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Federico G, Ciccarelli G, Noce G, Cavaliere C, Ilardi CR, Tramontano L, Alfano V, Mele G, Di Cecca A, Salvatore M, Brandimonte MA. The fear of COVID-19 contagion: an exploratory EEG-fMRI study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5263. [PMID: 38438468 PMCID: PMC10912687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56014-4] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pandemics have the potential to change how people behave and feel. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception; thus, it may serve as a "challenging context" for understanding how pandemics affect people's minds. In this study, we used high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural correlates of fear of contagion during the most critical moments of COVID-19 in Italy (i.e., October 2020-May 2021). To do that, we stimulated participants (N = 17; nine females) with artificial-intelligence-generated faces of people presented as healthy, recovered from COVID-19, or infected by SARS-CoV-2. The fMRI results documented a modulation of large bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal functional brain networks. Critically, we found selective recruitment of cortical (e.g., frontal lobes) and subcortical fear-related structures (e.g., amygdala and putamen) of the so-called social brain network when participants observed COVID-19-related faces. Consistently, EEG results showed distinct patterns of brain activity selectively associated with infected and recovered faces (e.g., delta and gamma rhythm). Together, these results highlight how pandemic contexts may reverberate in the human brain, thus influencing most basic social and cognitive functioning. This may explain the emergence of a cluster of psychopathologies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study underscores the need for prompt interventions to address pandemics' short- and long-term consequences on mental health.
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2
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Ciccarelli G, Federico G, Mele G, Di Cecca A, Migliaccio M, Ilardi CR, Alfano V, Salvatore M, Cavaliere C. Simultaneous real-time EEG-fMRI neurofeedback: A systematic review. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1123014. [PMID: 37063098 PMCID: PMC10102573 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1123014] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofeedback (NF) is a biofeedback technique that teaches individuals self-control of brain functions by measuring brain activations and providing an online feedback signal to modify emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functions. NF approaches typically rely on a single modality, such as electroencephalography (EEG-NF) or a brain imaging technique, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI-NF). The introduction of simultaneous EEG-fMRI tools has opened up the possibility of combining the high temporal resolution of EEG with the high spatial resolution of fMRI, thereby increasing the accuracy of NF. However, only a few studies have actively combined both techniques. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of EEG-fMRI-NF studies (N = 17) to identify the potential and effectiveness of this non-invasive treatment for neurological conditions. The systematic review revealed a lack of homogeneity among the studies, including sample sizes, acquisition methods in terms of simultaneity of the two procedures (unimodal EEG-NF and fMRI-NF), therapeutic targets field, and the number of sessions. Indeed, because most studies are based on a single session of NF, it is difficult to draw any conclusions regarding the therapeutic efficacy of NF. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand non-clinical and clinical potential of EEG-fMRI-NF.
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Coppola L, Mirabelli P, Baldi D, Smaldone G, Estraneo A, Soddu A, Grimaldi AM, Mele G, Salvatore M, Cavaliere C. An innovative approach for the evaluation of prolonged disorders of consciousness using NF-L and GFAP biomarkers: a pivotal study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18446. [PMID: 36323711 PMCID: PMC9630372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21930-w] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral assessments during the clinical evaluation in prolonged disorders of consciousness patients could be not sufficient for a correct diagnosis and prognostication. To this aim, we used an innovative approach, involving the ultra-sensitive determination of biological markers, correlating them with imaging parameters to investigate the prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC).We assessed the serum concentration of neurofilament light chain(NF-L) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in pDoC (n = 16), and healthy controls (HC, n = 6) as well as several clinical imaging parameters such as Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Whole Brain SUV, and White Matter Hyperintensities volumes (WMH) using PET-MRI acquisition. As for differential diagnosis task, only the imaging WMH volume was able to discriminate between vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS), and minimally conscious state (MCS) patients (p-value < 0.01), while all selected markers (both imaging and in vitro) were able to differentiate between pDoC patients and HC. At subject level, serum NF-L concentrations significantly differ according to clinical progression and consciousness recovery (p-value < 0.01), highlighting a potential play for the longitudinal management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - A. Estraneo
- grid.418563.d0000 0001 1090 9021Istituto Di Ricovero E Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - A. Soddu
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western Institute of Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON Canada
| | | | - G. Mele
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Napoli, Italy
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4
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Piras F, Nakhla G, Murgolo S, De Ceglie C, Mascolo G, Bell K, Jeanne T, Mele G, Santoro D. Optimal integration of vacuum UV with granular biofiltration for advanced wastewater treatment: Impact of process sequence on CECs removal and microbial ecology. Water Res 2022; 220:118638. [PMID: 35640512 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118638] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study explored process synergies attainable by integrating a vacuum ultraviolet-based advanced oxidation process with biofiltration. A comparison using granular activated carbon or granular zeolite as filtration media were examined in context of advanced wastewater treatment for potable reuse. Six biofiltration columns, three with granular activated carbon and three with granular zeolite, were operated in parallel and batch-fed daily with nitrified secondary effluent. After achieving a pseudo-steady state through the filter columns, vacuum ultraviolet treatment was applied as pre-treatment or as post-treatment, at two different applied energies (i.e., VUV-E1=1 kWh/m3 and VUV-E10=10 kWh/m3). Once granular activated carbon had transitioned to biologically activated carbon, as determined based on soluble chemical oxygen demand removal, adsorption was still observed as the main mechanism for contaminants of emerging concern and nitrate removal. Vacuum ultraviolet pre-treatment markedly improved contaminants of emerging concern removal through the integrated system, achieving 40% at VUV-E1 and 90% at VUV-E10. When applied as post-treatment to zeolite column effluents, VUV-E1 and VUV-E10 further increased contaminants of emerging concern removal by 20% and 90%, respectively. In the zeolite system, vacuum ultraviolet pre-treatment also increased soluble chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency, indicating that higher energy vacuum ultraviolet increased biodegradability. Total prokaryotes were two-fold more abundant in biologically activated carbon than in zeolite, with vacuum ultraviolet pretreatment markedly affecting microbial diversity, both in terms of richness and composition. Media type only marginally affected microbial richness in the biofilters but showed a marked impact on structural composition. No clear relationship between compositional structure and depth was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Piras
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy
| | - G Nakhla
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - S Murgolo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA - CNR), via F. de Blasio 5, Bari 70132, Italy
| | - C De Ceglie
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA - CNR), via F. de Blasio 5, Bari 70132, Italy
| | - G Mascolo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (IRSA - CNR), via F. de Blasio 5, Bari 70132, Italy
| | - K Bell
- Brown & Caldwell, 220 Athens Way #500, Nashville, TN 37228, USA
| | - T Jeanne
- Institut de recherche et de développement en agroenvironnement (IRDA), 2700 rue Einstein, Quebec City, QC G1P 3W8, Canada
| | - G Mele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy
| | - D Santoro
- Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B9, Canada.
