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Nabila B, Piras A, Fouzia B, Falconieri D, Kheira G, Fedoul FF, Majda SR. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis leaves. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:989-993. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1839450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Maccioni A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Piras A, Gonçalves MJ, Alves-Silva JM, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Antifungal activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of two new Teucrium capitatum L. chemotypes from Sardinia Island, Italy. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:6007-6013. [PMID: 32856485 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1813136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chemical composition of two populations of Teucrium capitatum L. one from the coastline and the other one from the mountainous area of Sardinia (Italy) was assessed. Two chemotypes were identified: limonene/α-pinene/(E)-nerolidol chemotype predominant in the coastline, and limonene/α-pinene/α-trans-bergamotene/humulene epoxide II chemotype common in plants growing in the mountainous area. In addition, our results showed that the sample growing in the coastline had a more promising antifungal activity. Furthermore, this sample was highly effective in inhibiting C. albicans germ tube formation, at doses well below its MIC. Overall, this study shows that the edaphoclimatic characteristics play an important role on the essential oil composition and biological activity of Teucrium capitatum L.
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Piras A, Porcedda S, Falconieri D, Fais A, Era B, Carta G, Rosa A. Supercritical extraction of volatile and fixed oils from Petroselinum crispum L. seeds: chemical composition and biological activity. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:1883-1888. [PMID: 32820642 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1810031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of volatile and fixed oil from milled parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) seeds, using CO2 as solvent, is presented in this study. Extraction experiments were carried out in two steps: at pressures of (90 or 300) bar and temperature of 40 °C. The first extraction step, performed at 90 bar, produced a volatile fraction mainly formed by apiole (82.1%) and myristicin (11.4%). The volatile oil yield was 2.6% by weight of the charge. The second extraction step, carried out at 300 bar produced a fixed oil at a yield of 0.4% by weight. The most represented fatty acids in P. crispum fixed oil were 18:1 n-12 (49.9%), 18:2 n-6 (18.2%), 18:1 n-9 (11.8%), and 16:0 (7.4%). In particular, the unsaturated fatty acids 18:1 n-12 and 18:1 n-9 averaged 182.2 mg/g and 92.1 mg/g of oil extract, respectively. The quality of the oils extracted by SFE, in terms of its chemical composition, was compared to the oils obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) in a Clevenger apparatus and by solvent extraction (SE) using n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant properties were determined by means of the ABTS assay. The results indicated that the fixed oil possessed low antioxidant activity (EC50 = 0.4 mg/mL) and the volatile oil had no antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content, expressed as concentration of gallic acid (gallic acid equivalent, GAE), of the fixed oil was 1.5 mg/g. The fixed oil found to have inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, the volatile oil is active on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Both samples have weak inhibitory activity on α-amylase and no activity on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).
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Pasero D, Rizzo D, Piras A, Floris L, Parrilla C, Riu F, Terragni P, Bussu F. Tracheotomy in COVID-19 patients: preliminary experience and technical refinements. Br J Surg 2020; 107:e304. [PMID: 32542655 PMCID: PMC7323130 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ben Attia I, Zucca P, Cesare Marincola F, Nieddu M, Piras A, Rosa A, Rescigno A, Chaieb M. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia. POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.31883/pjfns/122040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Alves-Silva JM, Piras A, Porcedda S, Falconieri D, Maxia A, Gonçalves MJ, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L. Chemical characterization and bioactivity of the essential oil from Santolina insularis, a Sardinian endemism. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:445-449. [PMID: 32496130 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1774764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Santolina insularis is a Sardinian endemism that is widely used in traditional medicine. The essential oil was obtained with a yield of 2.7% and is mainly characterized by β-phellandrene (22.6%), myrcene (11.4%) and artemisia ketone (7.6%). The oil significantly reduced NO production without affecting macrophages viability. In addition, it substantially inhibited the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 (71% and 25% at 0.54 mg/mL). Furthermore, the oil had a promising antifungal activity being Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) and the majority of dermatophytes (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) the most susceptible fungi. Moreover, it significantly decreased the yeast-to-hypha transition (80% inhibition at 0.13 mg/mL) on C. albicans long before showing inhibitory effects. Overall, these results show that S. insularis could be applied in the treatment of fungal infections and associated inflammatory response.
