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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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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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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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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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Ciaffi J, Mele G, Mancarella L, Brusi V, Lisi L, Faranda Cordella J, Lubrano E, D'Angelo S, Meliconi R, Ursini F. Prevalence of Type 2 and Type 1 Diabetes in Psoriatic Arthritis: An Italian Study. J Clin Rheumatol 2022; 28:e324-e329. [PMID: 35192591 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001706] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is burdened by an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases. Comorbid diabetes may represent one of the key factors contributing to this risk. The aim of our medical records review study was to investigate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) in an Italian PsA cohort. METHODS The clinical records of all patients consecutively seen at our clinic with a diagnosis of PsA during a 12-month period were reviewed to identify comorbid T2D or T1D. For comparison, a 1:1 age- and sex-matched group of individuals with noninflammatory diseases was recruited. RESULTS The final study cohort comprised 408 patients. The prevalence of T2D was 7.8% (95% confidence interval, 5.6-10.8) in PsA and 4.4% in controls (95% confidence interval, 2.8-6.9; p = 0.04). Two cases (0.49%) of T1D were identified in the PsA cohort, whereas no cases were observed in controls. In a multivariate logistic regression model including age, disease duration, and body mass index (BMI) as covariates, increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.079; p = 0.006) and BMI (OR, 1.188; p = 0.011) but not PsA duration predicted being classified as having T2D. In a similar model accounting for age and BMI, average disease activity score including 28 joints and C-reactive protein showed a trend toward significance (OR, 1.639; p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data provide further support to the emerging evidence of an increased risk of T2D in PsA patients. Cardiometabolic comorbidity represents a significant aspect of integrated arthritis management to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes and to provide a comprehensive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- From the Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Patologie Ortopediche Complesse
| | - Giulio Mele
- From the Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Patologie Ortopediche Complesse
| | - Luana Mancarella
- From the Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Patologie Ortopediche Complesse
| | - Veronica Brusi
- From the Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Patologie Ortopediche Complesse
| | - Lucia Lisi
- From the Medicine and Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Patologie Ortopediche Complesse
| | | | - Ennio Lubrano
- Academic Rheumatology Unit, Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute "Vincenzo Tiberio," Università degli Studi del Molise, Campobasso
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7
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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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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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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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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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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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12
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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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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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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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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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22
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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39
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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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40
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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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41
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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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42
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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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43
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Festa M, Ricciardelli G, Mele G, Pietropaolo C, Ruffo A, Colonna A. Overexpression of H ferritin and up-regulation of iron regulatory protein genes during differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:36708-12. [PMID: 10978328 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m004988200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of iron-dependent oxidative metabolism in protecting the oxidable substrates contained in mature adipocytes is still unclear. Because differentiation increases ferritin formation in several cell types, thereby leading to an accumulation of H-rich isoferritins, we investigated whether differentiation affects iron metabolism in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. To this aim, we evaluated the expression of the genes coding for the H and L ferritin subunits and for cytoplasmic iron regulatory protein (IRP) during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells in adipocytes induced by the addition of isobutylmethylxanthine, insulin, and dexamethasone. Differentiation enhanced ferritin formation and caused overexpression of the H subunit, thus altering the H/L subunit ratio. Northern blot analysis showed increased levels of H subunit mRNA. A gel retardation assay of cytoplasmic extract from differentiated cells, using an iron-responsive element as a probe, revealed enhanced an RNA binding capacity of IRP1, which correlated with the increase of IRP1 mRNA. The observed correlation between differentiation and iron metabolism in adipocytes suggests that an accumulation of H-rich isoferritin may limit the toxicity of iron in adipose tissue, thus exerting an antioxidant function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Festa