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5
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Mele A, Prete E, Citiso S, Mele G, Pastore D, Sgherza N, Curci P, Musto P, Falcone AP, Cascavilla N, Germano C, Giuseppe T, Reddiconto G, Di Renzo N, Palazzo G, Mazza P, Rossini B, Guarini A, Palumbo G, Melillo LMA, Pavone V. PB2016: COMPARISON BETWEEN DRD VS KRD AS SALVAGE THERAPY FOR MULTIPLE MYELOMA PATIENTS IN FIRST RELAPSE: THE REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE OF RETE EMATOLOGICA PUGLIESE (REP). Hemasphere 2022. [PMCID: PMC9431550 DOI: 10.1097/01.hs9.0000850896.11254.d1] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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6
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Mele G, Cascavilla N, Di Renzo N, Guarini A, Mazza P, Melillo L, Pavone V, Tarantini G, Curci P, Falcone AP, Germano C, Mele A, Palazzo G, Palumbo G, Reddiconto G, Rossini B, Specchia G, Musto P, Pastore D. Daratumumab plus bortezomib or daratumumab plus lenalidomide as salvage therapy for patients with myeloma: initial follow-up of an Italian multicentre retrospective clinical experience by 'Rete Ematologica Pugliese'. Ann Hematol 2022; 101:1727-1739. [PMID: 35587825 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-04857-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We report herein a multicentre retrospective analysis of 192 consecutive patients with symptomatic refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with daratumumab in combination with bortezomib or lenalidomide as salvage therapy at 9 haematological centres in Puglia. Choice of both regimens was based on previous treatment and/or physicians' preference. Considering the under-representation of older patients (very old patient ≥ 80 years) in clinical trials and the prognostic and predictive importance and value of frailty status, here, we further characterised the patient cohort by age. The overall response rate (ORR) was generally lower than what was previously reported in the CASTOR (ORR 72.6% vs 85%) and POLLUX (ORR 86.5% vs 93%) trials. The lower ORR in our analysis compared to the CASTOR and POLLUX trials could be related to a less selected population. Similarly, amongst very old patients, the ORR was encouraging: ORR to treatment with DVd (daratumumab + bortezomib + dexamethasone) was 66.7%, and ORR to treatment with DRd (daratumumab + lenalidomide + dexamethasone) was 92.3%. Median TTP (time to progression) was 10.8 months (1-year TTP: 44.7%; 2-year TTP: 25.3%) in the DVd group; median TTP was not reached in the DRd group (1-year TTP: 82.7%; 2-year TTP: 71.4%). Median OS (overall survival) was not reached either in the DRd group (1-year OS: 85.9%; 2-year OS: 73.7%) or the DVd group (1-year OS: 70.2%; 2-year OS: 58.9%).
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mele
- Haematology and BMT Unit, Ospedale A. Perrino, SS 7 per Mesagne, 72100, Brindisi, Italy.
| | - N Cascavilla
- Haematology, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - N Di Renzo
- Haematology, Ospedale V. Fazzi, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Guarini
- Haematology, Ospedale Giovanni Paolo II°, Bari, Italy
| | - P Mazza
- Haematology, Ospedale G. Moscati, Taranto, Italy
| | - L Melillo
- Haematology, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | - V Pavone
- Haematology, Ospedale Cardinale Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - G Tarantini
- Haematology, Ospedale Monsignor R. Dimiccoli, Barletta, Bari, Italy
| | - P Curci
- University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - A P Falcone
- Haematology, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - C Germano
- Haematology, Ospedale Monsignor R. Dimiccoli, Barletta, Bari, Italy
| | - A Mele
- Haematology, Ospedale Cardinale Panico, Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - G Palazzo
- Haematology, Ospedale G. Moscati, Taranto, Italy
| | - G Palumbo
- Haematology, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - B Rossini
- Haematology, Ospedale Giovanni Paolo II°, Bari, Italy
| | - G Specchia
- University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - P Musto
- University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - D Pastore
- Haematology and BMT Unit, Ospedale A. Perrino, SS 7 per Mesagne, 72100, Brindisi, Italy
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Deyab MA, Mohsen Q, Bloise E, Lazzoi MR, Mele G. Experimental and theoretical evaluations on Oleuropein as a natural origin corrosion inhibitor for copper in acidic environment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7579. [PMID: 35534610 PMCID: PMC9085739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11598-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper corrosion in acidic cleaning solutions is a major worry for heat exchangers. Corrosion inhibitors derived from natural sources might be a viable option. The isolation of Oleuropein compound from olive leaf and investigation of its anticorrosion potential for copper in 1.0 M H2SO4 solution are reported here. All experimental results from LC-MS, FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR characterizations support the molecular structure of Oleuropein. Electrochemical and gravimetric tests were used to evaluate the corrosion inhibition capabilities of Oleuropein. According to polarization investigation, Oleuropein is a mixed-type inhibitor. Oleuropein's inhibitory efficacy increases with concentration, attaining an optimum value (98.92%) at 100 mg L-1. At high temperatures, Oleuropein can be considered an efficient inhibitor. Thermodynamic variables for the activation operation and copper dissolution were computed and addressed as well. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) examinations revealed that Oleuropein produced an outer layer on the copper surface, shielding it from severe acid damage. Quantum chemical simulations were employed to propose molecular explanations for Oleuropein's inhibitory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Deyab
- grid.454081.c0000 0001 2159 1055Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Q. Mohsen
- grid.412895.30000 0004 0419 5255Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - E. Bloise
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via Monteroni km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M. R. Lazzoi
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via Monteroni km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - G. Mele
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via Monteroni km 1, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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8
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Alfano V, Federico G, Mele G, Garramone F, Esposito M, Aiello M, Salvatore M, Cavaliere C. Brain Networks Involved in Depression in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease: An Exploratory Resting-State Functional Connectivity MRI Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040959. [PMID: 35454007 PMCID: PMC9029925 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040959] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that may interfere with everyday activities. Such a neuropsychiatric condition is commonly reported in multiple neurodegenerative disorders, which are quite different from each other. This study aimed at investigating the brain networks involved in depression in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) as compared to healthy controls (HC). Fifty participants were included in the study: 17 depressed FTD/PD patients; 17 non-depressed FTD/PD patients; and 16 non-depressed HCs matched for age and gender. We used the Beck depression inventory (BDI-II) to measure depression in all groups. On the same day, 3T brain magnetic resonance with structural and resting-state functional sequences were acquired. Differences in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) between depressed and non-depressed patients in all the experimental groups were assessed by using seed-to-seed and network-to-network approaches. We found a significant seed-to-seed hyperconnectivity patterns between the left thalamus and the left posterior temporal fusiform cortex, which differentiated FTD/PD depressed patients from the HCs. Network-to-network analysis revealed a significant hyperconnectivity among the default-mode network (left lateral-parietal region), the medial prefrontal cortex and the left lateral prefrontal cortex (i.e., part of the central executive network). We investigated whether such FC patterns could be related to the underlying neurodegenerative disorder by replicating the analyses with two independent samples (i.e., non-depressed PD and non-depressed FTD patients) and adding clinical parameters as covariates. We found no FC differences in these groups, thus suggesting how the FC pattern we found may signal a common depression-related neural pathway implicated in both the neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Alfano
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giulia Mele
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Federica Garramone
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Marcello Esposito
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale (AORN) Antonio Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marco Aiello
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Salvatore
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Synlab SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (G.M.); (F.G.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
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9
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Federico G, Alfano V, Garramone F, Mele G, Salvatore M, Aiello M, Cavaliere C. Self-Reported Sleep Quality Across Age Modulates Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Limbic and Fronto-Temporo-Parietal Networks: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional fMRI Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:806374. [PMID: 35197843 PMCID: PMC8859450 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.806374] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep problems are increasingly present in the general population at any age, and they are frequently concurrent with—or predictive of—memory disturbances, anxiety, and depression. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 54 healthy participants recruited in Naples (Italy; 23 females; mean age = 37.1 years, range = 20–68) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a neurocognitive assessment concerning both verbal and visuospatial working memory as well as subjective measures of anxiety and depression. Then, 3T fMRI images with structural and resting-state functional sequences were acquired. A whole-brain seed-to-seed functional connectivity (FC) analysis was conducted by contrasting good (PSQI score <5) vs. bad (PSQI score ≥5) sleepers. Results highlighted FC differences in limbic and fronto-temporo-parietal brain areas. Also, bad sleepers showed an anxious/depressive behavioural phenotype and performed worse than good sleepers at visuospatial working-memory tasks. These findings may help to reveal the effects of sleep quality on daily-life cognitive functioning and further elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep disorders.
