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Perna B, Raparelli V, Tordo Caprioli F, Blanaru OT, Malacarne C, Crosetti C, Portoraro A, Zanotto A, Strocchi FM, Rapino A, Costanzini A, Maritati M, Lazzari R, Spampinato MD, Contini C, De Giorgio R, Guarino M. Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis on Norepinephrine Use in Septic Shock: Why Is It Still a Male World? Microorganisms 2024; 12:821. [PMID: 38674765 PMCID: PMC11052153 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender are fundamental health determinants and their role as modifiers of treatment response is increasingly recognized. Norepinephrine is a cornerstone of septic shock management and its use is based on the highest level of evidence compared to dopamine. The related 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SCC) recommendation is presumably applicable to both females and males; however, a sex- and gender-based analysis is lacking, thus not allowing generalizable conclusions. This paper was aimed at exploring whether sex- and gender-disaggregated data are available in the evidence supporting this recommendation. For all the studies underpinning it, four pairs of authors, including a woman and a man, extracted data concerning sex and gender, according to the Sex and Gender Equity in Research guidelines. Nine manuscripts were included with an overall population of 2126 patients, of which 43.2% were females. No sex analysis was performed and gender was never reported. In conclusion, the present manuscript highlighted that the clinical studies underlying the SCC recommendation of NE administration in septic shock have neglected the likely role of sex and gender as modifiers of treatment response, thus missing the opportunity of sex- and gender-specific guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Valeria Raparelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Federica Tordo Caprioli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Oana Teodora Blanaru
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Cecilia Malacarne
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Cecilia Crosetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Andrea Portoraro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Alex Zanotto
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Francesco Maria Strocchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessandro Rapino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Roberto Lazzari
- Emergency Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, 08041 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (B.P.); (F.T.C.); (O.T.B.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.P.); (A.Z.); (F.M.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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De Rito G, Biscione R, Volpe A, Liverani L, Zanoli GA, Maritati M. Partial revision of a dislocated periprosthetic tibial fracture after total ankle replacement with a stemmed implant and plate fixation: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 116:109336. [PMID: 38325111 PMCID: PMC10859300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109336] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Total ankle arthroplasty (TAR) procedures have become more reliable and incidence is increasing. A growing number of postoperative complications can be expected and should be correctly addressed. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 43-year-old woman suffering from severe ankle osteoarthritis underwent TAR (Stryker's Infinity with Prophecy alignment guides, uncemented tibial component and cemented talus component). After a fall, one month after the surgery, she presented with a fracture of the medial malleolus and an anterior periprosthetic fracture of the tibia, with anterior dislocation of the tibial prosthetic component. Fracture fixation and partial revision surgery was planned using the same anterior surgical access. To restore length, rotation and joint articulation, the medial malleolus was first reduced and synthesized with a plate and 6 screws through additional minimally invasive medial ankle incisions. Once the medial malleolus was stabilized, the already mobilized tibial component was removed. Freehand cuts under fluoroscopic guidance on the anterior surface of the tibia were performed. After a final check with a trial component, a Stryker's Inbone II stem, which matched the previously inserted talar component, was implanted and partially cemented to fill the remaining bone gaps. DISCUSSION Only few case reports of periprosthetic ankle fractures exist, and none of them were similar to ours. There are no published precedents for this revision approach from a stemless to a stemmed tibial implant without changing the talar implant. CONCLUSION Partial revision after a complex periprosthetic fracture results in a satisfactory outcome if surgery is performed in specialized centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe De Rito
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Roberto Biscione
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Antonio Volpe
- Policlinico Abano, Piazza Cristoforo 1, Abano Terme, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Liverani
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Gustavo Alberto Zanoli
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, Ferrara, Italy.
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Gallenga CE, Maritati M, Del Boccio M, D’Aloisio R, Conti P, Mura M, Contini C, Gallenga PE. Why the SAFE- S Strategy for Trachoma? Are Musca sorbens or Scatophaga stercoraria Really the Culprit?-A Brief Historical Review from an Italian Point of View. Pathogens 2023; 12:1419. [PMID: 38133302 PMCID: PMC10748347 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121419] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological history of Chlamydia trachomatis is intertwined with the evolution of the man. Infecting Elemental Bodies (EBs), having penetrated mucosal epithelial cells, wrap themselves in a cloak (ĸλαμις) of glycogen that ensures their obligatory intracellular survival and protects this differentiation into Reticulate Bodies (RBs) that feed on cellular ATP. Multiple chemokines and cytokines are involved under the direction of IL-6 in the florid phase and IL-17A in the scar phase. The WHO has successfully identified the SAFE strategy against trachoma (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleansing, Environment) as the blueprint to eliminate the disease by 2020. Recently, interest has been increasingly focused on changing sexual attitudes in different areas of the world, leaving Musca sorbens, Scatophaga stercoraria, and stepsisters fairly blameless, but extolling the role of Chlamydia trachomatis in apparently "sterile" chronic prostatitis or conjunctivitis or, less frequently, in oropharyngitis and proctitis. The addition of an S (SAFE-S) standing for "sexual behavior" was then proposed to also attract the interest and attention not only of Ophthalmologists and Obstetricians/Gynecologists, Urologists/Andrologists, and the School Authorities for information on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, but also of Social Physicians and Pediatricians. This means that sexually transmitted infections should be screened in asymptomatic patients with risky sexual behavior or sexual contact with people diagnosed with a transmitted infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Eye Clinic University-Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Science Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Rossella D’Aloisio
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Pio Conti
- Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Tufts University Medical School, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Marco Mura
- Department of Traslational Medicine and for Romagna, Section Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Science Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Pier Enrico Gallenga
- Stenella cno Ophthalmology Laboratory, 65100 Pescara, Italy;
- Bioethical Committee of San Marino Republic, 47893 Borgo Maggiore, San Marino
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Gallenga CE, Maritati M, Mura M, Di Virgilio F, Conti P, Contini C. Macrophage Activation in Follicular Conjunctivitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2198. [PMID: 37764042 PMCID: PMC10534302 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092198] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, follicular conjunctivitis has become relevant. The conjunctiva acts as an open lymph node, reacting to the viral antigen that binds the epithelial cells, forming follicles of B cells with activated T cells and NK cells on its surface, which, in turn, talk to monocyte-derived inflammatory infected macrophages. Here, the NLRP3 inflammasome is a major driver in releasing pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and caspase-1, leading to follicular conjunctivitis and bulbar congestion, even as isolated signs in the 'asymptomatic' patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Sciences Doctoral Course Molecular Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Ophthalmology Unit, University—Hospital Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Martina Maritati
- Bone and Infections Lab, Santa Maria Maddalena NH, Occhiobello, 45030 Rovigo, Italy; mrtmtn#@unife.it
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Mura
- Ophthalmology Unit, University—Hospital Cona, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medicine and for the Romagna, Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Department of Medical Sciences Doctoral Course Molecular Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- School of Medicine, Immunology, G. D’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
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Guarino M, Perna B, Maritati M, Remelli F, Trevisan C, Spampinato MD, Costanzini A, Volpato S, Contini C, De Giorgio R. Presepsin levels and COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:993-1002. [PMID: 36380007 PMCID: PMC9666937 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plasmatic presepsin (PSP) is a novel biomarker reported to be useful for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis. During the pandemic, only few studies highlighted a possible correlation between PSP and COVID-19 severity, but results remain inconsistent. The present study aims to establish the correlation between PSP and COVID-19 severity. English-language papers assessing a correlation between COVID-19 and PSP from MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, MeSH, LitCovid NLM, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus and the World Health Organization (WHO) website, published from January 2020 were considered with no publication date limitations. Two independent reviewers performed data abstraction and quality assessment, and one reviewer resolved inconsistencies. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022325971).Fifteen articles met our eligibility criteria. The aggregate study population included 1373 COVID-19 patients who had undergone a PSP assessment. The random-effect meta-analysis was performed in 7 out of 15 selected studies, considering only those reporting the mean PSP levels in low- and high-severity cases (n = 707).The results showed that the pooled mean difference of PSP levels between high- and low-severity COVID-19 patients was 441.70 pg/ml (95%CI: 150.40-732.99 pg/ml).Our data show that presepsin is a promising biomarker that can express COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University Ferrara, Via A. Moro, 44124,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University Ferrara, Via A. Moro, 44124,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Remelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of Medical Sciences, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University Ferrara, Via A. Moro, 44124,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University Ferrara, Via A. Moro, 44124,, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpato
- Department of Medical Sciences, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University Ferrara, Via A. Moro, 44124,, Ferrara, Italy.
