influence of the treatment on productive and reproductive performance in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reared in an intensive system. The trial was performed on 56 pluriparous buffaloes at 86.8 ± 8.1 d in milk. The animals underwent individual louse count and were divided into 2 homogenous groups according to louse count, age, number of lactations, days in milk, live BW, BCS, pregnancy status, and milk yield. Group A (n = 28) was treated by a pour-on formulation of ACYP, and Group S (n = 28) was treated by pour-on saline solution. Individual louse counts were performed weekly on 10 buffaloes in each group. Feed intake was recorded daily and the total mixed ration, individual ingredients, and orts were analyzed to calculate DM ingestion. Individual milk yield was recorded daily and milk samples were analyzed at the beginning of the trial, after 4 wk, and at the end of the trial to assess milk composition. Individual BCS was also evaluated simultaneously. Finally, the animals underwent synchronization of ovulation starting 4 wk after treatment and the pregnancy rate and the calving-conception interval were evaluated. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA for repeated measures. The infestation was constant in Group S, whereas no lice were present in Group A throughout the study. Daily DMI was similar in the 2 groups (16.7 ± 0.4 vs. 16.3 ± 0.3 kg/d in Group A vs. Group S, respectively), although buffaloes in Group A showed higher (P < 0.05) BCS score at the end of the trial (7.39 ± 0.1 vs. 7.14 ± 0.1 in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). The average milk yield/buffalo was higher (P < 0.05) in Group A compared to Group S (10.58 ± 0.1 vs. 10.39 ± 0.1 kg in Group A vs. Group S, respectively) and this was mainly due to the higher milk production recorded in buffaloes at less than 75 d in milk (11.81 ± 0.1 vs. 11.45 ± 0.1 kg in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). Despite of a similar fertility rate (90.5 vs. 80.9% in Group A vs. Group S, respectively), a lower (P < 0.05) calving-conception interval was recorded in Group A compared to Group S (118 ± 16 vs. 177 ± 16 d in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). In addition to the pour-on treatment against pediculosis, productive and reproductive performance were also improved. This represents a significant improvement in dairy buffalo herd management.
Collapse
|
12
|
Volpe M, Siano F, Paolucci M, Sacco A, Sorrentino A, Malinconico M, Varricchio E. Active edible coating effectiveness in shelf-life enhancement of trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss) fillets. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
13
|
Velotto S, Vitale C, Varricchio E, Crasto A. A new perspective: An italian autochthonous pig and its muscle and fat tissue characteristics. INDIAN J ANIM RES 2014. [DOI: 10.5958/j.0976-0555.48.2.031] [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: 10/25/2022]
|
14
|
Varricchio E, Russolillo MG, Maruccio L, Velotto S, Campanile G, Paolucci M, Russo F. Immunological detection of m- and µ-calpains in the skeletal muscle of Marchigiana cattle. Eur J Histochem 2013; 57:e2. [PMID: 23549461 PMCID: PMC3683609 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2013.e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains are Ca2+-dependent proteases able to cleave a large number of proteins involved in many biological functions. Particularly, in skeletal muscle they are involved in meat tenderizing during post mortem storage. In this report we analyzed the presence and expression of µ- and m-calpains in two skeletal muscles of the Marchigiana cattle soon after slaughter, using immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, Western blotting analysis and Casein Zymography. Therefore, the presence and the activity of these proteases was investigated until 15th day post mortem during normal process of meat tenderizing. The results showed m- and µ-calpain immunosignals in the cytoplasm both along the Z disk/I band regions and in the form of intracellular stores. Moreover, the expression level of µ-calpain but not m-calpain decreased after 10 days of storage. Such a decrease in µ-calpain was accompanied by a gradual reduction of activity. On the contrary, m-calpain activity persisted up to 15 days of post mortem storage. Such data indicate that expression and activity of both µ-calpain and m-calpain analyzed in the Marchigiana cattle persist longer than reported in literature for other bovines and may be related to both the type of muscle and breed examined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Varricchio
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Paciello O, Borzacchiello G, Varricchio E, Papparella S. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) in canine nasal carcinomas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 54:406-10. [PMID: 17877580 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2007.00961.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor belonging to the steroid receptor superfamily. PPAR-gamma is expressed in multiple normal and neoplastic tissues, such as the breast, colon, lung, ovary and placenta. In addition to adipogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, PPAR-gamma activation has been shown to be anti-proliferative by its differentiation-promoting effect, suggesting that activation of PPAR-gamma may be useful in slowing or arresting the proliferation of de-differentiated tumour cells. In this study, we investigated the expression of PPAR-gamma in normal and neoplastic canine nasal epithelium. Twenty-five samples composed of five normal nasal epithelia and 20 canine nasal carcinomas, were immunohistochemically stained for PPAR-gamma. The specificity of the antibody was verified by Western Blot analysis. Confocal laser scanning microscopical investigation was also performed. In normal epithelium, the staining pattern was cytoplasmic and polarized at the cellular free edge. In carcinomas, the neoplastic cells showed mainly strong cytoplasmatic PPAR-gamma expression; moreover, perinuclear immunoreactivity was also detected and few neoplastic cells exhibited a nuclear positivity. Our results demonstrate different patterns of PPAR-gamma expression in normal canine nasal epithelium when compared with canine nasal carcinoma. The importance of this transcription factor in the pathophysiology of several different tumours has stimulated much research in this field and has opened new opportunities for the treatment of the tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Paciello
- Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Animal health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Naples FEDERICO II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Di Palo R, Campanile G, Ariota B, Vecchio D, Grassi C, Neri D, Varricchio E, Rendina M. Milk flow traits in Mediterranean Italian Buffaloes. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.1319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
17
|
Squillacioti C, Mirabella N, Paesano C, Varricchio E, Paino G. Expression of the PACAP-immunoreactivity in the Lymphoid Organs of the Duck. Anat Histol Embryol 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2005.00669_111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
18
|
Paolucci M, Rocco M, Varricchio E. Leptin presence in plasma, liver and fat bodies in the lizard Podarcis sicula: fluctuations throughout the reproductive cycle. Life Sci 2001; 69:2399-408. [PMID: 11681626 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(01)01326-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a 16 kDa peptide produced by adipocytes in response to increasing fat stores and signals to the brain to stop eating and increase energy expenditure. Recent studies point out that the role of leptin is much broader and includes the regulation of reproduction. The lizard, Podarcis sicula, is an oviparous species characterized, at this latitude, by a seasonal reproductive cycle. Since in Podarcis sicula the recovery of the gonadal function coincides with the recovery of metabolic activity, we have hypothesized that leptin might be involved in the regulation of the reproductive function in this species. We have identified an immunoreactive band in the plasma of the female of Podarcis sicula, which comigrated with recombinant mouse leptin and cross reacted with polyclonal antibodies against mouse leptin. A RIA method developed by Linco (St. Louis, MO) was utilized to measure leptin concentration in plasma, liver and fat bodies of Podarcis sicula throughout the reproductive cycle. The antibody used in this kit (Linco's Multi-Species Leptin Radioimmunoassay kit) was produced in the guinea pig against human leptin but displays crossreactivity to leptin molecules of many species. The level of leptin in the plasma of Podarcis sicula was in the same range as that of mammals. Leptin levels in plasma, liver and fat bodies fluctuated during the reproductive cycle, in a way consistent with its possible role in reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Paolucci
- Faculty of Science, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mirabella N, Squillacioti C, Germano G, Varricchio E, Paino G. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) immunoreactivity in the ureter of the duck. Cell Tissue Res 2001; 305:341-9. [PMID: 11572087 DOI: 10.1007/s004410100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The presence, distribution and colocalisation of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) immunoreactivity have been studied in the duck ureter by using Western blot analysis, radioimmunoassays (RIA) and immunohistochemistry. The presence of both PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 was demonstrated, PACAP-38 being the predominant form. PACAP-immunoreactive fibres and neurons were found in all the ureteral layers. Double immunostaining showed that PACAP was almost completely colocalised with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Moreover, PACAP was found in substance P (SP)-containing ureteral nerve fibres and in SP-containing dorsal root ganglion neurons. RIA performed on denervated ureters demonstrated that almost half of the ureteral PACAP was extrinsic in origin. These findings suggest that, in birds, PACAP has a role in diverse nerve-mediated ureteral functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Mirabella
- Department of Biological Structures, Functions and Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Veterinaria 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Roperto F, Mingozzi C, Varricchio E, Di Guardo G, Bruno F. Primary cilium expression in cells from normal and pathological caprine skin. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 1999; 31:169-71. [PMID: 10363364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia were detected in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, from the skin of two healthy and five Saanen goats suffering from a severe papillomatosis of the udder, respectively. Single cilia were detected in very few normal and neoplastic keratinocytes; rare biciliated keratinocytes were also seen. A remarkable number of dermal fibroblasts from healthy goats showed single cilia. Similarly, primary cilia were found in fibroblasts from the tumour stroma in all five goats. These data seem to strengthen the statement that ciliation is a peculiar ultrastructural aspect of fibroblasts, which is of interest in the light of the emerging role of fibroblasts in many physiopathological processes.