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Alfano V, Longarzo M, Mele G, Esposito M, Aiello M, Salvatore M, Grossi D, Cavaliere C. Identifying a Common Functional Framework for Apathy Large-Scale Brain Network. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070679. [PMID: 34357146 PMCID: PMC8303126 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070679] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Apathy is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by reduced motivation, initiative, and interest in daily life activities, and it is commonly reported in several neurodegenerative disorders. The study aims to investigate large-scale brain networks involved in apathy syndrome in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) compared to a group of healthy controls (HC). The study sample includes a total of 60 subjects: 20 apathetic FTD and PD patients, 20 non apathetic FTD and PD patients, and 20 HC matched for age. Two disease-specific apathy-evaluation scales were used to measure the presence of apathy in FTD and PD patients; in the same day, a 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with structural and resting-state functional (fMRI) sequences was acquired. Differences in functional connectivity (FC) were assessed between apathetic and non-apathetic patients with and without primary clinical diagnosis revealed, using a whole-brain, seed-to-seed approach. A significant hypoconnectivity between apathetic patients (both FTD and PD) and HC was detected between left planum polare and both right pre- or post-central gyrus. Finally, to investigate whether such neural alterations were due to the underlying neurodegenerative pathology, we replicated the analysis by considering two independent patients’ samples (i.e., non-apathetic PD and FTD). In these groups, functional differences were no longer detected. These alterations may subtend the involvement of neural pathways implicated in a specific reduction of information/elaboration processing and motor outcome in apathetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Alfano
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Mariachiara Longarzo
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulia Mele
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Marco Aiello
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Dario Grossi
- Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (V.A.); (M.L.); (M.A.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
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11
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Deyab MA, Mele G, Bloise E, Mohsen Q. Novel nanocomposites of Ni-Pc/polyaniline for the corrosion safety of the aluminum current collector in the Li-ion battery electrolyte. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12371. [PMID: 34117302 PMCID: PMC8196105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In electrochemical energy storage systems, Li-ion batteries have drawn considerable interest. However, the corrosion of the aluminum current collector in the LiN(SO2CF3)2 electrolyte has a major effect on battery efficiency. To protect the current collector from the corrosive action of the LiN(SO2CF3)2 electrolyte, new nanocomposites based on Ni(II)tetrakis[4-(2,4-bis-(1,1-dimethyl-propyl)-phenoxy)]phthalocyanine (Ni-Pc) and polyaniline matrix (PANI) (i.e. PANI@Ni-Pc composites) are coated on the aluminum current. SEM, XRD, and EDS were used to characterize the PANI@Ni-Pc composite. This method represents a novel approach to the production of Li-ion batteries. Electrochemical tests show that the PANI@Ni-Pc composites can protect aluminum from corrosion in LiN(SO2CF3)2. The output of PANI@Ni-Pc composites is influenced by the Ni-Pc concentration. The composite PANI@Ni-Pc is a promising way forward to build high-stability Li-Ion batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Deyab
- grid.454081.c0000 0001 2159 1055Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - G. Mele
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - E. Bloise
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Q. Mohsen
- grid.412895.30000 0004 0419 5255Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Longarzo M, Mele G, Alfano V, Salvatore M, Cavaliere C. Gender Brain Structural Differences and Interoception. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:586860. [PMID: 33488344 PMCID: PMC7815642 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.586860] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interoception, the ability to perceive inner body sensations, has been demonstrated to be different among genders, with a stronger female attention toward interoceptive information. No study correlated this capability with brain differences between males and females. This study aims to detect behavioral variances and structural neuroimaging interoception correlates in a sample of healthy volunteers matched for age. Seventy-three participants (37 females, mean age 43.5; 36 males, mean age 37.4) completed the Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ) for interoceptive sensibility and underwent a structural MRI session. A t test corrected for Bonferroni multiple comparisons was performed to compare brain morphological parameters (cortical thickness and parcel volume) in both groups. A multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess the effect of gender on scores obtained on the SAQ. A moderation model through multiple linear regression analysis was performed between gray matter volumes or parcels, cortical thickness, and the interoception score. Group analysis showed significant differences in morphometric brain data between males and females, both for cortical and subcortical volumes, but not for cortical thickness analyses. MANOVA underlined a significant difference in SAQ scores between males and females with higher values for the second ones. Moreover, a significant correlation between the interoception scores and gray matter volumes of the two groups has been detected, with a sharp prevalence for the female gender in the left insula with F1, F2, and SAQ interoception scores (R 2 = 0.41, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that in the female group, a stronger predisposition was found toward interoceptive sensations, and that multiple brain areas were correlated with interoceptive measure. These data sustain a female advantage in the attention toward this process and support the idea that interoception in females is a process more shared across several regions that participate in creating the sense of self.
