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Croci S, Bonacini M, Dolci G, Massari M, Facciolongo N, Pignatti E, Pisciotta A, Carnevale G, Negro A, Cassone G, Muratore F, Belloni L, Zerbini A, Salvarani C. Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Modulate Cytokine Production in vitro by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:609204. [PMID: 33634100 PMCID: PMC7901970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.609204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) developed a condition of hyper-inflammation, which can cause multi-organ damage and the more severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote tissue regeneration and modulate immune responses and, thus, have the rational requirements to be used to counteract SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia and hyper-inflammation. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into possible mechanisms of action of MSCs obtained from human dental pulp [dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)] in COVID-19 patients. We investigated the concentrations of 18 cytokines in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from COVID-19 patients cultured in vitro alone and in contact with DPSCs. The modulation of cytokines in PBMCs was confirmed by real-time PCR. IL-6 was the sole cytokine detected in supernatants of DPSCs. In resting conditions, co-culture increased IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNFα, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) levels. When PBMCs were activated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-coated beads, co-culture increased IL-6 and GM-CSF, whereas it decreased IFNγ, TNFα, IL-2, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-17A, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23, and IL-27 levels. Concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-22 were not affected. The comparison of cytokine concentrations in supernatants of PBMCs from COVID-19 patients vs. healthy subjects revealed lower concentrations of IL-10 and higher concentrations of IL-18 in supernatants of CD3/CD28-activated PBMCs from COVID-19 patients. Results are explorative but indicate that DPSCs can modulate the production of cytokines deregulated in COVID-19 patients, supporting their potential use in COVID-19.
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Djuric O, Massari M, Ottone M, Collini G, Mancuso P, Vicentini M, Nicolaci A, Zannini A, Zerbini A, Manicardi V, Kondili LA, Giorgi Rossi P. Hepatitis C virus cascade of care in the general population, in people with diabetes, and in substance use disorder patients. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:5. [PMID: 33468188 PMCID: PMC7816419 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00345-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim was to evaluate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care in the general population (GP) and in two high-risk populations: patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and substance users (AS) in treatment in Reggio Emilia Province, Italy. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted that included 534,476 residents of the Reggio Emilia Province, of whom 32,800 were DM patients and 2726 AS patients. Age-adjusted prevalence was calculated using the direct method of adjustment based on the age-specific structure of EU population. Results The prevalence of HCV testing was 11.5%, 13.8%, and 47.8% in GP, DM, and AS patients respectively, while HCV prevalence was 6.5/1000, 12.6/1000, and 167/1000, respectively. The prevalence of HCV RNA positivity was 4.4/1000, 8.7/1000, and 114/1000 in the three populations, respectively. The rates of HCV RNA-positive individuals not linked to care were 27.9%, 27.3%, and 26% in GP, DM, and AS patients, respectively, while the rates of those cured or cleared were 70.9%, 71%, and 69.9%, respectively. The prevalence of HCV testing was higher for females of reproductive age than for males the same age: 218.4/1000 vs. 74.0/1000, respectively. While more foreigners than Italians underwent the HCV test and were HCV positive, fewer foreigners than Italians received HCV treatment and were cured. Conclusions The low HCV testing and linkage to care rates remain an important gap in the HCV cascade of care in Northern Italy. The prevalence of cured/cleared residents remains lower among foreigners than among Italians. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13027-021-00345-8.
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Canevelli M, Di Pucchio A, Marzolini F, Mayer F, Massari M, Salvi E, Palazzesi I, Lacorte E, Bacigalupo I, Di Fiandra T, Vanacore N. A National Survey of Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias in Italy. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:1849-1857. [PMID: 34459403 PMCID: PMC8609685 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy has one of the oldest populations in the World and more than one million dementia cases can be estimated at the national level. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this national survey include: 1) to report the administrative features and the professional competencies of Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs); 2) to document possible discrepancies by geographic macro-area; and 3) to identify the features of CCDDs that are associated with a better quality in the provision of care. METHODS A survey of Italian CCDDs was conducted between February 2014 and December 2015. A list of CCDDs was obtained through direct interactions with designed delegates from each Italian region. A questionnaire was defined on five sections concerning: 1) location of the CCDD; 2) access to the CCDD; 3) organization of the CCDD; 4) services and treatments provided; and 5) quantitative data on the activities of the CCDD. RESULTS Overall, 577 out of the 597 eligible CCDDs returned the completed survey questionnaire (response rate: 96.6%): 260 (45.1%) from Northern Italy, 103 (17.8%) from Central Italy, and 214 (37.1%) from Southern-Islands Italy. More than a third of CCDDs were open only once or twice weekly. A median of 450 (IQR: 200-800) patients regularly attended these services. Most patients (70%) were affected by dementia or mild cognitive impairment (19%). CONCLUSION We have provided a snapshot of the organization and activities of CCDDs in Italy and documented existing inequalities in the provision of care.