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Erre GL, Piras A, Piga M, Fedele AL, Mangoni AA, Lazzerini PE, Gremese E, Mathieu A, Ferraccioli G, Passiu G, Saba PS. QT and QT dispersion intervals in long-standing and moderately active rheumatoid arthritis: results from a multicentre cross-sectional study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020; 38:516-522. [PMID: 31498064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define the prevalence of prolonged QT interval and QT dispersion (QTd) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in a control population. METHODS QT interval corrected by Bazett's formula (QTc) was calculated from standard 12-lead ECGs in 963 subjects free of previous cardiovascular events (646 RA patients and 317 controls strictly matched for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors). RESULTS RA patients (59.6±9.6 years, 68.1% females) had a long mean disease duration (10.6 years) and moderate disease activity (DAS28=3.68±1.23). QTc was 5 msec longer in RA patients than in controls (412±9 vs. 407±28 msec, p=0.013). However, the prevalence of QTc prolongation in RA patients and controls was not significantly different (5.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.50). On the contrary, RA patients had a significantly greater QTd (42±26 vs. 35±18 msec, p<0.001) and a higher prevalence of increased QTd (33.3% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001) than controls. Furthermore, RA was independently associated to increased QTd [OR(95%CI)= 2.21(1.58-3.08), p=0.0001]. In the RA population, male gender and older age were independently associated with a higher prevalence of prolonged QTd. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of long-standing and moderately active RA patients, RA showed longer QTc but similar prevalence of prolonged QTc and an increased QTd with a 1.8-fold higher prevalence of increased QTd than the control population. Further studies in larger prospective cohorts are warranted to investigate whether QTd prolongation predicts sudden cardiac death and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in RA.
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Belabdelli F, Piras A, Bekhti N, Falconieri D, Belmokhtar Z, Merad Y. Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-020-00130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Massaccesi M, Boldrini L, Piras A, Stimato G, Quaranta F, Azario L, Mattiucci GC, Valentini V. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) targeting the hypoxic tumor segment for the intentional induction of non-targeted effects: An in silico study to exploit a new treatment paradigm. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2020; 14:11-14. [PMID: 32154394 PMCID: PMC7052565 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The possibility of intentionally triggering non targeted effects (NTEs) using spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) alone or combined with immunotherapy is an intriguing and fascinating area of research. Among different techniques for SFRT, stereotactic body radiotherapy targeting exclusively the central hypoxic segment of bulky tumors, (SBRT-PATHY) might trigger immunogenic cell death more efficiently. This in silico study aims to identify the best possible dosimetric trade-off for prescribing SFRT with volumetric modulated arc (VMAT) based stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Material and methods Eight spherical volumes defined "Gross Tumor Volumes" (GTVs) were generated with diameters of 3-10 cm (with incremental steps of 1 cm), simulating tumor lesions. The inner third part of each GTV (GTVcentral) was selected to simulate the central hypoxic area and a ring structure was derived around it to simulate the tumor periphery (GTVperipheral). Volumetric modulated arc radiation treatment (VMAT) plans were calculated to deliver a single fraction of 10 Gy to each GTVcentral with different dose prescription methods: target mean and isodose driven (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90%).The volume of GTVperipheral receiving less than 2 Gy was recorded as dosimetric performance indicator. Results 56 possible dosimetric scenarios were analyzed. The largest percentage of GTVperipheral spared from the dose of 2 Gy was achieved with dose prescription methods to the 70% isodose line for lesions smaller than 6 cm (range 42.9-48.4%) and to the target mean for larger ones (range 52.9-64.5%). Conclusions Optimizing the dose prescription method may reduce the dose to tumor periphery in VMAT-based SFRT, thus potentially sparing tumor infiltrating immune cells. The optimal method may vary according to the size of the lesion. This should be taken into account when designing prospective trials using SFRT.