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Alfano V, Mele G, Cotugno A, Longarzo M. Multimodal neuroimaging in anorexia nervosa. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2178-2207. [PMID: 32770570 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24674] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and complex psychiatric disorder characterized by intense fear about weight gain and finalized to food-related control behaviors. Growing interest has been demonstrated about neurobiological processes subtend to AN physiopathology. The present review aimed to collect neurostructural and neurofunctional available data from 2010 to 2019. Results have been organized according to the neuroimaging technique employed, also including a specific section on electroencephalographic results, mostly neglected in previous reviews. Diffuse cerebral vulnerability has been demonstrated and the contribution of several structures has been identified. Insula, cingulate cortex, parietal and frontal areas are primarily involved both by structural and functional perspectives. Moreover, consistent alterations in white matter integrity and brain electrical activity have been reported. Neuroimaging findings give a substantial contribution to AN pathophysiological description, also in order to understand altered but reversible processes in the passage from acute illness phase to disorder's remission, useful also for defining therapy.
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Mele G, Alfano V, Cotugno A, Longarzo M. A broad-spectrum review on multimodal neuroimaging in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Appetite 2020; 151:104712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Longarzo M, Cavaliere C, Mele G, Tozza S, Tramontano L, Alfano V, Aiello M, Salvatore M, Grossi D. Microstructural Changes in Motor Functional Conversion Disorder: Multimodal Imaging Approach on a Case. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10060385. [PMID: 32570773 PMCID: PMC7348696 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional motor conversion disorders are characterized by neurological symptoms unrelated to brain structural lesions. The present study was conducted on a woman presenting motor symptoms causing motor dysfunction, using advanced multimodal neuroimaging techniques, electrophysiological and neuropsychological assessment. METHODS The patient underwent fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with both task and resting-state paradigms and was compared with 11 healthy matched controls. To test differences in structural parameters, Bayesian comparison was performed. To test differences in functional parameters, a first- and second-level analysis was performed in task fMRI, while a seed-to-seed analysis to evaluate the connections between brain regions and identify intersubject variations was performed in resting-state fMRI. RESULTS FDG-PET showed two patterns of brain metabolism, involving the cortical and subcortical structures. Regarding the diffusion data, microstructural parameters were altered for U-shape fibers for the hand and feet regions. Resting-state analysis showed hypoconnectivity between the parahippocampal and superior temporal gyrus. Neurophysiological assessment showed no alterations. Finally, an initial cognitive impairment was observed, paralleled by an anxiety and mild depressive state. CONCLUSIONS While we confirmed no structural alterations sustaining this functional motor disorder, we report microstructural changes in sensory-motor integration for both the hand and feet regions that could functionally support clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Longarzo
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +081-240-8444
| | - Giulia Mele
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Liberatore Tramontano
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Alfano
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Aiello
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco, 113, 80142 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (G.M.); (L.T.); (V.A.); (M.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Dario Grossi
- Department of Psychology, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
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Deyab MA, Mele G. Stainless steel bipolar plate coated with polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composites coatings for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3277. [PMID: 32094500 PMCID: PMC7039990 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60288-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The proton exchange membrane fuel cells are the promising sustainable energy sources. The present study focuses on the enhancement the fuel cell performance and the protection of the stainless steel bipolar plate from the corrosion using polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composites coatings. The electrochemical properties (polarization and impedance) of the coated 303 stainless steel in 1.0 M H2SO4 solution have been evaluated. The coated 303 stainless steel by new composites exhibits the excellent anti-corrosion activity towards corrosive fuel cell electrolyte. The polyaniline/Zn-Porphyrin composite gives an excellent performance by adding 1.0% of Zn-Porphyrin. This composite improves the output power of the fuel cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Deyab
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), PO Box 11727, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - G Mele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation of University of Salento, via Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy
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17
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Piras F, Santoro O, Pastore T, Pio I, De Dominicis E, Gritti E, Caricato R, Lionetto MG, Mele G, Santoro D. Controlling micropollutants in tertiary municipal wastewater by O 3/H 2O 2, granular biofiltration and UV 254/H 2O 2 for potable reuse applications. Chemosphere 2020; 239:124635. [PMID: 31514013 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive pilot study was carried out to experimentally assess the potential of newly developed treatment trains integrating two-stage AOPs and biofiltration to reach potable reuse water quality standards from municipal wastewater. The processes consisted of a two-stage AOPs with (carbon or limestone) biofiltration, the first AOP (O3/H2O2) serving as pre-treatment to biofiltration and the second AOP (UV254/H2O2) serving as post-biofiltration finishing step to ensure advanced disinfection. A comprehensive monitoring campaign was put in place resulting from the combination of targeted, non-targeted and suspect screening measurements. It was found that 13 organic micropollutants were detected from a list of 219 suspects although at ng/L level only. For the treatment conditions piloted in this study (O3 = 13 ± 0.5 mg/L, H2O2 = 11 ± 0.4 mg/L for the O3/H2O2 process, and UV = 410 ± 63.5 mJ/cm2, H2O2 = 5 mg/l for the UV254/H2O2 process), it was possible to estimate the overall removal efficacy for each unit process, which was found to follow this order: RO (99%) > BAC (87%) > O3-H2O2 (78%) > BAL (67%) > UV/H2O2 (43%) > AOP contact chamber (19%) > UF(0%), with the treatment train integrating two AOPs and granular biofiltration with activated carbon (O3/H2O2 + BAC + UV254/H2O2) showing superior performance with a 99% abatement in total micropollutants. No ecotoxicologically-positive response was generally observed for any of the effluent samples from the tested trains, even when pre-concentration factors up to 100-1000 times were employed to increase the sensitivity of the bioassay methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Piras
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - O Santoro
- AquaSoil S.r.l., via del Calvario 35, 72015 Fasano, Brindisi, Italy
| | - T Pastore
- Regional Environmental Protection Agency - Arpa Puglia, C.so Trieste 27, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - I Pio
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - E De Dominicis
- Mérieux NutriSciences Research, via Fratta 25, 31023, Resana, Treviso, Italy
| | - E Gritti
- Mérieux NutriSciences Research, via Fratta 25, 31023, Resana, Treviso, Italy
| | - R Caricato
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - M G Lionetto
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - G Mele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - D Santoro
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B9, Canada.
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Mele G, Cavaliere C, Alfano V, Orsini M, Salvatore M, Aiello M. Simultaneous EEG-fMRI for Functional Neurological Assessment. Front Neurol 2019; 10:848. [PMID: 31456735 PMCID: PMC6700249 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases requires increasingly sophisticated tools for their diagnosis and monitoring. Clinical assessment takes advantage of objective parameters extracted by electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among others, to support clinical management of neurological diseases. The complementarity of these two tools can be now emphasized by the possibility of integrating the two technologies in a hybrid solution, allowing simultaneous acquisition of the two signals by the novel EEG-fMRI technology. This review will focus on simultaneous EEG-fMRI technology and related early studies, dealing about issues related to the acquisition and processing of simultaneous signals, and including critical discussion about clinical and technological perspectives.