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Djuric O, Mancuso P, Zannini A, Nicolaci A, Massari M, Zerbini A, Belloni L, Collini G, Sampaolesi F, Celotti A, Boni I, Giorgi Rossi P. Are Individuals with Substance Use Disorders at Higher Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Population-Based Registry Study in Northern Italy. Eur Addict Res 2021; 27:263-267. [PMID: 33951659 PMCID: PMC8247799 DOI: 10.1159/000515101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This study assesses whether individuals with substance use disorder are at greater risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than people in the general population. METHODS A population-based study was conducted including 3,780 individuals, diagnosed with alcohol or other drug dependence and cared for by the addiction service (AS) in the province of Reggio Emilia. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of being tested and of being SARS-CoV-2 positive in the population of interest compared with those in the general population of Reggio Emilia were calculated. RESULTS Both individuals with alcohol and those with other drug use disorders had a lower risk of being SARS-CoV-2 positive (SIR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.32-1.30, SIR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.24-1.10, respectively), despite higher rates of being tested than the general population (SIR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.14-1.89, SIR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.20-1.86, respectively). Among HIV-negative persons, 12.5% were positive to SARS-CoV-2, while none was positive among HIV-positive persons. HCV-infected AS clients had a higher risk of both being tested for SARS-CoV-2 (SIR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.26-2.98) and of resulting positive (SIR = 1.53; 95% CI 0.50-3.58). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with alcohol and/or other drug use disorders are at higher risk of being tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection but at lower risk of resulting positive than the general population. Further research is warranted in order to support our findings and to address plausible factors underpinning such associations.
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Salvarani C, Dolci G, Massari M, Merlo DF, Cavuto S, Savoldi L, Bruzzi P, Boni F, Braglia L, Turrà C, Ballerini PF, Sciascia R, Zammarchi L, Para O, Scotton PG, Inojosa WO, Ravagnani V, Salerno ND, Sainaghi PP, Brignone A, Codeluppi M, Teopompi E, Milesi M, Bertomoro P, Claudio N, Salio M, Falcone M, Cenderello G, Donghi L, Del Bono V, Colombelli PL, Angheben A, Passaro A, Secondo G, Pascale R, Piazza I, Facciolongo N, Costantini M. Effect of Tocilizumab vs Standard Care on Clinical Worsening in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:24-31. [PMID: 33080005 PMCID: PMC7577199 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.6615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 163.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is threatening billions of people worldwide. Tocilizumab has shown promising results in retrospective studies in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with a good safety profile. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of early tocilizumab administration vs standard therapy in preventing clinical worsening in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective, open-label, randomized clinical trial that randomized patients hospitalized between March 31 and June 11, 2020, with COVID-19 pneumonia to receive tocilizumab or standard of care in 24 hospitals in Italy. Cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction method with nasopharyngeal swab. Eligibility criteria included COVID-19 pneumonia documented by radiologic imaging, partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (Pao2/Fio2) ratio between 200 and 300 mm Hg, and an inflammatory phenotype defined by fever and elevated C-reactive protein. INTERVENTIONS Patients in the experimental arm received intravenous tocilizumab within 8 hours from randomization (8 mg/kg up to a maximum of 800 mg), followed by a second dose after 12 hours. Patients in the control arm received supportive care following the protocols of each clinical center until clinical worsening and then could receive tocilizumab as a rescue therapy. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES The primary composite outcome was defined as entry into the intensive care unit with invasive mechanical ventilation, death from all causes, or clinical aggravation documented by the finding of a Pao2/Fio2 ratio less than 150 mm Hg, whichever came first. RESULTS A total of 126 patients were randomized (60 to the tocilizumab group; 66 to the control group). The median (interquartile range) age was 60.0 (53.0-72.0) years, and the majority of patients were male (77 of 126, 61.1%). Three patients withdrew from the study, leaving 123 patients available for the intention-to-treat analyses. Seventeen patients of 60 (28.3%) in the tocilizumab arm and 17 of 63 (27.0%) in the standard care group showed clinical worsening within 14 days since randomization (rate ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.59-1.86). Two patients in the experimental group and 1 in the control group died before 30 days from randomization, and 6 and 5 patients were intubated in the 2 groups, respectively. The trial was prematurely interrupted after an interim analysis for futility. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial of hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and Pao2/Fio2 ratio between 200 and 300 mm Hg who received tocilizumab, no benefit on disease progression was observed compared with standard care. Further blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the results and to evaluate possible applications of tocilizumab in different stages of the disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04346355; EudraCT Identifier: 2020-001386-37.
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Ferroni E, Giorgi Rossi P, Spila Alegiani S, Trifirò G, Pitter G, Leoni O, Cereda D, Marino M, Pellizzari M, Fabiani M, Riccardo F, Sultana J, Massari M. Survival of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Northern Italy: A Population-Based Cohort Study by the ITA-COVID-19 Network. Clin Epidemiol 2020; 12:1337-1346. [PMID: 33335428 PMCID: PMC7737545 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s271763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 case fatality rate in hospitalized patients varies across countries and studies. Reliable estimates, specific for age, sex, and comorbidities, are needed to monitor the epidemic, to compare the outcome in different settings, and to correctly design trials for COVID-19 interventions. The aim of this study was to provide population-based survival curves of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort study was conducted in three areas of Northern Italy, heavily affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection (Lombardy and Veneto Regions, and Reggio Emilia province), using a loco-regional COVID-19 surveillance system, linked to hospital discharge databases. We included all patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples who were hospitalized from 21 February to 21 April 2020. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were calculated at 14 and 30 days for death in any setting, stratifying by age, sex, and the Charlson Index. RESULTS Overall, 42,926 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were identified. Patients' median age was 69 years (IQR: 57-79), 62.6% were males, and 6.0% had a Charlson Index ≥3. Survival curves showed that 22.0% (95% CI 21.6-22.4) of patients died within 14 days and 27.6% (95% CI 27.2-28.1) within 30 days from hospitalization. Survival was higher in younger patients and in females. The negative impact of comorbidities on survival was more pronounced in younger age groups. CONCLUSION The high fatality rate observed in the study (28% at 30 days) suggests that studies should focus on death as primary endpoint during a follow-up of at least one month.
