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Parodi G, Zanini G, Chiappalone M, Martinoia S. Electrical and chemical modulation of homogeneous and heterogeneous human-iPSCs-derived neuronal networks on high density arrays. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1304507. [PMID: 38380114 PMCID: PMC10877635 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1304507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The delicate "Excitatory/Inhibitory balance" between neurons holds significance in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. With the ultimate goal of creating a faithful in vitro model of the human brain, in this study, we investigated the critical factor of heterogeneity, focusing on the interplay between excitatory glutamatergic (E) and inhibitory GABAergic (I) neurons in neural networks. We used high-density Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEA) with 2304 recording electrodes to investigate two neuronal culture configurations: 100% glutamatergic (100E) and 75% glutamatergic / 25% GABAergic (75E25I) neurons. This allowed us to comprehensively characterize the spontaneous electrophysiological activity exhibited by mature cultures at 56 Days in vitro, a time point in which the GABA shift has already occurred. We explored the impact of heterogeneity also through electrical stimulation, revealing that the 100E configuration responded reliably, while the 75E25I required more parameter tuning for improved responses. Chemical stimulation with BIC showed an increase in terms of firing and bursting activity only in the 75E25I condition, while APV and CNQX induced significant alterations on both dynamics and functional connectivity. Our findings advance understanding of diverse neuron interactions and their role in network activity, offering insights for potential therapeutic interventions in neurological conditions. Overall, this work contributes to the development of a valuable human-based in vitro system for studying physiological and pathological conditions, emphasizing the pivotal role of neuron diversity in neural network dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Zanini G, Parodi G, Chiappalone M, Martinoia S. Investigating the reliability of the evoked response in human iPSCs-derived neuronal networks coupled to micro-electrode arrays. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046121. [PMID: 38130601 PMCID: PMC10735322 DOI: 10.1063/5.0174227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of neuronal networks have emerged as a potent instrument for gaining deeper insights into the intricate mechanisms governing the human brain. Notably, the integration of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with micro-electrode arrays offers a means to replicate and dissect both the structural and functional elements of the human brain within a controlled in vitro environment. Given that neuronal communication relies on the emission of electrical (and chemical) stimuli, the employment of electrical stimulation stands as a mean to comprehensively interrogate neuronal assemblies, to better understand their inherent electrophysiological dynamics. However, the establishment of standardized stimulation protocols for cultures derived from hiPSCs is still lacking, thereby hindering the precise delineation of efficacious parameters to elicit responses. To fill this gap, the primary objective of this study resides in delineating effective parameters for the electrical stimulation of hiPSCs-derived neuronal networks, encompassing the determination of voltage amplitude and stimulation frequency able to evoke reliable and stable responses. This study represents a stepping-stone in the exploration of efficacious stimulation parameters, thus broadening the electrophysiological activity profiling of neural networks sourced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Zanini
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Parodi
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Michetti M, Gualtieri M, Anav A, Adani M, Benassi B, Dalmastri C, D'Elia I, Piersanti A, Sannino G, Zanini G, Uccelli R. Climate change and air pollution: Translating their interplay into present and future mortality risk for Rome and Milan municipalities. Sci Total Environ 2022; 830:154680. [PMID: 35314224 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heat and cold temperatures associated with exposure to poor air quality lead to increased mortality. Using a generalized linear model with Poisson regression for overdispersion, this study quantifies the natural-caused mortality burden attributable to heat/cold temperatures and PM10 and O3 air pollutants in Rome and Milan, the two most populated Italian cities. We calculate local-specific mortality relative risks (RRs) for the period 2004-2015 considering the overall population and the most vulnerable age category (≥85 years). Combining a regional climate model with a chemistry-transport model under future climate and air pollution scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), we then project mortality to 2050. Results show that for historical mortality the burden is much larger for cold than for warm temperatures. RR peaks during wintertime in Milan and summertime in Rome, highlighting the relevance of accounting for the effects of air pollution besides that of climate, in particular PM10 for Milan and O3 for Rome. Overall, Milan reports higher RRs while, in both cities, the elderly appear more susceptible to heat/cold and air pollution events than the average population. Two counterbalancing effects shape mortality in the future: an increase associated with higher and more frequent warmer daily temperatures - especially in the case of climate inaction - and a decrease due to declining cold-mortality burden. The outcomes highlight the urgent need to adopt more stringent and integrated climate and air quality policies to reduce the temperature and air pollution combined effects on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Michetti