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Deyab MA, Słota R, Bloise E, Mele G. Exploring corrosion protection properties of alkyd@lanthanide bis-phthalocyanine nanocomposite coatings. RSC Adv 2018; 8:1909-1916. [PMID: 35542606 PMCID: PMC9077244 DOI: 10.1039/c7ra09804a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic coatings have been widely used to protect carbon steel pipelines from external corrosion; however, they often suffer from permeability and weak adhesion. Here we show that synthetic lanthanide bis-phthalocyanine complexes, LnPc2 (Ln = lanthanide metal, Pc = C32H16N8 denotes the phthalocyanine ligand) can be used to form new nanocomposite coatings to provide corrosion protection to the underlying carbon steel pipelines. Electrochemical studies (EIS and potentiodynamic polarization) showed that the incorporation of LnPc2 compound (PrPc2, SmPc2 and HoPc2) additives with alkyd coating, leads to a significant increase in the corrosion resistance of carbon steel in 0.5 M HCl solution. The alkyd@LnPc2 nanocomposite coatings absorb very low water volumes, when compared to the neat alkyd coating. LnPc2 compounds allowed enhancing the pull-off adhesion of coatings performance from 3.34 MPa to 19.94 MPa. The efficiency of alkyd@HoPc2 coating appears higher than that of alkyd@PrPc2 and alkyd@SmPc2 coatings. The protective properties of alkyd@LnPc2 coatings were confirmed by SEM, TGA, scratch hardness, impact resistance, bend test and contact angle analysis. Organic coatings have been widely used to protect carbon steel pipelines from external corrosion; however, they often suffer from permeability and weak adhesion.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Deyab
- Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI)
- Cairo
- Egypt
| | - R. Słota
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Opole University
- 45-052 Opole
- Poland
| | - E. Bloise
- Department of Engineering for Innovation of University of Salento
- Lecce
- Italy
| | - G. Mele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation of University of Salento
- Lecce
- Italy
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20
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Mele G, Melpignano A, Quarta G, Palumbo G, Capalbo S, Falcone A, Cascavilla N, Palazzo G, Mazza P, Iannitto E, Curci P, Rizzi R, Specchia G, Rossini B, Pavone V, Ria R, Vacca A, Buquicchio C, Tarantini G, Minoia C, Guarini A, Ditonno P, Polimeno G, Reddiconto G, Di Renzo N. “Real world” outcome of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in the setting of recurrent and refractory multiple myeloma: Extended follow-up of a retrospective multicenter study by the “rete ematologica pugliese”. Leuk Res 2015; 39:279-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Viggiano D, Ianiro G, Vanella G, Bibbò S, Bruno G, Simeone G, Mele G. Gut barrier in health and disease: focus on childhood. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2015; 19:1077-1085. [PMID: 25855935] [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: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The gut barrier is a functional unit, organized as a multi-layer system, made up of two main components: a physical barrier surface, which prevents bacterial adhesion and regulates paracellular diffusion to the host tissues, and a deep functional barrier, that is able to discriminate between pathogens and commensal microorganisms, organizing the immune tolerance and the immune response to pathogens. Other mechanisms, such as gastric juice and pancreatic enzymes (which both have antibacterial properties) participate in the luminal integrity of the gut barrier. From the outer layer to the inner layer, the physical barrier is composed of gut microbiota (that competes with pathogens to gain space and energy resources, processes the molecules necessary to mucosal integrity and modulates the immunological activity of deep barrier), mucus (which separates the intraluminal content from more internal layers and contains antimicrobial products and secretory IgA), epithelial cells (which form a physical and immunological barrier) and the innate and adaptive immune cells forming the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (which is responsible for antigen sampling and immune responses). Disruption of the gut barrier has been associated with many gastrointestinal diseases, but also with extra-intestinal pathological condition, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, allergic diseases or autism spectrum disorders. The maintenance of a healthy intestinal barrier is therefore of paramount importance in children, for both health and economic reasons. Many drugs or compounds used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders act through the restoration of a normal intestinal permeability. Several studies have highlighted the role of probiotics in the modulation and reduction of intestinal permeability, considering the strong influence of gut microbiota in the modulation of the function and structure of gut barrier, but also on the immune response of the host. To date, available weapons for the maintenance and repair of gut barrier are however few, even if promising. Considerable efforts, including both a better understanding of the gut barrier features and mechanisms in health and disease, and the development of new pharmacological approaches for the modulation of gut barrier components, are needed for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal diseases associated with gut barrier impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Viggiano
- Primary Care Pediatrician, ASL Salerno, Italy.
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22
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Feitosa V, Neto D, Carvalho E, Mele G, Carbone L, Sauro S, Fechine P, Rodrigues L. Novel hydroxyapatite nanorods improve the anti-caries efficacy of enamel infiltrants. Dent Mater 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2015.08.041] [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: 11/29/2022]
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Riccardi M, Mele G, Pulvento C, Lavini A, d'Andria R, Jacobsen SE. Non-destructive evaluation of chlorophyll content in quinoa and amaranth leaves by simple and multiple regression analysis of RGB image components. Photosynth Res 2014; 120:263-72. [PMID: 24442792 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-014-9970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Leaf chlorophyll content provides valuable information about physiological status of plants; it is directly linked to photosynthetic potential and primary production. In vitro assessment by wet chemical extraction is the standard method for leaf chlorophyll determination. This measurement is expensive, laborious, and time consuming. Over the years alternative methods, rapid and non-destructive, have been explored. The aim of this work was to evaluate the applicability of a fast and non-invasive field method for estimation of chlorophyll content in quinoa and amaranth leaves based on RGB components analysis of digital images acquired with a standard SLR camera. Digital images of leaves from different genotypes of quinoa and amaranth were acquired directly in the field. Mean values of each RGB component were evaluated via image analysis software and correlated to leaf chlorophyll provided by standard laboratory procedure. Single and multiple regression models using RGB color components as independent variables have been tested and validated. The performance of the proposed method was compared to that of the widely used non-destructive SPAD method. Sensitivity of the best regression models for different genotypes of quinoa and amaranth was also checked. Color data acquisition of the leaves in the field with a digital camera was quick, more effective, and lower cost than SPAD. The proposed RGB models provided better correlation (highest R (2)) and prediction (lowest RMSEP) of the true value of foliar chlorophyll content and had a lower amount of noise in the whole range of chlorophyll studied compared with SPAD and other leaf image processing based models when applied to quinoa and amaranth.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Riccardi
- CNR - Institute for Agricultural and Forest Mediterranean Systems (ISAFoM), Ercolano, NA, Italy,
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24
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Nappi L, Mele G, Angioni S, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Cicinelli E, Greco P. Uterine leiomyosarcoma: report of three cases and review of the literature. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2014; 35:328-331. [PMID: 24984554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This is the report of three cases of unsuspected uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosed by pathologist after hysteroscopic resection. The literature on this issue has been reviewed. Mesenchymal uterine tumors are rare malignancies, occurring in only 17 per one million women annually. The three most common variants of uterine sarcoma are endometrial stromal sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant mixed Müllerian tumour. Less than one percent of women believed to have a leiomyoma actually have a sarcoma at hysterectomy. According to the authors' experience and the available literature reviewed, the removal of the whole myomatosus lesion, even if its appearance suggests a typical submucosal myoma, represents the only method to definitively rule out the presence of sarcomatous tissue.
