1
|
Rampacci E, Diaferia M, Lucentini L, Brustenga L, Capasso M, Girardi S, Gizzi I, Primavilla S, Veronesi F, Passamonti F. Detection of zoonotic enteropathogens in captive large felids in Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:200-209. [PMID: 38017609 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Within the One Health paradigm, infectious disease surveillance have been developed for domestic and wild animals, leaving the role of captive non-domestic populations, especially felids in zoos and circuses, less explored. This study addresses the proximity of these captive animals to urban areas, necessitating focused monitoring for potential zoonotic enteropathogens. The present work aimed to investigate the presence of such zoonotic enteropathogens in faecal samples from captive large felid populations. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 108 faecal samples were collected in three circuses, five zoos and one rescue centre across Italy. Salmonella spp. isolation, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on all samples. Additionally, 60 samples were also examined for gastrointestinal parasites using standard coprological techniques. Giardia spp. detection employed direct immunofluorescent staining and specific PCR, while Toxoplasma gondii was detected using PCR targeting B1 gene. A total of 51 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were isolated, with predominant serovariants including Infantis (43.1%), Coeln (11.8%) and Newport (11.8%). The captive felids likely act as asymptomatic carriers of foodborne Salmonella, with notable resistance ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, no resistance to enrofloxacin was noted. Microscopic analysis revealed Toxascaris leonina eggs in 11 faecal samples (18.3%) and Giardia duodenalis cysts in one animal (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS Captive animals in public settings may act as sources of Salmonella infection and enteroparasitosis for both occupational and general exposure. The study emphasizes the role of captive animals in antimicrobial resistance dynamics, highlighting the need for routine pathogen screening in the management practices of zoological structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rampacci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Diaferia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Capasso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Production, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Girardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gizzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Primavilla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche 'Togo Rosati', Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Simoncelli F, Fagotti A, Di Rosa I, Lucentini L, Brustenga L, Di Cara G. Qualitative Immunodetection of Hsp70 in Nasal Samples of Children With Allergic Rhinitis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:102-104. [PMID: 38098245 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231212591] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kenmoe S, Takuissu GR, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Bowo-Ngandji A, Ondigui Ndzie JL, Kenfack-Momo R, Tchatchouang S, Lontuo Fogang R, Zeuko'o Menkem E, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Puzelli S, Lucentini L, Veneri C, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Iaconelli M, Del Giudice C, Brandtner D, Suffredini E, La Rosa G. A systematic review of influenza virus in water environments across human, poultry, and wild bird habitats. Water Res X 2024; 22:100210. [PMID: 38298332 PMCID: PMC10825513 DOI: 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Influenza, a highly contagious acute respiratory disease, remains a major global health concern. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of influenza virus in different aquatic environments. Using 43 articles from four databases, we thoroughly examined water matrices from wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) and other human environments, as well as poultry habitats and areas frequented by migratory wild birds. In WTP influents (10 studies), positivity rates for influenza A ranged from 0.0 % to 97.6 %. For influenza B (8 studies), most studies reported no positivity, except for three studies reporting detection in 0.8 %, 5.6 %, and 46.9 % of samples. Within poultry habitats (13 studies), the prevalence of influenza A ranged from 4.3 % to 76.4 %, while in environments frequented by migratory wild birds (11 studies), it ranged from 0.4 % to 69.8 %. Geographically, the studies were distributed as follows: 39.5 % from the Americas, 18.6 % from Europe, 2.3 % from South-East Asia and 39.5 % from the Western Pacific. Several influenza A subtypes were found in water matrices, including avian influenza (H3N6, H3N8, H4N1, H4N2, H4N6, H4N8, H5N1, H5N8, H6N2, H6N6, H7N9, H0N8, and H11N9) and seasonal human influenza (H1N1 and H3N2). The existing literature indicates a crucial requirement for more extensive future research on this topic. Specifically, it emphasizes the need for method harmonization and delves into areas deserving of in-depth research, such as water matrices pertaining to pig farming and prevalence studies in low-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - GR Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - JT Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - C Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | - DS Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - A Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - JL Ondigui Ndzie
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Tchatchouang
- Scientific Direction, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Lontuo Fogang
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - E Zeuko'o Menkem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - GI Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - JN Magoudjou-Pekam
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Puzelli
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Del Giudice
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - D Brandtner
- Department of Infectious Disease, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary public health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
La Rosa G, Mancini P, Iaconelli M, Veneri C, Bonanno Ferraro G, Del Giudice C, Suffredini E, Muratore A, Ferrara F, Lucentini L, Martuzzi M, Piccioli A. Tracing the footprints of SARS-CoV-2 in oceanic waters. Sci Total Environ 2024; 906:167343. [PMID: 37751837 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167343] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in water environments has predominantly focused on wastewater, neglecting its presence in oceanic waters. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in remote sea and oceanic waters, at large distances from the coastline. Forty-three 500-liter samples were collected between May 2022 and January 2023 from the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Arctic region, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. Using molecular detection methods including real-time RT-qPCR and nested PCR followed by sequencing, we successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 7 of the 43 marine water samples (16.3 %), and specifically in samples taken from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The estimated concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 genome copies in the positive samples ranged from 6 to 470 per 100 l. The presence of mutations characteristic of the Omicron variant was identified in these samples by amplicon sequencing. These findings provide evidence of the unforeseen presence of SARS-CoV-2 in marine waters even at distances of miles from the coastline and in open ocean waters. It is important to consider that these findings only display the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and further investigations are required to assess if infectious virus can be present in the marine environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mancini
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Del Giudice
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Muratore
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - F Ferrara
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- National Center for Water Safety (CeNSia), Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Martuzzi
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Piccioli
- Office of the Director General, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brustenga L, Morganti G, Baldoni E, Deli G, Rigamonti G, Lucentini L, Diaferia M. High Prevalence of Hymenolepis (Rodentolepis) nana in Amateur Breeding Facilities of Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) from Italy. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:913-915. [PMID: 37821728 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hymenolepis (Rodentolepis) nana is an enteric tapeworm globally widespread in wild and captive rodents. The survey was carried out in three chinchilla breeding facilities and in one sugar glider breeding facility in Central and Southern Italy. METHODS One hundred and four chinchilla fecal pools and 40 sugar glider fecal pools were collected from cages housing breeding pairs or females with their offspring. Fecal samples were examined with a qualitative and quantitative copromicroscopical approach. Hymenolepis eggs were identified based on morphological and morphometrical features, and the average number of eggs per gram (EPG) of feces was estimated. RESULTS Hymenolepis nana eggs were detected in 39.42% of chinchilla samples with an average of 16.33 EPG; whereas, all of the sugar glider samples tested positive with an average of 454.18 EPG. Neither helminth eggs nor protozoan cysts/oocysts were detected in any of the breeding facilities. CONCLUSION The results clearly show a diffuse parasitism in both chinchillas and sugar gliders, and should be taken into consideration given the rising popularity of these two pet species combined with the zoonotic complications presented by H. nana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Manuela Diaferia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
La Rosa G, Brandtner D, Bonanno Ferraro G, Veneri C, Mancini P, Iaconelli M, Lucentini L, Del Giudice C, Orlandi L, Suffredini E. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in October-November 2022 in Italy: detection of XBB.1, BA.2.75 and rapid spread of the BQ.1 lineage. Sci Total Environ 2023; 873:162339. [PMID: 36813191 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study adds insight regarding the occurrence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs) in Italy in October and November 2022, by testing urban wastewater collected throughout the country. A total of 332 wastewater samples were collected from 20 Italian Regions/Autonomous Provinces (APs) within the framework of national SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance. Of these, 164 were collected in the first week of October and 168 in the first week of November. A ∼1600 bp fragment of the spike protein was sequenced by Sanger (for individual samples) and long-read nanopore sequencing (for pooled Region/AP samples). In October, mutations characteristic of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 were detected in the vast majority (91 %) of the samples amplified by Sanger sequencing. A fraction of these sequences (9 %) also displayed the R346T mutation. Despite the low prevalence documented in clinical cases at the time of sampling, amino acid substitutions characteristic of sublineages BQ.1 or BQ.1.1 were detected in 5 % of sequenced samples from four Regions/APs. A significantly higher variability of sequences and variants was documented in November 2022, when the rate of sequences harbouring mutations of lineages BQ.1 and BQ1.1 increased to 43 %, and the number of Regions/APs positive for the new Omicron subvariant more than tripled (n = 13) compared to October. Moreover, an increase in the number of sequences with the mutation package BA.4/BA.5 + R346T (18 %), as well as the detection of variants never observed before in wastewater in Italy, such as BA.2.75 and XBB.1 (the latter in a Region where no clinical cases associated with this variant had ever been documented) was recorded. The results suggest that, as predicted by the ECDC, BQ.1/BQ.1.1 is rapidly becoming dominant in late 2022. Environmental surveillance proves to be a powerful tool for tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants/subvariants in the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Del Giudice