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Maritati M, Manfrini M, Iaquinta MR, Trentini A, Seraceni S, Guarino M, Costanzini A, De Giorgio R, Zanoli GA, Borghi A, Mazzoni E, De Rito G, Contini C. Acute Prosthetic Joint Infections with Poor Outcome Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus Strains Producing the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1767. [PMID: 37371862 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061767] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) producing the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) affects the outcome of Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI). Patients with acute and chronic PJI sustained by SA were prospectively enrolled at the orthopedic unit of "Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena", from January 2019 to October 2021. PJI diagnosis was reached according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Consensus Meeting on PJI of Philadelphia. Synovial fluid obtained via joint aspirations was collected in order to isolate SA. The detection of PVL was performed via real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The outcome assessment was performed using the criteria of the Delphi-based International Multidisciplinary Consensus. Twelve cases of PJI caused by SA were included. Nine (75%) cases were acute PJI treated using debridement, antibiotic and implant retention (DAIR); the remaining three (25%) were chronic PJI treated using two-stage (n = 2) and one-stage revision (n = 1), respectively. The SA strains that tested positive for PVL genes were 5/12 (41.6%,). Treatment failure was documented in three cases of acute PJI treated using DAIR, all supported by SA-PVL strains (p < 0.045). The remaining two cases were chronic PJI treated with a revision arthroplasty (one and two stage, respectively), with a 100% eradication rate in a medium follow-up of 24 months. Although a small case series, our study showed a 100% failure rate in acute PJI, probably caused by SA PVL-producing strains treated conservatively (p < 0.04). In this setting, toxin research should guide radical surgical treatment and targeted antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, 45030 Rovigo, Italy
| | - Marco Manfrini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Centre for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 64/B, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silva Seraceni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
- RDI Srl Cerba HealthCare, Via Del Santo 147, Limena, 35010 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gustavo Alberto Zanoli
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, 45030 Rovigo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rito
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Via Gorizia, Occhiobello, 45030 Rovigo, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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Esposito L, Guarino M, Perna B, Ciccarone A, Cesaro AE, Manza F, Pretula A, Costanzini A, Maritati M, Forini E, Spampinato MD, De Giorgio R, Contini C. Markers of liver function as potential prognostic indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective analysis during the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic. Infez Med 2023; 31:209-214. [PMID: 37283636 PMCID: PMC10241392 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3102-9] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is known to cause a predominant respiratory disease, although extrapulmonary manifestations can also occur. One of the targets of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the hepatobiliary system. The present study aims to describe the correlation between the increase of liver damage markers (i.e. alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], total bilirubin [TB]) and COVID-19 outcomes (i.e., in-hospital mortality [IHM] and intensive care unit [ICU] transfer). Methods All patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit of the St. Anna University-Hospital of Ferrara from March 2020 to October 2021 were retrospectively included in this single-centre study. ALT, AST and TB levels were tested in all patients and IHM or ICU transfer were considered as main outcomes. Co-morbidities were assessed using Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results A total of 106 patients were retrieved. No hepatic marker was able to predict IHM, whereas all of them negatively predicted ICU transfer (ALT: OR 1.005, 95%CI 1.001-1.009, p= 0.011; AST: OR 1.018, 95%CI 1.006-1.030, p= 0.003; TB: OR 1.329, 95%CI 1.025-1.724, p= 0.032). Age was the only parameter significantly related to mortality. Conclusions The present study, by correlating liver damage markers with COVID-19 outcome, showed that an increase of ALT, AST and TB predicted patients' severity, although not mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Esposito
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Andrea Ciccarone
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Alice Eleonora Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Francesca Manza
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Adriana Pretula
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Elena Forini
- Unit of Statistics, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | | | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara,
Italy
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Maritati M, Trentini A, Michel G, Hanau S, Guarino M, De Giorgio R, Pomares C, Marty P, Contini C. Performance of five serological tests in the diagnosis of visceral and cryptic leishmaniasis: a comparative study. J Infect Dev Ctries 2023; 17:693-699. [PMID: 37279431 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.12622] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a major health problem and its diagnosis still represents a challenge. Since consistent evidence on the comparison of serological methods is lacking, our work aims to compare five serological tests for the diagnosis of visceral and asymptomatic leishmaniasis in southern France, a region where leishmaniasis is endemic. METHODOLOGY Serum samples from 75 patients living in Nice, France were retrospectively analyzed. They included patients affected by visceral leishmaniasis (VL; n = 25), asymptomatic carriers (AC; n = 25) and negative controls (n = 25). Each sample was tested using two immunochromatographic tests (ICT; IT LEISH® and TruQuick IgG/IgM®), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and two Western Blotting (WB; LDBio BIORAD® and an in-house method). RESULTS Diagnosis of VL with IFAT and TruQuick® showed the highest diagnostic performance parameters. IFAT had 100% sensitivity and specificity, while TruQuick had 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Finally, the two tests showed high accuracy (100% for IFAT and 98% for TruQuick) for the AC group. WB LDBio® was the only method able to detect Leishmania latent infection, with a sensitivity of 92%, and a specificity of 100%, with a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 93%. This performance is reflected in the high accuracy of the test. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained with TruQuick® supports its application in the rapid diagnosis of leishmaniasis in endemic areas, a feature not shown by IFAT despite its high diagnostic performance. Regarding the diagnosis of asymptomatic leishmaniasis, the best results were obtained with WB LDBio®, confirming previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Gregory Michel
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire l'Archet, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Virulence microbienne et signalisation inflammatoire - Université de la Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Centre collaborateur du Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Nice, France
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire l'Archet, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Virulence microbienne et signalisation inflammatoire - Université de la Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Centre collaborateur du Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Nice, France
| | - Pierre Marty
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire l'Archet, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Virulence microbienne et signalisation inflammatoire - Université de la Côte d'Azur, Faculté de Médecine, Centre collaborateur du Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Nice, France
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Guarino M, Perna B, Cesaro AE, Spampinato MD, Previati R, Costanzini A, Maritati M, Contini C, De Giorgio R. Comparison between Capillary and Serum Lactate Levels in Predicting Short-Term Mortality of Septic Patients at the Emergency Department. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119121. [PMID: 37298080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119121] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a time-dependent and life-threating condition related to macro- and micro-circulatory impairment leading to anaerobic metabolism and lactate increase. We assessed the prognostic accuracy of capillary lactates (CLs) vs. serum ones (SLs) on 48-h and 7-day mortality in patients with suspected sepsis. This observational, prospective, single-centre study was conducted between October 2021 and May 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (i) suspect of infection; (ii) qSOFA ≥ 2; (iii) age ≥ 18 years; (iv) signed informed consent. CLs were assessed with LactateProTM2®. 203 patients were included: 19 (9.3%) died within 48 h from admission to the Emergency Department, while 28 (13.8%) within 7 days. Patients deceased within 48 h (vs. survived) had higher CLs (19.3 vs. 5 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and SLs (6.5 vs. 1.1 mmol/L, p = 0.001). The best CLs predictive cut-off for 48-h mortality was 16.8 mmol/L (72.22% sensitivity, 94.02% specificity). Patients within 7 days had higher CLs (11.5 vs. 5 mmol/L, p = 0.020) than SLs (2.75 vs. 1.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis confirmed CLs and SLs as independent predictors of 48-h and 7-day mortality. CLs can be a reliable tool for their inexpensiveness, rapidity and reliability in identifying septic patients at high risk of short-term mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Eleonora Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rita Previati