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Mitra B, Cameron PA, Archer P, Bailey M, Pielage P, Mele G, Smit DV, Newnham H. The association between time to disposition plan in the emergency department and in-hospital mortality of general medical patients. Intern Med J 2013; 42:444-50. [PMID: 21470357 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2011.02502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A perceived risk of time-limited emergency department (ED) assessment of patients is inadequate workup leading to inappropriate disposition. The aim of this study was to examine the association of time to disposition plan (TDP) on ED length of stay (LOS) and correlate this to mortality. METHODS A retrospective review of data collected from ED information systems at three hospitals was conducted between June 2008 and October 2009. Included patients were admitted to a general medical unit. Patients were excluded if admitted to intensive care, coronary care, a cardiac monitored bed or required surgery in first 24 h or had an expected LOS of <48 h. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent associations with mortality. RESULTS A total of 10,107 patient episodes was analysed, of which 6768 patients (67.0%) had an ED LOS of ≥8 h. There was significant effect modification by ED LOS in the association of TDP and mortality. In the setting of longer ED LOS, a TDP of <4 h was associated with significantly higher mortality (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28-1.92, P < 0.001), corrected for age, gender and triage category. This association was not significant when ED LOS was <8 h (OR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.60-1.27, P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the setting of prolonged ED LOS, completing ED assessment and management within 4 h of presentation was associated with significantly higher mortality. Further prospective studies are required to understand the relationship between rapid decision making in the ED and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mitra
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Caiulo VA, Gargani L, Caiulo S, Fisicaro A, Moramarco F, Latini G, Picano E, Mele G. The role of ultrasound in community-acquired pneumonia. Pediatr Pulmonol 2013; 48:1043-4. [PMID: 23401424 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.22787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V A Caiulo
- School of Ultrasound of Italian Federation of Pediatricians, Brindisi, Italy
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Mitra B, Cameron PA, Archer P, Bailey M, Pielage P, Mele G, Smit DV, Newnham H. Reply. Intern Med J 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2012.02944.x] [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: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Mitra
- Emergency and Trauma Centre; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - P. A. Cameron
- Emergency and Trauma Centre; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - P. Archer
- Emergency Department; Maroondah Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - M. Bailey
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - P. Pielage
- Emergency Department; Launceston General Hospital; Launceston Tasmania Australia
| | - G. Mele
- Emergency Department; Maroondah Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - D. V. Smit
- Emergency and Trauma Centre; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - H. Newnham
- Department of Medicine; The Alfred Hospital; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Mitra B, Cameron PA, Archer P, Bailey M, Pielage P, Mele G, Smit DV, Newnham H. Reply. Intern Med J 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2012.02857.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: 11/28/2022]
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Loseto G, Canaris D, Mele G, Battista C, Cucci F, Quarta G. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation caused by hypokalemia in a healthy donor who underwent PBSC apheresis. Bone Marrow Transplant 2012; 48:155-6. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2012.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bottaro G, Biasci P, Lo Giudice M, Mele G, Montanari G, Napoleone E, Santucci A, Tucci PL, Fano M, Biraghi MG. [5 days Cefaclor vs. 10 days amoxicillin/clavulanate in the treatment of childhood streptococcal pharyngitis. Data from a randomized clinical trial]. Minerva Pediatr 2012; 64:341-346. [PMID: 22555328] [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: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
AIM The duration of therapy represents a fundamental aspect in the compliance to the therapy of child pathologies, such as pharyngotonsillitis, treated with oral therapy. Although penicillin and amoxicillin are the first choice antibiotics in the case of a child suffering from pharyngotonsillitis with the proven presence of Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS), the number of orally administered doses and 10 days of therapy, considerably lower the compliance. METHODS An open phase IV randomized multicenter clinical trial was conducted in parallel groups, involving 49 family pediatrician (FP), distributed over the entire national territory, enrolling 435 children suffering from GAS-FT. 210 children received Cefaclor, 50 mg/kg/day, administered twice daily for five days, whilst 213 children received amoxicillin/clavulanate 40 mg/kg/day administered twice daily for 10 days. RESULTS The results showed percentages of eradication of 88.4% for the Cefaclor group and 94.3% for the amoxicillin/clavulanate group, and a positive clinical judgement of 92.3% for the Cefaclor group and 96.6% for the amoxicillin/clavulanate group. The two arms of the study did not have any significant statistical differences, neither for the eradication, nor for the clinical judgement nor for the reduction of the Milano Score between the beginning and the end of treatment, with a P=0.042 for amoxicillin/clavulanate for eradication. CONCLUSION This study confirms that the administration of Cefaclor for five days during GAS-FT has the same efficacy as a 10-day therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanate, with a clearly different compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bottaro
- Pediatra di Famiglia, Catania, Italia.
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Ruggiero G, Gelmetti C, Adamo MC, Baldessarri D, Bonfanti R, Brero P, Calzaretti R, Candelori G, Danesi R, D'Amanti V, Golinelli L, Guttuso D, La Vecchia di Tocco A, Sapia MG, Sarra E, Zinna M, Ferrara M, Russomando M, Mele G. Atopic dermatitis (AD) management in an Italian pediatric clinic. GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2012; 147:71-81. [PMID: 22370570] [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: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
AIM Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry skin and variable pruritus sometimes associated with allergic disease in other organs as asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. AD affects deeply the Quality of Life, thus can be extremely disabling and may cause psychological problems for both affected children and their families. METHODS In order to investigate the estimated prevalence of the disease and the beliefs of the Italian pediatricians, a group of 437 Italian family pediatricians covering a population of almost 380000 children participated in a study based on a questionnaire of 38 items. RESULTS According to answers of the participants, the incidence of AD has been estimated around 10% of the population and food allergy is believed to be the trigger of the acute phase of the disease in infants. As a second opinion, dermatologists are consulted more frequently than allergologists. CONCLUSION The use of emollients is advised in general whilst topical corticosteroids treatment is prescribed only in selected cases; more than 50% of pediatricians do not prescribe topical calcineurin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ruggiero
- Italian Federation of Pediatricians, Italy
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Mele G, Li J, Mazzetto S. Cardanol: from waste of the cashew agro-industry to bio-based catalysts used for the photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol in water. J Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.09.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Marcì G, García-López E, Mele G, Palmisano L, Dyrda G, Słota R. Comparison of the photocatalytic degradation of 2-propanol in gas–solid and liquid–solid systems by using TiO2–LnPc2 hybrid powders. Catal Today 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2008.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Guarino A, Ansaldi F, Ugazio A, Chiamenti G, Bona G, Correra A, Di Pietro P, Mele G, Sapia MG. [Italian Pediatrician's consensus statement on anti-Rotavirus vaccines]. Minerva Pediatr 2008; 60:3-16. [PMID: 18277359] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Guarino
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italia.