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
| | - M Gualtieri
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - A Anav
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
| | - M Adani
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - B Benassi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
| | - C Dalmastri
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
| | - I D'Elia
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma, Lungotevere Thaon de Revel, 76, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - A Piersanti
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - G Sannino
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
| | - G Zanini
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - R Uccelli
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
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Michetti M, Adani M, Anav A, Benassi B, Dalmastri C, D'Elia I, Gualtieri M, Piersanti A, Sannino G, Uccelli R, Zanini G. From single to multivariable exposure models to translate climatic and air pollution effects into mortality risk. A customized application to the city of Rome, Italy. MethodsX 2022; 9:101717. [PMID: 35620759 PMCID: PMC9127213 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents an approach developed to derive a Delayed-Multivariate Exposure-Response Model (D-MERF) useful to assess the short-term influence of temperature on mortality, accounting also for the effect of air pollution (O3 and PM10). By using Distributed, lag non-linear models (DLNM) we explain how city-specific exposure-response functions are derived for the municipality of Rome, which is taken as an example. The steps illustrated can be replicated to other cities while the statistical model presented here can be further extended to other exposure variables. We derive the mortality relative-risk (RR) curve averaged over the period 2004–2015, which accounts for city-specific climate and pollution conditions. Key aspects of customization are as follows: This study reports the steps followed to derive a combined, multivariate exposure-response model aimed at translating climatic and air pollution effects into mortality risk. Integration of climate and air pollution parameters to derive RR values. A specific interest is devoted to the investigation of delayed effects on mortality in the presence of different exposure factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Michetti
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, Bologna 40129, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - M. Adani
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - A. Anav
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Santa Maria di Galeria 00123, Italy
| | - B. Benassi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Santa Maria di Galeria 00123, Italy
| | - C. Dalmastri
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Santa Maria di Galeria 00123, Italy
| | - I. D'Elia
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma, Lungotevere Thaon de Revel, 76, Rome 00196, Italy
| | - M. Gualtieri
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - A. Piersanti
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - G. Sannino
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Santa Maria di Galeria 00123, Italy
| | - R. Uccelli
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA Centro Ricerche Roma Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, Rome, Santa Maria di Galeria 00123, Italy
| | - G. Zanini
- Division of Models and Technology for Risk Reduction, ENEA Centro Ricerche Bologna, Via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, Bologna 40129, Italy
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De Zordo S, Zanini G, Mishtal J, Garnsey C, Ziegler AK, Gerdts C. Gestational age limits for abortion and cross-border reproductive care in Europe: a mixed-methods study. BJOG 2020; 128:838-845. [PMID: 32975864 PMCID: PMC7984202 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Little is known about the experiences of women who travel within Europe for abortion care from countries with relatively liberal laws. This paper aims to assess the primary reasons for travel among a sample of women who travelled from European countries with relatively liberal abortion laws to obtain abortion care mainly in the UK and the Netherlands. Design Multi‐country, 5‐year mixed methods study on barriers to legal abortion and travel for abortion. Setting UK, the Netherlands and Spain. Population or Sample We present quantitative data from 204 surveys, and qualitative data from 30 in‐depth interviews with pregnant people who travelled to the UK, the Netherlands and Spain from countries where abortion is legal on broad grounds within specific gestational age (GA) limits. Methods Mixed‐methods. Main outcome measures GA when presenting at abortion clinic, primary reason for abortion‐related travel. Results Study participants overwhelmingly reported travelling for abortion because they had exceeded GA limits in their country of residence. Participants also reported numerous delays and barriers to receiving care. Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for policies that support access to abortion throughout pregnancy and illustrate that early access to it is necessary but not sufficient to meet people’s reproductive health needs. Funding This study is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). Tweetable abstract This study shows that GA limits drive women from EU countries where abortion is legal to seek abortions abroad. This study shows that GA limits drive women from EU countries where abortion is legal to seek abortions abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De Zordo