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Orlandi
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bonanno Ferraro G, Veneri C, Mancini P, Iaconelli M, Suffredini E, Bonadonna L, Lucentini L, Bowo-Ngandji A, Kengne-Nde C, Mbaga DS, Mahamat G, Tazokong HR, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Njouom R, Kenmoe S, La Rosa G. A State-of-the-Art Scoping Review on SARS-CoV-2 in Sewage Focusing on the Potential of Wastewater Surveillance for the Monitoring of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Food Environ Virol 2022; 14:315-354. [PMID: 34727334 PMCID: PMC8561373 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09498-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread throughout the world. Several studies have shown that detecting SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater can be a useful tool to identify new outbreaks, establish outbreak trends, and assess the prevalence of infections. On 06 May 2021, over a year into the pandemic, we conducted a scoping review aiming to summarize research data on SARS-CoV-2 in sewage. Papers dealing with raw sewage collected at wastewater treatment plants, sewer networks, septic tanks, and sludge treatment facilities were included in this review. We also reviewed studies on sewage collected in community settings such as private or municipal hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing homes, dormitories, campuses, airports, aircraft, and cruise ships. The literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web Science Core Collection. This comprehensive research yielded 1090 results, 66 of which met the inclusion criteria and are discussed in this review. Studies from 26 countries worldwide have investigated the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage of different origin. The percentage of positive samples in sewage ranged from 11.6 to 100%, with viral concentrations ranging from ˂LOD to 4.6 × 108 genome copies/L. This review outlines the evidence currently available on wastewater surveillance: (i) as an early warning system capable of predicting COVID-19 outbreaks days or weeks before clinical cases; (ii) as a tool capable of establishing trends in current outbreaks; (iii) estimating the prevalence of infections; and (iv) studying SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity. In conclusion, as a cost-effective, rapid, and reliable source of information on the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the population, wastewater surveillance can enhance genomic and epidemiological surveillance with independent and complementary data to inform public health decision-making during the ongoing pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - C Kengne-Nde
- Research Monitoring and Planning Unit, National Aids Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | - D S Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - G Mahamat
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - H R Tazokong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - J T Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - R Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - S Kenmoe
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
La Rosa G, Iaconelli M, Veneri C, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Brandtner D, Lucentini L, Bonadonna L, Rossi M, Grigioni M, Suffredini E. The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant in Italy reflected early through wastewater surveillance. Sci Total Environ 2022; 837:155767. [PMID: 35533857 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5985319] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged in South Africa in November 2021, and has later been identified worldwide, raising serious concerns. A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid screening of the Omicron variant, targeting characteristic mutations of the spike gene. The assay was used to test 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (19/21 Regions) between 11 November and 25 December 2021, with the aim of assessing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. Positive samples were also tested with a real-time RT-PCR developed by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and through nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, 115 samples tested positive for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The first occurrence was detected on 7 December, in Veneto, North Italy. Later on, the variant spread extremely fast in three weeks, with prevalence of positive wastewater samples rising from 1.0% (1/104 samples) in the week 5-11 December, to 17.5% (25/143 samples) in the week 12-18, to 65.9% (89/135 samples) in the week 19-25, in line with the increase in cases of infection with the Omicron variant observed during December in Italy. Similarly, the number of Regions/Autonomous Provinces in which the variant was detected increased from one in the first week, to 11 in the second, and to 17 in the last one. The presence of the Omicron variant was confirmed by the JRC real-time RT-PCR in 79.1% (91/115) of the positive samples, and by Sanger sequencing in 66% (64/97) of PCR amplicons. In conclusion, we designed an RT-qPCR assay capable to detect the Omicron variant, which can be successfully used for the purpose of wastewater-based epidemiology. We also described the history of the introduction and diffusion of the Omicron variant in the Italian population and territory, confirming the effectiveness of sewage monitoring as a powerful surveillance tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Rossi
- Independent Researcher, Rome, Italy
| | - M Grigioni
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
La Rosa G, Iaconelli M, Veneri C, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Brandtner D, Lucentini L, Bonadonna L, Rossi M, Grigioni M, Suffredini E. The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant in Italy reflected early through wastewater surveillance. Sci Total Environ 2022; 837:155767. [PMID: 35533857 PMCID: PMC9074219 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged in South Africa in November 2021, and has later been identified worldwide, raising serious concerns. A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid screening of the Omicron variant, targeting characteristic mutations of the spike gene. The assay was used to test 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (19/21 Regions) between 11 November and 25 December 2021, with the aim of assessing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. Positive samples were also tested with a real-time RT-PCR developed by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and through nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, 115 samples tested positive for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The first occurrence was detected on 7 December, in Veneto, North Italy. Later on, the variant spread extremely fast in three weeks, with prevalence of positive wastewater samples rising from 1.0% (1/104 samples) in the week 5-11 December, to 17.5% (25/143 samples) in the week 12-18, to 65.9% (89/135 samples) in the week 19-25, in line with the increase in cases of infection with the Omicron variant observed during December in Italy. Similarly, the number of Regions/Autonomous Provinces in which the variant was detected increased from one in the first week, to 11 in the second, and to 17 in the last one. The presence of the Omicron variant was confirmed by the JRC real-time RT-PCR in 79.1% (91/115) of the positive samples, and by Sanger sequencing in 66% (64/97) of PCR amplicons. In conclusion, we designed an RT-qPCR assay capable to detect the Omicron variant, which can be successfully used for the purpose of wastewater-based epidemiology. We also described the history of the introduction and diffusion of the Omicron variant in the Italian population and territory, confirming the effectiveness of sewage monitoring as a powerful surveillance tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Rossi
- Independent Researcher, Rome, Italy
| | - M Grigioni
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fontaneto D, Viola P, Pizzirani C, Chiesa S, Rossetti A, Amici A, Lucentini L. Mismatches between Morphology and DNA in Italian Partridges May Not Be Explained Only by Recent Artificial Release of Farm-Reared Birds. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050541. [PMID: 35268110 PMCID: PMC8908819 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050541] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocations and releases of farm-reared birds are considered among the major drivers of genetic pollution with consequent loss of genetic diversity in wild populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of hybridization and introgression in the Italian partridges as a consequence of translocation. We surveyed two mitochondrial markers and one nuclear marker of Alectoris and Perdix from collections (museums and private collections), extant wild populations and farms. Consistent with previous studies, we found haplotypes of allochthonous species within the same genus, likely due to introductions for hunting activities. In addition, we found hybrids between Perdix and Alectoris species with genetic markers from both genera in single individuals. Such introgression was bidirectional and in both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Counterintuitively, most of the hybrid samples came from collections before the 1950s, when large-scale translocations started, from wild populations where Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) and Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) overlap in their distribution, whereas only one hybrid occurred among the farmed birds. Our results suggest that Perdix and Alectoris species can hybridize in nature and that artificial translocations and releases of farm-reared birds for restocking or reintroduction purposes may be only partially responsible for the genomic mismatches of Italian partridges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fontaneto
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 28922 Verbania Pallanza, Italy;
| | - Paolo Viola
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Claudia Pizzirani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (L.L.)