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Di Mauro G, Di Pietro P, Mele G, Tancredi F, Brusoni G, Venturelli L, Moretto R. [From 0 to 6 years: a guide for the family. A project of the Ministry of Health and Scientific Societies of Pediatric Area]. Minerva Pediatr 2007; 59:471-472. [PMID: 17947875] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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37
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Ferrara F, Palmieri S, Viola A, Annunziata M, D'Amico M, Tambaro F, Mele G. C016 A previous diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome has no influence on the clinical outcome of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. Leuk Res 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(07)70054-1] [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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38
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Vernaglione L, Pennacchiotti F, Cristofano C, Mele G, Distratis C, Perrone F, Frascina M, Nosella V, Vico GB, Farina T, Massafra MG, Renna G, Murri M, Chimienti S. Cross-Sectional Analysis of Predictors of the Blood Pressure (BP) in Patients on Long-Term Haemodialysis (HD). High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2007. [DOI: 10.2165/00151642-200714030-00026] [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: 11/02/2022] Open
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Esmeraldo M, Gonçalves N, Rios M, Mele G, Vasconcellos L, Mazzetto S. Thermal and photochemical behavior of trans-ruthenium(II) dichloride tetraphosphite complexes. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2006.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Palmieri S, D'Arco AM, Celentano M, Mele G, Califano C, Pollio F, D'Amico MR, Ferrara F. An antecedent diagnosis of refractory anemia with excess blasts has no prognostic relevance in acute myeloid leukemia of older adult patients. Ann Oncol 2006; 17:1146-51. [PMID: 16687417 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting results have been reported about the prognostic relevance of antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of older adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 87 intensively treated AML patients (median age 69 years) were analyzed, with the aim of comparing therapeutic results and toxicity between de novo and AML secondary to a previous MDS (s-AML). Rate of CD34+ cells mobilization and feasibility of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) were also compared. RESULTS Complete remission rate, death in induction and primary resistance were not statistically different between the two groups. Median time for neutrophil recovery was similar, while s-AML patients required a longer time for platelet recovery (P = 0.04). There was no difference as to eligibility for consolidation as well as for mobilization and feasibility of ASCT. S-AML had negligible impact on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). In the multivariate analysis the only parameter significantly related to either OS or DFS duration was adverse karyotype (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A diagnosis of s-AML does not represent a clinically relevant prognostic factor in elderly AML patients treated with aggressive therapy. Furthermore, s-AML patients can be mobilized and autografted with comparable results as opposed to de novo cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Palmieri
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
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41
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Mele G, Di Domenica F, Locati F, Gattoronchieri V, Silingardi M. [Rehabilitation, physical therapy or Back School?]. Reumatismo 2006; 58 Spec No.1:102-105. [PMID: 23631075] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G Mele
- Dipartimento di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione, Istituto Ortopedico G. Pini, Milano
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42
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Mele G, Musci M, Musto C, D'Amato L, Traficante A, Di Renzo N. Pneumonia caused by Trichosporon pullulans in an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant recipient: possible misidentification. Bone Marrow Transplant 2005; 35:1219-20. [PMID: 15880134 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1704987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Ferrara F, Palmieri S, Annunziata M, Viola A, Pocali B, Califano C, D'Arco AM, Mele G. Continuous infusion idarubicin and oral busulfan as conditioning for patients with acute myeloid leukemia aged over 60 years undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2004; 34:573-6. [PMID: 15258559 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1704611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While mortality and toxicity from ASCT have been reduced, relapse rate is still high. In a prospective study, we investigated the feasibility of a new conditioning regimen consisting of high-dose idarubicin plus busulfan in AML patients aged over 60 years undergoing ASCT. A total of 14 patients (median age: 64 years) received 2 days continuous infusion of idarubicin at 20 mg/m2/day, followed by 3 days of oral busulfan (4 mg/kg/day) as conditioning. No case of transplant-related mortality occurred. The median number of days to neutrophil ( > 0.5 x 10(9)/l) and platelet ( > 20 x 10(9)/l) recovery was 11 and 12, respectively. Cardiac toxicity was absent, while 12 patients (86%) had grade 3-4 mucositis. After a median follow-up of 9 months from ASCT, nine of 14 patients are alive in continuous complete remission (CR), four have relapsed at 3, 6, 8 and 9 months, and one died in CR1 from gastric cancer. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of a conditioning regimen based on high-dose idarubicin plus busulfan in elderly AML patients. Results concerning reduction of relapse rate need confirmation in a larger series with longer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, A Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy.
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44
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Sannino A, Madaghiele M, Conversano F, Mele G, Maffezzoli A, Netti PA, Ambrosio L, Nicolais L. Cellulose Derivative−Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microporous Hydrogels Cross-Linked through Divinyl Sulfone (DVS) To Modulate Equilibrium Sorption Capacity and Network Stability. Biomacromolecules 2003; 5:92-6. [PMID: 14715013 DOI: 10.1021/bm0341881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to obtain a chemically cross-linked hydrogel from hyaluronic acid and cellulose derivatives that exhibits sensitivity to variation of the composition of the external absorbing medium and an equilibrium sorption capacity higher than a common hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel, in view of its potential use in prevention of postsurgical soft tissue adhesion. This has been achieved by chemical stabilization of hyaluronic acid (HA) and cellulose derivatives, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) through the difunctional cross-linker divinyl sulfone. Significant increase in sorption capacity, both in water and in water solutions at different ionic strength, has been observed for these samples in comparison with hydrogels obtained through chemical stabilization of hyaluronic acid. Moreover, different dehydration procedures adopted for the xerogel synthesis have been used, which resulted in a modulation of the equilibrium sorption capacity. Hyaluronic acid stability has been confirmed by means of NMR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sannino
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Lecce, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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45
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Ferrara F, Annunziata M, Schiavone EM, Copia C, De Simone M, Pollio F, Palmieri S, Viola A, Russo C, Mele G. High-dose idarubicin and busulphan as conditioning for autologous stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia: a feasibility study. Hematol J 2002; 2:214-9. [PMID: 11920252 DOI: 10.1038/sj.thj.6200122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2001] [Accepted: 03/20/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Between 30 and 50% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia still relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation. We investigated the feasibility of a new conditioning regimen consisting of high dose IDA plus oral busulphan in patients undergoing autologous transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients (n = 13) were given three days continuous infusion IDA, followed by four days conventional dose oral busulphan as conditioning. Peripheral blood stem cells were used in all cases. Eleven patients were in CR1. Patients with t(8;21) and inv(16) as well as those with acute promyelocytic leukemia were excluded from the study. The median of CD34+ cells infused was 6.2 x 10(6)/l (2.6-16.1). RESULTS No case of transplant-related mortality occurred. The median number of days to neutrophil (>0.5 x 10(9)/l) and platelet (>20 x 10(9)/l) recovery was 10 (7-21) and 20 (9-26), respectively. Patients needed a median of 3 platelet units (1-6) and 3 blood units (0-12), respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction remained unmodified after ASCT. Twelve out of 13 patients (92%) had variable grade of mucositis (two grade 2, five grade 3 and five grade 4). Total parenteral nutrition was needed in nine patients (69%). After a median follow-up of 14 months from ASCT, 11 patients out of 13 (85%) are alive in continuous CR; the other two patients experienced relapse at 12 and 14 months. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate the feasibility of a conditioning regimen based on high-dose IDA plus Busulphan in AML. Results concerning antileukemic efficacy are promising, but need confirmation on larger series with longer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Cardarelli General Hospital, Naples, Italy.