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Livrieri F, Ghidoni G, Piro R, Menzella F, Cavazza A, Lazzaretti C, Massari M, Montanari G, Fontana M, Facciolongo NC. May 2020: Is It Always COVID-19 No Matter What? Int Med Case Rep J 2020; 13:563-567. [PMID: 33173352 PMCID: PMC7646501 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s277474] [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: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a massive outbreak throughout the world. In this period, diseases other than coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have not disappeared; however, it is hard for doctors to diagnose diseases that can mimic the clinical, radiological, and laboratory features of COVID-19, especially rare lung diseases such as acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP). We report the clinical case of a young patient who presented to the Emergency Department with respiratory failure and clinical symptoms, radiological aspects, and blood tests compatible with COVID-19; two swabs and a serology test for SARS-CoV-2 were performed, both resulted negative, but the respiratory failure worsened. Peripheral eosinophilia guided us to consider the possibility of a rare disease such as AEP, even if radiology findings were not pathognomonic. Therefore, we decided to perform a flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at the lingula, which showed the presence of eosinophilia greater than 40%. As a consequence, we treated the patient with high-dose corticosteroids that completely resolved the respiratory symptoms. This case report highlights the difficulty of making alternative diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for rare lung diseases such as AEP, which may have initial characteristics similar to COVID-19.
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Cassone G, Dolci G, Besutti G, Muratore F, Bajocchi G, Mancuso P, Catanoso M, Spaggiari L, Galli E, Palermo A, Pipitone N, Croci S, Massari M, Facciolongo N, Menzella F, Negri EA, Zerbini A, Belloni L, Cimino L, Teopompi E, Sampaolesi F, Salsi P, Costantini M, Giorgi Rossi P, Aldigeri R, Salvarani C. Acute-phase reactants during tocilizumab therapy for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020; 38:1215-1222. [PMID: 33275095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify predictors of clinical improvement and intubation/death in tocilizumab-treated severe COVID19, focusing on IL6 and CRP longitudinal monitoring. METHODS 173 consecutive patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia receiving tocilizumab in Reggio Emilia province Hospitals between 11 March and 3 June 2020 were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Clinical improvement was defined as status improvement on a six-category ordinal scale or discharge from the hospital, whichever came first. A composite outcome of intubation/death was also evaluated. CRP and IL-6 levels were determined before TCZ administration (T0) and after 3 (T3), and 7 (T7) days. RESULTS At multivariate analysis T0 and T3 CRP levels were negatively associated with clinical improvement (OR 0.13, CI 0.03-0.55 and OR 0.11, CI 0.0-0.46) (p=0.006 and p=0.003) and positively associated with intubation/death (OR 17.66, CI 2.47-126.14 and OR 5.34, CI: 1.49-19.12) (p=0.01 and p=0.004). No significant associations with IL-6 values were observed. General linear model analyses for repeated measures showed significantly different trends for CRP from day 3 to day 7 between patients who improved and those who did not, and between patients who were intubated or died and those who were not (p<0.0001 for both). ROC analysis identified a baseline CRP level of 15.8 mg/dl as the best cut-off to predict intubation/death (AUC = 0.711, sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS CRP serial measurements in the first week of TCZ therapy are useful in identifying patients developing poor outcomes.
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Piccirillo MC, Ascierto P, Atripaldi L, Cascella M, Costantini M, Dolci G, Facciolongo N, Fraganza F, Marata A, Massari M, Montesarchio V, Mussini C, Negri EA, Parrella R, Popoli P, Botti G, Arenare L, Chiodini P, Gallo C, Salvarani C, Perrone F. TOCIVID-19 - A multicenter study on the efficacy and tolerability of tocilizumab in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Study protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 98:106165. [PMID: 33031955 PMCID: PMC7536129 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia is the most frequent complication of COVID-19, due to an aberrant host immune response that is associated with an acute respiratory distress syndrome, and, in most critical patients, with a "cytokine storm". IL-6 might play a key role in the cytokine storm and might be a potential target to treat severe and critical COVID-19. Tocilizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, directed against IL-6 receptor. METHODS This multicentre study project includes a single-arm phase 2 study and a further parallel cohort, enrolling hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and oxygen saturation at rest in ambient air ≤93% or requiring respiratory support. Patients receive tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (up to 800 mg) as one intravenous administration. A second administration (same dose) after 12 h is optional. Two-week and one-month lethality rates are the co-primary endpoints. Sample size planned for the phase 2 study is 330 patients. The parallel cohort will include patients who cannot enter the phase 2 study because being intubated from more than 24 h, or having already received tocilizumab, or the phase 2 study has reached sample size. Primary analysis will include patients enrolled in the phase 2 study. Results of the primary analysis will be validated in the prospective cohort of patients consecutively registered after phase 2 closure from March 20 to March 24, who were potentially eligible for the phase 2 study. CONCLUSION This trial aims to verify the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in the Italian population with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory impairment. EudraCT Number: 2020-001110-38; Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT04317092.