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, 30172 Venice, Italy;
- ISPRA—The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Amici
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Science, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3391731327
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (C.P.); (L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
La Rosa G, Mancini P, Bonanno Ferraro G, Veneri C, Iaconelli M, Lucentini L, Bonadonna L, Brusaferro S, Brandtner D, Fasanella A, Pace L, Parisi A, Galante D, Suffredini E. Rapid screening for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in clinical and environmental samples using nested RT-PCR assays targeting key mutations of the spike protein. Water Res 2021; 197:117104. [PMID: 33857895 PMCID: PMC8018700 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [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: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
New SARS-CoV-2 mutations are constantly emerging, raising concerns of increased transmissibility, virulence or escape from host immune response. We describe a nested RT-PCR assay (~1500 bps) to detect multiple nucleotide changes resulting in key spike protein mutations distinctive of the major known circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the three Variants of Concern (VOCs) 20I/501Y.V1 (United Kingdom), 20H/501Y.V2 (South Africa), and 20 J/501Y.V3 (Brazil), as well as the 20E.EU1 variant (Spain), the CAL.20C recently identified in California, and the mink-associated variant (GR, lineage B.1.1.298). Prior to application to field samples, the discriminatory potential of this PCR assay was explored using GISAID and Nextclade. To extend variant detection to challenging matrices such as sewage, where the amplification of long fragments is problematic, two short nested RT-PCR assays (~300 bps) were also designed, targeting portions of the region spanned by the long nested assay. The three newly-designed assays were then tested on field samples, including 31 clinical samples (7 fully-sequenced swab samples, and 24 uncharacterized ones) and 34 urban wastewater samples, some of which collected in areas where circulation of VOCs had been reported. The long assay successfully amplified 29 of the 31 swabs (93%), allowing the correct identification of variants 20I/501Y.V1 and 20E.EU1 present in the panel of previously characterized samples. The Spanish variant was detected in 14/24 of the uncharacterized samples as well. The sequences obtained using the short assays were consistent with those obtained with the long assay. Mutations characteristic of VOCs (UK and Brazilian variant) and of other variant (Spanish) were detected in sewage samples. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the presence of sequences harboring key mutations of 20I/501Y.V1 and 20 J/501Y.V3 in urban wastewaters, highlighting the potential contribution of wastewater surveillance to explore SARS-CoV-2 diversity. The developed nested RT-PCR assays can be used as an initial rapid screening test to select clinical samples containing mutations of interest. This can speed up diagnosis and optimize resources since it allows full genome sequencing to be done only on clinically relevant specimens. The assays can be also employed for a rapid and cost-effective detection of VOCs or other variants in sewage for the purposes of wastewater-based epidemiology. The approach proposed here can be used to better understand SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity, geographic distribution and impact worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - S Brusaferro
- Office of the President, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - A Fasanella
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Apulia and Basilicata Regions, Foggia, Italy
| | - L Pace
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Apulia and Basilicata Regions, Foggia, Italy
| | - A Parisi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Apulia and Basilicata Regions, Foggia, Italy
| | - D Galante
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of the Apulia and Basilicata Regions, Foggia, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fagotti A, Rossi R, Paracucchi R, Lucentini L, Simoncelli F, Di Rosa I. Developmental stages of Amphibiocystidium sp., a parasite from the Italian stream frog (Rana italica). ZOOLOGY 2020; 141:125813. [PMID: 32623097 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian parasites of the genus Amphibiocystidium are members of the class Ichthyosporea (=Mesomycetozoea), within the order Dermocystida. Most of the species in the Dermocystida fail to grow in ordinary culture media, so their life cycle has only been partially constructed by studies in host tissues. However, to date, there have been few reports on the life cycle of Amphibiocystidium parasites with respect to the developmental life stages of both Dermocystidium and Rhinosporidium parasites. In this study, we provide light and electron microscopic findings of developmental phenotypes of Amphibiocystidium sp., a parasite previously characterized in the Italian stream frog (Rana italica), which has caused an ongoing infection in a natural population of Central Italy. These phenotypes exhibited distinct morphological characteristics that were similar to A. ranae from the skin of R. temporaria, but showed histochemical properties particularly comparable with those of maturing phenotypes of Rhinosporidium seeberi, and compatible with fungal-like parasites. Therefore, for Amphibiocystidium sp. phenotypes, we suggest adopting the terminology used for maturing stages of R. seeberi, such as juvenile sporangia, early mature sporangia and mature sporangia. The characterization of these developmental stages will be useful to increase the understanding of the life cycle of parasites of the genus Amphibiocystidium and of the interactions with their amphibian hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Romina Paracucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lucentini L, Plazzi F, Sfriso AA, Pizzirani C, Sfriso A, Chiesa S. Additional taxonomic coverage of the doubly uniparental inheritance in bivalves: Evidence of sex‐linked heteroplasmy in the razor clam
Solen marginatus
Pulteney, 1799, but not in the lagoon cockle
Cerastoderma glaucum
(Bruguière, 1789). J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Federico Plazzi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Andrea Augusto Sfriso
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Sciences University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Claudia Pizzirani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Adriano Sfriso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics Ca' Foscari University of Venice Venice Italy
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems Ca' Foscari University of Venice Venice Italy
- ISPRA Institute for Environmental Protection and Research Rome Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bonadonna L, Briancesco R, Suffredini E, Coccia A, Della Libera S, Carducci A, Verani M, Federigi I, Iaconelli M, Bonanno Ferraro G, Mancini P, Veneri C, Ferretti E, Lucentini L, Gramaccioni L, La Rosa G. Enteric viruses, somatic coliphages and Vibrio species in marine bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 149:110570. [PMID: 31542593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial safety of recreational waters is a significant public health issue. In this study we assessed the occurrence and quantity of enteric viruses in bathing and non-bathing waters in Italy, in parallel with microbial faecal indicators, somatic coliphages and Vibrio spp. Enteric viruses (aichivirus, norovirus and enterovirus) were detected in 55% of bathing water samples, including samples with bacterial indicator concentrations compliant with the European bathing water Directive. Aichivirus was the most frequent and abundant virus. Adenovirus was detected only in non-bathing waters. Somatic coliphages were identified in 50% bathing water samples, 80% of which showed simultaneous presence of viruses. Vibrio species were ubiquitous, with 9 species identified, including potential pathogens (V. cholerae, V. parahaemoylticus and V. vulnificus). This is the first study showing the occurrence and high concentration of Aichivirus in bathing waters and provides original information, useful in view of a future revision of the European Directive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Bonadonna
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Briancesco
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Coccia
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carducci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Verani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Federigi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bonanno Ferraro
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Mancini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Veneri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Gramaccioni
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cultrera NGM, Sarri V, Lucentini L, Ceccarelli M, Alagna F, Mariotti R, Mousavi S, Ruiz CG, Baldoni L. High Levels of Variation Within Gene Sequences of Olea europaea L. Front Plant Sci 2019; 9:1932. [PMID: 30671076 PMCID: PMC6331486 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gene sequence variation in cultivated olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea), the most important oil tree crop of the Mediterranean basin, has been poorly evaluated up to now. A deep sequence analysis of fragments of four genes, OeACP1, OeACP2, OeLUS and OeSUT1, in 90 cultivars, revealed a wide range of polymorphisms along all recognized allele forms and unexpected allele frequencies and genotype combinations. High linkage values among most polymorphisms were recorded within each gene fragment. The great sequence variability corresponded to a low number of alleles and, surprisingly, to a small fraction of genotype combinations. The distribution, frequency, and combination of the different alleles at each locus is possibly due to natural and human pressures, such as selection, ancestrality, or fitness. Phylogenetic analyses of allele sequences showed distant and complex patterns of relationships among cultivated olives, intermixed with other related forms, highlighting an evolutionary connection between olive cultivars and the O. europaea subspecies cuspidata and cerasiformis. This study demonstrates how a detailed and complete sequence analysis of a few gene portions and a thorough genotyping on a representative set of cultivars can clarify important issues related to sequence polymorphisms, reconstructing the phylogeny of alleles, as well as the genotype combinations. The identification of regions representing blocks of recombination could reveal polymorphisms that represent putatively functional markers. Indeed, specific mutations found on the analyzed OeACP1 and OeACP2 fragments seem to be correlated to the fruit weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò G. M. Cultrera