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Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Pascual MA, Rodriguez I, Piras A, Perniciano M, Saba L, Paoletti AM, Mais V, Alcazar JL. Ultrasonographic soft markers for detection of rectosigmoid deep endometriosis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 55:269-273. [PMID: 30977185 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) soft markers as a first-line imaging tool to raise suspicion of rectosigmoid (RS) involvement in women suspected of having deep endometriosis. METHODS We included in this prospective observational study all patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis who underwent diagnostic transvaginal US evaluation at our unit from January 2016 to February 2017. Several US soft markers were evaluated for prediction of RS involvement (presence of US signs of uterine adenomyosis, presence of an endometrioma, adhesion of the ovary to the uterus (reduced ovarian mobility), presence of 'kissing ovaries' (KO) and absence of the 'sliding sign'), using as the gold standard expert US examination for the presence of RS endometriosis. RESULTS Included were 333 patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis. Of these, 106 had an US diagnosis of RS endometriosis by an expert. The only significant variables found in the prediction model were absence of the sliding sign (odds ratio (OR), 13.95; 95% CI, 7.7-25.3), presence of KO (OR, 22.5; 95% CI, 4.1-124.0) and the interaction between these two variables (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.004-0.28). Regarding their interaction, RS endometriosis was present when KO was absent and the sliding sign was present in 10% (19/190) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were present in 71.4% (5/7) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were absent in 60.8% (76/125) of cases and when KO was present and the sliding sign was absent in 54.5% (6/11) of cases. Thus, when the sliding sign was absent and/or KO was present, transvaginal US showed a specificity of 75% (95% CI, 69-80%) and a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 73-88%). CONCLUSIONS US findings of absence of the sliding sign and/or presence of KO in patients with clinical suspicion of endometriosis should raise suspicion of RS involvement and indicate referral for expert US examination, with a low rate of false-negative diagnosis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Piras A, Ariu F, Martino N, Maltana A, Menéndez-Blanco I, Paramio M, Dell'Aquila M, Bogliolo L. 186 Protective effect of resveratrol on invitro fertilization of ovine oocytes matured under cadmium exposure. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic environmental and industrial heavy metals, with adverse effect on female reproduction. Earlier invitro studies have demonstrated that exposure to Cd during IVM impairs oocyte fertilization through the induction of oxidative stress (Martino et al. 2017 Reprod. Toxicol. 69, 132-145). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing IVM medium with resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin with antioxidant activity, on IVF of ovine oocytes matured under Cd exposure and to evaluate whether this effect could be mediated by alterations of cortical granules (CGs) distribution and/or intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cumulus-oocyte complexes collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries of prepubertal ewes were invitro matured with 0μM CdCl2 (control), 2μM CdCl2 (Cd group), or 2μM CdCl2 + 1μM Res (Cd-Res). Groups of MII oocytes were invitro fertilized with ram semen (Bogliolo et al. 2011 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 23, 809-817). After 16h, oocytes were fixed with absolute ethanol, stained with Hoechst 33342, and classified as follows: normally fertilized (two pronuclei), polyspermic (more than two pronuclei), and abnormally fertilized (asynchronous pronucleus formation). Levels of ROS and distribution of CG in MII oocytes (n=25 each group) were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining with 2’,7’dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated lectin peanut agglutinin, respectively (Jiao et al. 2013 PLoS One 8, 58018). Data of fertilization and CGs distribution were analysed by Chi-squared test and ROS levels (mean±standard error) by Kruskal-Wallis test with STATA\IC 11.0 (Stata Corp.). Oocytes matured in presence of Res had higher normal fertilization and lower polyspermy rates than those matured without Res (Table 1). Levels of ROS in oocytes were lower in the Cd-Res group than in the Cd group (74.4±1.3 vs. 122.4±1.5 pixel/oocyte; P<0.05), and similar to those of the control (71.1±2.3 pixel/oocyte). The ratio of oocytes of Cd-Res group with CGs normally distributed in the peripheral region was higher than that of Cd group (91.3% vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and comparable to that of control oocytes (95.8%). Collectively, our results showed that resveratrol protects oocytes from Cd-induced alteration of normal fertilization by preventing oxidative stress and improving the major mechanism responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization.