- Department of Anthropology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Zanini
- Department of People and Organisations, School of Business and Management, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - J Mishtal
- Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - C Garnsey
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A-K Ziegler
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - C Gerdts
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, CA, USA
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Badaloni C, Ranucci A, Cesaroni G, Zanini G, Vienneau D, Al-Aidrous F, De Hoogh K, Magnani C, Forastiere F. Air pollution and childhood leukaemia: a nationwide case-control study in Italy. Occup Environ Med 2013; 70:876-83. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Vizzardi E, Lorusso R, De Cicco G, Zanini G, D'Aloia A, Dei Cas L. Stem cells and repair of the heart: cell-releasing epicardial scaffolds. J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino) 2012; 53:685-690. [PMID: 22249648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cell transplantation represents the last frontier within the treatment of cardiac diseases. From the first paper published in 1992 that has documented the potentials of the transplantation of autologous skeletal muscle cells to treat the damage induced by acute myocardial infarction, innumerable techniques of implantation and types of cells used has been reported, greatly expanding this innovative and appealing field of search in cardiovascular medicine. Despite original promises and expectations, current evidences of stem cell transplantation are still weak and controversial. Therefore, alternative line of research are being explored, particularly in the field of techniques of cell implantation and engraftment. Besides direct implantation or myocardial colonization by bone marrow stimulation, epicardial application of cell-delivering systems (scaffold and patches) have gained popularity due to the possibility to apply selectively a cell-containing device which may gradually release the chosen cell type, alone or in combination with trophic substances. The scaffolds have proven to be successful in this respect and may represent a valid alternative to coronary, intra-myocardial, or venous injection of stem cells, or to stem cell stimulating factors. Finally these systems may be applied through minimally invasive procedures and act as external constraint to enhance ventricular reverse remodelling or limit further cardiac dilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vizzardi
- Department of Cardiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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D'Aloia A, Caretta G, Vizzardi E, Zanini G, Bugatti S, Bonadei I, Dei Cas L. Heart failure syndrome due to dobutamine stress echocardiography: Tako-Tsubo induced-cardiomiopathy. Panminerva Med 2012; 54:53-55. [PMID: 22278117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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9
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Vizzardi E, D'Aloia A, Zanini G, Fiorina C, Chiari E, Nodari S, Dei Cas L. Tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction: transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome. Int J Clin Pract 2010; 64:67-74. [PMID: 18803556 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01833.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS/OBJECTIVES This review examines the 'tako-tsubo-like' syndrome or transient left ventricular apical ballooning. The aim of this review is a complete evaluation of epidemiology, clinical and instrumental features, pathophysiological mechanisms, therapy and prognosis of this syndrome. METHODS We have evaluated the data from literature for a comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects of this syndrome. RESULTS/FINDINGS Transient left ventricular apical ballooning typically affects women, and the clinical presentation is comparable to acute coronary syndrome with chest pain or sudden dyspnoea, changes in ECG and elevated cardiac enzymes in the absence of significant coronary stenosis, with complete resolution of wall-motion abnormalities in a period of days or weeks. This syndrome is triggered by marked psychological or physiological stress. Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed, such as cathecolamine-mediated cardiotoxicity, abnormalities in coronary microvascular function and multivessel coronary vasospasm. The highest incidence of transient left ventricular apical ballooning is in the Japanese population, but it has been recently identified also in the USA and Europe. Treatment is empirical and supportive. The prognosis is generally favourable, although some deaths have been reported, usually the result of irreversible cardiogenic shock, refractory ventricular arrhythmias, or other catastrophic cardiovascular event. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS We conclude by emphasising the importance of a more deeper knowledge of this syndrome for general physicians and cardiologists and it should be often considered as a possible diagnosis occurring in emergency department and in patients admitted in the Chest Pain Units with a diagnosis of coronary acute syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vizzardi
- Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Applied Experimental Medicine, Department of Cardiology, University Study of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Vizzardi E, Bonadei I, Zanini G, Fiorina C, Raddino R, Dei Cas L. [Homocysteine: a casual link with heart failure?]. Minerva Med 2009; 100:421-427. [PMID: 19910894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Several studies and recent patents have demonstrated that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) is an independent risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF); it is also correlated to the severity of the disease. In literature there are some data about effects of HHCY on myocardial structure and function in animal models. These studies indicate a direct effect of HCY in promoting reactive myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction, promoting miocardial redox state, endothelial and mithocondryal dysfunction, negative inotropic effect. According to some authors the HHCY is a potential ethiological factor for heart failure while according to others it is just an epiphenomenon without direct effects on myocardium. Nevertheless the literature studies show the relevant involvement of HHCY in CHF and the strong relations between HHCY plasma levels and the severity and prognosis of the disease. Regarding the potential mechanistic role of HHCY in CHF, all of these studies do not provide any mechanistic insights because of their epidemiological nature. Future studies need to explore the exact pathomechanisms of HHCY in CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vizzardi
- Department of Cardiology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Vizzardi E, D'Aloia A, Zanini G, Antonioli E, Chiari E, Fiorina C, Raddino R, Nodari S, Dei Cas L. Coronary artery fistula: diagnostic role of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Minerva Cardioangiol 2008; 56:361-364. [PMID: 18509296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Congenital coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare. Some patients develop symptoms of congestive heart failure secondary to a large left-to-right shunt or myocardial ischemia from coronary artery steal in the first few years after birth. After the second decade the frequency of symptoms and complications increase. We report a case of CAF originating from the circumflex artery and draining into the coronary sinus, associated with left main coronary aneurysm. Transtho-racic and transesophageal echocardiography approach showed the origin, course, and drainage site of the CAF. This case represents a typical sample of this rare anomaly and puts into evidence the essential role of echocardiography to define and complete the angiographic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vizzardi
- Section of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Applied Experimental Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Vizzardi ME, Bottio T, Faggiano P, Zanini G, Antonioli E, Fracassi F, Chiari E, Muneretto C, Dei Cas L. A case of thrombus outside a ligated left atrial appendage despite prolonged oral anticoagulant therapy. Minerva Cardioangiol 2008; 56:377-378. [PMID: 18509299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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Monforti F, Bellasio R, Bianconi R, Clai G, Zanini G. An evaluation of particle deposition fluxes to cultural heritage sites in Florence, Italy. Sci Total Environ 2004; 334-335:61-72. [PMID: 15504493 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The pernicious effects of deposition of airborne particles on monumental stones have been widely demonstrated, but estimates of deposition fluxes on historic buildings remain a hard task because of the lack of careful experiments and modelling. AERBOX is a new box model developed by ENVIROWARE and ENEA, simulating the whole life cycle of aerosols. AERBOX takes into account all the relevant chemical and physical processes involved: emission, chemical reactions in gas and in gas-liquid phases, deposition, entrainment, condensation and nucleation. Concentration and deposition rates of 52 species of gaseous pollutants and 14 species of particulate pollutants are calculated on hourly basis. A modelling system composed by AERBOX and the emission pre-processor Tool for Hourly Speciation of CORINAIR Annual Emissions (THOSCANE) has been applied to estimate the flux of particulate matter deposited on the monumental area of Florence downtown starting from a CORINAIR emission inventory developed by the Tuscany Region including the industrial and mobile sources in the area of Florence and Prato counties. The time and chemical profiles of the emissions have been adapted to the Tuscany region from the reference profiles given by both the California Air Resource Board and EPA and meteorological inputs were given by the Tuscany Meteorological Centre. Concentrations and deposition fluxes were compared with field measurements available in the open literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Monforti
- ENEA, C.R. di Bologna, via Martiri di Monte Sole, 4-43100 Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