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vania Sarri
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marilena Ceccarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Alagna
- ENEA Italian National Agency for New Technologies Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Trisaia Research Center, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Roberto Mariotti
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Perugia, Italy
| | - Soraya Mousavi
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Baldoni
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
De Giglio O, Caggiano G, Apollonio F, Marzella A, Brigida S, Ranieri E, Lucentini L, Uricchio VF, Montagna MT. The aquifer recharge: an overview of the legislative and planning aspect. Ann Ig 2018; 30:34-43. [PMID: 29215129 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2018.2193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In most regions of the world, safeguarding groundwater resources is a serious issue, particularly in coastal areas where groundwater is the main water source for drinking, irrigation and industry. Water availability depends on climate, topography and geology. The aim of this paper is to evaluate aquifer recharge as a possible strategy to relieve water resource scarcity. Natural aquifer recharge is defined as the downward flow of water reaching the water table, increasing the groundwater reservoir. Hydro-meteorological factors (rainfall, evapotranspiration and runoff) may alter natural recharge processes. Artificial aquifer recharge is a process by which surface water is introduced with artificial systems underground to fill an aquifer. As a consequence of global warming that has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters like the drought, the impacts of climate change and seasonality, the artificial recharge has been considered as a viable option. Different direct and indirect techniques can be used, and the choice depends on the hydrologic characteristics of a specific area. In Italy, Legislative Decree no. 152/06 plans artificial aquifer recharge as an additional measure in water management, and Decree no. 100/2016 establishes quantitative and qualitative conditions for recharge. Many projects examine aquifer recharge, such us WADIS-MAR in the southern Mediterranean region, WARBO in Italy and municipal wastewater treatment project in Apulia, a southern Italian region. However, aside from groundwater recharge, the community must foster a spirit of cooperation to manage groundwater as a sustainable resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O De Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - G Caggiano
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - F Apollonio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - A Marzella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - S Brigida
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - E Ranieri
- Dicatech, Polytechnical University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - L Lucentini
- Department of Environment and Health, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - V F Uricchio
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - M T Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bonadonna L, Cannarozzi de Grazia M, Capolongo S, Casini B, Cristina ML, Daniele G, D'Alessandro D, De Giglio O, Di Benedetto A, Di Vittorio G, Ferretti E, Frascolla B, La Rosa G, La Sala L, Lopuzzo MG, Lucentini L, Montagna MT, Moscato U, Pasquarella C, Prencipe R, Ricci ML, Romano Spica V, Signorelli C, Veschetti E. Water safety in healthcare facilities. The Vieste Charter. Ann Ig 2017; 29:92-100. [PMID: 28244578 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2017.2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Study Group on Hospital Hygiene of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (GISIO-SItI) and the Local Health Authority of Foggia, Apulia, Italy, after the National Convention "Safe water in healthcare facilities" held in Vieste-Pugnochiuso on 27-28 May 2016, present the "Vieste Charter", drawn up in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Health and the Ministry of Health. This paper considers the risk factors that may affect the water safety in healthcare facilities and reports the current regulatory frameworks governing the management of installations and the quality of the water. The Authors promote a careful analysis of the risks that characterize the health facilities, for the control of which specific actions are recommended in various areas, including water safety plans; approval of treatments; healthcare facilities responsibility, installation and maintenance of facilities; multidisciplinary approach; education and research; regional and national coordination; communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - B Casini
- Università degli Studi di Pisa, Italy
| | | | - G Daniele
- Autorità d'Ambito A.T.O. 1, Lazio Nord, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - O De Giglio
- Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - G Di Vittorio
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Bari, Italy - Gruppo di lavoro "Acque", Regione Puglia, Italy
| | - E Ferretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | - G La Rosa
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | - M G Lopuzzo
- Gruppo di lavoro "Acque", Regione Puglia, Italy
| | | | - M T Montagna
- Università degli Studi di Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - U Moscato
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Sede di Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - M L Ricci
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gandolfi A, Crestanello B, Fagotti A, Simoncelli F, Chiesa S, Girardi M, Giovagnoli E, Marangoni C, Di Rosa I, Lucentini L. New Evidences of Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy by Putative Paternal Leakage between the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) and the Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170507. [PMID: 28114306 PMCID: PMC5256862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The rock partridge, Alectoris graeca, is a polytypic species declining in Italy mostly due to anthropogenic causes, including the massive releases of the closely related allochthonous chukar partridge Alectoris chukar which produced the formation of hybrids. Molecular approaches are fundamental for the identification of evolutionary units in the perspective of conservation and management, and to correctly select individuals to be used in restocking campaigns. We analyzed a Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) fragment of contemporary and historical A. graeca and A. chukar samples, using duplicated analyses to confirm results and nuclear DNA microsatellites to exclude possible sample cross-contamination. In two contemporary specimens of A. graeca, collected from an anthropogenic hybrid zone, we found evidence of the presence of mtDNA heteroplasmy possibly associated to paternal leakage and suggesting hybridization with captive-bred exotic A. chukar. These results underline significant limitations in the reliability of mtDNA barcoding-based species identification and could have relevant evolutionary and ecological implications that should be accounted for when interpreting data aimed to support conservation actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gandolfi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Barbara Crestanello
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Matteo Girardi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Eleonora Giovagnoli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Simoncelli F, Belia S, Di Rosa I, Paracucchi R, Rossi R, La Porta G, Lucentini L, Fagotti A. Short-term cadmium exposure induces stress responses in frog (Pelophylax bergeri) skin organ culture. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2015; 122:221-229. [PMID: 26277541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There have been a few studies on the negative effects of pollutants on amphibian skin, the first structural barrier that interacts with the environment and its potential contaminants. In this study an ex vivo skin organ culture from the amphibian Pelophylax bergeri was used to evaluate cell stress responses induced by short-term exposure to cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal known to be an environmental hazard to both humans and wildlife. Histopathological studies were carried out on skin explants using light microscopy and changes in the expression of stress proteins, such as Metallothionein (MT) and Heat shock proteins (HSPs), were investigated by Real-time RT-PCR. Results revealed that amphibian skin reacts to Cd-induced stress by activating biological responses such as morphological alterations and dose- and time-dependent induction of Mt and Hsp70 mRNA expression, suggesting their potential role as biomarkers of exposure to Cd. This work provides a basis for a better understanding of the tissue-specific responses of amphibian skin as a target organ to Cd exposure and its in vitro use for testing potentially harmful substances present in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Belia
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Romina Paracucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Gianandrea La Porta
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chiesa S, Lucentini L, Freitas R, Nonnis Marzano F, Ferrari C, Filonzi L, Breda S, Minello F, Figueira E, Argese E. Null alleles of microsatellites for Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Anim Genet 2015; 47:135-6. [PMID: 26584842 DOI: 10.1111/age.12382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Chiesa
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre (Venice), Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 11/a, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rosa Freitas
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Claudio Ferrari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 11/a, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Filonzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Viale delle Scienze 11/a, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Breda
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre (Venice), Italy
| | - Fabiola Minello