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Perrone F, Piccirillo MC, Ascierto PA, Salvarani C, Parrella R, Marata AM, Popoli P, Ferraris L, Marrocco-Trischitta MM, Ripamonti D, Binda F, Bonfanti P, Squillace N, Castelli F, Muiesan ML, Lichtner M, Calzetti C, Salerno ND, Atripaldi L, Cascella M, Costantini M, Dolci G, Facciolongo NC, Fraganza F, Massari M, Montesarchio V, Mussini C, Negri EA, Botti G, Cardone C, Gargiulo P, Gravina A, Schettino C, Arenare L, Chiodini P, Gallo C. Tocilizumab for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The single-arm TOCIVID-19 prospective trial. J Transl Med 2020; 18:405. [PMID: 33087150 PMCID: PMC7576974 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02573-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tocilizumab blocks pro-inflammatory activity of interleukin-6 (IL-6), involved in pathogenesis of pneumonia the most frequent cause of death in COVID-19 patients. METHODS A multicenter, single-arm, hypothesis-driven trial was planned, according to a phase 2 design, to study the effect of tocilizumab on lethality rates at 14 and 30 days (co-primary endpoints, a priori expected rates being 20 and 35%, respectively). A further prospective cohort of patients, consecutively enrolled after the first cohort was accomplished, was used as a secondary validation dataset. The two cohorts were evaluated jointly in an exploratory multivariable logistic regression model to assess prognostic variables on survival. RESULTS In the primary intention-to-treat (ITT) phase 2 population, 180/301 (59.8%) subjects received tocilizumab, and 67 deaths were observed overall. Lethality rates were equal to 18.4% (97.5% CI: 13.6-24.0, P = 0.52) and 22.4% (97.5% CI: 17.2-28.3, P < 0.001) at 14 and 30 days, respectively. Lethality rates were lower in the validation dataset, that included 920 patients. No signal of specific drug toxicity was reported. In the exploratory multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age and lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio negatively affected survival, while the concurrent use of steroids was associated with greater survival. A statistically significant interaction was found between tocilizumab and respiratory support, suggesting that tocilizumab might be more effective in patients not requiring mechanical respiratory support at baseline. CONCLUSIONS Tocilizumab reduced lethality rate at 30 days compared with null hypothesis, without significant toxicity. Possibly, this effect could be limited to patients not requiring mechanical respiratory support at baseline. Registration EudraCT (2020-001110-38); clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04317092).
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Ji Z, Zhang J, Menniti-Ippolito F, Massari M, Fauci AJ, Li N, Yang F, Zhang M. The quality of Cochrane systematic reviews of acupuncture: an overview. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:307. [PMID: 33054785 PMCID: PMC7556594 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many systematic reviews of clinical trials on acupuncture were performed within the Cochrane Collaboration, the evidence-based medicine (EBM) most recognized organization. Objective of the article was to systematically collect and identify systematic reviews of acupuncture published in the Cochrane Library and assess their quality from a methodological perspective. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify the reviews of acupuncture conducted until June 2019. The methodological quality of the included reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 checklist, an evaluation tool for systematic reviews. Results Out of a total of 126 eligible reviews, 50 systematic reviews were included. According to the AMSTAR 2, 52% of Cochrane Systematic Reviews (CSRs) were of low quality, due to the presence of one or more weaknesses in at least one of the domains defined as critical for the methodological quality assessment. The less satisfied critical domain was inadequate investigation and discussion of publication bias. Declaration of potential sources of conflict of interest, and funding of the authors of the review and of the included studies were other important weaknesses. Conclusions The main methodological flaws in the included CSRs were related to topics of relatively new concern in the conduction of systematic reviews of the literature. However, both, lack of attention about retrieval of negative studies, and statements about conflict of interests are crucial point for the evaluation of therapeutic interventions according to EBM methodology.
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Albani F, Sepe L, Fusina F, Prezioso C, Baronio M, Caminiti F, Di Maio A, Faggian B, Franceschetti ME, Massari M, Salvaggio M, Natalini G. Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin is associated with a lower death rate in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 27:100562. [PMID: 33043287 PMCID: PMC7534836 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with hypercoagulability caused by direct invasion of endothelial cells and\or proinflammatory cytokine release. Thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin is recommended by current guidelines, but evidence is still weak. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin on hospital mortality in patients admitted for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The effects of enoxaparin on intensive care admission and hospital length-of-stay were evaluated as secondary outcomes. METHODS Observational cohort study, with data collected from patients admitted to Poliambulanza Foundation with positive real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 from 20th February to 10th May 2020. Multivariate logistic regression with overlap weight propensity score was used to model hospital mortality and intensive care admission, hospital length-of-stay was analyzed with a multivariate Poisson regression. Seven hundred and ninety nine (57%) patients who received enoxaparin at least once during the hospitalization were included in the enoxaparin cohort, 604 (43%) patients who did not were included in the control cohort. FINDINGS At the adjusted analysis enoxaparin was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (Odds Ratio 0·53, 95% C.I. 0·40-0·70) compared with no enoxaparin treatment. Hospital length-of-stay was longer for patients treated with enoxaparin (Incidence Rate Ratios 1·45, 95% C.I. 1·36-1·54). Enoxaparin treatment was associated with reduced risk of intensive care admission at the adjusted analysis (Odds Ratio 0·48, 95% C.I. 0·32-0·69). INTERPRETATION This study shows that treatment with enoxaparin during hospital stay is associated with a lower death rate and, while results from randomized clinical trials are still pending, this study supports the use of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin in all patients admitted for COVID-19. Moreover, when enoxaparin is used on the wards, it reduces the risk of Intensive Care Unit admission.