- Emergency Department, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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Maritati M, Liverani L, Gigante A, Zanoli GA, De Rito G. The First Case of a Drug-Resistant Pasteurella multocida Prosthetic Knee Infection Successfully Treated With Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention. Cureus 2023; 15:e38389. [PMID: 37265901 PMCID: PMC10231663 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pasteurella multocida, a zoonotic infectious organism, has most often been described in patients after an animal bite. It can cause a variety of infections ranging from superficial skin infections to more serious systemic infections, such as sepsis and meningitis. P. multocida is a rare but well-recognized cause of prosthetic joint infections. Here, we report the first implant-associated infection caused by drug-resistant (penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) P. multocida, which was cured with targeted antimicrobial treatment and debridement, exchange of mobile parts, and retention of the prosthesis. Patients undergoing arthroplasty should be informed of the risks of close contact with pets, especially in light of the worrying phenomena of drug resistance spreading among animals due to the addition of antibiotics in animal feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maritati
- Orthopaedics, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Occhiobello, ITA
- Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, ITA
| | - Luca Liverani
- Orthopaedics, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Occhiobello, ITA
| | - Antonio Gigante
- Orthopaedics and Trauma, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, ITA
| | | | - Giuseppe De Rito
- Orthopaedics, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, Occhiobello, ITA
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11
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Guarino M, Perna B, Cesaro AE, Maritati M, Spampinato MD, Contini C, De Giorgio R. 2023 Update on Sepsis and Septic Shock in Adult Patients: Management in the Emergency Department. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093188. [PMID: 37176628 PMCID: PMC10179263 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis/septic shock is a life-threatening and time-dependent condition that requires timely management to reduce mortality. This review aims to update physicians with regard to the main pillars of treatment for this insidious condition. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were searched from inception with special attention paid to November 2021-January 2023. RESULTS The management of sepsis/septic shock is challenging and involves different pathophysiological aspects, encompassing empirical antimicrobial treatment (which is promptly administered after microbial tests), fluid (crystalloids) replacement (to be established according to fluid tolerance and fluid responsiveness), and vasoactive agents (e.g., norepinephrine (NE)), which are employed to maintain mean arterial pressure above 65 mmHg and reduce the risk of fluid overload. In cases of refractory shock, vasopressin (rather than epinephrine) should be combined with NE to reach an acceptable level of pressure control. If mechanical ventilation is indicated, the tidal volume should be reduced from 10 to 6 mL/kg. Heparin is administered to prevent venous thromboembolism, and glycemic control is recommended. The efficacy of other treatments (e.g., proton-pump inhibitors, sodium bicarbonate, etc.) is largely debated, and such treatments might be used on a case-to-case basis. CONCLUSIONS The management of sepsis/septic shock has significantly progressed in the last few years. Improving knowledge of the main therapeutic cornerstones of this challenging condition is crucial to achieve better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Eleonora Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Almugadam SH, Trentini A, Maritati M, Contini C, Manfrinato MC, Cervellati C, Bellini T, Hanau S. A Calcium- and GTP-Dependent Transglutaminase in Leishmania infantum. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030234. [PMID: 36977273 PMCID: PMC10053793 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030234] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While human and animal leishmaniasis affect several millions of people worldwide, L. infantum is the species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis in Europe, Middle East, and America. Antileishmanial drugs present issues associated with drug toxicity and increasing parasite resistance. Therefore, the study of this parasite with a focus on new potential drug targets is extremely useful. Accordingly, we purified and characterized a transglutaminase (TGase) from L. infantum promastigotes. While Tgases are known to be involved in cell death and autophagy, it appears that these functions are very important for parasites' virulence. For the first time, we showed a Ca2+- and GTP-dependent TGase in Leishmania corresponding to a 54 kDa protein, which was purified by two chromatographic steps: DEAE-Sepharose and Heparin-Sepharose. Using polyclonal antibodies against a 50-amino-acid conserved region of the catalytic core of human TGase 2, we revealed two other bands of 66 and 75 kDa. The 54 kDa band appears to be different from the previously reported TGase, which was shown to be Ca2+- independent. Future research should address the identification of the purified enzyme sequence and, subsequently, its cloning to more comprehensively investigate its pathophysiological function and possible differences from mammal enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawgi Hago Almugadam
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Nile Avenue, P.O. Box 321, Khartoum 51111, Sudan
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Manfrinato
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Caselli E, Gallenga CE, Guarino M, De Giorgio R, Mazziotta C, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Tognon M, Contini C. Advanced Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Methods to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1193. [PMID: 35744711 PMCID: PMC9231257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 in China and quickly spread across the globe, causing over 521 million cases of infection and 6.26 million deaths to date. After 2 years, numerous advances have been made. First of all, the preventive vaccine, which has been implemented in record time, is effective in more than 95% of cases. Additionally, in the diagnostic field, there are numerous molecular and antigenic diagnostic kits that are equipped with high sensitivity and specificity. Real Time-PCR-based assays for the detection of viral RNA are currently considered the gold-standard method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and can be used efficiently on pooled nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal samples for widespread screening. Moreover, additional, and more advanced molecular methods such as droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are currently under development to detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, as the number of subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 continuously increases globally, health care systems are being placed under increased stress. Thus, the clinical laboratory plays an important role, helping to select especially asymptomatic individuals who are actively carrying the live replicating virus, with fast and non-invasive molecular technologies. Recent diagnostic strategies, other than molecular methods, have been adopted to either detect viral antigens, i.e., antigen-based immunoassays, or human anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, i.e., antibody-based immunoassays, in nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, as well as in blood or saliva samples. However, the role of mucosal sIgAs, which are essential in the control of viruses entering the body through mucosal surfaces, remains to be elucidated, and in particular the role of the immune response in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, primarily at the site(s) of virus entry that appears to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, 45030 Occhiobello, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, CIAS Research Center and LTTA, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
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Guarino M, Perna B, Pastorelli A, Bertolazzi P, Caio G, Maritati M, De Giorgio R, Contini C. A case of ceftriaxone-induced liver injury and literature review. Infez Med 2022; 30:293-297. [PMID: 35693049 PMCID: PMC9177192 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3002-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver injury evoked by drugs spans various clinical manifestations ranging from mild biochemical abnormalities to acute liver failure. Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin often used in clinical practice for its long half-life, high tissue penetration rate, wide spectrum and good safety profile. Ceftriaxone, as other cephalosporins have little hepatotoxicity; however, few cases of toxic hepatitis induced by this antibiotic have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION We describe a case of acute, drug-induced liver injury ('hepatitis') in a 77 years-old female patient treated with ceftriaxone for pneumonia. After 48 hours from antibiotic administration, clinical condition worsened with a clinical and laboratory profile compatible with an acute non cholestatic liver injury. Ceftriaxone administration was immediately stopped and the patient was treated with hydro-electrolyte replacement, high-flow oxygen, vitamin K infusion, steroids and proton-pump inhibitors with a progressive clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS Even if rare, a ceftriaxone-induced hepatotoxicity (confirmed by RUCAM score), should be considered when all other possible causes have been excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bertolazzi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital St. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giacomo Caio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Italy