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia Sperimentale, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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44
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Wistuba II, Behrens C, Virmani AK, Mele G, Milchgrub S, Girard L, Fondon JW, Garner HR, McKay B, Latif F, Lerman MI, Lam S, Gazdar AF, Minna JD. High resolution chromosome 3p allelotyping of human lung cancer and preneoplastic/preinvasive bronchial epithelium reveals multiple, discontinuous sites of 3p allele loss and three regions of frequent breakpoints. Cancer Res 2000; 60:1949-60. [PMID: 10766185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Allele loss involving chromosome arm 3p is one of the most frequent and earliest known genetic events in lung cancer pathogenesis and may affect several potential tumor suppressor gene regions. To further study the role of chromosome 3p allele loss in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, we performed high resolution loss of heterozygosity (LOH) studies on 97 lung cancer and 54 preneoplastic/preinvasive microdissected respiratory epithelial samples using a panel of 28 3p markers. Allelic losses of 3p were detected in 96% of the lung cancers and in 78% of the preneoplastic/preinvasive lesions. The allele losses were often multiple and discontinuous, with areas of LOH interspersed with areas of retention of heterozygosity. Most small cell lung carcinomas (91%) and squamous cell carcinomas (95%) demonstrated larger 3p segments of allele loss, whereas most (71%) of the adenocarcinomas and preneoplastic/preinvasive lesions had smaller chromosome areas of 3p allele loss. There was a progressive increase in the frequency and size of 3p allele loss regions with increasing severity of histopathological preneoplastic/preinvasive changes. In analyses of the specific parental allele lost comparing 42 preneoplastic/preinvasive foci with those lost in the lung cancer in the same patient (n = 10), the same parental allele was lost in 88% of 244 comparisons for 28 3p markers (P = 1.2 x 10(-36) for this occurring by chance). This indicates the occurrence of allele-specific loss in these foci similar to that seen in the tumor by a currently unknown mechanism. Analysis of all of the data indicated multiple regions of localized 3p allele loss including telomere-D3S1597, D3S1111-D3S2432, D3S2432-D3S1537, D3S1537, D3S1537-D3S1612, D3S4604/Luca19.1-D3S4622/Luca4.1, D3S4624/Luca2.1, D3S4624/Luca2.1-D3S1582, D3S1766, D3S1234-D3S1300 (FHIT/FRA3B region centered on D3S1300), D3S1284-D3S1577 (U2020/DUTT1 region centered on D3S1274), and D3S1511-centromere. A panel of six markers in the 600-kb 3p21.3 deletion region showed loss in 77% of the lung cancers, 70% of normal or preneoplastic/preinvasive lesions associated with lung cancer, and 49% of 47 normal, mildly abnormal, or preneoplastic/preinvasive lesions found in smokers without lung cancer; however, loss was seen in 0% of 18 epithelial samples from seven never smokers. The 600-kb 3p21.3 region and the 3p14.2 (FHIT/FRA3B) and 3p12 (U2020/DUTT1) regions were common, independent sites of breakpoints (retention of heterozygosity by some markers and LOH by other markers in the immediate region). We conclude that 3p allele loss is nearly universal in lung cancer pathogenesis; involves multiple, discrete, 3p LOH sites that often show a "discontinuous LOH" pattern in individual tumors; occurs in preneoplastic/preinvasive lesions in smokers with and without lung cancer (multiple lesions often lose the same parental allele); frequently involves breakpoints in at least three very small defined genomic regions; and appears to have allele loss and breakpoints first occurring in the 600-kb 3p21.3 region. These findings are consistent with previously reported LOH studies in a variety of tumors showing allele loss occurring by mitotic recombination and induced by oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Wistuba
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390, USA
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45
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Tedeschi A, Montillo M, Ferrara F, Nosari A, Mele G, Copia C, Leoni P, Morra E. Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in the blastic phase with fludarabine, cytosine arabinoside and G-CSF (FLAG). Eur J Haematol 2000; 64:182-7. [PMID: 10997884 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2000.90066.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the association of fludarabine plus Ara-C and G-CSF (FLAG) in the treatment of 15 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the blastic phase (CML-BP). Patients achieving a partial remission (PR) after the first course received a second FLAG. Complete remission (CR) was consolidated with another FLAG regimen. Patients were then submitted to an individualized program of treatment depending on age and suitable donors. Overall seven patients achieved CR (46.7%), three (20%) showed a primary resistant disease, while three (20%) died during remission induction therapy. Five of them received a consolidation therapy; in two cases further treatment was not performed because of severe toxicity. Median overall survival and disease-free survival were of 7.5 and 4.5 months, respectively. FLAG proved to be effective in achieving a high CR rate in patients with CML-BP. Median overall survival and disease-free survival were not significantly improved compared to previous studies. Nevertheless, the treatment was well tolerated even in a group of heavily pretreated patients, allowing further transplantation opportunities in younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tedeschi