Collapse
|
21
|
Roperto F, Langella M, Oliva G, Restucci B, Varricchio E, Dallai R. Ultrastructural and freeze fracture cilia morphology of trachea epithelium in apparently healthy small ruminants. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 1998; 30:65-69. [PMID: 9530853] [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: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Specimens of tracheal mucosa were obtained from ten adult apparently healthy small ruminants (five goats and five sheep) both by a fibre optic endoscope and in a slaughterhouse. Ultrastructurally, a total of 50,000 cilia were examined. Pathological cilia were found in all examined subjects. The prevalence of compound cilia showed a range of 0.3% to 3%. Intracytoplasmic and swollen cilia ranged from 0.2% to 0.5%. The microtubular pattern was examined in 4,000 cross-sectioned cilia and an abnormal pattern was found in 5-7%. Microtubular defects involved both peripheral and central doublets, being peripheral abnormalities the prevailing ones. A central plug of electron dense material was observed in 2-3% of the examined basal bodies. Rare basal bodies characterized by an abnormal spatial configuration were also shown. Freeze fracture studies revealed a ciliary necklace composed of 4 to 5 rows of intramembrane particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Roperto
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sellitto F, Dello Iacono I, Falato ME, Parente C, Quarantiello F, Varricchio E. [Jarcho-Levin syndrome. Description of a clinical case with familial 14;21 translocation]. Minerva Pediatr 1994; 46:451-7. [PMID: 7808366] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The authors report the case of a child born at the Fatebenefratelli Hospital in Benevento with spondylo-costal dysplasia (SCD). SCD ia a rare association of vertebral and costal anomalies which was first described in 1938 by Jarcho and Levin. The fundamental characteristic of SCD is the anomalous nature of the vertebrae and ribs and, for this reason, subjects affected by SCD are above all short stature and present major physical malformations. In genetic terms, the pathology can be subdivided into three sub-groups based on the type of transmission: a) a dominant autosomic form, benign evolution; b) a recessive autosomic form, very severe; c) a recessive autosomic version with a relatively benign evolution. The case in question concerned a newborn suffering from severe bodily disharmony with dysmorphic features. Family medical history only showed diabetes mellitus and kyphoscoliosis in the paternal grandfather. The physiological anamnesis was completely negative (born at term, elective cesarean section) except for the fact that the mother had received estroprogestin therapy between the 2nd and 5th month of pregnancy due to partial placenta previa. The radiographic examination of the skeleton showed profound alterations of the vertebral column due to the presence of numerous hemispondyls, multiple costal malformations with segmentary synostosis and brachycephaly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Sellitto
- Sezione di Pediatria, Ospedale "Fatebenefratelli" - Benevento
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Falato ME, Dello Iacono I, Varricchio E, Quarantiello F, Sellitto F. [Isolated eosinophilic granuloma of the bone. Description of a clinical case with atypical course]. Minerva Pediatr 1988; 40:303-6. [PMID: 3173284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
24
|
Aloj Totàro E, Pisanti FA, Morrongiello A, Varricchio E. Study on the presence of a lipofuscin-like pigment in neurons of Sepia officinalis. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981; 57:2248-51. [PMID: 7326111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|