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Guarino M, Perna B, Remelli F, Cuoghi F, Cesaro AE, Spampinato MD, Maritati M, Contini C, De Giorgio R. A New Early Predictor of Fatal Outcome for COVID-19 in an Italian Emergency Department: The Modified Quick-SOFA. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040806. [PMID: 35456856 PMCID: PMC9032690 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since 2019, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a rapidly spreading pandemic. The present study aims to compare a modified quick SOFA (MqSOFA) score with the NEWS-2 score to predict in-hospital mortality (IHM), 30-days mortality and recovery setting. Methods: All patients admitted from March to October 2020 to the Emergency Department of St. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy with clinically suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection were retrospectively included in this single-centre study and evaluated with the MqSOFA and NEWS-2 scores. Statistical and logistic regression analyses were applied to our database. Results: A total of 3359 individual records were retrieved. Among them, 2716 patients were excluded because of a negative nasopharyngeal swab and 206 for lacking data; thus, 437 patients were eligible. The data showed that the MqSOFA and NEWS-2 scores equally predicted IHM (p < 0.001) and 30-days mortality (p < 0.001). Higher incidences of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accidents, dementia, chronic kidney disease and cancer were found in the deceased vs. survived group. Conclusions: In this study we confirmed that the MqSOFA score was non-inferior to the NEWS-2 score in predicting IHM and 30-days mortality. Furthermore, the MqSOFA score was easier to use than NEWS-2 and is more suitable for emergency settings. Neither the NEWS-2 nor the MqSOFA scores were able to predict the recovery setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Francesca Remelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesca Cuoghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Alice Eleonora Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Martina Maritati
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Contini
- Infectious and Dermatology Diseases, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (B.P.); (F.C.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-236631
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Di Nuzzo M, Valpiani G, Morotti C, Maritati M, Contini C. Development and validation of a questionnaire on tuberculosis among foreign-born individuals in a province of northern Italy. J Infect Dev Ctries 2022; 16:120-124. [PMID: 35192529 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.15633] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In low tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries, foreign-born individuals represent a population at risk. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys use standardized and structured questionnaires to collect information by a specific population in relation to a particular topic. As primary objective, we developed and validated a questionnaire exploring TB knowledge among foreign-born individuals from high TB incidence countries living in Ferrara's province, a low TB incidence province of northern Italy. As secondary objective, we investigated respondents' demographic and social determinants of health data. METHODOLOGY Questionnaire items were developed based on World Health Organization (WHO) "A guide to develop KAP surveys" questionnaire sample and literature review. Questionnaire underwent Delphi technique evaluation, back and forward translation, health literacy review, and two pilot tests. Internal consitency and validity were computed through Cronbach's alpha, content validity index, and principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and social determinants of health data. RESULTS We initially proposed a 38-item questionnaire. After Delphi technique, performed with seven experts, a 17-items questionnaire was obtained. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, used to assess internal consistency, was 0.65. Content validity index was > 0.80. One factor was extracted by PCA, with a cumulative contribution of 50%. The population investigated was similar to the immigrant population settled in Ferrara's province, according to age, gender and TB risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire we developed and validated can contribute to measure foreign-born individuals' TB knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Di Nuzzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Valpiani
- Research Innovation Quality and Accreditation Unit, Sant'Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Morotti
- Research Innovation Quality and Accreditation Unit, Sant'Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Mazziotta C, Di Mauro G, Lanzillotti C, Barp N, Gallerani A, Tognon M, Contini C. SARS-CoV-2 Infection: New Molecular, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenetic Insights. Efficacy of Current Vaccines and the Potential Risk of Variants. Viruses 2021; 13:1687. [PMID: 34578269 PMCID: PMC8473168 DOI: 10.3390/v13091687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly discovered coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly become a public health emergency of international concern. Although remarkable scientific achievements have been reached since the beginning of the pandemic, the knowledge behind this novel coronavirus, in terms of molecular and pathogenic characteristics and zoonotic potential, is still relatively limited. Today, there is a vaccine, or rather several vaccines, which, for the first time in the history of highly contagious infectious diseases that have plagued mankind, has been manufactured in just one year. Currently, four vaccines are licensed by regulatory agencies, and they use RNA or viral vector technologies. The positive effects of the vaccination campaign are being felt in many parts of the world, but the disappearance of this new infection is still far from being a reality, as it is also threatened by the presence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants that could undermine the effectiveness of the vaccine, hampering the immunization control efforts. Indeed, the current findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is adapting to transmission in humans more efficiently, while further divergence from the initial archetype should be considered. In this review, we aimed to provide a collection of the current knowledge regarding the molecular, phylogenetic, and pathogenetic insights into SARS-CoV-2. The most recent findings obtained with respect to the impact of novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the development and implementation of vaccines are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Mauro
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicole Barp
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Altea Gallerani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Mazzoni E, Iaquinta MR, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Maritati M, Montesi M, Sprio S, Tampieri A, Tognon M, Martini F. Bioactive Materials for Soft Tissue Repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:613787. [PMID: 33681157 PMCID: PMC7933465 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.613787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, age-related pathologies have increased abreast the aging population worldwide. The increased age of the population indicates that new tools, such as biomaterials/scaffolds for damaged tissues, which display high efficiency, effectively and in a limited period of time, for the regeneration of the body's tissue are needed. Indeed, scaffolds can be used as templates for three-dimensional tissue growth in order to promote the tissue healing stimulating the body's own regenerative mechanisms. In tissue engineering, several types of biomaterials are employed, such as bioceramics including calcium phosphates, bioactive glasses, and glass-ceramics. These scaffolds seem to have a high potential as biomaterials in regenerative medicine. In addition, in conjunction with other materials, such as polymers, ceramic scaffolds may be used to manufacture composite scaffolds characterized by high biocompatibility, mechanical efficiency and load-bearing capabilities that render these biomaterials suitable for regenerative medicine applications. Usually, bioceramics have been used to repair hard tissues, such as bone and dental defects. More recently, in the field of soft tissue engineering, this form of scaffold has also shown promising applications. Indeed, soft tissues are continuously exposed to damages, such as burns or mechanical traumas, tumors and degenerative pathology, and, thereby, thousands of people need remedial interventions such as biomaterials-based therapies. It is known that scaffolds can affect the ability to bind, proliferate and differentiate cells similar to those of autologous tissues. Therefore, it is important to investigate the interaction between bioceramics and somatic/stem cells derived from soft tissues in order to promote tissue healing. Biomimetic scaffolds are frequently employed as drug-delivery system using several therapeutic molecules to increase their biological performance, leading to ultimate products with innovative functionalities. This review provides an overview of essential requirements for soft tissue engineering biomaterials. Data on recent progresses of porous bioceramics and composites for tissue repair are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica Montesi
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Simone Sprio
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Anna Tampieri
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics-National Research Council (ISTEC-CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Contini C, Enrica Gallenga C, Neri G, Maritati M, Conti P. A new pharmacological approach based on remdesivir aerosolized administration on SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary inflammation: A possible and rational therapeutic application. Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:109876. [PMID: 32562915 PMCID: PMC7246020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The new zoonotic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus not previously seen in humans and which appears to come from bat species. It originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and spread rapidly throughout the world, causing over 5,569,679 global cases and 351,866 deaths in almost every country in the world, including Europe, particularly Italy. In general, based on existing data published to date, 80.9% of patients infected with the virus develop mild infection; 13.8% severe pneumonia; 4.7% respiratory failure, septic shock or multi-organ failure; 3% of these cases are fatal. Critical patients have been shown to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hospitalization in intensive care units. The average age of patients admitted to hospital is 57-79 years, with one third half with an underlying disease. Asymptomatic infections have also been described, but their frequency is not known. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is mainly airborne from one person to another via droplets. The data available so far seem to indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is capable of producing an excessive immune reaction in the host. The virus attacks type II pneumocytes in the lower bronchi through the binding of the Spike protein (S protein) to viral receptors, of which the angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE2) receptor is the most important. ACE2 receptor is widely expressed in numerous tissues, including the oropharynx and conjunctiva, but mostly distributed in ciliated bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes in the lower bronchi. The arrival of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs causes severe primary interstitial viral pneumonia that can lead to the "cytokine storm syndrome", a deadly uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response triggered by the activation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), whose effect is extensive lung tissue damage and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), that are life-threatening for patients with COVID-19. In the absence of a therapy of proven efficacy, current management consists of off-label or compassionate use therapies based on antivirals, antiparasitic agents in both oral and parenteral formulation, anti-inflammatory drugs, oxygen therapy and heparin support and convalescent plasma. Like most respiratory viruses can function and replicate at low temperatures (i.e. 34-35 °C) and assuming viral thermolability of SARS-CoV-2, local instillation or aerosol of antiviral (i.e. remdesivir) in humid heat vaporization (40°-41 °C) in the first phase of infection (phenotype I, before admission), both in asymptomatic but nasopharyngeal swab positive patients, together with antiseptic-antiviral oral gargles and povidone-iodine eye drops for conjunctiva (0,8-5% conjunctival congestion), would attack the virus directly through the receptors to which it binds, significantly decreasing viral replication, risk of evolution to phenotypes IV and V, reducing hospitalization and therefore death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Contini
- Department Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Dept. Morphology, Surgery, Exp. Medicine, PhDs Molecular Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giampiero Neri
- ENT, Dept Neuroscience, Imaging & Clinical Sciences, G d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Dept. Morphology, Surgery, Exp. Medicine, PhDs Molecular Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Molecular Immunopharmacology & Drug Discovery Lab, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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20
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Maritati M, Alessandro T, Zanotta N, Comar M, Bellini T, Sighinolfi L, Contini C. A comparison between different anti-retroviral therapy regimes on soluble inflammation markers: a pilot study. AIDS Res Ther 2020; 17:61. [PMID: 33054784 PMCID: PMC7558668 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-020-00316-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although HIV-related deaths have decreased dramatically following the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infection itself causes increased morbidity and mortality for both non-AIDS-related events or chronic inflammation and immune activation. The use of certain antiretroviral drugs can contribute to this process. METHODS We investigated 26 potential biomarkers in serum samples from HIV-1 infected patients virologically suppressed under ART. The main objective of our study was to evaluate if virological suppression achieved with a triple drug regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate co-formulated with emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) as backbone, could correlate with a better immunological and inflammatory profile in relation to the third class of antiretroviral drug administered. The eligible patients were then divided into 3 groups in relation to the third drug associated with TDF/FTC: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) (Group 1, n = 16), protease inhibitors (PI) (Group 2, n = 17) and integrase inhibitors (INI) (Group 3, n = 16). RESULTS Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were more represented in Group 2 than in Group 3 (IL-1Ra, p = 0.013; IL-12p70 p = 0.039; TNF-α p = 0.041; IL-8, p = 0.027; MIP1 β, p = 0.033). Eotaxin showed lower levels in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.010), while IP-10 was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to both Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results seem to discourage the administration of PI as a third drug in a virologically effective antiretroviral regimen, as its use is linked to the detection of higher levels of pro-inflammatory mediators in comparison with INI and NNRTI.
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21
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Trentini A, Maritati M, Rosta V, Cervellati C, Manfrinato MC, Hanau S, Greco P, Bonaccorsi G, Bellini T, Contini C. Vaginal Lactoferrin Administration Decreases Oxidative Stress in the Amniotic Fluid of Pregnant Women: An Open-Label Randomized Pilot Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:555. [PMID: 33015104 PMCID: PMC7505926 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Oxidative stress (OxS) has been linked to several pregnancy-related complications. Previous studies demonstrated that lactoferrin (LF) has the ability to modulate inflammation, OxS and the immune function. Therefore, we aimed to observe whether vaginal LF administration was able to decrease OxS in the amniotic fluid (AF) of pregnant women undergoing mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis. Methods: In this open-label clinical study, 60 pregnant women were divided into three groups: CONTROLS (n = 20), not treated with LF; LACTO 4HRS (n = 20), treated with LF 4 h prior to amniocentesis; LACTO 12HRS (n = 20), treated with LF 12 h prior to amniocentesis. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in AF samples. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity of LF on a cell line was tested. Results: LF decreased the concentration of TBARS in the AF, with LACTO 4HRS demonstrating the lowest value compared with CONTROLS (P < 0.0001). LACTO 4HRS had higher TAS and lower OSI than CONTROLS (P < 0.0001 for both). In vitro, LF was effective against the oxidative challenge regardless of the time of pretreatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, LF decreased both in vivo and in vitro OxS. LF administration may represent an intriguing clinical solution as an adjuvant to treat complications of pregnancy related to inflammation and OxS. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02695563. Registered 01 March 2016-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02695563.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Trentini
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Rosta
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Manfrinato
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Section of Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gloria Bonaccorsi
- Section of Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Contini C, Caselli E, Martini F, Maritati M, Torreggiani E, Seraceni S, Vesce F, Perri P, Rizzo L, Tognon M. COVID-19 Is a Multifaceted Challenging Pandemic Which Needs Urgent Public Health Interventions. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1228. [PMID: 32806657 PMCID: PMC7464234 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Until less than two decades ago, all known human coronaviruses (CoV) caused diseases so mild that they did not stimulate further advanced CoV research. In 2002 and following years, the scenario changed dramatically with the advent of the new more pathogenic CoVs, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndome (SARS-CoV-1), Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and the new zoonotic SARS-CoV-2, likely originated from bat species and responsible for the present coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which to date has caused 15,581,007 confirmed cases and 635,173 deaths in 208 countries, including Italy. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is mainly airborne via droplets generated by symptomatic patients, and possibly asymptomatic individuals during incubation of the disease, although for the latter, there are no certain data yet. However, research on asymptomatic viral infection is currently ongoing worldwide to elucidate the real prevalence and mortality of the disease. From a clinical point of view, COVID-19 would be defined as "COVID Planet " because it presents as a multifaceted disease, due to the large number of organs and tissues infected by the virus. Overall, based on the available published data, 80.9% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 develop a mild disease/infection, 13.8% severe pneumonia, 4.7% respiratory failure, septic shock, or multi-organ failure, and 3% of these cases are fatal, but mortality parameter is highly variable in different countries. Clinically, SARS-CoV-2 causes severe primary interstitial viral pneumonia and a "cytokine storm syndrome", characterized by a severe and fatal uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response triggered by the activation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) with development of endothelitis and generalized thrombosis that can lead to organ failure and death. Risk factors include advanced age and comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Virus entry occurs via binding the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor present in almost all tissues and organs through the Spike (S) protein. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 infection is prevented by the use of masks, social distancing, and improved hand hygiene measures. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the main biological and clinical features of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, also focusing on the principal measures taken in some Italian regions to face the emergency and on the most important treatments used to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Contini
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology Section, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Silva Seraceni
- RDI, Rete Diagnostica Italiana s.r.l, Lifebrain Group, Limena, 35010 Padova, Italy;
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Section, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Paolo Perri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties; Ophthalmology Section, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Leonzio Rizzo
- Department of Economy and Management; University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Section, Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (E.T.); (M.T.)