Table 1.Effect of resveratrol on IVF rate of oocytes matured under cadmium exposure
Group
No. of total oocytes
No. of MII oocytes
No. of fertilized oocytes (%)
Normal
Polyspermy
Abnormal
Control
136
105 (77.2)
59 (56.2)a
23 (21.9)a
6 (5.7)
Cd
146
106 (72.6)
39 (36.8)b
38 (35.8)b
7 (6.6)
Cd-Res
114
88 (77.2)
47 (53.4)a
16 (18.2)a
7 (7.9)
a,bValues in the same column with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05).
This project was supported by FDS 2016 (CUP J86C18000780005).
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Ariu F, Sanna Passino E, Piras A, Melosu V, Maioli M, Castagna A, Fontani V, Rinaldi S, Bogliolo L. 78 Radio electric asymmetric conveyer treatment during prolonged cold storage of ovaries enhances developmental competence of oocytes in the domestic cat model. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothermic storage (4°C) of ovaries for long-distance transport holds great potential to expand access to fertility preservation in animals and humans (Duncan et al. 2016 Reproduction 152, 201-210). However, storage for prolonged periods (over 24h) leads to structural/functional changes in the ovarian tissue with a critical reduction of follicular viability and oocyte quality (Piras et al. 2018 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 10, 16-76; Isachenko et al. 2009 Fertil. Steril. 91, 1556-1559). The radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) is a novel technology platform for neuro and bio-modulation that optimize the ion fluxes and the mechanisms driving cellular asymmetry and polarization in biological structures (Maioli et al. 2016 Sci. Rep. 6, 28682). The REAC has already proved to be effective in promoting cell differentiation and reprogramming and to counteract the biological mechanisms linked to aging and the degenerative process (Berlinguer et al. 2017 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 15, 11; Maioli et al. 2014 Age 36, 9-20). In the present study, the domestic cat was used as an experimental model to evaluate the effect of REAC treatment during ovary storage at 4°C for 48h on invitro developmental ability of oocytes retrieved from antral follicles. Ovaries harvested from healthy domestic queens during ovariectomy were randomly assigned to the REAC-treated (R: n=13) and untreated (C: n=13) groups. In detail, ovaries were maintained in 4mL of phosphate-buffered saline at 4°C for 48h. The REAC device was set at 2.4 GHz, and its conveyer electrodes were immersed into the phosphate-buffered saline. After 48h, ovaries were sliced to release cumulus-oocyte complexes, which were selected according to their morphological characteristics (Johnston et al. 1991 Biol. Reprod. 45, 898-906) for IVM (R: n=130; C: n=133). Matured oocytes were fertilised (IVF) with frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa and presumptive zygote were invitro cultured (IVC) for 7 days. On Day 2 and Day 7 of IVC, respectively, the number of embryos cleaved and developing to the blastocyst stage was determined. The IVM, IVF, and IVC were performed according to the procedure of Piras et al. (2018 Reprod. Biol. End. 16, 76). Data were analysed by chi-square test with STATA\IC 11.0. Maturation rate of oocytes did not differ between groups (R: n=59/130, 45.4%; C: n=66/133, 49.6%). Cleavage rate was higher (P<0.05) in the R group (n=34/59, 57.6%) compared with the C group (n=25/66, 37.9%). The percentages of blastocyst formation relative to the number of cleaved embryos (R: n=12/34, 35.3%; C: n=3/25 12.0%) and to the total number of MII oocytes (R: n=12/59, 20.4%; C: n=3/66, 4.5%) increased (P<0.05) after REAC treatment compared with the untreated counterpart. In conclusion, REAC treatment during cold storage of cat ovaries for 48h positively affected the quality of oocytes as assessed by invitro embryo production outcome. The REAC technology could provide a useful approach for the optimization of ovarian tissue transport conditions for fertility preservation especially for endangered species and patients with fertility-threatening conditions.