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre (Venice), Italy
| | - Etelvina Figueira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Emanuele Argese
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172, Mestre (Venice), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gandolfi A, Fontaneto D, Natali M, Lucentini L. Mitochondrial genome of Esox flaviae (Southern pike): announcement and comparison with other Esocidae. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 27:3037-8. [PMID: 26171871 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1063123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pikes are fish species belonging to order Esociformes, family Esocidae, genus Esox. Species of the genus Esox are common, large, and economically important for food and fishing activities. Recently, a new species, southern pike E. flaviae, was described for a well-studied area such as Italy, using also two mtDNA markers: cox1 and cytb. A scant number of remnant populations of the species persist in Italy, threatened by habitat loss and degradation and by competition and possible hybridization with E. lucius, massively and recurrently stocked to sustain angling pressure. The availability of new mtDNA markers will possibly contribute to the conservation of the species. Currently, whole mitogenome information for the genus is available only for E. lucius and for E. reichertii. The aim of the present paper is to report novel mitogenomic information for southern pike.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gandolfi
- a Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology , Research and Innovation Centre , San Michele all'Adige , TN , Italy
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- b Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per lo Studio degli Ecosistemi (CNR-ISE) , Verbania Pallanza (VB) , Italy
| | - Mauro Natali
- c Provincia di Perugia, Ufficio Programmazione e Gestione Fauna Ittica , Perugia , Italy , and
| | - Livia Lucentini
- d Dipartimento di Chimica , Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Perugia , Perugia (PG) , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chiesa S, Lucentini L, Freitas R, Nonnis Marzano F, Minello F, Ferrari C, Filonzi L, Figueira E, Breda S, Baccarani G, Argese E. Genetic diversity of introduced Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum populations inferred by 16S rDNA. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
23
|
Lucentini L, Chiesa S, Giannetto D, Pompei L, Natali M, Sala P, Volta P, Lorenzoni M, Fontaneto D. Integrative taxonomy does not support the occurrence of two species of the Squalius squalus complex (Actinopterygii, Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) in Italy. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
24
|
Caldelli A, Gigliarelli L, Bottinelli T, Palomba A, Chiesa S, Lucentini L. PCR-RFLP approaches to easily identifyPleuronectes platessafrom other flatfishes: a rapid and efficient tool to control label information. CyTA - Journal of Food 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2013.876556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
25
|
|
26
|
Marconi G, Albertini E, Mari A, Palazzo P, Porceddu A, Raggi L, Bolis L, Lancioni H, Palomba A, Lucentini L, Lanfaloni L, Marcucci F, Falcinelli M, Panara F. In planta expression of a mature Der p 1 allergen isolated from an Italian strain of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Transgenic Res 2012; 21:523-35. [PMID: 21904913 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-011-9551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
European (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and American (Dermatophagoides farinae) house dust mite species are considered the most common causes of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. Der p 1 protein, one of the main allergens of D. pteronyssinus, is found in high concentration in mites faecal pellets, which can became easily airborne and, when inhaled, can cause perennial rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Here we report the isolation of the Der p 1 gene from an Italian strain of D. pteronyssinus and the PVX-mediated expression of its mature form (I-rDer p 1) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Human sera from characterized allergic patients were used for IgE binding inhibition assays to test the immunological reactivity of I-rDer p 1 produced in N. benthamiana plants. The binding properties of in planta produced I-rDer p 1 versus the IgE of patients sera were comparable to those obtained on Der p 1 preparation immobilized on a microarray. In this paper we provide a proof of concept for the production of an immunologically active form of Der p 1 using a plant viral vector. These results pave the way for the development of diagnostic allergy tests based on in planta produced allergens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianpiero Marconi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Applicata, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lucentini L, Puletti ME, Ricciolini C, Gigliarelli L, Fontaneto D, Lanfaloni L, Bilò F, Natali M, Panara F. Molecular and phenotypic evidence of a new species of genus Esox (Esocidae, Esociformes, Actinopterygii): the southern pike, Esox flaviae. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25218. [PMID: 22164201 PMCID: PMC3229480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We address the taxonomic position of the southern European individuals of pike, performing a series of tests and comparisons from morphology, DNA taxonomy and population genetics parameters, in order to support the hypothesis that two species of pike, and not only one, exist in Europe. A strong relationship emerged between a northern genotype supported by COI, Cytb, AFLP and specific fragments, and a phenotype with round spot skin colour pattern and a large number of scales in the lateral line, clearly separated from a southern genotype with other skin colour pattern and a low number of scales in the lateral line. DNA taxonomy, based on a coalescent approach (GMYC) from phylogenetic reconstructions on COI and Cytb together with AFLP admixture analysis, supported the existence of two independently evolving entities. Such differences are not simply due to geographic distances, as northern European samples are more similar to Canadian and Chinese samples than the southern Europe ones. Thus, given that the differences between the two groups of European pike are significant at the phenotypic, genotypic and geographical levels, we propose the identification of two pike species: the already known northern pike (Esox lucius) and the southern pike (E. flaviae n.sp.). The correct identification of these two lineages as independent species should give rise to a ban on the introduction of northern pikes in southern Europe for recreational fishing, due to potential problems of hybridisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lucentini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lucentini L, Gigliarelli L, Puletti ME, Volpi L, Panara F. Comparison of conservative DNA extraction methods for two Galliformes: grey partridge (Perdix perdix italica, Hartert 1917) and red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa, Linnaeus 1758). CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-010-9264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
29
|
Rebora M, Lucentini L, Palomba A, Panara F, Gaino E. Genetic differentiation among populations ofBaetis rhodani(Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) in three Italian streams. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000509356662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Rebora
- a Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia , Università di Perugia , Via Pascoli, Perugia, I‐6123, Italy
| | - Livia Lucentini
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare , Università di Perugia , Via Pascoli, Perugia, I‐6123, Italy
| | - Antonella Palomba
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare , Università di Perugia , Via Pascoli, Perugia, I‐6123, Italy
| | - Fausto Panara
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare , Università di Perugia , Via Pascoli, Perugia, I‐6123, Italy
| | - Elda Gaino
- c Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia , Università di Perugia , Via Pascoli, Perugia, I‐6123, Italy E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lucentini L, Lorenzoni M, Panara F, Mearelli M. Effects of short‐ and long‐term thermal stress in perch (Perca fluviatilis) determined through fluctuating asymmetry and HSP70 expression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000209356432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lucentini
- a Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare , Università degli Studi di Perugia , via Pascoli, Perugia, 1–06123, Italy E-mail:
| | - Massimo Lorenzoni
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia , Università degli Studi di Perugia , via Pascoli, Perugia, 1–06123, Italy
| | - Fausto Panara
- c Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare , Università degli Studi di Perugia , via Pascoli, Perugia, 1–06123, Italy
| | - Mario Mearelli
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia , Università degli Studi di Perugia , via Pascoli, Perugia, 1–06123, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Reale S, Doveri S, Díaz A, Angiolillo A, Lucentini L, Pilla F, Martín A, Donini P, Lee D. SNP-based markers for discriminating olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars. Genome 2007; 49:1193-205. [PMID: 17110999 DOI: 10.1139/g06-068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A set of 11 polymorphic markers (1 cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS), 2 sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCARs), and 8 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-derived markers) was obtained for olive cultivar identification by comparing DNA sequences from different accessions. Marker development was more efficient, using sequences from the database rather than cloning arbitrary DNA fragments. Analyses of the sequences of 3 genes from 11 diverse cultivars revealed an SNP frequency of 1 per 190 base pairs in exons and 1 per 149 base pairs in introns. Most mutations were silent or had little perceptible effect on the polypeptide encoded. The higher incidence of transversions (55%) suggests that methylation is not the major driving force for DNA base changes. Evidence of linkage disequilibrium in 2 pairs of markers has been detected. The set of predominantly SNP-based markers was used to genotype 65 olive samples obtained from Europe and Australia, and was able clearly to discriminate 77% of the cultivars. Samples, putatively of the same cultivar but derived from different sources, were revealed as identical, demonstrating the utility of these markers as tools for resolving nomenclature issues. Genotyping data were used for constructing a dendrogram by UPGMA cluster analysis using the simple matching similarity coefficient. Relationships between cultivars are discussed in relation to the route of olive's spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Reale