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23
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Tagliapietra A, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Mazzoni E, Magagnoli F, Maritati M, Contini C, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Footprints of BK and JC polyomaviruses in specimens from females affected by spontaneous abortion. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:433-440. [PMID: 30590693 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infections associated with spontaneous abortion (SA)? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no association of JCPyV or BKPyV with SA. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A large number of risk factors have been associated with SA. The role of polyomaviruses, including JCPyV and BKPyV, in SA remains to be clarified. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a case-control study including women affected by spontaneous abortion (SA, n = 100, the cases) and women who underwent voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI, n = 100, the controls). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Viral DNAs were investigated by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SA (n = 100) and VI (n = 100). Indirect ELISAs with mimotopes/synthetic peptides corresponding to JCPyV and BKPyV viral capsid protein 1 epitopes were then employed to investigate specific IgG antibodies against JCPyV and BKPyV in human sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) cohorts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE JCPyV DNA was detected in 51% and 61% of SA and VI samples, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 7.92 copy/104 cells in SA and 5.91 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05); BKPyV DNA was detected in 11% and 12% of SA and VI specimens, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.7 copy/104 cells in SA and 3.08 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). JCPyV was more prevalent than BKPyV in both SA and VI specimens (P < 0.0001). In PBMCs from the SA and VI cohorts, JCPyV DNA was detected with a prevalence of 8% and 12%, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.29 copy/104 cells in SA and 1.88 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against JCPyV detected by indirect ELISAs was 52.5% and 48.7% in SA and VI groups, respectively, whereas BKPyV-positive sera were found in 80% SA and 78.7% VI samples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study did not investigate the presence of viral mRNA and/or proteins, which are indicative of an active viral infection, and these might be taken into consideration in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS JCPyV and BKPyV DNA sequences were detected and quantitatively analyzed for the first time by PCR/ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI specimens. Moreover specific immunological approaches detected serum IgG against JCPyV/BKPyV. Statistical analyses, however, do not indicate an association between these polyomaviruses and SA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the University of Ferrara, FAR research grants and the University Hospital of Ferrara/University of Ferrara joint grant. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tagliapietra
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - J C Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
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Piccirilli G, Chiereghin A, Maritati M, Turello G, Felici S, La Corte R, Gabrielli L, Contini C, Lazzarotto T. Multidrug-resistant cytomegalovirus infection in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis during immunosuppressive treatment. Antivir Ther 2020; 25:111-114. [PMID: 32297594 DOI: 10.3851/imp3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major complication in immunocompromised patients, including those with autoimmune diseases. Here, we describe the first case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide, complicated by a multidrug-resistant (MDR) CMV infection in presence of weak antiviral cellular immunity. Since reports regarding CMV infection in rheumatological patients are rarely described and no guidelines on its management exist, the described case contributes to identify potential strategies to predict the risk of CMV disease and developing of MDR-CMV in these patients, through virological and immunological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Piccirilli
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Chiereghin
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Turello
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Felici
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato La Corte
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Hematology and Rheumatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Vicentini CB, Manfredini S, Maritati M, Di Nuzzo M, Contini C. Gonorrhea, a current disease with ancient roots: from the remedies of the past to future perspectives. Infez Med 2019; 27:212-221. [PMID: 31205048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gonorrhea can be traced back to the earliest records of the human race even if Albert Neisser first described gonococcus in 1879. The Romans, Jews and Arabs all have documents referring to gonorrhea and each society had their own description of symptoms and treatment. The Roman physician Galen in 130 AD described the disease as an "involuntary escape of semen". The word itself derives from the Greek, meaning "the flow of seed". Gonorrhea is currently the second most commonly notifiable sexually transmitted infection (STI) reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), second only to chlamydial infection. Gonorrhea notifications have been on the rise all over the world and in several European countries since the early 2000s, particularly in populations with higher frequency of spread of STIs, such as men who have sex with men and young heterosexual individuals of both sexes. Having been recognized at least 3500 years ago, the fight against the disease began infinitely before the antibiotic era, using healing compounds. In the absence of an ideal vaccine, the most important challenge today is the emergence of the multidrug-resistant gonorrhea, which is currently the main reason for public concern responsible for the evolution of N. gonorrheae into a superbug. N. gonorrheae strains resistant to extended spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) form a threat to effective control of gonorrhea for which there are currently ongoing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of old and new antimicrobial molecules for monotherapy and as dual therapy of gonorrhea. In this paper we investigated the remedies and treatments employed against gonorrhea during the 19th century in Ferrara, referring to Campana's Pharmacopoeia and unpublished manuscripts concerning the treatment of this disease in medical practice. The remedies for gonorrhea adopted in the city were in line with those utilized in other countries. Among these, copaiba oleoresins have been demonstrated to have been efficacious in the past against gonococcal disease in popular medical use and, recently, against a large number of bacteria, fungi and protozoa, which will call for more in vitro and clinical studies to evaluate their real effectiveness on the N. gonorrheae bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Beatrice Vicentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione del Farmaco e Prodotti della Salute; Università di Ferarra, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Manfredini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Sezione del Farmaco e Prodotti della Salute; Università di Ferarra, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Malattie Infettive e Dermatologia, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Di Nuzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Malattie Infettive e Dermatologia, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Malattie Infettive e Dermatologia, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Maritati M, Trentini A, Michel G, Bellini T, Almugadam S, Hanau S, Govoni M, Marty P, Contini C. Subclinical Leishmania infection in patients with rheumatic diseases under biological drugs. Infection 2018; 46:801-809. [PMID: 30097989 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-018-1189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate changes and immunosuppression are influencing the spread of leishmaniasis and re-emergence in Northern Italy, respectively. We evaluated the prevalence of subclinical leishmaniasis in patients from a Northern Italian region with chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIRD) receiving biological drugs (BD) and correlated it to the area of residence. METHODS DNA from PBMC of patients affected by CIRD treated with either BD for at least 5 years (Group A) or other immunosuppressive drugs (Group B) was investigated by a qPCR for Leishmania infantum kDNA and compared to healthy subjects (Group C). Variables such as sex and age, rural areas, dog ownership, type of BD administered and association between BD and steroids, were evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS A higher proportion of L. infantum DNA positivity was found in Group A than in Group C (p < 0.05), while no parasite DNA was detected in Group B. In Group A, 18/50 patients (36%) had higher rates of parasite DNA (from 1 to 136 to 1.000.000 copies/ml) than Group C (from 1 to 10 copies/ml). 14/18 (77.7%) of positive patients from Group A lived in rural areas, but no statistical differences occurred in relation to dog ownership or BD type (p < 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS We can speculate that exposure to rural areas appears to be a factor closely linked with the risk of developing Leishmania subclinical infection. A screening with molecular methods in patients with CIRD treated with BD living in these areas and monitoring Leishmania DNA during such therapies, would be mandatory to prevent delay in diagnosis should VL symptoms appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maritati
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gregory Michel
- INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, C3M, Toxines Microbiennes dans la Relation Hôte-Pathogènes, 06204, Nice, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Shawgi Almugadam
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Section of Hematology and Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pierre Marty
- INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, C3M, Toxines Microbiennes dans la Relation Hôte-Pathogènes, 06204, Nice, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.,Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire l'Archet, Université Côte d'Azur, CS 23079, 06202, Nice, France
| | - Carlo Contini
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.
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Contini C, Rotondo JC, Magagnoli F, Maritati M, Seraceni S, Graziano A, Poggi A, Capucci R, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Investigation on silent bacterial infections in specimens from pregnant women affected by spontaneous miscarriage. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:100-107. [PMID: 30078192 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Miscarriage is one of the main complications occurring in pregnancy. The association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and silent bacterial infections has been poorly investigated. Ureaplasma parvum and urealiticum, Mycoplasma genitalium and hominis and Chlamydia trachomatis DNA sequences have been investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from females with spontaneous abortion (SA, n = 100) and females who underwent voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI, n = 100). U. parvum DNA was detected in 14% and 15% of SA and VI, respectively, with a mean of bacterial DNA load of 1.3 × 10-1 copy/cell in SA and 2.8 × 10 -3 copy/cell in VI; U. urealiticum DNA was detected in 3% and 2% of SA and VI specimens, respectively, with a mean DNA load of 3.3 × 10-3 copy/cell in SA and 1.6 × 10-3 copy/cell in VI; M. hominis DNA was detected in 5% of SA specimens with a DNA load of 1.3 × 10-4 copy/cell and in 6% of VI specimens with a DNA load of 1.4 × 10-4 copy/cell; C. trachomatis DNA was detected in 3% of SA specimens with a DNA load of 1.5 × 10-4 copy/cell and in 4% of VI specimens with a mean DNA load of 1.4 × 10-4 copy/cell. In PBMCs from the SA and VI groups, Ureaplasma spp, Mycoplasma spp and C. trachomatis DNAs were detected with a prevalence of 1%-3%. Bacteria were investigated, for the first time, by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from women affected by SA and VI. These data may help to understand the role and our knowledge of the silent infections in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John C Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silva Seraceni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angela Graziano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Poggi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Capucci
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Di Nuzzo M, Trentini A, Grilli A, Massoli L, Biagi E, Maritati M, Contini C. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis among immigrants in a low-TB burden and high immigrant receiving city of northern Italy. J Infect Dev Ctries 2018; 12:73-79. [DOI: 10.3855/jidc.10167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The constantly increasing immigration flows are influencing tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in several European countries as well as in Italy. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) incidence rate is not decreasing and, among immigrants, it occurs in a remarkable number of cases. This study aimed to provide further insights regarding EPTB among natives and immigrants in a low TB burden and high immigrant receiving setting.