A common feature of autoimmunity is the presence of autoantibodies (AAb). Two types of AAb have been described: the 'pathogenic' AAb, associated with autoimmune diseases (AID), and the so-called 'natural' AAb. The latter are present in all normal individuals and have been postulated to play a major role as a first defensive barrier of the organism. Both the 'pathogenic' and the 'natural' AAb can be detected at higher frequencies among individuals exposed to viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. The malaria associated AAb do not seem to result from a generalised polyclonal B-cell activation (PBA), have specificities that may differ according to the degree of clinical immunity and do not seem to be pathogenic. Malaria may offer a protective effect against AID, by diminishing its severity or by either preventing or retarding its expression. AAb could also participate in the immune protection against malaria, and this could happen in several ways: (i) AAb directed to modified Ag expressed on the red blood cell (RBC) membrane during parasitisation and (ii) AAb reactive with crypto- or neo-Ag revealed on both normal and infected RBC membranes, by destroying infected, and also normal, erythrocytes; (iii) anti-idiotype AAb specific of the binding site of anti-merozoite Ab, which would mimic the parasite ligand for the RBC receptor, by competing with parasites and blocking RBC invasion; (iv) AAb cross-reactive with parasite material - such as nuclear or cytoskeleton Ag - having a direct parasiticide activity; (v) the natural AAb network, through its 'anti-bacterial first defense barrier'; and finally (vi) anti-phospholipid (PL) AAb, by neutralizing the pathogenic properties of parasite-derived PL. Finally, in view of currently available knowledge, it is concluded that, since AAb are not always pathogenic, the price for an 'autoimmunity-mediated' protection in malaria would not necessarily be immunopathology and clinical autoimmunity, and a protective role of AAb could be exerted with no danger to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Daniel-Ribeiro
- Department of Immunology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, CEP 21.045-900 RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Abstract
The principal models of the physician-patient relationship are analysed in terms of their historical development. An outline is given of the clinical, psychological and ethical particularities of the approach to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The peculiarities of this disease are so exclusive that they do not resemble other progressive diseases with a negative prognosis, and therefore require an equally exclusive approach to the physician-patient relationship. This approach should not only be informative, scientific and interpretative-deliberative, but must simultaneously be founded on a solid therapeutic alliance aimed at seeking the best interests of the patients while respecting their autonomy as well as their "good" (not only in the sense of physical well-being, but also in terms of respect for their personal values). This is the only way to confront the conflicts that inevitably arise (especially in advanced stages of the disease) without the risks associated with a desire to escape or to adopt extreme solutions (such as euthanasia and therapeutic insistence) and without the risk of burn-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pasetti
- Division of Neurology, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS, Scientific Institute of Veruno, I-28010 Veruno, NO, Italy
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16
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Benna P, Tribaudino Μ, Zanini G, Bruno E. The crystal structure of Ca 0.8Mg 1.2Si 2O 6 clinopyroxene (Di 80En 20) at Τ=-130°, 25°, 400° and 700°C. Z KRIST-CRYST MATER 1990. [DOI: 10.1524/zkri.1990.192.14.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Benna P, Tribaudino M, Zanini G, Bruno E. The crystal structure of Ca0.8Mg1.22Si2O6clinopyroxene (Di80En20) atT= −130°, 25°, 400° and 700°C. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1990. [DOI: 10.1524/zkri.1990.192.3-4.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Catti M, Gazzoni G, Ivaldi G, Zanini G. The β <-> α' phase transition of Sr2SiO4. I. Order–disorder in the structure of the α' form at 383 K. Acta Crystallogr B Struct Sci 1983. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108768183003213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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19
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Tasinato L, Zanini G, Longhi P, Bianchi E. [Enquiry on various social and economical problems related to the activity of a center for the prevention of cystic fibrosis]. Fracastoro 1970; 63:254-264. [PMID: 5516997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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20
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Megighian A, Zanini G. [The amalgams. Metallurgical characteristics. 2. Brinell's hardness test. 3. Considerations on the type of breaking of the test pieces in the compression test (breaking load)]. Mondo Odontostomatol 1969; 11:692-7. [PMID: 5264392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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21
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Zanini G. [Quaternary ammonium salts in stomatology]. Riv Ital Stomatol 1965; 20:1503-18. [PMID: 5218298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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22
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