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Menéndez-Blanco I, Ariu F, Piras A, Nieddu S, Paramio M, Arav A, Ledda S, Bogliolo L. 111 Fertilizing ability of frozen and freeze-dried semen following intracytoplasmic sperm injection of invitro-matured sheep oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Freeze-drying is a novel technique that permits the storage of semen at room temperature for long time periods, retaining their fertilizing capacity. The main objective of this work was to compare the fertilization ability of frozen-thawed (FT) and freeze-dried (FD) ram semen following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of invitro-matured (IVM) sheep oocytes. Oocytes were recovered by slicing the ovaries of slaughtered sheep. Selected cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were IVM for 24h in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) supplemented with 10% heat-treated oestrous sheep serum (ESS), 0.36mM pyruvate, FSH (1IUmL−1), and luteinising hormone (LH; 1IUmL−1) under mineral oil in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, at 38.5°C. Semen was collected from fertile adult rams using an artificial vagina and processed for (1) freezing and thawing (Khalifa and Lymberopoulos, 2013 Cell Tissue Bank 14, 687-698; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-012-9357-6) or (2) freeze-drying and rehydration according to Arav et al. (2018 J. Assist. Reprod. Genet. 35, 1149-115; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1145-1) protocols. For FD protocol, sperm samples were diluted in a sugar solution of trehalose and sorbitol (LyoB) and dehydrated for 24h. Later, the samples were rehydrated in a warming solution and diluted in TCM-199 before ICSI. After maturation, metaphase II (MII) oocytes with a polar body were injected with FT or FD sperm. Briefly, oocytes were transferred into groups of six in an ICSI dish containing 6-µL drops of holding medium (TCM-199 + 5% fetal bovine serum) and 3-µL drops of PVP for the sperm samples. Injection was carried out with an inverted microscope (Olympus IX73) connected to a micromanipulation system (Narishige) using ICSI pipettes with 7-µm internal diameter. Within 1h, ICSI oocytes were activated with 5 µM ionomycin for 4min and invitro cultured in modified synthetic oviductal fluid medium (Bogliolo et al. 2011 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 23, 809-817; https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11023). After 17-21h, injected oocytes were fixed and stained in a solution of ethanol Hoechst 33342 and classified as FPN (one female pronucleus and one condensed sperm head), MPN (one male pronucleus and one MII), 2PN (two pronuclei, male and female), 3PN (three or more pronuclei), and NPN (no pronuclei). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test with SAS software, version 9.4. The ICSI-FD group had a higher number of NPN and a lower number of 2PN than did the ICSI-FT group (P<0.05). We think that more technical advances in the FD process as well as the rehydration procedure are necessary to improve the application of FD ovine semen for invitro fertilization by ICSI in sheep, but in any case these results have showed that FD could be a useful tool for the future of invitro embryo production.
Table 1.Pronuclear formation at 17-21h post-injection1
Treatment
n
FPN
MPN
2PN
3PN
NPN
FT
71
9.66±4.12
4.26±1.48
48.13±2.79a
5.97±4.16
31.98±6.75a
FD
65
6.16±2.26
1.39±1.39
20.15±4.14b
10.57±6.59
61.73±6.89b
a,bValues in the same column with different superscript letters differ significantly (P<0.05).
1Data are presented as mean±s.e.m. FPN=female pronucleus, MPN=one male pronucleus and one metaphase II oocyte, 2PN=two pronuclei, male and female, 3PN=three or more pronuclei, NPN=no pronuclei.