Methodology: A total of 217 TB cases admitted to the University-Hospital of Ferrara from 2009 through 2015 were enrolled in the study. Clinical and demographical data including age, gender, origin, single comorbidities such as HIV status, chronic viral disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, neoplasm, and multimorbidity were analyzed.
Results: Of the 217 cases enrolled, 60.0% were immigrants and 40.0% natives, 68.7% presented pulmonary TB and 31.3% EPTB. By binary logistic regression, we observed that female gender (O.R. (95% C.I.): 1.95 (1.08-3.50), p < 0.05), Asian origin (5.70 (2.00-16.24), p < 0.001) and multimorbidity (6.42 (2.37-17.41), p < 0.001) were significantly associated to the development of EPTB compared to PTB. Nodal TB was the most common site of reactivation (56.5% among immigrants and 27.3% among natives).
Conclusions: The data we found could be useful in increasing EPTB medical suspicion and decreasing EPTB diagnostic delay in low TB burden and high immigrant receiving settings.
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Gallenga PE, Del Boccio M, Gallenga CE, Neri G, Pennelli A, Toniato E, Lobefalo L, Maritati M, Perri P, Contini C, Del Boccio G. Diagnosis of a neonatal ophthalmic discharge, Ophthalmia neonatorum, in the molecular age: investigation for a correct therapy. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2018; 32:177-184. [PMID: 29504385] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An early double case of acute Ophthalmia neonatorum in 3-day-old twins is reported. Culture of eye swabs showed a wide bacterial polymorphism, in which common bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Corynebacterium ulcerans and other Enterobacteriaceae, coexisted with atypical Mycoplasmataceae and Chlamydiaceae from resident cervical-vaginal maternal microbiota. The neonates were in an apparently healthy state, but showed red eyes with abundant greenish-yellow secretion, mild chemosis and lid edema. The maternal cervical-vaginal ecosystem resulted differently positive to the same common cultivable, atypical bacteria culturally and molecularly determined. This suggested a direct maternal-foetal transmission or a further foetal contamination before birth. An extended culture analysis for common bacteria to atypical ones was decisive to describe the involvement of Mycoplasmas (M. hominis and U. urealyticum) within the scenario of the Ophthalmia neonatorum in a Caucasian couple. The introduction of a routine PCR molecular analysis for Chlamydiaceae and N. gonorrhoeae allowed to establish which of these were present at birth, and contributed to determine the correct laboratory diagnosis and to define an adequate therapeutic protocol obtaining a complete resolution after one year for culture and atypical bacteria controls. This study suggests to improve the quality of laboratory diagnosis as unavoidable support to a correct clinical diagnosis and therapy, in a standardized modality both for swabbing and scraping, to check the new-born microbial programming starting in uterus, overtaking the cultural age to the molecular age, and to revise the WHO guidelines of SAFE Strategy for trachoma eye disease, transforming it into SAFES Strategy where the S letter is the acronym of Sexual ecosystem and behavioural valuation/education.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Gallenga
- European Board Ophthalmology (FEBO) and Bioethical Committee Republic of San Marino
| | - M Del Boccio
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences; G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - C E Gallenga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialist Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Neri
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Pennelli
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences; G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - E Toniato
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences; G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Lobefalo
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences; G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Maritati
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - P Perri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialist Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Contini
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Del Boccio
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnological Sciences; G. dAnnunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Maritati M, Comar M, Zanotta N, Seraceni S, Trentini A, Corazza F, Vesce F, Contini C. Influence of vaginal lactoferrin administration on amniotic fluid cytokines and its role against inflammatory complications of pregnancy. J Inflamm (Lond) 2017; 14:5. [PMID: 28289333 PMCID: PMC5310020 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-017-0152-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background An altered amniotic cytokine profile has been reported in inflammatory pregnancy complications with a leading role for IL-6, a marker of the foetal systemic inflammatory response. Up to this date there is no exhaustive information neither on the foetal cytokine balance nor on the best method for its modulation. We aimed to evaluate the influence of vaginal lactoferrin administration on amniotic fluid concentration of 47 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Methods Sixty women undergoing genetic amniocentesis were enrolled in an open-label clinical trial. 300 mg of vaginal lactoferrin (Florence, Italy) were randomly administered to obtain 3 groups: A, 20 untreated patients; B and C (20 patients in each) respectively treated 4 and 12 h before amniocentesis. Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors concentrations were quantified by a magnetic bead Luminex multiplex immunoassays panel technology. Data analysis was performed with the software Stata (v. 13.1) and GraphPad Prism (v. 5). Group comparisons were performed using Kruskal–Wallis followed by Mann–Whitney U tests, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Among the 47 tested mediators, 24 (51.06%) were influenced by lactoferrin. 11 (23.4%), showed a highly significant difference (p <0.001); among these IL-9, IL-15, IFN-γ, IP-10, TNF-α, IL-1α and MCP-3 underwent a down-regulation, while IL-17 and FGF-basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF an up-regulation. Difference between group C and both B and A was small for IL-15, IP-10, IL-1α, MCP-3, while it was negligible for IL-9, IFN-γ and TNF-α. IL-17 and the 3 growth factors were strongly enhanced in B and C groups. IL-17, FGF-basic and GM-CSF showed increasing concentrations in both B and C groups, while G-CSF resulted up-regulated only in group C. Significance was intermediate (p < 0.01) for the down regulated IL-2RA, IL-12p40 and IFNα2 (6.38%) while it was small for 10 mediators (21.27%) 7 of which (IL-2, IL-4, eotaxin, PDGF-BB, RANTES, IL-18 and MIF) down-regulated and 3 (MCP-1, IL-3, and SDF-1α) up-regulated. Conclusion Lactoferrin down-regulates 17 pro-inflammatory amniotic mediators while up-regulating 7 anti-inflammatory amniotic mediators, 5 of which definitively belonging to an anti-inflammatory profile. These findings open to clinical investigation on its use against inflammatory complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maritati
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Nunzia Zanotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silva Seraceni
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Corazza
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit Hospital of Cento, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, I 44 100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Borghi A, Corazza M, Minghetti S, Biolo G, Maritati M, Virgili A. Mycological visits requested in a tertiary referral center: what can be hiding behind a suspected skin mycosis? GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2016; 151:634-641. [PMID: 26484881] [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: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have so far specifically addressed referrals for mycological visits to analyze the requests for mycological visits in a tertiary referral centre, with particular regard to the rate of true mycoses, the correlation between correct diagnostic hypothesis and specialization of the referring physicians, and the most frequently misdiagnosed dermatological disorders. METHODS A number of 415 consecutive patients attending our Mycology Unit for suspected superficial fungal infections were enrolled. Final diagnosis was made on clinical features, history, microscopic and cultural analyses and, when necessary, histology. RESULTS The results show that 118 patients (28.43%) were diagnosed to be affected with fungi, mainly dermatophytes (57%) and Candida (29%). Among nail referrals, onychoystrophies due to mechanical injuries and psoriasis were the most frequently misdiagnosed disorders. Eczema accounted for the main part of the suspected mycoses of glabrous skin, while tinea capitis was the most common referral for hair diseases. The rate of confirmed dermatomychosis was higher among patients referred by dermatologists than by other physicians. The majority of the study patients had undergone previous therapies, mainly antimycotics. CONCLUSIONS Clinical assessment is often insufficient for diagnosing cutaneous mycoses. Mycological examination is advisable not only for a conclusive diagnosis but also to avoid unnecessary treatments. Nevertheless, clinical competence is relevant for correct suspicion of dermatomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Borghi
- Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy -
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Caselli E, Borghi A, Maritati M, Gafà R, Lanza G, Di Luca D, Virgili A, Contini C. Relapses of primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in a female immunocompetent patient with persistent chlamydophila pneumoniae and human herpesvirus 8 infection. Infect Agent Cancer 2016; 11:31. [PMID: 27382410 PMCID: PMC4932675 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-016-0079-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported the case of an immunocompetent female patient with a primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (PCALCL) located on her upper right eyelid characterized by the presence of a concurrent active infection by C. pneumoniae and Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). This finding suggested for the first time a possible association of C. pneumoniae and/or HHV8 infection, or both together, with PCALCL pathogenesis in non-immunocompromised and HIV-negative subjects. The subsequent course of the same patient’s medical history is herein reported. Findings During the 4 years following the surgical excision of the first PCALCL, the patient developed five further skin lesions located at different anatomical sites, all histologically proven as PCALCLs. The patient underwent several cycles of doxycycline as prophylaxis against Chlamydia. Skin presence of Chlamydia spp and HHV8 was investigated in all recurrences as well as in routine control blood samples. Amplification fragments corresponding to Chlamydia were found in all skin tissues analysed except one (4/5; 80 %), whereas it was not detected in any of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples. Conversely, HHV8 was detected in 2/5 (40 %) of the skin biopsies, including the sample negative for Chlamydia, but in all the blood samples analysed. Conclusions These findings further support the hypothesis of a potential role of C. pneumoniae and HHV8 infection in the development and course of the described cutaneous lymphoma. A reciprocally promoting interaction between the two pathogens may be supposed to be relevant for PCALC occurrence and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Borghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Di Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annarosa Virgili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Vicentini CB, Contini C, Maritati M, Altieri L, Manfredini S. The impact of rabies and its treatment until the 19th Century: a lesson from the past. Pharm Hist (Lond) 2016; 46:33-39. [PMID: 29999261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Vicentini CB, Guidi E, Lupi S, Maritati M, Manfedini S, Contini C. [The nineteenth-century epidemic waves of influenza]. Infez Med 2015; 23:374-389. [PMID: 26700092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The retrospective analysis undertaken by our working group in the sphere of infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on nineteenth-century epidemics, regards influenza, which according to the scholar W.I. Beveridge, was defined as "one of the greatest enemies of man". The work is divided into three parts: influenza, its historical names and the characteristics of the recurrent epidemics from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century among the world's population. This part is followed by treatment and remedial action in the nineteenth century. The third, deals with death attributed to influenza and its complications observed in the city of Ferrara in the years when outbreaks occurred, affecting the majority of the populations: 1830-1833, 1836-1837, 1847-1848, 1857-1858, 1873-1875, 1889-1892, the latter known as the great pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrica Guidi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Sanità Pubblica, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Lupi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Sanità Pubblica, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Malattie Infettive, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Manfedini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Sezione di Malattie Infettive, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Vicentini CB, Mossuto E, Altieri L, Vertuani S, Maritati M, Contini C, Manfredini S. The value of the Euganean thermalism in the treatment of human diseases: past, present and future health applications. From Michele Savonarola's De Balneis in Comitatu Paduano to innovative approaches. Pharm Hist (Lond) 2014; 44:37-43. [PMID: 25029774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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Vesce F, Giugliano E, Bignardi S, Cagnazzo E, Colamussi C, Marci R, Valente N, Seraceni S, Maritati M, Contini C. Vaginal lactoferrin administration before genetic amniocentesis decreases amniotic interleukin-6 levels. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2014; 77:245-9. [PMID: 24642648 DOI: 10.1159/000358877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To verify the eventual efficacy of lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, to decrease the amniotic concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6). METHODS We prospectively enrolled 60 Caucasian patients at the 16th week of their singleton physiological gestation. A vaginal compound containing 300 mg of LF was administered randomly 4 or 12 h prior to amniocentesis, as to obtain 3 groups: A, 20 untreated patients; B, 20 treated 4 h before amniocentesis; C, 20 treated 12 h before amniocentesis. RESULTS A normal karyotype was registered in all cases. The comparison of the distribution of IL-6 among the 3 groups showed a highly significant difference (p = 0.001). The difference between mean values of group B and both groups C and A was shown to be highly significant (p = 0.006 and p = 0.03, respectively). In contrast, there was no significant difference between mean values of groups A and C. CONCLUSION Vaginal LF administration decreases amniotic IL-6 concentration. We therefore suggest that the glycoprotein may exert a protective role against ominous pregnancy complications linked to an increased level of the cytokine, such as abortion secondary to amniocentesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fortunato Vesce
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Contini C, Seraceni S, Maritati M, Cavazzini F, Perri P. Role of Chlamydia in the Development of Ocular Adnexal Lymphoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2013.42082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 11/20/2022]
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Martinis P, Zago L, Maritati M, Battaglia V, Grancara S, Rizzoli V, Agostinelli E, Bragadin M, Toninello A. Interactions of melatonin with mammalian mitochondria. Reducer of energy capacity and amplifier of permeability transition. Amino Acids 2011; 42:1827-37. [PMID: 21476076 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-0903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, a metabolic product of the amino acid tryptophan, induces a dose-dependent energy drop correlated with a decrease in the oxidative phosphorylation process in isolated rat liver mitochondria. This effect involves a gradual decrease in the respiratory control index and significant alterations in the state 4/state 3 transition of membrane potential (ΔΨ). Melatonin, alone, does not affect the insulating properties of the inner membrane but, in the presence of supraphysiological Ca2+, induces a ΔΨ drop and colloid-osmotic mitochondrial swelling. These events are sensitive to cyclosporin A and the inhibitors of Ca2+ transport, indicative of the induction or amplification of the mitochondrial permeability transition. This phenomenon is triggered by oxidative stress induced by melatonin and Ca2+, with the generation of hydrogen peroxide and the consequent oxidation of sulfydryl groups, glutathione and pyridine nucleotides. In addition, melatonin, again in the presence of Ca2+, can also induce substantial release of cytochrome C and AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), thus revealing its potential as a pro-apoptotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martinis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121, Padua, Italy
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Melchiorri P, Maritati M, Negri L, Erspamer V. Long-term sensitization to the activation of cerebral delta-opioid receptors by the deltorphin Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Glu-Val-Val-Gly-NH2 in rats exposed to morphine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1992; 89:3696-700. [PMID: 1315033 PMCID: PMC525557 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.9.3696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In experiments to evaluate responses to the activation of cerebral delta-opioid receptors, repeated daily injection of the selective delta-opioid agonist Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Glu-Val-Val-Gly-NH2 ([D-Ala2]deltorphin II) into rat brain resulted in the development of tolerance, whereas repeated daily injection or continuous infusion of morphine resulted in sensitization to the behavioral activating effects of the delta-opioid agonist. Although the rats did not modify their spontaneous locomotor activity after morphine withdrawal, they became markedly hyperresponsive to the locomotor and stereotypy-producing effects of a challenge dose of the delta-opioid agonist. Sensitization to activation of delta-opioid receptors persisted for at least 60 days after discontinuing morphine treatment. These results show that the development of tolerance and long-term sensitization to opioids involves delta-opioid as well as mu-opioid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Melchiorri
- Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Ammassari-Teule M, Fagioli S, Maritati M, Populin R, Pavone F. Chronic administration of phosphatidylserine during ontogeny enhances subject-environment interactions and radial maze performance in C57BL/6 mice. Physiol Behav 1990; 47:755-60. [PMID: 2385650 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(90)90090-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A longitudinal behavioral study was performed in mice exposed to the bovine brain phospholipid phosphatidylserine (BC-PS) from birth until sixty days. Examination of treated and control pups revealed no effect of the treatment on body weight nor on sensorimotor reflexes. At one and two months of age, when placed in an open field and, particularly, in the presence of a novel object, treated mice were found more interactive with their environment than control mice. Finally, when submitted to a radial eight-arm maze problem, choice accuracy was higher and maze-running strategies more adaptive in treated than in control adult mice. These results suggest a stimulating effect of the treatment on subject-environment interactions during ontogeny underlying improved cognitive abilities in adulthood.
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