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46
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Pastore D, Specchia G, Mele G, Montagna MT, Margari A, Carluccio P, Nacchiero M, Liso V. Typhlitis complicating induction therapy in adult acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2002; 43:911-4. [PMID: 12153186 DOI: 10.1080/10428190290017105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In a retrospective analysis of 161 consecutive adult patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia undergoing induction therapy, including cytarabine, etoposide and anthracyclines, seven patients (4.3%) developed typhlitis. All presented severe neutropenia, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness within 16 days from starting chemotherapy (median 11 days; range 5-16). Three patients underwent surgery and survived, four were treated only with supportive therapy: two recovered and two died. In our experience early recognition of typhlitis and rapid recovery of the neutrophils are the most important determinants of the results of surgical and/or medical approaches. The management of typhlitis, a life-threatening condition, is controversial and depends on many factors characterizing each patient, which must be evaluated in collaboration between the surgeon and the hematologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pastore
- Department of Medicine-DIMIMP Hematology, University of Bari, Italy
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Ferrara F, Annunziata M, Pollio F, Palmieri S, Copia C, Mele G, Pocali B, Schiavone EM. Vincristine as treatment for recurrent episodes of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ann Hematol 2002; 81:7-10. [PMID: 11807628 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-001-0395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2001] [Accepted: 10/01/2001] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The clinical course of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has dramatically improved after the introduction of plasma-based therapy, including plasma exchange and plasma infusion. However, a considerable number of patients still experience relapse after initial successful treatment. In this study, vincristine (VCR) was given as salvage treatment in 12 episodes of recurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in seven patients, concomitantly with short-term plasma infusion. Complete remission (CR) was defined by normal platelet, hemoglobin, and serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) values as well as by absence of clinical signs. Of 12 patients, 12 achieved CR following therapy with VCR. The median duration of CR was 15 months (range: 2-16). Toxicity was mild consisting of paresthesias in three cases, leukopenia in one case, and autonomic neuropathy leading to paralytic ileus in one case. We conclude that VCR is remarkably effective for recurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with acceptable toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Division of Hematology, Cardarelli Hospital, Via Niccolò Piccinni 6, 80128 Naples, Italy.
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Naidu S, Winget CM, Jenner JW, Mele G, Holley DC. Effects of housing density on mouse physiology and behavior in the NASA Animal Enclosure Module simulators. J Gravit Physiol 2001; 2:P140. [PMID: 11538900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Space flight studies using the Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) make it possible to investigate the role of microgravity on animal physiology and behavior. In this study, we compared the health and well-being of mice housed at different densities in AEM simulators (AEMS), to vivarium shoebox (control) cages (VSBC). A stress assessment battery (SAB) of measures was developed to evaluate mouse health and well-being, and to determine if any of the population sizes resulted in a stressful environment. The SAB was based, in part, on recommendations of a NASA Workshop on Rodent Cage Sizing. It includes: 1) General assessment of appearance, 2) Behavioral assessment (video), 3) Food and water consumption, 4) Body weight changes, 5) Thymus, adrenal, spleen, heart and kidney weights, 6) Plasma corticosterone concentration, 7) Total plasma protein concentration, 8) Total blood leukocyte count, 9) Differential leukocyte count: neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; eosinophil count, 10) Gastric histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Naidu
- Space Life Sciences Payloads Office, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
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Frugis G, Giannino D, Mele G, Nicolodi C, Chiappetta A, Bitonti MB, Innocenti AM, Dewitte W, Van Onckelen H, Mariotti D. Overexpression of KNAT1 in lettuce shifts leaf determinate growth to a shoot-like indeterminate growth associated with an accumulation of isopentenyl-type cytokinins. Plant Physiol 2001; 126:1370-80. [PMID: 11500537 PMCID: PMC117138 DOI: 10.1104/pp.126.4.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2000] [Revised: 03/08/2001] [Accepted: 04/30/2001] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Leaves are specialized organs characterized by defined developmental destiny and determinate growth. The overexpression of Knotted1-like homeobox genes in different species has been shown to alter leaf shape and development, but a definite role for this class of genes remains to be established. Transgenics that overexpress Knotted1-like genes present some traits that are characteristic of altered cytokinin physiology. Here we show that lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves that overexpress KNAT1, an Arabidopsis kn1-like gene, acquire characteristics of indeterminate growth typical of the shoot and that this cell fate change is associated with the accumulation of specific types of cytokinins. The possibility that the phenotypic effects of KNAT1 overexpression may arise primarily from the modulation of local ratios of different cytokinins is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Frugis
- Istituto di Biochimica ed Ecofisiologia Vegetali del Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche, via Salaria km 29,300-00016 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
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Liso V, Albano F, Pastore D, Carluccio P, Mele G, Lamacchia M, Mestice A, Specchia G. Bone marrow aspirate on the 14th day of induction treatment as a prognostic tool in de novo adult acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2000; 85:1285-90. [PMID: 11114136] [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: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a variety of clinical and biological parameters have been examined for their potential value in predicting treatment response. Early response to induction therapy could be an important prognostic factor in this disease. DESIGN AND METHODS We studied the relationship between reduced blasts in bone marrow aspirate on the 14th day (BMA14th) of induction chemotherapy and treatment outcome in 198 adult AML patients of whom 124 were < 60 years old (group A) and 74 > or = 60 years old (group B). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the prognostic performance of BMA14th. Using the percentages of blasts of < or = 22% and < or = 15% as criteria for predicting treatment outcome gave the highest accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity in groups A and B, respectively. RESULTS In group A, of 97 patients with a BMA14th < or = 22%, 77 (79%) achieved complete remission (CR), whereas of 27 patients with a BMA14th > 22%, 22 (81%) were non-responders (NR) (p < 0.0001). The test sensitivity and specificity were 93.9% and 71.4%, respectively. In group B, of 27 patients with a BMA14th < or = 15%, 18 (67%) achieved CR, whereas of 47 patients with a BMA14th >15%, 38 (81%) were NR (p = 0.0001). The test sensitivity and specificity were 66.7% and 80.9%, respectively. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that BMA14th may be a predictive test for CR, helping to identify NR patients early in their disease. Further studies are needed to establish the practical implications of the results of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Liso
- Department of Hematology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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