1
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Junemann O, Ivanova AG, Bukreeva I, Zolotov DA, Fratini M, Cedola A, Wilde F, Dyachkova IG, Krivonosov YS, Otlyga DA, Saveliev SV. Comparative study of calcification in human choroid plexus, pineal gland, and habenula. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 393:537-545. [PMID: 37354235 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Choroid plexus, pineal gland, and habenula tend to accumulate physiologic calcifications (concrements) over a lifetime. However, until now the composition and causes of the intracranial calcifications remain unclear. The detailed analysis of concrements has been done by us using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray diffraction topography (XRDT), micro-CT, X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT), as well as histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). By combining physical (XRD) and biochemical (IHC) methods, we identified inorganic (hydroxyapatite) and organic (vimentin) components of the concrements. Via XPCT, XRDT, histological, and IHC methods, we assessed the structure of concrements within their appropriate tissue environment in both two and three dimensions. The study found that hydroxyapatite was a major component of all calcified depositions. It should be noted, however, that the concrements displayed distinctive characteristics corresponding to each specific structure of the brain. As a result, our study provides a basis for assessing the pathological and physiological changes that occur in brain structure containing calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Junemann
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR (Rome unit), c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy.
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Tsyurupy Street, 3, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - A G Ivanova
- Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - I Bukreeva
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR (Rome unit), c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy.
| | - D A Zolotov
- Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - M Fratini
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR (Rome unit), c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 352, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cedola
- Institute of Nanotechnology-CNR (Rome unit), c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - F Wilde
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - I G Dyachkova
- Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Yu S Krivonosov
- Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics", Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - D A Otlyga
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Tsyurupy Street, 3, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - S V Saveliev
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery", Tsyurupy Street, 3, Moscow, Russian Federation
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2
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Skalidis I, Kyrilis FL, Tüting C, Hamdi F, Träger TK, Belapure J, Hause G, Fratini M, O'Reilly FJ, Heilmann I, Rappsilber J, Kastritis PL. Structural analysis of an endogenous 4-megadalton succinyl-CoA-generating metabolon. Commun Biol 2023; 6:552. [PMID: 37217784 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04885-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHc) participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and, in a multi-step reaction, decarboxylates α-ketoglutarate, transfers succinyl to CoA, and reduces NAD+. Due to its pivotal role in metabolism, OGDHc enzymatic components have been studied in isolation; however, their interactions within the endogenous OGDHc remain elusive. Here, we discern the organization of a thermophilic, eukaryotic, native OGDHc in its active state. By combining biochemical, biophysical, and bioinformatic methods, we resolve its composition, 3D architecture, and molecular function at 3.35 Å resolution. We further report the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of the OGDHc core (E2o), which displays various structural adaptations. These include hydrogen bonding patterns confining interactions of OGDHc participating enzymes (E1o-E2o-E3), electrostatic tunneling that drives inter-subunit communication, and the presence of a flexible subunit (E3BPo), connecting E2o and E3. This multi-scale analysis of a succinyl-CoA-producing native cell extract provides a blueprint for structure-function studies of complex mixtures of medical and biotechnological value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Skalidis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Fotis L Kyrilis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Christian Tüting
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Farzad Hamdi
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Toni K Träger
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Jaydeep Belapure
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Gerd Hause
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Marta Fratini
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Francis J O'Reilly
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Frederick, MD, 21702-1201, USA
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355, Berlin, Germany
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiotis L Kastritis
- Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.
- Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, 11635, Greece.
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3
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Braga T, Dias FV, Fratini M, Serrazina S, Heilmann I, Malhó R. Functional Analysis of Phospholipid Signaling and Actin Dynamics: The Use of Apical Growing Tobacco Pollen Tubes in a Case Study. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2604:237-247. [PMID: 36773238 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2867-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Signaling molecules are crucial to perceive and translate intra- and extracellular cues. Phosphoinositides and the proteins responsible for their biosynthesis (e.g., lipid kinases) are known to influence the (re)organization of cytoskeletal elements, namely, through interaction with actin and actin-binding proteins. Here we describe methods to functionally characterize lipid kinases and their phosphoinositide metabolites in relation to actin dynamics. These methods include GFP-tagged protein expression followed by time-resolved live imaging and quantitative image analysis. When combined with biochemical and interaction studies, these methods can be used to correlate signaling with actin dynamics, microfilament assembly, and intracellular trafficking, linking structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Braga
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, BioISI, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Vaz Dias
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, BioISI, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Fratini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology/Plant Biochemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Susana Serrazina
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, BioISI, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology/Plant Biochemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rui Malhó
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências de Lisboa, BioISI, Lisbon, Portugal.
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4
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Ubbiali D, Fratini M, Piersimoni L, Ihling CH, Kipping M, Heilmann I, Iacobucci C, Sinz A. Direct Observation of "Elongated" Conformational States in α-Synuclein upon Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205726. [PMID: 36115020 PMCID: PMC9828221 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) that undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), fibrillation, and forms insoluble intracellular Lewy bodies in neurons, which are the hallmark of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Neurotoxicity precedes the formation of aggregates and might be related to α-syn LLPS. The molecular mechanisms underlying the early stages of LLPS are still elusive. To obtain structural insights into α-syn upon LLPS, we take advantage of cross-linking/mass spectrometry (XL-MS) and introduce an innovative approach, termed COMPASS (COMPetitive PAiring StatisticS). In this work, we show that the conformational ensemble of α-syn shifts from a "hairpin-like" structure towards more "elongated" conformational states upon LLPS. We obtain insights into the critical initial stages of LLPS and establish a novel mass spectrometry-based approach that will aid to solve open questions in LLPS structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Ubbiali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Marta Fratini
- