1
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de Martinis C, Cardillo L, Pesce F, Viscardi M, Cozzolino L, Paradiso R, Cavallo S, De Ascentis M, Goffredo M, Monaco F, Savini G, D’Orilia F, Pinto R, Fusco G. Reoccurrence of West Nile virus lineage 1 after 2-year decline: first equine outbreak in Campania region. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1314738. [PMID: 38098986 PMCID: PMC10720362 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1314738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widespread arbovirus worldwide, responsible for severe neurological symptoms in humans as well as in horses and birds. The main reservoir and amplifier of the virus are birds, and migratory birds seem to have a key role in the introduction and spread of WNV during their migratory routes. WNV lineage 1 (L1) has been missing in Italy for almost 10 years, only to reappear in 2020 in two dead raptor birds in southern Italy. The present study reports the first equine outbreak in the Campania region. A 7-year-old horse died because of worsening neurological signs and underwent necropsy and biomolecular analyses. WNV-L1 was detected by real-time RT-PCR in the heart, brain, gut, liver, and spleen. Next Generation Sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain responsible for the outbreak showed a nucleotide identity of over 98% with the strain found in Accipiter gentilis 2 years earlier in the same area, belonging to the WNV-L1 Western-Mediterranean sub-cluster. These results underline that WNV-L1, after reintroduction in 2020, has probably silently circulated during a 2-year eclipse, with no positive sample revealed by both serological and biomolecular examinations in horses, birds, and mosquitoes. The climate changes that have occurred in the last decades are evolving the epidemiology of WNV, with introductions or re-introductions of the virus in areas that were previously considered low risk. Thereby, the virus may easily amplify and establish itself to reappear with sporadic evident cases in susceptible hosts after several months or even years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Martinis
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Lorena Cardillo
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Federica Pesce
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Loredana Cozzolino
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Rubina Paradiso
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Stefania Cavallo
- Department of Epidemiologic and Biostatistics Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Matteo De Ascentis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Goffredo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Abruzzo e Molise, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Renato Pinto
- U.O.D. Prevenzione e sanità pubblica veterinaria, Regione Campania, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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2
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Cicchitto G, Cardillo L, Sequino D, Sabatini P, Adamo L, Marchitiello R, Viscardi M, Cozzolino L, Cavallera A, Bocchino M, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Ferrigno F, de Carlo E, de Martinis C, Fusco G. Effectiveness of Sotrovimab in the Omicron Storm Time: A Case Series. Viruses 2022; 15:102. [PMID: 36680143 PMCID: PMC9864548 DOI: 10.3390/v15010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are largely used to prevent the progression of the disease by blocking viral attachment, host cell entry, and infectivity. Sotrovimab, like other available mAbs, has been developed against the receptor binding Domain of the Spike (S) glycoprotein of the virus. Nevertheless, the latest Omicron variant has shown marked mutations within the S gene, thus opening the question of the efficacy of these neutralizing molecules towards this novel variant. In the present observational study, we describe the effects of Sotrovimab in the treatment of 15 fully vaccinated patients, infected by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants, who were selected on the basis of factors widely considered to affect a worse prognosis: immune suppression (n = 12) and/or chronic kidney disease (n = 5) with evidence of interstitial pneumonia in nine patients. The effectiveness of Sotrovimab in the treatment of severe cases of COVID-19 was demonstrated by the regression of symptoms (mean 5.7 days), no need of hospitalisation, improvement of general health conditions and viral clearance within 30 days in all patients. In conclusion, although loss or reduction of mAbs neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant have been described, Sotrovimab has clinically proven to be a safe and useful treatment for patients with high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 infected by Omicron sub-variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Cicchitto
- COVID-19 Hospital “M. Scarlato”, Department of Pneumology, 84018 Salerno, Italy
| | - Lorena Cardillo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Sequino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Disease Federico II University Hospital, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Sabatini
- Umberto I” Hospital, Unit of Virology and Microbiology, Nocera Inferiore, 84018 Salerno, Italy
| | - Luisa Adamo
- Umberto I” Hospital, Unit of Virology and Microbiology, Nocera Inferiore, 84018 Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosita Marchitiello
- COVID-19 Hospital “M. Scarlato”, Unit of Clinical Pathology Laboratory, 84018 Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Cozzolino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marialuisa Bocchino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Disease Federico II University Hospital, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Respiratory Disease Federico II University Hospital, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrigno
- COVID-19 Hospital “M. Scarlato”, Department of Pneumology, 84018 Salerno, Italy
| | - Esterina de Carlo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio de Martinis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Naples, Italy
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3
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de Martinis C, Cardillo L, Esposito C, Viscardi M, Barca L, Cavallo S, D'Alessio N, Martella V, Fusco G. First identification of bovine hepacivirus in wild boars. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11678. [PMID: 35804025 PMCID: PMC9270363 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. Humans were long considered the only hosts of Hepacivirus. Recently HCV-like sequences have been found in several animal species. Hepaciviruses are considered species-specific but a wider host range and a zoonotic role has been hypothesized. We report the first detection of bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) sequences in wild boars. A total of 310 wild boars hunted in Campania region were investigated with a pan-hepacivirus nested-PCR protocol for the NS3 gene. Hepacivirus RNA was detected in 5.8% of the animals. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed high homology with BovHepV subtype F, with nucleotide identity of 99%. The positive wild boars were georeferenced, revealing high density of livestock farms, with no clear distinction between animal husbandry and hunting areas. These findings might suggest the ability of BovHepV to cross the host-species barrier and infect wild boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Martinis
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorena Cardillo
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudia Esposito
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Barca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Calabria Section, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Stefania Cavallo
- Department of Epidemiologic and Biostatistic Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aldo Moro" University, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
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4
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Ricciardi S, Guarino AM, Giaquinto L, Polishchuk EV, Santoro M, Di Tullio G, Wilson C, Panariello F, Soares VC, Dias SSG, Santos JC, Souza TML, Fusco G, Viscardi M, Brandi S, Bozza PT, Polishchuk RS, Venditti R, De Matteis MA. The role of NSP6 in the biogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle. Nature 2022; 606:761-768. [PMID: 35551511 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04835-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, builds a membrane-bound replication organelle (RO) to enable RNA replication1. The SARS-CoV-2 RO is composed of double membrane vesicles (DMVs) tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by thin membrane connectors2, but the viral proteins and the host factors involved are currently unknown. Here we identify the viral non-structural proteins (NSPs) that generate the SARS-CoV-2 RO. NSP3 and NSP4 generate the DMVs while NSP6, through oligomerization and an amphipathic helix, zippers ER membranes and establishes the connectors. The NSP6ΔSGF mutant, which arose independently in the α, β, γ, η, ι, and λ variants of SARS-CoV-2, behaves as a gain-of-function mutant with a higher ER-zippering activity. We identified three main roles for NSP6: to act as a filter in RO-ER communication allowing lipid flow but restricting access of ER luminal proteins to the DMVs, to position and organize DMV clusters, and to mediate contact with lipid droplets (LDs) via the LD-tethering complex DFCP1-Rab18. NSP6 thus acts as an organizer of DMV clusters and can provide a selective track to refurbish them with LD-derived lipids. Importantly, both properly formed NSP6 connectors and LDs are required for SARS-CoV-2 replication. Our findings, uncovering the biological activity of NSP6 of SARS-CoV-2 and of other coronaviruses, have the potential to fuel the search for broad antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ricciardi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy.,Dept. Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Giaquinto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy
| | - Elena V Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy
| | - Michele Santoro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Tullio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy
| | - Cathal Wilson
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy
| | | | - Vinicius C Soares
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Programa de Imunologia e Inflamação, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suelen S G Dias
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julia C Santos
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago M L Souza
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS) and National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation on Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT/IDNP), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, (Naples), Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, (Naples), Italy
| | - Sergio Brandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, (Naples), Italy
| | - Patrícia T Bozza
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Roman S Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy.
| | - Rossella Venditti
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy. .,Dept. Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta De Matteis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, TIGEM, Pozzuoli, (Naples), Italy. .,Dept. Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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5
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Paparo L, Bruno C, Ferrucci V, Punto E, Viscardi M, Fusco G, Cerino P, Romano A, Zollo M, Berni Canani R. Protective effects elicited by cow milk fermented with L. Paracasei CBAL74 against SARS-CoV-2 infection in human enterocytes. J Funct Foods 2021; 87:104787. [PMID: 34630633 PMCID: PMC8491972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fermented foods have been proposed in limiting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging evidence suggest the efficacy of cow's milk fermented with the probiotic L. paracasei CBAL74 (FM-CBAL74) in preventing infectious diseases. We evaluated the protective action of FM-CBAL74 against SARS-CoV-2 infection in human enterocytes. Relevant aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection were assessed: infectivity, host functional receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression (IL-6, IL-15, IL-1β, VEGFβ, TNF-α, MCP-1, CXCL1). Pre-incubation with FM-CBA L74 reduced the number of infected cells. The expression of ACE2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, VEGFβ, IL-15, IL-1β was downregulated by the pre-treatment with this fermented food. No effect on TMPRSS2, MCP-1, TNF-α and CXCL1 expression was observed. Modulating the crucial aspects of the infection, the fermented food FM-CBAL74 exerts a preventive action against SARS-CoV-2. These evidence could pave the way to innovative nutritional strategy to mitigate the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Paparo
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Bruno
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Punto
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, AOU Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, AOU Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, AOU Azienda Ospedaliera, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Romano
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Berni Canani
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- CEINGE - Advanced Biotechnologies Research Center s.c.ar.l., University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Task Force for Microbiome Studies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
- Task Force for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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6
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Santoro M, Viscardi M, Sgroi G, DʼAlessio N, Veneziano V, Pellicano R, Brunetti R, Fusco G. Correction to: Real-time PCR detection of Toxoplasma gondii in tissue samples of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from southern Italy reveals high prevalence and parasite load. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:526. [PMID: 34635166 PMCID: PMC8507209 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola DʼAlessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Roberta Brunetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
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7
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Ferrucci V, Kong DY, Asadzadeh F, Marrone L, Boccia A, Siciliano R, Criscuolo G, Anastasio C, Quarantelli F, Comegna M, Pisano I, Passariello M, Iacobucci I, Monica RD, Izzo B, Cerino P, Fusco G, Viscardi M, Brandi S, Pierri BM, Borriello G, Tiberio C, Atripaldi L, Bianchi M, Paolella G, Capoluongo E, Castaldo G, Chiariotti L, Monti M, De Lorenzo C, Yun KS, Pascarella S, Cheong JH, Kim HY, Zollo M. Long-chain polyphosphates impair SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/690/eabe5040. [PMID: 34230209 PMCID: PMC8432949 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abe5040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain, inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs), which are found in many cells in the blood, have cytoprotective and antiviral activities, particularly against HIV-1 infection. Ferrucci et al. tested the effects of polyPs of various lengths on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro. Molecular docking and binding analyses showed that polyPs bound to the host receptor ACE2, which facilitates viral entry, and a viral RNA polymerase required for replication. Both proteins underwent proteasomal degradation in cells incubated with polyP120, the optimal species tested, resulting in inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and a reduced inflammatory response. Given that polyPs have low toxicity, these results suggest that their potential therapeutic use should be further explored. Inorganic polyphosphates (polyPs) are linear polymers composed of repeated phosphate (PO43−) units linked together by multiple high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. In addition to being a source of energy, polyPs have cytoprotective and antiviral activities. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of long-chain polyPs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In molecular docking analyses, polyPs interacted with several conserved amino acid residues in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the host receptor that facilitates virus entry, and in viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). ELISA and limited proteolysis assays using nano– LC-MS/MS mapped polyP120 binding to ACE2, and site-directed mutagenesis confirmed interactions between ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp and identified the specific amino acid residues involved. PolyP120 enhanced the proteasomal degradation of both ACE2 and RdRp, thus impairing replication of the British B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant. We thus tested polyPs for functional interactions with the virus in SARS-CoV-2–infected Vero E6 and Caco2 cells and in primary human nasal epithelial cells. Delivery of a nebulized form of polyP120 reduced the amounts of viral positive-sense genomic and subgenomic RNAs, of RNA transcripts encoding proinflammatory cytokines, and of viral structural proteins, thereby presenting SARS-CoV-2 infection in cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ferrucci
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Dae-Young Kong
- Ginxen Co., Ltd., 2F, Daewoong Building, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Laura Marrone
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Angelo Boccia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Criscuolo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | | | - Marika Comegna
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ida Pisano
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy
| | - Margherita Passariello
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ilaria Iacobucci
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Cinthia 4, Naples 80125, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Izzo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Sergio Brandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples 80055, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Borriello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Naples 80055, Italy
| | - Claudia Tiberio
- U.O.C. di Patologia Clinica Ospedale D. Cotugno, Azienda Sanitaria Ospedali dei Colli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Luigi Atripaldi
- U.O.C. di Patologia Clinica Ospedale D. Cotugno, Azienda Sanitaria Ospedali dei Colli, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Martina Bianchi
- Sapienza Università di Roma, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paolella
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Capoluongo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, AOU Azienda Ospedaliera "Federico II", Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Chiariotti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Maria Monti
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Cinthia 4, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Kyong-Seop Yun
- HaimBio Co. Ltd, Industrial Park, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Stefano Pascarella
- Sapienza Università di Roma, Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Jae-Ho Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Hong-Yeoul Kim
- Ginxen Co., Ltd., 2F, Daewoong Building, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea. .,HaimBio Co. Ltd, Industrial Park, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Massimo Zollo
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples 80145, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche (DMMBM), "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy.,DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, AOU Azienda Ospedaliera "Federico II", Naples 80131, Italy
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8
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Cardillo L, de Martinis C, Viscardi M, Esposito C, Sannino E, Lucibelli G, Limone A, Pellino S, Anastasio R, Pellicanò R, Baldi L, Galiero G, Fusco G. SARS-CoV-2 quantitative real time PCR and viral loads analysis among asymptomatic and symptomatic patients: an observational study on an outbreak in two nursing facilities in Campania Region (Southern Italy). Infect Agent Cancer 2021. [PMID: 34158108 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-139370/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2019 an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 was first observed in Wuhan, China. The virus has spread rapidly throughout the world creating a pandemic scenario. Several risk factors have been identified, such as age, sex, concomitant diseases as well as viral load. A key point is the role of asymptomatic people in spreading SARS-CoV-2. An observational study in Southern Italy was conducted in order to elucidate the possible role of asymptomatic individuals related to their viral loads in the transmission of the virus within two nursing facilities. METHODS Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs from 179 nursing health care workers and patients were collected. SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR was performed and viral loads were calculated by using standard curve. A statistical correlation between viral loads, the presence/absence of symptoms, age and sex variables was investigated. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in the 50.8 % (n = 91) of the cases. Median age of positive individuals resulted higher than negative ones. Over 65 year as well as female individuals showed higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, OR = 3.93 and 2.86, respectively. Among 91 tested positive, the 70.3 % was symptomatic while the 29.7 % was asymptomatic. Median viral loads of asymptomatic individuals were found statistically significant higher than symptomatic ones (p = 0.001), while no influence was observed in age and sex variables. The presence of comorbidities was 8.9 folds higher in patients who showed and developed symptoms compared to non-symptomatic ones. Moreover, higher viral loads were found in patients who remained asymptomatic than pre-symptomatic (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS A range from 9.2 to 69 % of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases remains asymptomatic, moreover, sporadic transmissions from asymptomatic people are reported, that makes their involvement an important issue to take into account in the spreading control of the virus. An asymptomatic clinical course was observed in the 29.7 % of positive individuals, moreover, median viral loads resulted to be statistically significant when compared to symptomatic ones. Surely, such a relevant frequency should not be ignored in relation to the spread of the disease in an environment which has not only important intrinsic (age, sex, concomitant diseases) but also extrinsic factors such as high population density and close contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Cardillo
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio de Martinis
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Esposito
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Sannino
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Applied Biotechnologies and Bioinformatics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lucibelli
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Biomolecular Diagnostics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Limone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Pellino
- Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Benevento, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rosa Anastasio
- Residential and Nursing Home Madonna dell'Arco, Sant'Anastasia, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicanò
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Baldi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
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9
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Cardillo L, de Martinis C, Viscardi M, Esposito C, Sannino E, Lucibelli G, Limone A, Pellino S, Anastasio R, Pellicanò R, Baldi L, Galiero G, Fusco G. SARS-CoV-2 quantitative real time PCR and viral loads analysis among asymptomatic and symptomatic patients: an observational study on an outbreak in two nursing facilities in Campania Region (Southern Italy). Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:45. [PMID: 34158108 PMCID: PMC8218569 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In December 2019 an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 was first observed in Wuhan, China. The virus has spread rapidly throughout the world creating a pandemic scenario. Several risk factors have been identified, such as age, sex, concomitant diseases as well as viral load. A key point is the role of asymptomatic people in spreading SARS-CoV-2. An observational study in Southern Italy was conducted in order to elucidate the possible role of asymptomatic individuals related to their viral loads in the transmission of the virus within two nursing facilities. METHODS Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs from 179 nursing health care workers and patients were collected. SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR was performed and viral loads were calculated by using standard curve. A statistical correlation between viral loads, the presence/absence of symptoms, age and sex variables was investigated. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in the 50.8 % (n = 91) of the cases. Median age of positive individuals resulted higher than negative ones. Over 65 year as well as female individuals showed higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, OR = 3.93 and 2.86, respectively. Among 91 tested positive, the 70.3 % was symptomatic while the 29.7 % was asymptomatic. Median viral loads of asymptomatic individuals were found statistically significant higher than symptomatic ones (p = 0.001), while no influence was observed in age and sex variables. The presence of comorbidities was 8.9 folds higher in patients who showed and developed symptoms compared to non-symptomatic ones. Moreover, higher viral loads were found in patients who remained asymptomatic than pre-symptomatic (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS A range from 9.2 to 69 % of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases remains asymptomatic, moreover, sporadic transmissions from asymptomatic people are reported, that makes their involvement an important issue to take into account in the spreading control of the virus. An asymptomatic clinical course was observed in the 29.7 % of positive individuals, moreover, median viral loads resulted to be statistically significant when compared to symptomatic ones. Surely, such a relevant frequency should not be ignored in relation to the spread of the disease in an environment which has not only important intrinsic (age, sex, concomitant diseases) but also extrinsic factors such as high population density and close contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Cardillo
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio de Martinis
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Esposito
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Sannino
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Applied Biotechnologies and Bioinformatics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lucibelli
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Biomolecular Diagnostics, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Limone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Pellino
- Department of Prevention, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Benevento, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rosa Anastasio
- Residential and Nursing Home Madonna dell'Arco, Sant'Anastasia, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicanò
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Baldi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic Regional Observatory (OREB), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 8055, Portici, Naples, Italy
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10
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Cocca P, Schiuma G, Viscardi M, Floreani F. Knowledge management system requirements to support Engineering-To-Order manufacturing of SMEs. Knowledge Management Research & Practice 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14778238.2021.1939174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Cocca
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - G. Schiuma
- Department of Mathematics, Information and Economics, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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11
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Passariello M, Gentile C, Ferrucci V, Sasso E, Vetrei C, Fusco G, Viscardi M, Brandi S, Cerino P, Zambrano N, Zollo M, De Lorenzo C. Novel human neutralizing mAbs specific for Spike-RBD of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11046. [PMID: 34040046 PMCID: PMC8155001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the therapies against the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus, monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) targeting the Spike glycoprotein represent good candidates to interfere in the Spike/ACE2 interaction, preventing virus cell entry. Since anti-spike mAbs, used individually, might be unable to block the virus entry in the case of resistant mutations, we designed an innovative strategy for the isolation of multiple novel human scFvs specific for the binding domain (RBD) of Spike. By panning a large phage display antibody library on immobilized RBD, we obtained specific binders by eluting with ACE2 in order to identify those scFvs recognizing the epitope of Spike interacting with its receptor. We converted the novel scFvs into full size IgG4, differently from the previously isolated IgG1 mAbs, to avoid unwanted potential side effects of IgG1 potent effector functions on immune system. The novel antibodies specifically bind to RBD in a nanomolar range and interfere in the interaction of Spike with ACE2 receptor, either used as purified protein or when expressed on cells in its native conformation. Furthermore, some of them have neutralizing activity for virus infection in cell cultures by using two different SARS-CoV-2 isolates including the highly contagious VOC 202012/01 variant and could become useful therapeutic tools to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/genetics
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/metabolism
- Antibodies, Viral/genetics
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/metabolism
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/therapy
- Cells, Cultured
- Epitopes
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Pandemics
- Protein Binding
- Protein Domains/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/physiology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Passariello
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Chiara Gentile
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Emanuele Sasso
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Vetrei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Brandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055, Portici Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Zambrano
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Ceinge - Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
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12
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Viscardi M, Santoro M, Cozzolino L, Borriello G, Fusco G. A type II variant of Toxoplasma gondii infects the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in southern Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:874-880. [PMID: 33527733 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14012] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a widespread zoonosis capable to affect a wide range of warm-blooded vertebrates. In the past two decades, T. gondii emerged as a significant aquatic pathogen with some pathogenic atypical genotypes isolated and characterized from stranded marine mammals. In contrast, no information is available for mammals in freshwater environment. Although otters are considered highly susceptible to T. gondii infection, to date molecular evidence of T. gondii in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) does not exist. We report the first molecular evidence of T. gondii in a free-ranging Eurasian otter from southern Italy and characterized the present strain as a genotype type II variant, with all loci type II except PK1 (locus sequence corresponding to type II variant B), B1 (locus sequence corresponding to type II/X A) and C29-2 (locus with SNPs). Our results indicate circulation of a type II variant in freshwater environment which suggests potential risk of transmission to animals and humans. The finding of a potential pathogenic strain is of great concern for future conservation programmes of the critically endangered Eurasian otter in southern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Cozzolino
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Giorgia Borriello
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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13
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Sgroi G, Viscardi M, Santoro M, Borriello G, D'Alessio N, Boccia F, Pacifico L, Fioretti A, Veneziano V, Fusco G. Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in southern Italy: Epidemiological survey and associated risk for consumers. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:805-813. [PMID: 32885615 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite (phylum Apicomplexa), which causes a zoonotic parasitic disease, known as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and genotypes of T. gondii in wild boars of southern Italy and thus to assess the risk of infection for consumers. The boars were inspected during the hunting season within the regional project 'Wild Boar Emergency Plan in Campania', and molecular analyses were performed on 338 boars analysing a total number of 884 matrices (263 brains, 310 hearts and 311 masseter muscles). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 134 out of 338 boars (39.6%). No significant statistical difference between genders was found (χ2 = 0.15 p = .70). The prevalence was 47.1%, 39.3% and 39.2% in piglets, yearlings and adults, respectively (χ2 = 0.41; p = .81). The highest prevalence of T. gondii was found in masseter muscles (74/311, 23.8%), followed by the heart (70/310, 22.6%) and brain (58/263, 22.0%), respectively. Microsatellite (MS) analysis of 11 samples revealed eleven T. gondii genotypes (nine atypical, one belonging to type II one to type III). Most of the genotypes found were thus atypical and may be virulent in humans. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed the presence of three distinct clusters, with the majority of atypical genotypes in the GII-GIII cluster. The high prevalence of infection in masseters highlights the potential risk for public health, considering that this muscle is commonly used to prepare raw meat products ('guanciale' and sausages), which may be a source of T. gondii infection in humans. Wild boars may act as an interface role between wildlife, livestock and humans. Our data highlight the urgent need to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans by setting up a surveillance programme and preventive strategies in a One Health approach to wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Borriello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio Regionale, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Federica Boccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Laura Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio Regionale, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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14
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Santoro M, Viscardi M, Boccia F, Borriello G, Lucibelli MG, Auriemma C, Anastasio A, Veneziano V, Galiero G, Baldi L, Fusco G. Parasite Load and STRs Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii Isolates From Mediterranean Mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Southern Italy. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:355. [PMID: 32210944 PMCID: PMC7066981 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic food-borne disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a land-derived protozoan parasite that infects a broad range of terrestrial and aquatic hosts. T. gondii may reach coastal waters via contaminated freshwater runoff and its oocysts may enter into the marine food web. Marine invertebrates as mussels being filter feeders are exposed and may concentrate T. gondii oocysts representing a potential source of infection for animals and humans. The present works investigated the prevalence, parasite burden and genotypes of T. gondii in the Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from southern Italy. We sampled a total of 382 individual Mediterranean mussels from May to August 2018 from seven production sites in the Gulf of Naples (Campania region). An additional sample including 27 farmed Mediterranean mussels was obtained in February 2018 from a mollusk depuration plant in Corigliano Calabro (Calabria region). T. gondii DNA was detected in 43 out of 409 (10.5%) Mediterranean mussels from seven out of eight sampling sites. The number of T. gondii copies/g in the digestive gland ranged from 0.14 to 1.18. Fragment analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) at 5 microsatellite loci was performed from 10 T. gondii PCR positive samples revealing the presence of five distinct genotypes including one corresponding to type I and four atypical genotypes. These findings suggest potential implications of epidemiological importance for human and animal health because both type I and atypical genotypes could be highly pathogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Federica Boccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Giorgia Borriello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | | | - Aniello Anastasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Loredana Baldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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15
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Santoro M, Viscardi M, Sgroi G, DʼAlessio N, Veneziano V, Pellicano R, Brunetti R, Fusco G. Real-time PCR detection of Toxoplasma gondii in tissue samples of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from southern Italy reveals high prevalence and parasite load. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:335. [PMID: 31277688 PMCID: PMC6610950 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread protozoan in the phylum Apicomplexa. In Europe, several studies have demonstrated the presence of the parasite in tissues of wild boars (Sus scrofa), but no data exists on the T. gondii load in tissues which in turn may be an useful way to assess the infection risk for the consumer of wild boar meat. Methods We sampled and tested a total of 472 tissue samples of brain, heart and masseter muscle from 177 wild boars from the Campania region of southern Italy by real-time PCR analyses for detection and quantification of T. gondii. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were calculated by ROC analysis curves. Results PCR analysis revealed the presence of T. gondii in tissue samples of 78 out of 177 (44%) wild boars. In general, the brain presented the highest PCR prevalence (31%), followed by the heart (28.3%) and the masseter muscle (24.2%), with the highest estimated parasite numbers observed in the brain followed by the heart and masseter muscle. The PCR method showed an excellent discriminating ability for each of the examined tissues. According to the ROC analysis curves, the respective sensitivity and specificity were 99 and 100% for masseter muscle, 98 and 98% for brain and 96 and 98% for heart samples. Conclusions The high prevalence of infection here detected suggests a widespread distribution of the parasite in the wildlife of the Campania region of southern Italy. The T. gondii burdens detected may potentially represent a source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola DʼAlessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Roberta Brunetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055, Portici, Italy
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Viscardi M, Santoro M, Clausi MT, Cozzolino L, Decaro N, Colaianni ML, Fusco G. Molecular detection and characterization of carnivore parvoviruses in free-ranging Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in southern Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1864-1872. [PMID: 31022323 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The most important Italian population of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) occurs in the southern part of the peninsula with two isolated sub-populations of about 250 adult individuals. The Eurasian otter is considered to be near threatened and it is a fully protected species. The aims of this study were to investigate for the first time the occurrence and characterize the parvoviruses included in the species Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 in seven carcasses of road-killed Eurasian otters from the southern Italy. Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 are responsible for acute gastroenteritis and leukopenia in pets and free-ranging carnivores. Initial screening of tissue samples by real-time PCR revealed CPV/FPV DNA in tissue samples of five Eurasian otters; three of them, showed co-infections by both CPV and FPV. Among the five positive Eurasian otters, we successfully obtained six DNA sequences from four individuals including two CPV-2a, one CPV-2b, one CPV-2c, and two FPV sequences. Comparison of these sequences with 250 VP2 gene sequences deposited in the GenBank database, showed 10 nt differences resulting in two synonymous and eight non-synonymous substitutions. On the basis of these results, two sequences here found were characterized as new CPV-2a, one was characterized as new CPV-2b variant, and one was characterized as FPV-like mutant. The last two sequences belong to a FPV and CPV-2c strain respectively. Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is reported for the first time in the Eurasian otter showing high infection value in southern Italy. Occurrence of this infection should be studied further to understand its possible pathogenicity and virulence to the fragile and isolate Eurasian otter population which live in southern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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Tereanu C, Sampietro G, Sarnataro F, Mazzoleni G, Pesenti B, Sala L, Cecchetti R, Arvati M, Brioschi D, Viscardi M, Prati C, Sala G, Barbaglio G. Exploring patient safety culture in preventive medicine settings: an experience from Northern Italy. J Prev Med Hyg 2017; 58:E121-E129. [PMID: 28900352 PMCID: PMC5584081] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patient safety and quality in healthcare are inseparable. Examining patient safety culture in staff members contributes to further develop quality in healthcare. In Italy there has been some experience in assessing patient safety culture in staff working in hospital. In this pilot study we explored patient safety culture in public health staff working in Italian Local Health Authorities. METHODS We carried out a descriptive cross sectional study in four Italian territorial Prevention facilities in Northern Italy. We administrated an adapted Italian version of the US Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture to all the staff within these facilities. The survey consisted of 10 dimensions based on 33 items, according to the results of a previous psychometric validation. RESULTS Seventy per cent of the staff responded to the survey (N = 479). Overall, six out of the 10 dimensions exhibited composite scores of positive response frequency for patient safety culture below 50%. While "communication openness" (65%) was the most developed factor, "teamwork across Units" (37%) was the least developed. The work areas with the highest composite scores were Management and the Public Health Laboratory, while in terms of professional categories, Physicians had the highest scores. Patient safety culture in the staff participating in this study was lower than in hospital staff. DISCUSSION Our descriptive cross sectional study is the first to be carried out in Preventive medicine settings in Italy. It has clearly indicated the need of improvement. Consequently, several interventions with this aim have been implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Tereanu
- Department of Hygiene and Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, Italy;,Correspondence: Carmen Tereanu, Department of Hygiene and Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, via Borgo Palazzo 130, 24125 Bergamo, Italy - E-mail:
| | - G. Sampietro
- Epidemiology Service, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, Italy
| | - F. Sarnataro
- Department of Hygiene and Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, Italy
| | - G. Mazzoleni
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale, Bergamo Est, Italy
| | - B. Pesenti
- Department of Hygiene and Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, Italy
| | - L.C. Sala
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Biella, Italy
| | - R. Cecchetti
- Department of Medical Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Brianza, Italy
| | - M. Arvati
- Department of Medical Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Val Padana, Italy
| | - D. Brioschi
- Department of Teaching and Communication, Local Health Authority of Biella, Italy
| | - M. Viscardi
- Department of Medical Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Brianza, Italy
| | - C. Prati
- Department of Medical Prevention, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Val Padana, Italy
| | - G. Sala
- Research and Evaluation Officer, COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale, Niamey, Niger
| | - G.G. Barbaglio
- MD, Medical Management, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Bergamo, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, Portici NA 80055, Italy
| | - M G Amoroso
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, Portici NA 80055, Italy
| | - G Aprea
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Abruzzo and Molise 'G. Caporale', via Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - V Veneziano
- Department of Pathology and Animal Health, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Delpino, 1, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - A Guarino
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, Portici NA 80055, Italy
| | - G Galiero
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, Portici NA 80055, Italy
| | - M Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, Portici NA 80055, Italy
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Fusco G, Amoroso MG, Gesualdi Montesano N, Viscardi M. Development of a pyrosequencing assay for the typing of alphaherpesviruses. MethodsX 2015; 2:47-52. [PMID: 26150971 PMCID: PMC4487326 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of herpesvirus in biological material is usually carried out by real-time PCR. With the aim to classify the strain of virus identified, real-time PCR must be often supported by time-consuming capillary electrophoresis sequencing analysis. Here we provide a protocol for the rapid and reliable identification of 5 closely related herpesviruses by PyroMark Q24 sequencing system. PyroMark performs DNA sequencing analysis using pyrosequencing, a technology based on the detection of released pyrophosphate during DNA elongation [1]. PyroMark is designed to detect changes in specified variable positions of the DNA. It can efficiently detect single nucleotide differences in sequences [2]. In the present paper we describe a protocol to pyrosequence a small polymorphic segment of the US8 gene. On the basis of the differences identified in the nucleotide sequence we could readily classify the herpesvirus as Bovine herpesvirus 1.1, Bovine herpesvirus 1.2, Bovine herpesvirus 5, Bubaline herpesvirus 1 or Caprine herpesvirus. The protocol set up offers several advantages with respect to the techniques commonly used: it requires less than one working day to be carried; it gives the possibility to analyze, at reasonable costs, up to 24 samples at a time; and it allows to detect with great reliability and specificity strongly genetically correlated organisms like the herpesviruses named above. The procedure can be easily applied to other families of viruses, with opportune modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - M G Amoroso
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | | | - M Viscardi
- Department of Animal Health, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Via Salute, 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
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20
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La Gioia S, Frigeni B, Conte P, Viscardi M, Conti M, Foresti C. 79. Multichannel EMG in orthostatic tremor. Clin Neurophysiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.10.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fusco G, Aprea G, Galiero G, Guarino A, Viscardi M. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Hepatitis A virus and norovirus in bivalve molluscs in Southern Italy. Vet Ital 2013; 49:55-58. [PMID: 23564588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
European Legislation has fixed microbiological, chemical and biotoxicological limits for shellfish but no limits for viruses. In the present study we report the results of an investigation on Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Norovirus (NoV) contamination in 59 bivalve shellfish collected during the years 2011-2012 in Southern Italy. All the samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis and of Solen marginatus were negative for HAV whereas 6.8% of them were positive for Norovirus GI (NoVGI) and 11.9% positive for Norovirus GII (NoVGII). Samples were also negative for Salmonella spp., while 16 of them (27%) were positive for E. coli. No correlation was found between E. coli and NoV contamination in bivalve molluscs. Moreover, the Competent Authorities are advised to take into serious consideration additional measures for the legislation in force in order to guarantee the consumer's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilatico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
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Favalli V, Bonfanti R, Meschi F, Viscardi M, Rigamonti A, Biffi V, Frontino G, Battaglino R, Bonura C, Chiumello G. Long term efficacy of insulin pump therapy in preschool children with diabetes. Pediatr Med Chir 2012; 34:129-32. [DOI: 10.4081/pmc.2012.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Battaglino R, Bonfanti R, Favalli V, Viscardi M, Meschi F, Chiumello G. [Glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. New insights]. Pediatr Med Chir 2011; 33:217-220. [PMID: 22428429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R Battaglino
- Unitá funzionale di diabetologia pediatrica, Clinica Pediatrica istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milano, Italia.
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Cammarata B, Frontino G, Viscardi M, Biffi V, Di Candia S. A case of metabolic syndrome in an adolescent: diagnosis and management. Minerva Pediatr 2011; 63:131-138. [PMID: 21487378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The widespread of obesity in childhood is a rising cause of the development of metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of which is clearly increasing. The complexity of the frequent concurrence between metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes requires the therapeutic approach to be multidisciplinary and based on the stabilization of glycemia, monitoring of arterial pressure and of the lipid profile, and on the development of an appropriate hypocaloric diet and exercise plan. Moreover, the therapeutic objective of stablilizing glycemia may be achieved with the administration of metformin, the only oral hypoglycemic agent approved for type 2 diabetes children. We here describe a clinical case which highlights the complexities of the diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cammarata
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Auriemma C, Viscardi M, Tafuri S, Pavone LM, Capuano F, Rinaldi L, Della Morte R, Iovane G, Staiano N. Integrin receptors play a role in the internalin B-dependent entry of Listeria monocytogenes into host cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2010; 15:496-506. [PMID: 20526749 PMCID: PMC6275680 DOI: 10.2478/s11658-010-0019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes enters non-phagocytic cells by binding its surface proteins inlA (internalin) and inlB to the host's E-cadherin and Met, respectively. The two internalins play either separate or cooperative roles in the colonization of infected tissues. Here, we studied bacterial uptake into HeLa cells using an L. monocytogenes mutant strain (DeltainlA) carrying a deletion in the gene coding for inlA. The DeltainlA mutant strain showed the capability to invade HeLa cells. The monoclonal anti-beta(3)- and anti-beta(1)-integrin subunit antibodies prevented bacterial uptake into the cells, while the anti-beta(2)- and anti-beta(4)-integrin subunit antibodies failed to affect L. monocytogenes entry into HeLa cells. Three structurally distinct disintegrins (kistrin, echistatin and flavoridin) also inhibited bacterial uptake, showing different potencies correlated to their selective affinity for the beta(3)- and beta(1)-integrin subunits. In addition to inducing Met phosphorylation, infection of cells by the L. monocytogenes DeltainlA mutant strain promoted the tyrosine phosphorylation of the focal adhesion-associated proteins FAK and paxillin. Our findings provide the first evidence that beta(3)- and beta(1)-integrin receptors play a role in the inlB-dependent internalization of L. monocytogenes into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clementina Auriemma
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via Della Salute 2, 80055 Portici (Na), Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via Della Salute 2, 80055 Portici (Na), Italy
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Michele Pavone
- Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via Della Salute 2, 80055 Portici (Na), Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Sanità Animale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rossella Della Morte
- Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iovane
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, via Della Salute 2, 80055 Portici (Na), Italy
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Sanità Animale, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Norma Staiano
- Dipartimento di Strutture, Funzioni e Tecnologie Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
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Viscardi M, Perugini AG, Auriemma C, Capuano F, Morabito S, Kim KP, Loessner MJ, Iovane G. Isolation and characterisation of two novel coliphages with high potential to control antibiotic-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli (EHEC and EPEC). Int J Antimicrob Agents 2008; 31:152-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2007.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Revised: 09/18/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Saltini G, Proverbio MC, Malferrari G, Biagiotti L, Boettcher P, Dominici R, Monferini E, Lorenzini E, Cattaneo M, Antonello D, Moore PS, Zamproni I, Viscardi M, Chiumello G, Biunno I. Identification of a novel polymorphism in the fibronectin type II domain of the SEL1L gene and possible relation to the persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy. Mutat Res 2004; 554:159-63. [PMID: 15450414 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2004.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Received: 01/08/2004] [Revised: 04/22/2004] [Accepted: 04/22/2004] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
SEL1L, a human gene located on chromosome 14q24.3-q31, is highly expressed in adult pancreas. It is proximal to D14S67 (IDDM11) a proposed type I diabetes susceptibility locus. Considering the organ specific expression of SEL1L, a fundamental role of SEL1L in pancreatic growth can be hypothesized. While screening for mutations in young diabetic patients, in children affected by persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI), in patients with non-functional endocrine tumours and in over 100 control subjects, we identified a novel polymorphism (D162G) residing on the fourth exon of the gene. This exon encodes for the fibronectin type II domain and the nucleotide change involves a highly conserved amino acid. The D162G polymorphism induces a major change in the amino acid composition producing a possible disruptive role in collagen binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Saltini
- Centre for Bio-molecular Interdisciplinary Studies and Industrial applications, University of Milan, Italy
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Capparelli R, Viscardi M, Amoroso MG, Blaiotta G, Bianco M. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers and flow cytometry for the characterization of closely related Citrus limon germplasms. Biotechnol Lett 2004; 26:1295-9. [PMID: 15483390 DOI: 10.1023/b:bile.0000044920.36497.fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The genetic relationship among commercial cultivars of Citrus limon (lemon) was analysed by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and flow cytometry techniques. Two cultivars with a close germplasm were distinguished by screening 10 SSR primers and by measuring DNA content of prestained nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Capparelli
- Zootechnical Sciences and Food Inspection Department, School of Agriculture, University of Naples, Federico II, Via Università 133, Portici, 80055 Naples, Italy.
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Abstract
A 7-bp deletion in the Cd4 gene, present in the strain MOLF/Ei of Mus musculus molossinus and absent in laboratory mouse strains ( Mus musculus musculus), provided the means to distinguish the parental origin of the Cd4 alleles expressed in single cells of F1 (AKR x MOLF/Ei) and F1 (Balb/C x MOLF/Ei) hybrids. Single-cell RT-PCR showed that the individual CD4+ lymphocyte expresses either the maternal or the paternal Cd4 allele, never both. In situ hybridization proved that Cd4 alleles replicate asynchronously, as expected in the case of genes expressed monoallelically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Capparelli
- School of Biotechnological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Capparelli
- Facoltà di Scienze Biotecnologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Adele Costabile
- Cattedra di Immunologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy and Chelab srl, Resana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Cattedra di Immunologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy and Chelab srl, Resana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ventimiglia
- Cattedra di Immunologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy and Chelab srl, Resana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Luigi Longobardi
- Dipartimento di Scienza degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Fenizia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Iannelli
- Cattedra di Immunologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy and Chelab srl, Resana, Treviso, Italy
- Corresponding author. Phone: +39-081-2539277. Fax: +39-081-776-2886. E-mail:
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Viscardi M, Capparelli R, Iannelli D. Rapid selection of phage-resistant mutants in Streptococcus thermophilus by immunoselection and cell sorting. Int J Food Microbiol 2003; 89:223-31. [PMID: 14623388 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1605(03)00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunoselection and flow cytometry allowed the isolation from Streptococcus thermophilus strain Str31 of double mutants displaying resistance to the phage phi31 and good acid production. Strain Str31 is very sensitive to phage phi31. This phage-host system seemed therefore particularly suitable to test the validity of the selection method adopted in this study. Mutants were stable with respect to both characters. The isolation of the double mutants required 4 to 5 days. The approach does not involve genetic manipulations and can therefore be an alternative to genetic engineering when this technology cannot be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Viscardi
- Galileo S.r.l. Food Technologies Consulting, Via P. Cappuccio 14/16, Ottaviano 80044, Naples, Italy
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Viscardi M, Capparelli R, Di Matteo R, Carminati D, Giraffa G, Iannelli D. Selection of bacteriophage-resistant mutants of Streptococcus thermophilus. J Microbiol Methods 2003; 55:109-19. [PMID: 14500002 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7012(03)00146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phage-resistant mutants have been isolated from Streptococcus thermophilus. Selection was carried out using anti-phage antibodies or Hoechst 33258-labelled phages. Two mutants out of eight tested displayed reduced acidifying capacity. Selection of the bacteria that extruded more rapidly the fluorochrome 5-6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) restored the acidifying capacity of these two mutants to the level of the parental strains. Mutants displaying phage resistance and good acidifying capacity were obtained in 4-5 days. New phages that are able to overcome the protection mechanisms of the existing bacteria arise continually in the dairy environment. The procedures described here permit to replace promptly the starter culture susceptible to newly emerged phages with a resistant one.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Viscardi
- University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 133, Portici, 80055, Naples, Italy
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Barera G, Bazzigaluppi E, Viscardi M, Renzetti F, Bianchi C, Chiumello G, Bosi E. Macroamylasemia attributable to gluten-related amylase autoantibodies: a case report. Pediatrics 2001; 107:E93. [PMID: 11389291 DOI: 10.1542/peds.107.6.e93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macroamylasemia (MA) is a benign condition caused by circulating macroamylase complexes of pancreatic or salivary amylase bound to plasma proteins, which cannot be cleared by the renal glomeruli. In most cases, the macromolecular amylase represents a complex of normal amylase and either immunoglobulin A or G and may be a specific antigen-antibody complex. Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent intolerance to ingested gluten that results in immunologically mediated inflammatory damage of the small intestinal mucosa. Several recent population-based serologic surveys have shown CD to be a common disorder, possibly affecting 1 in 200 to 250 individuals in most countries studied, including the United States, where overt CD is rare, indicating a high proportion of subclinical disease. The diagnosis of CD currently rests on the histological demonstration of the characteristic lesion in the small intestine and the subsequent clinical response to the introduction of a gluten-free diet. MA associated with CD has been described in adult patients, and in a few cases, MA decreased or resolved after a strict gluten-free diet. A few single cases of MA have been described in childhood, but no association with CD has been reported so far. We report a girl with CD, autoimmune thyroiditis, and MA, in whom CD-related antibodies to amylase and to exocrine pancreas tissue resolved with a gluten-free diet. CASE REPORT An 11-year-old girl was referred for chronic abdominal pain and growth retardation associated with persistent hyperamylasemia and suspected chronic pancreatitis. We confirmed elevated serum amylase, normal serum lipase, and very low 24-hour urine amylase and amylase clearance/creatinine clearance ratio, consistent with MA. Serologic tests for CD were positive, and the diagnosis was confirmed by small bowel biopsy showing subtotal villous atrophy. Thyroid function tests showed a pronounced hypothyroidism, associated with high titers of thyroid microsomal and thyroglobulin antibodies. Screening for other autoantibodies-including antinuclear, islet cell, glutamic acid decarboxylase, protein tyrosine phosphatase islet antigen 512, adrenal gland, and cytoplasmic neutrophil granulocyte antibodies-was negative. A diagnosis of CD, MA, and hypothyroidism attributable to autoimmune thyroiditis was made. A gluten-free diet and oral replacement with L-thyroxine was started with clinical improvement. Serum amylase and amylase clearance/creatinine clearance ratio normalized, consistent with resolution of MA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The patient's serum samples were obtained at the time of CD diagnosis and at 3 and 12 months after instituting a gluten-free diet. Serum samples from 10 consecutive untreated celiac children were disease controls, and 39 participants with no gastrointestinal symptoms and no family history of CD served as healthy controls. The origin of MA as determined by complexes of amylase with circulating immunoglobulins was tested by the measurement of amylase on supernatants after precipitation of immune complexes with either protein A Sepharose or polyethylene glycol. The precipitation of >60% of amylase activity was consistent with the presence of MA. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) circulating autoantibodies to amylase were measured using recently developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using porcine amylase as antigen. Results were expressed as arbitrary units (AUs). Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test for unpaired data. IgA and IgG antibodies to exocrine pancreas tissue were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on human pancreas cryosections. RESULTS Serum immunoprecipitation with either protein A Sepharose or polyethylene glycol reduced amylase activity from 1698 to 89 U/L (94.8%) and to 75 U/L (95.6%), with only marginal reduction in control serum samples. The ELISA for autoantibodies to amylase detected high values, both IgA (3531 AU) and IgG (1855 AU), in the serum sample from the patient at CD diagnosis. IgA autoantibodies (mean +/- standard deviation) were 3.4 +/- 2.5 AU in healthy controls, and 2.1 +/- 1.2 AU in celiac controls; IgG autoantibodies were 10 +/- 4.8 AU in healthy controls and 8.5 +/- 3.2 AU, respectively. Autoantibodies to exocrine pancreas tissue were documented in patient sera at the time of CD diagnosis, both IgA and IgG, but not in control groups. Preincubation of patient's serum with excess of alpha-amylase specifically inhibited antibody binding to coated amylase in the ELISA, and partially inhibited immunoreactivity to exocrine pancreas. Autoantibodies to alpha-amylase and to exocrine pancreas declined in CD patients after institution of a gluten-free diet. CONCLUSIONS Few cases of MA have been described in children, and in all amylase determination was part of the clinical investigation for abdominal pain or trauma. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
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Affiliation(s)
- G Barera
- Department of Pediatrics, Scientific Institute H San Raffaele, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Capparelli R, Cottone C, D'Apice L, Viscardi M, Iannelli D. Reply to the letter by dr. vinogradov. Cytometry 1999; 37:246. [PMID: 10520207 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0320(19991101)37:3<246::aid-cyto13>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Capparelli
- Facolta di Agraria, Universita Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Bonfanti R, Bazzigaluppi E, Calori G, Riva MC, Viscardi M, Bognetti E, Meschi F, Bosi E, Chiumello G, Bonifacio E. Parameters associated with residual insulin secretion during the first year of disease in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med 1998; 15:844-50. [PMID: 9796885 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9136(199810)15:10<844::aid-dia679>3.0.co;2-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Factors associated with residual insulin secretion and spontaneous remission in Type 1 diabetic patients are important in the evaluation of treatment aimed at modifying the natural history of Type 1 DM. We investigated the effect of parameters at onset on residual beta cell function in 215 Type 1 DM children and adolescents. Blood gas analysis, HLA, GAD and IA-2 antibodies before the start of insulin treatment were recorded for each patient. Residual C-peptide secretion was assessed by the glucagon test, and parameters of metabolic control (HbA1c and insulin dose U kg(-1) day(-1)) were examined at disease onset and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Residual C-peptide secretion throughout the first year of disease was significantly reduced in patients with disease onset before age 5. Multiple regression analysis showed that low pH at onset showed a significant and independent association with reduced C-peptide at 3 months (p = 0.02) and that the detection of GAD antibodies had a significant independent association with decreased C-peptide secretion at 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.02). Insulin requirement was higher in the youngest patients group and in patients with GAD antibodies. Spontaneous insulin remission (HbA1c <6% and insulin <0.3 U kg(-1) day(-1)) occurred in 22/192 (11%) patients at 3 months of follow-up, in 15/190 (8%) patients at 6 months and in 8/169 (5%) patient at 12 months. Remission was more prevalent in older patients (p = 0.01) and in patients without detectable GAD antibodies: (14/64 vs 8/128, p = 0.001). Sex, IA-2 antibodies and HLA DR were not independently associated with C-peptide secretion, insulin requirement or remission in the first year of Type 1 DM. This study confirms the association of young age, severe acidosis at disease onset, and GAD antibodies with decreased residual beta-cell function and spontaneous remission during the first year of insulin treatment. These factors should be considered in trials evaluating therapies to retain beta-cell function and induce remission at and after disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bonfanti
- Department of Paediatrics, Scientific Institute H San Raffaele, University of Milan, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Height and weight changes during the first 3 years of diabetes were prospectively followed in 152 diabetic children and adolescents. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 152 Caucasian diabetic patients (84 boys; 68 girls) followed from diabetes onset in the Paediatric Diabetes Unit and 80 Caucasian normal subjects (49 boys; 31 girls) assessed in the Outpatient General Paediatric Clinic of the same hospital for routine examination and not affected by problems that might influence growth. Diabetic patients and control subjects were consecutively enrolled in the study between 1989 and 1992; diabetic patients with positive markers for celiac disease (positive antiendomysial antibodies) and thyroid disease (positive antimicrosomial antibodies) or any other chronic disease were not considered in the study. Mean age of diabetic patients (8.9 +/- 4.1 years) and control subjects (8.5 +/- 4.2 years) at recruitment in the study was similar. RESULTS At onset of diabetes, the mean height expressed as the height standard deviation score (HSDS) was significantly greater than the expected values (P < 0.0001) and was independent of sex and pubertal stage. During the first 3 years of diabetes, HSDS decreased significantly (F = 6.9; P < 0.001). Meanwhile, growth velocity as standard deviation score (SDS) decreased significantly between the 1st and 2nd year (-0.12 +/- 2.1; -0.76 +/- 2.6, respectively; P < 0.05), but it was similar between the 2nd and 3rd year of diabetes. Weight expressed as SDS increased significantly during the first 2 years of diabetes but not thereafter. Height changes during the study period were independent from pubertal stage and sex. Metabolic control and insulin requirement, in our series, were not clearly related to height and weight changes. CONCLUSIONS Diabetic patients at onset of diabetes are taller than age- and sex-matched nondiabetic subjects. During the first years of the disease, linear growth decreases independently of metabolic control and weight changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bognetti
- Department of Paediatrics, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, University of Milan, Italy
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Iannelli D, D'Apice L, Fenizia D, Serpe L, Cottone C, Viscardi M, Capparelli R. Simultaneous identification of antibodies to Brucella abortus and Staphylococcus aureus in milk samples by flow cytometry. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:802-6. [PMID: 9508316 PMCID: PMC104629 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.3.802-806.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two flow cytometric assays are described herein. The single cytometric test (SCT) detects antibodies to either Brucella abortus or Staphylococcus aureus in the serum or milk of a cow or water buffalo. The double cytometric test (DCT) detects both anti-B. abortus and anti-S. aureus antibodies concurrently. In the SCT, the sample to be tested is incubated in succession with the antigen (either B. abortus or S. aureus) and the proper secondary antiserum (fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled rabbit anti-cow immunoglobulin antiserum or rabbit anti-water buffalo immunoglobulin antiserum). In the DCT, the sample to be tested is incubated first with B. abortus and S. aureus antigens and then with the secondary antiserum. The B. abortus antigen used in the DCT is covalently bound to 3-microm-diameter latex particles. The difference in size between B. abortus and S. aureus permits the establishment of whether the antibodies are directed against one, the other, or both antigens. When compared to the complement fixation test, the SCT and DCT each show a specificity and a sensitivity of 100%. The SCT has been used previously to detect anti-S. aureus antibodies. Here its use is extended to the detection of anti-B. abortus antibodies. The DCT is described here for the first time. The DCT appears to be useful for large-scale brucellosis eradication programs. It offers the possibility of using one test to identify animals that are serologically positive for both B. abortus and S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Iannelli
- Immunology, School of Agriculture, Portici, Naples, Italy.
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Iannelli D, D'Apice L, Cottone C, Viscardi M, Scala F, Zoina A, Del Sorbo G, Spigno P, Capparelli R. Simultaneous detection of cucumber mosaic virus, tomato mosaic virus and potato virus Y by flow cytometry. J Virol Methods 1997; 69:137-45. [PMID: 9504759 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-0934(97)00149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous detection is described of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), potato virus Y (PVY) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) by flow cytometry. Extracts from leaves of healthy and CMV or PVY infected plants were incubated with latex particles, each with a diameter of 3 microm. Extracts from ToMV infected or uninfected plants, however, were incubated with particles, each with a diameter of 6 microm. Beads were washed and incubated in succession with primary and secondary antibodies, the latter labeled with phycoerythrin (PE) or fluorescein (FITC). CMV and PVY were distinguished on the basis of the fluorescence emitted by FITC and PE; ToMV was distinguished from CMV and PVY on the basis of the different diameter (6 microm) of the particles on which it was adsorbed. The three viruses were detected also by another approach. Latex particles with a diameter of 3, 6 and 10 microm were separately sensitized with antibodies specific for CMV, PVY and ToMV. An equal number of sensitized particles was mixed and incubated with the plant extracts containing the three viruses and then with anti-CMV, anti-PVY and anti-ToMV antibodies labeled with FITC. The study describes also a virus purification method based on the use of antibody coated latex particles. The method is simple technically and applicable to the purification of large as well as minute amounts of different viruses (CMV, PVY and ToMV).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Iannelli
- University of Naples Federico II, Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche, Portici, Italy.
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Abstract
The nuclear DNA content of seven mouse laboratory strains has been measured by flow cytometry. The differences observed between strains as well as those between sexes within the strain were all statistically significant. The highest DNA content (approximately 6.4 pg/female nucleus) was found in the Balb/c strain; the lowest (approximately 5.7 pg/male nucleus) in the C3H/he strain. The difference between sexes varied from 1.6% (in CD-1 mice) to 6.3% (in nude mice). The interest of these results is twofold. First, the mouse can now be used to study the adaptive significance of genome size variation, so far studied only in plants. Second, DNA content analysis can become a quick method for mouse strain identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Capparelli
- University of Naples Federico II, ENEA Centro Ricerche, Casaccia, Rome
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Bognetti F, Brunelli A, Meschi F, Viscardi M, Bonfanti R, Chiumello G. Frequency and correlates of severe hypoglycaemia in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Eur J Pediatr 1997; 156:589-91. [PMID: 9266186 DOI: 10.1007/s004310050670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Frequency and correlates of severe hypoglycaemia have been retrospectively analysed in a cohort of diabetic children and adolescents with median (range) age 14.5 (3.2-25.5) years followed from the onset of the disease by the same diabetic clinic. During the years 1992-1994, 53 of the 187 patients reported 74 hypoglycaemic episodes: the average frequency of hypoglycaemia during the 3 years surveyed was 14.9 episodes/ 100 patients per year. Frequency of hypoglycaemia decreased significantly with age (chi 2 = 24.1; P < 0.0001) and was independent of duration of diabetes. Glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin dose were similar in patients with and without hypoglycaemia, matched for age and duration of diabetes. One out of two hypoglycaemic episodes occurred during sleep and no explanation was available for 50% of episodes. CONCLUSION In this study severe hypoglycaemia was more frequent in young children than in adolescents and was independent of metabolic control and insulin dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bognetti
- H San Raffaele, Clinica Pediatrica, Milano, Italy
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Foresti C, Quadri S, Rasella M, Tironi F, Viscardi M, Ubiali E. Carpal tunnel syndrome: which electrodiagnostic path should we follow? A prospective study of 100 consecutive patients. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 1996; 36:377-384. [PMID: 8891478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients (200 hands) sent to our Neurophysiopathology Service for a suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (C.T.S.). We performed 6 different motor and sensitive electrodiagnostic tests on both hands of each patients and on 25 healthy subjects. We calculated the sensibility and the specificity of each test by comparing each parameter with all the other ones, and then, again, using the clinical evaluation as a "gold standard". The routinely performed tests proved to have a high sensibility in detecting C.T.S., nevertheless, sometimes they do not give a definite response. In these cases we suggest to carry out the neurophysiological examination by performing some of the newly proposed tests. We end our study by drawing a "flow-chart", which considers reliability, sensibility, difficulty in performing and/or evaluating, and discomfort for patients, of each test; by this we would give a guide and a practical aid in determining the electrophysiological path for C.T.S. diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Foresti
- Neurophysiopathology Service, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Gazzaniga GC, Ferraro B, Camerlingo M, Casto L, Viscardi M, Mamoli A. A case control study of CSF copper, iron and manganese in Parkinson disease. Ital J Neurol Sci 1992; 13:239-43. [PMID: 1624280 DOI: 10.1007/bf02224396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
To elicit possible variations in the CSF concentrations of copper, iron and manganese due to Parkinson disease (PD) or to the stage reached, we tested 11 patients with idiopathic PD, 6 untreated and 5 on long term L-dopa, versus 22 age and sex matched patients with other neurological disorders (control group-CG). The CSF levels of the three metals, measured by electrothermal atomization, did not differ significantly between the PD group and CG or between either of the PD subgroups and CG. Our findings therefore do not support the hypothesis that CSF Cu is a marker of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Gazzaniga
- Divisione di Neurologia 2a, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo
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Erli LC, Franza A, Viscardi M, Defanti CA. Transient global amnesia: a clinical and EEG study. Ital J Neurol Sci 1988; Suppl 9:29-30. [PMID: 3170167] [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: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
33 cases of transient global amnesia are reported. An interaction between organic and functional factors in determining the syndrome is supposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Erli
- Divisione Neurologica, Ospedale Bolognini, Seriate, BG
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