- Dipartimento S.A.V.A., Università del Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ferretti E, Lucentini L, Veschetti E, Bonadonna L, Stammati A, Turco L, Ottaviani M. Screening and identification of unknown contaminants in water destined to human consumption: A case study. Microchem J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 10/24/2022]
|
33
|
Veschetti E, Maresca D, Lucentini L, Ferretti E, Citti G, Ottaviani M. Monitoring of V(IV) and V(V) in Etnean drinking-water distribution systems by solid phase extraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Microchem J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2006.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
34
|
Lancioni H, Lucentini L, Palomba A, Fulle S, Micheli MR, Panara F. Muscle actin isoforms are differentially expressed in human satellite cells isolated from donors of different ages. Cell Biol Int 2006; 31:180-5. [PMID: 17137797 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2006.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 01/18/2006] [Revised: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 10/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Myogenesis is mainly sustained by a subpopulation of myogenic cells known as satellite cells (SC). In this paper we studied alpha-smooth muscle (alphaSMA) and alpha-sarcomeric muscle (alphaSRA) actin isoform expression in cultures of human satellite cells (HSC) isolated from skeletal muscle biopsies from a 5-day-old newborn, a 34-year-old young adult and a 71-year-old donor. Myogenicity of cultures was assessed using immunocytochemical detection of desmin and myosin heavy chain. Time-course expression of alphaSRA and alphaSMA were studied with both immunocytochemistry and western blotting procedures. Although alphaSMA was never detected in whole skeletal muscle, both alphaSMA and alphaSRA were detected in proliferating and differentiating HSC derived from donors of all examined ages. The expression level experiments showed that alphaSRA was gradually up-regulated during HSC differentiation, but no significant differences were observed between newborn, young, and elderly HSC cultures. Our data demonstrated that HSC, isolated from subjects of different ages, re-expressed alphaSMA, but its levels and expression pattern varied considerably in the newborn with respect to the young adult and elderly donors. These results are discussed in relation to the myogenic differentiation capability of HSC during human muscle senescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hovirag Lancioni
- Dip. Biologia Cellulare e Ambientale, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli 1, I-6123 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lucentini L, Palomba A, Gigliarelli L, Lancioni H, Viali P, Panara F. Genetic characterization of a putative indigenous brown trout (Salmo truttafario) population in a secondary stream of the Nera River Basin (Central Italy) assessed by means of three molecular markers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000600760916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
36
|
Lucentini L, Ferretti E, Veschetti E, Sibio V, Citti G, Ottaviani M. Static headspace and purge-and-trap gas chromatography for epichlorohydrin determination in drinking water. Microchem J 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2004.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
37
|
Lucentini L, Fulle S, Ricciolini C, Lancioni H, Panara F. Low molecular weight phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase from PC12 cells. Purification, some properties and expression during neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2003; 35:1378-87. [PMID: 12798350 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(03)00099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The purification and partial characterization of low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) was reported for the first time in PC12 cells. In addition, the expression levels during neuronal phenotype induction by nerve growth factor (NGF) and during neurogenesis in chick embryos were investigated. LMW-PTP was purified to homogeneity and showed a single band of about 18 kDa with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A native molecular mass of 20.1 kDa was determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 column. The LMW-PTP from PC12 cells displays structural and biochemical characteristics similar to the enzyme isolated for normal tissues. It was specifically immunoprecipitated by an affinity purified antibody directed against the bovine liver enzyme. The enzyme is present in the cytosolic and cytoskeletal cell compartment where is tyrosine phosphorylated. Time course expression of LMW-PTP in PC12 cells was investigated after NGF treatment and showed an increase of about 30% in the basal level of LMW-PTP from 0 to 72 h. These changes were related to the appearance in PC12 cells of neuronal processes and to a decrease in cell proliferation. An increase of the LMW-PTP expression was also observed in vivo during chick embryo neurogenesis from 8-day-old embryos to adult chicks. The protein level, assayed by immunoblotting, increases from 14-day-old embryos to the hatched chicks reaching the adult levels within the first week after birth. These data indicate that the neurogenesis process is accompanied by a physiological increment of LMW-PTP expression in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lucentini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Università di Perugia, Via Pascoli, I-06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lucentini L, Angiolillo A, Varasano E, Panara F. Low‐molecular‐weight phosphotyrosyl protein phosphatase expression in brain of chicken and some lower vertebrates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1080/11250000209356445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
39
|
Pellegrini M, Panara F, Angiolillo A, Lucentini L, Maras B, Panara F. Structural and immunological similarities between high molecular weight zinc ion-dependent p-nitrophenylphosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase from bovine liver. Biochim Biophys Acta 2001; 1546:226-33. [PMID: 11257525 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(01)00143-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
High molecular weight zinc ion-dependent acid p-nitrophenylphosphatase (HMW-ZnAPase) was purified from bovine liver to homogeneity as judged by native and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The partial sequence of the purified enzyme electroblotted on PVDF membrane reveals a 95% sequence homology with human and bovine liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase isozyme B (FALD B). FALD B was isolated from bovine liver using an affinity elution from phosphocellulose column. FALD B from bovine liver shows a native and subunit molecular weight that is indistinguishable from that of HMW-ZnAPase. In addition, an affinity purified antiserum raised in rabbits against purified HMW-ZnAPase cross-reacts with bovine liver FALD B and rabbit muscle isozymes. Despite these similarities, HMW-ZnAPase does not show FALD activity and bovine liver FALD does not display any zinc ion-p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. These results suggested the existence of structural and immunological similarities between bovine liver HMW-ZnAPase and FALD B. Differences in some amino acid residues in enzyme activity indicate that they may be involved in different biochemical functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Pellegrini
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Perugia I-06123, Via Pascoli, I-06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Draisci R, Palleschi L, Ferretti E, Lucentini L, Cammarata P. Quantitation of anabolic hormones and their metabolites in bovine serum and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 2000; 870:511-22. [PMID: 10722109 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(99)01293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A specific and sensitive method based on tandem mass spectrometry with on-line high-performance liquid chromatography using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (LC-APCI-MS-MS) for the quantitation of anabolic hormone residues (17beta-19-nortestosterone, 17beta-testosterone and progesterone) and their major metabolites (17alpha-19-nortestosterone and 17alpha-testosterone) in bovine serum and urine is reported. [2H2]17Beta-testosterone was used as internal standard. The analytes were extracted from urine (following enzymatic hydrolysis) and serum samples by liquid-liquid extraction and purified by C18 solid-phase extraction. Ionisation was performed in a heated nebulizer interface operating in the positive ion mode, where only the protonated molecule, [M+H]+, was generated for each analyte. This served as precursor ion for collision-induced dissociation and two diagnostic product ions for each analyte were identified for the unambiguous hormone confirmation by selected reaction monitoring LC-MS-MS. The overall inter-day precision (relative standard deviation) ranged from 6.37 to 2.10% and from 6.25 to 2.01%, for the bovine serum and urine samples, respectively, while the inter-day accuracy (relative error) ranged from -5.90 to -3.18% and from -6.40 to -2.97%, for the bovine serum and urine samples, respectively. The limit of quantitation of the method was 0.1 ng/ml for all the hormones in bovine serum and urine. On account of its high sensitivity and specificity the method has been successfully used to confirm illegal hormone administration for regulatory purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Laboratorio di Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Dotta F, Dionisi S, Viglietta V, Tiberti C, Matteoli MC, Cervoni M, Bizzarri C, Marietti G, Testi M, Multari G, Lucentini L, Di Mario U. T-cell mediated autoimmunity to the insulinoma-associated protein 2 islet tyrosine phosphatase in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Eur J Endocrinol 1999; 141:272-8. [PMID: 10474125 DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1410272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The target molecules of the