- Division of Hematology, Niguarda Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
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46
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Giannino D, Frugis G, Ticconi C, Florio S, Mele G, Santini L, Cozza R, Bitonti MB, Innocenti A, Mariotti D. Isolation and molecular characterisation of the gene encoding the cytoplasmic ribosomal protein S28 in Prunus persica [L.]] Batsch. Mol Gen Genet 2000; 263:201-12. [PMID: 10778738 DOI: 10.1007/s004380051161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RT-PCR was performed on peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) RNA to isolate cDNAs corresponding to transcripts which are differentially expressed in leaves borne on basal and apical shoots. A gene was identified which was more highly expressed in the leaves of basal shoots, and codes for the cytoplasmic protein S28 present in the small ribosomal subunit. The 5' leader regions of RPS28 mRNAs were found to harbour 8-11 pyrimidine tracts, which suggested similarities to regulatory stretches that control the translation of mRNAs for ribosomal proteins in animals. The peach S28 is encoded by two intron-containing genes, which are both transcribed in mitotically active tissues such as developing leaves and roots. In situ hybridisation to shoot vegetative apices and the measurement of nucleus/nucleolus ratios indicated that RPS28 expression was confined to areas undergoing active cell division. The mature RPS28 mRNA was detected as a single species in actively dividing tissues such as apical tips, developing leaves, vegetative buds, stamens, developing fruits and roots. In contrast, accumulation of a precursor RNA, in the presence of the mature product, was found in fully expanded leaves and subtending stems, while only the precursor species was detected in several late-stage tissues. This phenomenon suggested that expression of the mature RNA is controlled at the level of splicing and turnover of the precursor RNA. This is similar to the mode of regulation of ribosomal protein genes in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giannino
- Institute of Plant Biochemistry and Ecophysiology of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome.
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47
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Ferrara F, Leoni F, Pinto A, Mirto S, Morra E, Zagonel V, Mele G, Ciolli S, Magrin S, Montillo M. Fludarabine, cytarabine, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for the treatment of high risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Cancer 1999; 86:2006-13. [PMID: 10570425] [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: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with high risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (i.e., refractory anemia with excess of blasts [RAEB] and refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation [RAEB-t]) usually is poor. The combination of fludarabine, cytarabine, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (FLAG regimen) has been reported to be effective in patients with these diseases. METHODS Forty-two patients (32 with RAEB-t and 10 with RAEB) were treated with the FLAG regimen. The median age was 61 years (range, 27-74 years). Forty patients were diagnosed with primary MDS and 2 patients had treatment-related MDS. Induction therapy was comprised of the FLAG regimen, whereas consolidation therapy included idarubicin and cytarabine. Patients with a compatible donor and who were age < 50 years were scheduled to undergo an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), whereas for those patients without a donor and who were age < 60 years autologous BMT with peripheral blood stem cells mobilized by the consolidation regimen plus G-CSF was planned. RESULTS Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 31 of 42 patients (74%; 95% confidence interval, 60-87%). Death during induction therapy occurred in 4 patients (9%) whereas 7 patients (17%) were resistant to the FLAG regimen. Toxicity from the consolidation regimen was negligible. All patients age < 50 years and achieving CR were eligible for allogeneic BMT procedures, with early recurrence being the only reason for exclusion. The median overall survival and disease free survival were 13 months and 18 months, respectively. Patients with favorable cytogenetics had a significantly better outcome compared with those patients with an adverse karyotype. CONCLUSIONS The FLAG regimen is effective in patients with high risk MDS as well as in patients age > 60 years. The toxicity of the regimen is low and the majority of patients are eligible to undergo allogeneic BMT procedures after induction/consolidation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Divisione di Ematologia, Ospedale Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
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48
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Ferrara F, Copia C, Annunziata M, Spasiano A, Di Grazia C, Palmieri S, Prossomariti L, Mele G. Vincristine as salvage treatment for refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ann Hematol 1999; 78:521-3. [PMID: 10602896 DOI: 10.1007/s002770050549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vincristine (1.4 mg/m(2) on day 1, followed by 1 mg on days 4 and 7) was given to eight patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) who were refractory to plasma exchange (n=4) or plasma infusion (n=4). Seven of eight patients (87%) achieved a complete response; one was refractory to treatment and died within a few weeks. After a median follow-up of 50 months, all responding patients are alive and well. Two patients relapsed and were successfully retreated with vincristine. Toxicity was mild, consisting of two episodes of leukopenia and one of autonomic neuropathy leading to paralytic ileus in a patient aged 70 years. We conclude that vincristine is highly effective in the treatment of patients suffering from refractory TTP, with negligible toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Division of Hematology, Cardarelli General Hospital, Naples, Italy.