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Menzella F, Fontana M, Salvarani C, Massari M, Ruggiero P, Scelfo C, Barbieri C, Castagnetti C, Catellani C, Gibellini G, Falco F, Ghidoni G, Livrieri F, Montanari G, Casalini E, Piro R, Mancuso P, Ghidorsi L, Facciolongo N. Efficacy of tocilizumab in patients with COVID-19 ARDS undergoing noninvasive ventilation. Crit Care 2020; 24:589. [PMID: 32993751 PMCID: PMC7523258 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-020-03306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is extremely variable, ranging from asymptomatic patients to those who develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As for now, there are still no really effective therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some evidences suggest that tocilizumab (TCZ) may avoid the progression of severe COVID-19. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of TCZ in patients with COVID-19 ARDS undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV). METHODS Seventy-nine consecutive patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and worsening acute respiratory failure (ARF) were admitted to the Pulmonology Unit of Azienda USL of Reggio Emilia-IRCCS. All patients were inflamed (elevated CRP and IL-6 levels) and received NIV at admission according to the presence of a pO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 200 mmHg. The possibility of being treated with TCZ depended on the drug availability. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality rate. A secondary composite outcome of worsening was represented by the patients who died in the pulmonology unit or were intubated. RESULTS Out of 79 patients, 41 were treated with TCZ. Twenty-eight patients received intravenous (IV) TCZ and 13 patients received subcutaneous (SC) TCZ. In-hospital overall mortality rate was 38% (30/79 patients). The probabilities of dying and being intubated during the follow-up using Kaplan-Meier method were significantly lower in total patients treated with TCZ compared to those of patients not treated with TCZ (log-rank p value = 0.006 and 0.036, respectively). However, using Cox multivariate analyses adjusted for age and Charlson comorbidity index only the association with the reduced risk of being intubated or dying maintained the significance (HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.22-0.89, p = 0.022). Two patients treated with TCZ developed cavitating lung lesions during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that TCZ treatment may be effective in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory impairment receiving NIV. More data on safety are required. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
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Besutti G, Bonacini R, Iotti V, Marini G, Riva N, Dolci G, Maiorana M, Spaggiari L, Monelli F, Ligabue G, Guaraldi G, Rossi PG, Pattacini P, Massari M. Abdominal Visceral Infarction in 3 Patients with COVID-19. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:1926-1928. [PMID: 32396504 PMCID: PMC7392418 DOI: 10.3201/eid2608.201161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A high incidence of thrombotic events has been reported in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We report 3 clinical cases of patients in Italy with COVID-19 who developed abdominal viscera infarction, demonstrated by computed tomography.
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Kurotschka PK, Serafini A, Massari M, Da Cas R, Figueiras A, Forte V, Moro MF, Massidda M, Contu F, Minerba L, Marcias M, Nardelli M, Perra A, Carta MG, Spila Alegiani S. Broad Spectrum project: factors determining the quality of antibiotic use in primary care: an observational study protocol from Italy. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038843. [PMID: 32636291 PMCID: PMC7342852 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The overuse of antibiotics is causing worldwide spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Compared with other countries, Italy has both high antibiotic consumption rates and high rates of AMR. Due to the fact that around 90% of antibiotics are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs), this study aims to measure the impact of knowledge, attitudes and sociodemographic and workplace-related factors on the quality of antibiotic prescriptions filled by GPs in the Italian Region of Sardinia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Knowledge, attitude, sociodemographic and workplace-related factors deemed to influence physicians prescribing behaviour will be evaluated in a cross-sectional study conducted among all GPs of the Italian Region of Sardinia (n=1200). A knowledge and attitudes questionnaire (Knowledge and Attitudes on Antibiotics and Resistance - Italian version: ITA-KAAR) accompanied by a sociodemographic form will be linked to drug prescription data reimbursed by the National Health System. European Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption quality indicators for outpatient antibiotic use will be calculated from drug prescription records. Every GP will be deemed to have demonstrated an adequate quality of prescriptions of antibiotics if half of the indicator score plus one is better than the median of the region. A multivariate Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation will be used to evaluate the impact of the determinants of antibiotic prescriptions on the actual prescribing quality of each physician. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project has been approved by the ethics committee of the Regional Health Trust of Sardinia (176/2019/CE, 24 September 2019). The results will be useful to inform evidence-based interventions to tackle irrational antibiotic use in the community.