T-cell response in type 1 diabetes, despite their pathogenic importance, remain largely uncharacterized, especially in humans. Interestingly, molecules such as insulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) have been shown to be a target not only of autoantibodies, but also of autoreactive T-lymphocytes both in man and in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. In the present study we aimed to determine the existence of a specific T-cell response towards the insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2) islet tyrosine phosphatase, a recently identified autoantigen which is the target of autoantibodies strongly associated with diabetes development. Human recombinant IA-2 produced in Escherichia coli, was tested for its reactivity with peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from 16 newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients and from 25 normal controls, 15 of whom were HLA-DR-matched. A T-cell proliferation assay was performed in triplicate employing freshly isolated cells in the absence or in the presence of the antigen to be tested (at two different concentrations: 2 microg/ml and 10 microg/ml). A specific T-cell proliferation (defined as a stimulation index (S.I.) >/=3) was observed against IA-2 used at a concentration of 10 microg/ml (but not of 2 microg/ml) in 8/16 diabetic patients, in 1/15 HLA-DR-matched control subjects (P<0.01 by Fisher exact test) and in 0/10 of the remaining normal individuals. A statistically significant difference (P<0.003 by Mann-Whitney U test) was also observed in S.I. values between patients (3.1+/-1.4) and HLA-DR-matched controls (1.7+/-0.54) employing IA-2 at a concentration of 10 microg/ml. However, when IA-2 was used at a concentration of 2 microg/ml, the difference in S. I. between patients (1.65+/-0.8) and controls (1.0+/-0.3) did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, these data show the presence of a specific, dose-dependent T-lymphocyte response against the IA-2 islet tyrosine phosphatase at the onset of type 1 diabetes. Consequently, this molecule appears to be a target not only at the B-lymphocyte but also at the T-lymphocyte level, reinforcing the potential pathogenic role of this autoantigen in the islet destructive process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Dotta
- Department of Endocrinology, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Draisci R, Palleschi L, Giannetti L, Lucentini L, James KJ, Bishop AG, Satake M, Yasumoto T. New approach to the direct detection of known and new diarrhoeic shellfish toxins in mussels and phytoplankton by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 1999; 847:213-21. [PMID: 10431362 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(99)00288-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A new approach using combined liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with ionspray ionization is proposed for the direct detection of known and new toxins in mussels and phytoplankton. A first stage reversed-phase, negative ion mode, selected ion monitoring (SIM) LC-MS analysis was performed in order to detect DSP toxins in the same chromatographic run with a total run time of 20 min. The toxins analysed included yessotoxin (YTX), okadaic acid (OA) and four of its analogues, dinophysistoxins (i.e. DTX-1, DTX-2, DTX-2B, DTX-2C), and pectenotoxins (PTXs), involving PTX-2, two PTX-2 secoacids (PTX-2SAs), PTX-2SA, 7-epi-PTX-2SA, and AC1, the three isomeric toxins structurally related to PTX-2 recently identified in Irish phytoplankton. Positive samples can, therefore, be analyzed through reversed-phase, positive ion mode SIM LC-MS, in order to perform complete chromatographic separations of the structurally related toxins within the OA and PTX groups. Detailed toxin profiles of a number of toxic phytoplankton and shellfish, from different marine areas, were easily obtained through the new approach. PTX-2SAs and AC1 were found in phytoplankton and shellfish from Ireland as well as in Italian shellfish. Moreover, for the first time there was evidence of the presence of PTX-2 in Irish phytoplankton. YTX was present in Italian shellfish. Four isomeric OA toxins were detected in samples from Ireland with OA, DTX-2 and DTX-2B present in shellfish, and OA, DTX-2 and DTX-2C in phytoplankton. In contrast, OA was the only toxin from this group to be detected in Italian mussels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Laboratorio di Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Visalli N, Cavallo MG, Signore A, Baroni MG, Buzzetti R, Fioriti E, Mesturino C, Fiori R, Lucentini L, Matteoli MC, Crinò A, Corbi S, Spera S, Teodonio C, Paci F, Amoretti R, Pisano L, Suraci C, Multari G, Sulli N, Cervoni M, De Mattia G, Faldetta MR, Boscherini B, Pozzilli P. A multi-centre randomized trial of two different doses of nicotinamide in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (the IMDIAB VI). Diabetes Metab Res Rev 1999; 15:181-5. [PMID: 10441040 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1520-7560(199905/06)15:3<181::aid-dmrr31>3.0.co;2-h] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive insulin therapy is the gold standard by which Type 1 diabetes is treated. In addition to this therapy, administration of nicotinamide (NA) can be beneficial. This concept is reinforced by the results of a recent meta-analysis of the use of NA in patients with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes. METHODS In this study we compared two different doses of NA in 74 patients with duration of Type 1 diabetes <4 weeks (mean age 13 years). Patients were randomly allocated in blind to two treatment groups: 38 patients received a dose of 25 mg/kg (b.w.) of NA and 36 patients received a dose of 50 mg/kg (b.w.) of NA. Intensive insulin therapy was carried out in order to optimize metabolic control as soon as possible after diagnosis and to maintain blood glucose level as near to normal as possible. Response to therapy was monitored throughout the study by investigating the occurrence of clinical (complete) remission defined, according to the recommendations of the International Diabetes Immunotherapy Group, as restoration of normal fasting and post-prandial blood glucose without any insulin administration for more than 2 weeks. Moreover, the integrated measures of metabolic control (C-peptide, HbA(1c) and insulin dose) were analysed at 3- month intervals up to 1 year after diagnosis. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the integrated measures of metabolic control between the two NA treated groups either at onset of the disease or at each 3-month interval up to 1 year after diagnosis, although there was a tendency toward higher insulin dosages in the 50 mg NA group. No significant differences were observed in the rate of clinical remission between the two groups. CONCLUSION We conclude that patients with recent-onset Type 1 diabetes treated with two different doses of NA, in addition to intensive insulin therapy, show similar residual beta-cell function 1 year later. Since both doses of NA are likely to be effective in reducing beta-cell dysfunction, the smaller dose of 25 mg/kg NA would be sufficient as a higher dose may induce insulin resistance.
Collapse
|
44
|
James KJ, Bishop AG, Healy BM, Roden C, Sherlock IR, Twohig M, Draisci R, Giannetti L, Lucentini L. Efficient isolation of the rare diarrhoeic shellfish toxin, dinophysistoxin-2, from marine phytoplankton. Toxicon 1999; 37:343-57. [PMID: 10078864 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(98)00184-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The rare diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin, dinophysistoxin-2 (DTX-2), which is an okadaic acid (OA) isomer, has been isolated from a marine phytoplankton biomass that consisted mainly of Dinophysis acuta. Using a large double plankton net (length 5.9 m), bulk phytoplankton samples were collected off the south-west coast of Ireland and extracted with methanol and chloroform. Liquid chromatography coupled with ionspray mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS, LC-MS-MS) showed the sample contained DTX-2 and OA, at a concentration of 80 pg/cell and 60 pg/cell, respectively. Flash chromatography using silica, sephadex LH20 and C18-silica, followed by preparative reversed-phase LC, separated DTX-2 from OA. The efficiency of the separation procedures was substantially improved by the use of a bioscreen to detect DSP toxins in eluate fractions and the application of a new derivatisation procedure for the chromatographic elucidation of toxin profiles with fluorimetric detection (LC-FLD). Thus, 1/1000th aliquots of eluate fractions were assayed using protein phosphatase-2A for the presence of inhibitory compounds. Positive fractions were further analysed for DSP toxins by LC-FLD following derivatisation using the hydrazine reagent, luminarine-3. The identity and purity of the free isolated DTX-2 was confirmed using flow injection analysis (FIA) and liquid chromatography (FIA-MS, LC-MS and LC-MS-MS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J James
- Chemistry Department, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Draisci R, Palleschi L, Ferretti E, Marchiafava C, Lucentini L, Cammarata P. Quantification of 17 beta-estradiol residues in bovine serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Analyst 1998; 123:2605-9. [PMID: 10435308 DOI: 10.1039/a805224g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A method for the quantification of the natural hormone 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2) in bovine serum by liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS-MS) was developed. Ethinylestradiol (EE2) was used as internal standard. Analytes were extracted from serum using acetate buffer, purified by C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) and chromatographed on a polymeric reversed-phase (PLRP-S) LC column. They were ionized in a heated nebulizer (HN) interface operating in the negative ion mode, where only the intact deprotonated molecules, [M - H]-, were generated at m/z 271 and 295 for 17 beta-E2 and EE2, respectively. These served as precursor ions for collision-induced dissociation (CID) and diagnostic product ions were identified for the unambiguous hormone confirmation by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) LC-APCI-MS-MS. The method was validated on bovine serum and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 30 pg ml-1 for 17 beta-E2. The inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) and accuracy (relative error, RE) derived from the analyses of validation samples at three concentrations ranged from 1.76 to 3.76 and from -4.18 to -2.01%, respectively. This method is currently being successfully applied to measure the bovine serum concentration of 17 beta-E2 in order to discriminate between the physiological concentrations of 17 beta/E2 and the hormone levels resulting from illegal administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Lab. Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Draisci R, Giannetti L, Boria P, Lucentini L, Palleschi L, Cavalli S. Improved ion chromatography-integrated pulsed amperometric detection method for the evaluation of biogenic amines in food of vegetable or animal origin and in fermented foods. J Chromatogr A 1998; 798:109-16. [PMID: 9542132 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(97)01198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An improved method for the simultaneous determination of underivatized biogenic amines, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, histamine, tyramine and some amino acids precursors, histidine and tyrosine, in food products, based on ion-exchange chromatography (IC) with integrated pulsed amperometric detection (IPAD) has been developed. The method was successfully used for the analysis of biogenic amines and amino acids in food both of vegetable (kiwi, Actinidia chinensis) and animal origin, (fish, pilchard), as well as in fermented foods, such as cheese (Emmenthal) and dry sausages (salami). The method was also successfully used to study the changes in biogenic amines during the ripening of dry fermented sausages (salami). The analytes were extracted from foods with perchloric acid and the extracts were purified by liquid-liquid partition using n-hexane. Determination of biogenic amines was performed through cation-exchange chromatography with isocratic elution and IPAD. The detection limits for the analytes under investigation were found to range from 1.25 to 2.50 ng, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3:1. Average recoveries ranged from 85.5 to 97.4% and R.S.D. values ranged from 3.4 to 8.8. The proposed method offers a number of advantages over our previous IPAD method, such as the application to a larger number of analytes and matrices, a simpler extraction procedure and clean-up, isocratic elution using low acid and base concentrations, an improved chromatographic separation and a lower detection limit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Laboratorio di Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Draisci R, Giannetti L, Lucentini L, Marchiafava C, James KJ, Bishop AG, Healy BM, Kelly SS. Isolation of a new okadaic acid analogue from phytoplankton implicated in diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. J Chromatogr A 1998; 798:137-45. [PMID: 9542135 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(97)01200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A new analogue of okadaic acid (OA), the toxin mainly responsible for diarrhetic shellfish-poisoning (DSP) phenomena in Europe, has been isolated from toxic phytoplankton (Dinophysis acuta) collected in Irish waters. Fluorimetric LC analyses of the extracts of bulk phytoplankton samples using derivatisation with 9-anthryldiazomethane (ADAM) showed a complex toxin profile, with peaks corresponding to OA and dinophysistoxin-2 (DTX-2) as well as a third unidentified compound. This minor unidentified component was isolated by chromatographic techniques such as normal-phase chromatography, gel permeation on Sephadex, solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase separations. Ionspray mass spectrometry (MS) was used for structural investigation on this compound due to the very small amount of isolated material. Flow injection analysis (FIA)-MS of the isolated compound gave positive-ion mass spectrum dominated by the protonated molecule, [M + H]+, at signal m/z 805, whereas the deprotonated molecule [M - H]- was observed in the negative-ion spectrum at signal m/z 803, thus indicating the molecular weight of 804 for the new toxin, the same as OA and its known isomers, DTX-2 and DTX-2B. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) as obtained by positive and negative tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) showed a fragmentation pattern for the new compound which was very similar to that of OA, DTX-2 and DTX-2B. Ionspray microLC-MS of a mixture containing the compound under investigation together with OA analogues showed the compound eluted after OA, DTX-2, DTX-2B and before DTX-1. All the chromatographic and mass spectrometric data indicated the compound to be another OA isomer and it was therefore coded DTX-2C. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the isolation of a new compound related to DSP toxins from natural communities of toxic phytoplankton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Lab. Medicina Veterinaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Draisci R, Lucentini L, Giannetti L, Boria P, James KJ, Furey A, Gillman M, Kelly SS. Determination of diarrheic shellfish toxins in mussels by microliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J AOAC Int 1998; 81:441-7. [PMID: 9549078] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A fast, sensitive, and specific procedure for determining toxins that cause diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) using microliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (micro-LC-MS-MS) is reported. The lipophylic polyether acidic toxins okadaic acid (OA), its isomer dinophysistoxin-2 (DTX-2), the 35-methylokadaic acid dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1), and the novel toxin dinophysistoxin-1B (DTX-2B; recently isolated from Irish mussels) were extracted from shellfish tissues with acetone and chromatographed by isocratic elution at 10 microL/min with CH3 CN-H2O, 80 + 20 (v/v), containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, through a C18 reversed-phase column (1.0 mm id). The chromatograph is coupled via an ion spray interface to an atmospheric pressure ionization source. Collision-induced-dissociation (CID) ion mass spectra of the protonated molecule, [M + H]+, at m/z 805 for OA, DTX-2, and DTX-2B and at m/z 819 for DTX-1, were obtained in MS-MS experiments to identify 2 diagnostic fragment ions for each analyte that could be used for selected-reaction-monitoring (SRM) micro-LC-MS-MS analysis. The CID spectrum of DTX-2B confirmed it to be a new OA isomer, like DTX-2. Standard curves obtained by SRM micro-LC-MS-MS were linear (r2 > or = 0.9992) over the range 0.05-1.00 micrograms/mL (i.e., 0.10-2.00 micrograms toxin/g hepatopancreas), and a detection limit of 15 pg/injection was obtained for each DSP toxin. Average recoveries ranged from 95 to 101%, and coefficients of variation ranged from 1.8 to 3.4%. This novel SRM micro-LC-MS-MS method was used to confirm acidic DSP toxins in Irish and Italian toxic mussels. It offers a high degree of specificity because analyte confirmation is based on retention time, molecular weight, structural information obtained from the presence of 2 diagnostic fragments for each analyte, and ion ratios. OA was found in both Irish (< or = 0.7 micrograms/g hepatopancreas) and Italian (< or = 1.5 micrograms/g hepatopancreas) mussels. DTX-1 was found only in Italian mussels (< or = 0.3 micrograms/g hepatopancreas). DTX-2 (< or = 6.1 micrograms/g hepatopancreas) and DTX-2B (< or = 0.08 micrograms/hepatopancreas) were unique to Irish shellfish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Draisci
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Laboratorio Medicina Veterinaria, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Valvo L, Ciranni E, Alimenti R, Alimonti S, Draisci R, Giannetti L, Lucentini L. Development of a simple liquid chromatographic method with UV and mass spectrometric detection for the separation of substances related to amoxicillin sodium. J Chromatogr A 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(97)00952-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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: 10/18/2022]
|
50
|
Pozzilli P, Visalli N, Cavallo MG, Signore A, Baroni MG, Buzzetti R, Fioriti E, Mesturino C, Fiori R, Romiti A, Giovannini C, Lucentini L, Matteoli MC, Crinò A, Teodonio C, Paci F, Amoretti R, Pisano L, Suraci C, Multari G, Suppa M, Sulli N, De Mattia G, Faldetta MR, Suraci MT. Vitamin E and nicotinamide have similar effects in maintaining residual beta cell function in recent onset insulin-dependent diabetes (the IMDIAB IV study). Eur J Endocrinol 1997; 137:234-9. [PMID: 9330586 DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1370234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Protection of residual beta cell function at the time of diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) by intensive insulin therapy and the addition of nicotinamide (NA) has been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a free oxygen radical scavenger such as vitamin E (Vit E) on residual beta cell function and parameters of metabolic control in patients with recent onset IDDM undergoing intensive insulin therapy. DESIGN The effect of Vit E was compared with that of NA (control group) in a randomized multicentre trial. METHODS Eighty-four IDDM patients between 5 and 35 years of age (mean age 15.8 +/- 8.4 (s.d.) years) entered a one year prospective study. One group of patients (n = 42) was treated with Vit E (15 mg/kg body weight/day) for one year; the other group (n = 42) received NA for one year (25 mg/kg body weight/day). All patients were under intensive insulin therapy with three to four injections a day. Basal and stimulated (1 mg i.v. glucagon) C-peptide secretion, glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin dose were evaluated at diagnosis and at three-monthly intervals up to one year. RESULTS Preservation and slight increase of C-peptide levels at one year compared with diagnosis were obtained in the two treated patient groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in basal or stimulated C-peptide levels between the two groups of patients for up to one year after diagnosis. Glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin dose were also similar between the two groups; however patients receiving Vit E under the age of 15 years required significantly more insulin than NA-treated patients one year after diagnosis (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Vit E and NA possess similar effects in protecting residual beta cell function in patients with recent onset IDDM. Since their putative mechanism of protection on beta cell cytotoxicity is different, combination of these two vitamins may be envisaged for future trials of intervention at IDDM onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Pozzilli
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|