Funding was provided by Spanish MINECO Grant AGL2017-85837-R, Spanish MECD pre-doctoral grant FPU15/00773, and Spanish MECD mobility grant EST18/00472 to Irene Menéndez Blanco.
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Vascellari S, Zucca P, Perra D, Serra A, Piras A, Rescigno A. Antiproliferative and antiviral activity of methanolic extracts from Sardinian Maltese Mushroom ( Cynomorium coccineum L.). Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:2967-2971. [PMID: 31621410 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1678613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cynomorium coccineum is a non-photosynthetic plant that grows in Mediterranean countries and that is amply used in the traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to extend previous studies on the chemical and biological properties of C. coccineum, evaluating the potential antiviral and antiproliferative activity of the methanolic extract. The MTT assay was used for the in vitro cytotoxic studies against human cancer-derived cell lines, while both MTT and plaque reduction (PRT) methods were used to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of the extract against a panel of mammal viruses. The results obtained showed no selective activity against any DNA and RNA virus but revealed an interesting antiproliferative activity against human leukaemia-derived cell lines.
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Majdoub S, El Mokni R, Muradalievich AA, Piras A, Porcedda S, Hammami S. Effect of pressure variation on the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction of wild carrot (Daucus carota subsp. maritimus) extracts. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1125:121713. [PMID: 31323559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to check the comparative qualities of essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid techniques. It constitutes the first attempt to investigate the chemical composition of Daucus carota subsp. maritimus extracts using supercritical fluid technology (SFE) as an environmentally clean innovative method of extraction. The effect of pressure on the nature of extractable substances from wild carrot has been performed at a constant temperature of 50 °C and two different pressures (100 and 300 bar). The experimental results showed that pressure had a significant enhancing effect on the fluid transport properties and therefore on yield values. The extraction yield increases from 1.167 to 2.986% while increasing pressure. The chemical compositions of the essential oils prepared by HD and SFE were analyzed on the basis of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Thus, we noticed that all analyzed samples were enriched in geranyl acetate and β‑bisabolene, and that the quantities of different identified substances were extremely sensitive to the extraction method and to the pressure variation in case of SFE.
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Rosa A, Era B, Masala C, Nieddu M, Scano P, Fais A, Porcedda S, Piras A. Supercritical CO
2
Extraction of Waste Citrus Seeds: Chemical Composition, Nutritional and Biological Properties of Edible Fixed Oils. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201800502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Gharred N, Dbeibia A, Falconieri D, Hammami S, Piras A, Dridi-Dhaouadi S. Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from flowers, leaves and aerial parts of Tunisian Dittrichia Viscosa. JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1612789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Gueriero S, Pascual M, Piras A, Musa E, Ajossa S, Rodriguez I, Perniciano M, Saba L, Mais V, Alcazar J. Cost‐effective evaluation of magnetic resonance after use of simple rules in ovarian cancer. Australas J Ultrasound Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Chiesa S, Gatta R, Martino A, Piras A, Cusumano D, Boldrini L, Masciocchi C, Massaccesi M, Dinapoli N, Cellini F, D'aviero A, Mattiucci G, Mantini G, Balducci M, Valentini V. EP-1928 Radiomic features and local response in Lung Cancer treated with Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)32348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Floris S, Fais A, Rosa A, Piras A, Marzouki H, Medda R, González-Paramás AM, Kumar A, Santos-Buelga C, Era B. Phytochemical composition and the cholinesterase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of seed extracts from the Washingtonia filifera palm fruit. RSC Adv 2019; 9:21278-21287. [PMID: 35521327 PMCID: PMC9066185 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02928a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical composition and biological properties of palm Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) H. Wendl. seeds are seldom studied.