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49
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Ferrara F, Melillo L, Montillo M, Leoni F, Pinto A, Mele G, Mirto S. Fludarabine, cytarabine, and G-CSF (FLAG) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia relapsing after autologous stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 1999; 78:380-4. [PMID: 10460353 DOI: 10.1007/s002770050533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-six patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who relapsed after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) were treated with the FLAG regimen (fludarabine, cytarabine, and G-CSF). Their median age was 39 years (range 14-59). The median interval from achievement of CR to ASCT was 4 months (2-8). The conditioning regimen was BAVC (BCNU, amsacrine, VP-16, cytarabine) in eight patients, BuCy (busulfan, cyclophosphamide) in 13, and TBI-Cy (total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide) in five. Relapse occurred after a median of 7 months (2-18). ASCT had been performed in CR1 for 23 patients and in CR2 for three. Nineteen patients had been given bone marrow, seven peripheral blood stem cells collected following consolidation plus G-CSF. Overall, CR was obtained by 13 patients (50%), all remitters requiring a single course. The median time for hematological recovery of neutrophils >500/microl and platelets >20,000/microl was 24 and 30 days, respectively. The median duration of G-CSF administration was 25 days, while the median hospitalization was 31 days. There were four deaths in induction (15%), while nine patients (35%) were resistant. After achieving CR, two patients received allogeneic BMT, five a second ASCT, and four were consolidated with HD-ARA-C. Only two patients were judged unable to receive any further therapy. There were 14 documented infections, while nine patients experienced fever of unknown origin. WHO >2 nonhematological toxicity consisted of stomatitis (50%), hepatic dysfunction (11%), diarrhea (11%), and lethargy (4%). Median overall survival and disease-free survival were 6 and 13 months, respectively. Six patients are in CCR at present. We conclude that FLAG is effective in patients with AML who are relapsing after ASCT. The toxicity is acceptable, enabling most patients to receive further treatment, including second transplantation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ferrara
- Divisione di Ematologia, Ospedale Cardarelli, Naples, Italy.
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50
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Frugis G, Mele G, Giannino D, Mariotti D. MsJ1, an alfalfa DnaJ-like gene, is tissue-specific and transcriptionally regulated during cell cycle. Plant Mol Biol 1999; 40:397-408. [PMID: 10437824 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006215231492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
DnaJ-like proteins are molecular chaperones that regulate Hsp70 ATPase activity both in protein folding, assembly and disassembly of protein complexes. Here we report the isolation of MsJ1, an alfalfa gene encoding a protein homologous to cytosolic DnaJ-like proteins. MsJ1 was induced under heat-shock treatment in both leaves and stems of adult plants. In the absence of heat shock MsJ1 expression was tissue-specific with the highest levels of mRNA in roots and in embryonal structures. High levels of transcript were also detected in cotyledons where active degradation of storage protein occurs. In synchronized alfalfa suspension-cultured cells the MsJ1 transcript was actively expressed and showed a phase-specific modulation during cell cycle with a 2-fold induction in G2/M. These findings suggest that DnaJ-like proteins play an active role in regulating normal cellular events like protein degradation, morphogenesis and cell cycle progression.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Base Sequence
- Cell Cycle
- DNA Primers/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Plant/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
- Genes, Plant
- HSP40 Heat-Shock Proteins
- Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics
- Hot Temperature
- Medicago sativa/cytology
- Medicago sativa/genetics
- Medicago sativa/metabolism
- Molecular Chaperones/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Plant Proteins/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Plant/genetics
- RNA, Plant/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Tissue Distribution
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- G Frugis
- Istituto di Biochimica ed Ecofisiologia Vegetali, CNR, Scalo (RM), Italy
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