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Guaraldi G, Meschiari M, Cozzi-Lepri A, Milic J, Tonelli R, Menozzi M, Franceschini E, Cuomo G, Orlando G, Borghi V, Santoro A, Di Gaetano M, Puzzolante C, Carli F, Bedini A, Corradi L, Fantini R, Castaniere I, Tabbì L, Girardis M, Tedeschi S, Giannella M, Bartoletti M, Pascale R, Dolci G, Brugioni L, Pietrangelo A, Cossarizza A, Pea F, Clini E, Salvarani C, Massari M, Viale PL, Mussini C. Tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study. LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e474-e484. [PMID: 32835257 PMCID: PMC7314456 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 663] [Impact Index Per Article: 165.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background No therapy is approved for COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to assess the role of tocilizumab in reducing the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation and death in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who received standard of care treatment. Methods This retrospective, observational cohort study included adults (≥18 years) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to tertiary care centres in Bologna and Reggio Emilia, Italy, between Feb 21 and March 24, 2020, and a tertiary care centre in Modena, Italy, between Feb 21 and April 30, 2020. All patients were treated with the standard of care (ie, supplemental oxygen, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, antiretrovirals, and low molecular weight heparin), and a non-randomly selected subset of patients also received tocilizumab. Tocilizumab was given either intravenously at 8 mg/kg bodyweight (up to a maximum of 800 mg) in two infusions, 12 h apart, or subcutaneously at 162 mg administered in two simultaneous doses, one in each thigh (ie, 324 mg in total), when the intravenous formulation was unavailable. The primary endpoint was a composite of invasive mechanical ventilation or death. Treatment groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis after adjusting for sex, age, recruiting centre, duration of symptoms, and baseline Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. Findings Of 1351 patients admitted, 544 (40%) had severe COVID-19 pneumonia and were included in the study. 57 (16%) of 365 patients in the standard care group needed mechanical ventilation, compared with 33 (18%) of 179 patients treated with tocilizumab (p=0·41; 16 [18%] of 88 patients treated intravenously and 17 [19%] of 91 patients treated subcutaneously). 73 (20%) patients in the standard care group died, compared with 13 (7%; p<0·0001) patients treated with tocilizumab (six [7%] treated intravenously and seven [8%] treated subcutaneously). After adjustment for sex, age, recruiting centre, duration of symptoms, and SOFA score, tocilizumab treatment was associated with a reduced risk of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (adjusted hazard ratio 0·61, 95% CI 0·40–0·92; p=0·020). 24 (13%) of 179 patients treated with tocilizumab were diagnosed with new infections, versus 14 (4%) of 365 patients treated with standard of care alone (p<0·0001). Interpretation Treatment with tocilizumab, whether administered intravenously or subcutaneously, might reduce the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation or death in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Funding None.
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Grein J, Ohmagari N, Shin D, Diaz G, Asperges E, Castagna A, Feldt T, Green G, Green ML, Lescure FX, Nicastri E, Oda R, Yo K, Quiros-Roldan E, Studemeister A, Redinski J, Ahmed S, Bernett J, Chelliah D, Chen D, Chihara S, Cohen SH, Cunningham J, D'Arminio Monforte A, Ismail S, Kato H, Lapadula G, L'Her E, Maeno T, Majumder S, Massari M, Mora-Rillo M, Mutoh Y, Nguyen D, Verweij E, Zoufaly A, Osinusi AO, DeZure A, Zhao Y, Zhong L, Chokkalingam A, Elboudwarej E, Telep L, Timbs L, Henne I, Sellers S, Cao H, Tan SK, Winterbourne L, Desai P, Mera R, Gaggar A, Myers RP, Brainard DM, Childs R, Flanigan T. Compassionate Use of Remdesivir for Patients with Severe Covid-19. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:2327-2336. [PMID: 32275812 PMCID: PMC7169476 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2007016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1809] [Impact Index Per Article: 452.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue prodrug that inhibits viral RNA polymerases, has shown in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We provided remdesivir on a compassionate-use basis to patients hospitalized with Covid-19, the illness caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2. Patients were those with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who had an oxygen saturation of 94% or less while they were breathing ambient air or who were receiving oxygen support. Patients received a 10-day course of remdesivir, consisting of 200 mg administered intravenously on day 1, followed by 100 mg daily for the remaining 9 days of treatment. This report is based on data from patients who received remdesivir during the period from January 25, 2020, through March 7, 2020, and have clinical data for at least 1 subsequent day. RESULTS Of the 61 patients who received at least one dose of remdesivir, data from 8 could not be analyzed (including 7 patients with no post-treatment data and 1 with a dosing error). Of the 53 patients whose data were analyzed, 22 were in the United States, 22 in Europe or Canada, and 9 in Japan. At baseline, 30 patients (57%) were receiving mechanical ventilation and 4 (8%) were receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. During a median follow-up of 18 days, 36 patients (68%) had an improvement in oxygen-support class, including 17 of 30 patients (57%) receiving mechanical ventilation who were extubated. A total of 25 patients (47%) were discharged, and 7 patients (13%) died; mortality was 18% (6 of 34) among patients receiving invasive ventilation and 5% (1 of 19) among those not receiving invasive ventilation. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients hospitalized for severe Covid-19 who were treated with compassionate-use remdesivir, clinical improvement was observed in 36 of 53 patients (68%). Measurement of efficacy will require ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled trials of remdesivir therapy. (Funded by Gilead Sciences.).