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Rosa A, Piras A, Carta G, Solari P, Crnjar R, Masala C. Evaluation of the attractant effect and lipid profile modulation of natural fixed oils on the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 99:e21508. [PMID: 30302815 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824; Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous pest in horticulture, mainly targeting Citrus fruits. Natural essential and fixed oils are currently under investigation for their broad-spectrum in pest control. To gain better knowledge about medfly behavior and biochemistry, we examined with behavioral and biochemical assays, the effects on C. capitata from six natural fixed oils obtained from vegetable (five) or animal (one) matrices using the eco-friendly supercritical CO 2 extraction. Oils were obtained at 250/300 bar and 40°C from the seeds of Laurus nobilis and Citrus paradisi, the fruits of Myristica fragrans and Pistacia terebinthus, wheat germ, and mullet roes (marine oil). Behavioral experiments were performed by means of two-choice tests to analyze the oil attractant effect compared with control (water or standard diet). The fatty acid composition of oils and the total lipid and fatty acid profile of medflies were characterized by chromatographic techniques. Behavioral bioassays showed that fixed oil obtained from M. fragrans (nutmeg butter) was more attractive than other oils. Medflies fed (24 hr) on marine oil showed significant changes in the total lipid and fatty acid profile induced by oil ingestion without toxic effects. However, 56% mortality was observed in insects fed on M. fragrans oil and no biochemical changes ascribable to oil ingestion were detected in the medflies that survived. Our results advance knowledge about the behavioral and biochemical response of medflies to fixed oils and will be potentially useful in developing new pest management strategies.
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Gobbo M, Verzegnassi F, Ronfani L, Zanon D, Melchionda F, Bagattoni S, Majorana A, Bardellini E, Mura R, Piras A, Petris MG, Mariuzzi ML, Barone A, Merigo E, Decembrino N, Vitale MC, Berger M, Defabianis P, Biasotto M, Ottaviani G, Zanazzo GA. Multicenter randomized, double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy for the treatment of severe oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy in children: laMPO RCT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27098. [PMID: 29727048 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the efficacy of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) compared to that of placebo on severe oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric oncology patients. The primary objective was the reduction of OM grade (World Health Organization [WHO] scale) 7 days after starting PBM. Secondary objectives were reduction of pain, analgesic consumption, and incidence of side effects. METHODS One hundred and one children with WHO grade > 2 chemotherapy-induced OM were enrolled in eight Italian hospitals. Patients were randomized to either PBM or sham treatment for four consecutive days (days +1 to +4). On days +4, +7, and +11, OM grade, pain (following a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale, NRS) and need for analgesics were evaluated by an operator blinded to treatment. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were allocated to the PBM group, and 50 were allocated to the sham group. In total, 93.7% of PBM patients and 72% of sham patients had OM grade < 3 WHO on day +7 (P = 0.01). A significant reduction of pain was registered on day +7 in the PBM versus sham group (NRS 1 [0-3] vs. 2.5 [1-5], P < 0.006). Reduced use of analgesics was reported in the PBM group, although it was not statistically significant. No significant adverse events attributable to treatment were recorded. CONCLUSIONS PBM is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for children affected by chemotherapy-induced OM, as it accelerates mucosal recovery and reduces pain.
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Loera-Valencia R, Piras A, Ismail MAM, Manchanda S, Eyjolfsdottir H, Saido TC, Johansson J, Eriksdotter M, Winblad B, Nilsson P. Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies. J Intern Med 2018; 284:2-36. [PMID: 29582495 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.
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Martino A, Lenkowicz J, Mattiucci G, Petrone A, Piras A, Smaniotto D, Alitto A, Mazzarella C, Palazzoni G, Congedo M, Chiappetta M, Margaritora S, Valentini V, Mantini G. EP-1399: HEmatologic paRaMeters as prEdictive biomarkerS in NSCLC (HERMES-Lung) for metastasis development. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, El Zerey-Belaskri A, Zitouni A, Ghembaza N, Benhassaini H, Atik-Bekkara F, Piras A, Falconieri D, Rosa A. Fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. fruit fatty oil from Algeria. JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-018-9755-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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