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Salvarani C, Bajocchi G, Mancuso P, Galli E, Muratore F, Boiardi L, Catanoso M, Pipitone N, Cassone G, Girolimetto N, Croci S, Cimino L, Gradellini F, Beltrami M, Di Lernia V, Dolci G, Massari M, Marata AM, Costantini M, Giorgi Rossi P. Susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 in patients treated with bDMARDS and tsDMARDs: a population-based study. Ann Rheum Dis 2020; 79:986-988. [PMID: 32467245 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-217903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Quaranta MG, Ferrigno L, Monti M, Filomia R, Biliotti E, Iannone A, Migliorino G, Coco B, Morisco F, Vinci M, D'Ambrosio R, Chemello L, Massari M, Ieluzzi D, Russo FP, Blanc P, Verucchi G, Puoti M, Rumi MG, Barbaro F, Santantonio TA, Federico A, Chessa L, Gentile I, Zuin M, Parruti G, Morsica G, Kondili LA. Advanced liver disease outcomes after hepatitis C eradication by human immunodeficiency virus infection in PITER cohort. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:362-372. [PMID: 32279177 PMCID: PMC7220859 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver disease progression after Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) eradication following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in the real-life setting according to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection was evaluated. Methods Patients consecutively enrolled in PITER between April 2014 and June 2019 and with at least 12-weeks follow-up following treatment were analysed. Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate HIV coinfection and factors independently associated with liver disease outcomes following viral eradication in DAA treated patients with pre-treatment liver cirrhosis. Results 93 HIV/HCV coinfected and 1109 HCV monoinfected patients were evaluated during a median follow-up of 26.7 (range 6–44.6) and 24.6 (range 6.8–47.3) months, respectively. No difference in the cumulative HCC incidence and hepatic decompensation was observed between coinfected and monoinfected patients. Age (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.13), male sex (HR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.28–5.96), lower albumin levels (HR = 3.94; 95% CI 1.81–8.58), genotype 3 (HR = 5.05; 95% CI 1.75–14.57) and serum anti-HBc positivity (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.01–3.95) were independently associated with HCC incidence. Older age (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.07), male sex (HR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.06–4.26) and lower albumin levels (HR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.89–7.46) were independently associated with the appearance of a decompensating event after viral eradication. Conclusion Different demographic, clinical and genotype distribution between HIV coinfected vs those monoinfected, was observed in a representative cohort of HCV infected patients in Italy. Once liver cirrhosis is established the disease progression is decreased, but still persists regardless of viral eradication in both coinfected and monoinfected patients. In patients with cirrhosis, HIV coinfection was not associated with a higher probability of liver complications, after viral eradication.
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Barili V, Fisicaro P, Montanini B, Acerbi G, Filippi A, Forleo G, Romualdi C, Ferracin M, Guerrieri F, Pedrazzi G, Boni C, Rossi M, Vecchi A, Penna A, Zecca A, Mori C, Orlandini A, Negri E, Pesci M, Massari M, Missale G, Levrero M, Ottonello S, Ferrari C. Targeting p53 and histone methyltransferases restores exhausted CD8+ T cells in HCV infection. Nat Commun 2020; 11:604. [PMID: 32001678 PMCID: PMC6992697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) represents a unique model to characterize, from early to late stages of infection, the T cell differentiation process leading to exhaustion of human CD8+ T cells. Here we show that in early HCV infection, exhaustion-committed virus-specific CD8+ T cells display a marked upregulation of transcription associated with impaired glycolytic and mitochondrial functions, that are linked to enhanced ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 signaling. After evolution to chronic infection, exhaustion of HCV-specific T cell responses is instead characterized by a broad gene downregulation associated with a wide metabolic and anti-viral function impairment, which can be rescued by histone methyltransferase inhibitors. These results have implications not only for treatment of HCV-positive patients not responding to last-generation antivirals, but also for other chronic pathologies associated with T cell dysfunction, including cancer.
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Ferrante G, Massari M, Da Cas R, Pantosti A, Pezzotti P, Moser V, Pagani E, Aschbacher R, Traversa G. Community use of antibiotics and development of bacterial resistance: a case-control study in Italy. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Antibiotic resistance is now a global emergency. An increasing number of infections are becoming difficult to treat and lead to longer hospitalizations, higher medical costs and increased mortality. The aim of this study is to assess, in a population at low prevalence of use of antibiotics, whether a previous use of these drugs is associated with the occurrence of clinically relevant resistance of E.coli to fluoroquinolones (FQs), one of the most widespread and critical bacteria resistance in Italy.
Methods
Through a data linkage of databases of the health information systems of the Province of Bolzano (Italy) a case-control study was carried out using 2016 data. All subjects for which the resistance of E. coli to FQs was tested by the regional microbiology reference laboratory were included in the study. Those with a positive FQs-resistant E.coli isolate were defined as cases (n = 409), while the others were considered controls (n = 933). For each subject the total number of prescriptions of any antibiotics and the total number of prescriptions of FQs in the previous year were detected through a record linkage with the drug prescription database. Information on potential confounding factors (age, gender, number of hospital admissions, days of hospitalization, number of surgeries, diagnosis of chronic diseases) were obtained from the database of hospital admissions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the association between previous use of antibiotics (any and FQs only) and development of E.coli resistance to FQs.
Results
It was observed that for each unit increase in the number of prescriptions of any antibiotic, the probability for E.coli to develop FQs resistance significantly rises by 16%. This probability is much higher (45%) if the prescribed antibiotic is a FQ.
Conclusions
This study confirms the association between previous consumption of antibiotics and the onset of resistance even in an area with a low prevalence of use.
Key messages
The results of this study reiterate the need to prescribe and dispense antibiotics only when they are really needed. Health information systems allows to study the role of antibiotic use in the development of bacterial resistance, providing useful information for audit interventions among healthcare professionals.
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Canevelli M, Bacigalupo I, Gervasi G, Lacorte E, Massari M, Mayer F, Vanacore N, Cesari M. Methodological Issues in the Clinical Validation of Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease: The Paradigmatic Example of CSF. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:282. [PMID: 31680936 PMCID: PMC6812267 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of biomarkers is profoundly transforming medical research and practice. Their adoption has triggered major advancements in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over the past years. For instance, the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging changes indicative of neuronal loss and amyloid deposition has led to the understanding that AD is characterized by a long preclinical phase. It is also supporting the transition towards a biology-grounded framework and definition of the disease. Nevertheless, though sufficient evidence exists about the analytical validity (i.e., accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility) of the candidate AD biomarkers, their clinical validity (i.e., how well the test measures the clinical features, and the disease or treatment outcomes) and clinical utility (i.e., if and how the test improves the patient’s outcomes, confirms/changes the diagnosis, identifies at-risk individuals, influences therapeutic choices) have not been fully proven. In the present review, some of the methodological issues and challenges that should be addressed in order to better appreciate the potential benefits and limitations of AD biomarkers are discussed. The ultimate goal is to stimulate a constructive discussion aimed at filling the existing gaps and more precisely defining the directions of future research. Specifically, four main aspects of the clinical validation process are addressed and applied to the most relevant CSF biomarkers: (1) the definition of reference values; (2) the identification of reference standards for the disease of interest (i.e., AD); (3) the inclusion within the diagnostic process; and (4) the statistical process supporting the whole framework.
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Ruffato G, Massari M, Girardi M, Parisi G, Zontini M, Romanato F. Non-paraxial design and fabrication of a compact OAM sorter in the telecom infrared. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:24123-24134. [PMID: 31510306 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.024123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A novel optical device is designed and fabricated in order to overcome the limits of the traditional sorter based on log-pol optical transformation for the demultiplexing of optical beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). The proposed configuration simplifies the alignment procedure and significantly improves the compactness and miniaturization level of the optical architecture. Since the device requires to operate beyond the paraxial approximation, a rigorous formulation of transformation optics in the non-paraxial regime has been developed and applied. The sample has been fabricated as 256-level phase-only diffractive optics with high-resolution electron-beam lithography, and tested for the demultiplexing of OAM beams at the telecom wavelength of 1310 nm. The designed sorter can find promising applications in next-generation optical platforms for mode-division multiplexing based on OAM modes both for free-space and multi-mode fiber transmission.
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Ruffato G, Capaldo P, Massari M, Mafakheri E, Romanato F. Total angular momentum sorting in the telecom infrared with silicon Pancharatnam-Berry transformation optics. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:15750-15764. [PMID: 31163766 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.015750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Parallel sorting of orbital angular momentum (OAM) and polarization has recently acquired paramount importance and interest in a wide range of fields ranging from telecommunications to high-dimensional quantum cryptography. Due to their inherently polarization-sensitive optical response, optical elements acting on the geometric phase prove to be useful for processing structured light beams with orthogonal polarization states by means of a single optical platform. In this work, we present the design, fabrication and test of a Pancharatnam-Berry optical element in silicon implementing a log-pol optical transformation at 1310 nm for the realization of an OAM sorter based on the conformal mapping between angular and linear momentum states. The metasurface is realized in the form of continuously variant subwavelength gratings, providing high-resolution in the definition of the phase pattern. A hybrid device is fabricated assembling the metasurface for the geometric-phase control with multi-level diffractive optics for the polarization-independent manipulation of the dynamic phase. The optical characterization confirms the capability to sort orbital angular momentum and circular polarization at the same time.
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Brancaccio G, Nardi A, Madonia S, Fasano M, Verucchi G, Massari M, Maimone S, Contini C, Levantesi F, Alfieri A, Gavrila C, Andreone P, Milella M, Gaeta GB. The present profile of chronic hepatitis B virus infection highlights future challenges: An analysis of the Multicenter Italian MASTER-B cohort. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:438-442. [PMID: 30314950 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIM The study is aimed at updating the clinical and epidemiological profile of chronic HBV infection in Italy. METHODS A cross-sectional multicenter prospective study enrolled consecutive HBsAg positive patients seen in 73 Italian centers in the period 2012-2015. Individual patient data were collected using an electronic platform and analyzed using standard statistical methods. RESULTS Among 2877 HBsAg positive individuals (median age 49.8 years, 68% males), 27% were non-Italian natives (NINs); 20% had chronic infection, 58.5% chronic hepatitis and 21.5% cirrhosis. Among NINs, age was younger, male gender was less prevalent and liver disease less advanced than in Italians (all p < 0.0001). HBeAg positive cases were 23.6% among NINs vs 8.2% in Italians (p < 0.0001); HDV coinfections 11.1% vs 7.3% (p = 0.006) and HCV coinfections 2.3% vs 4.2% (p = 0.017), respectively. Anti-HDV or anti-HCV antibodies were detected more frequently in patients with cirrhosis. Fifty percent of NINs with cirrhosis were aged below 45 years. CONCLUSION The study offers an insight into the evolving burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the near future and highlights new territories for public health interventions.
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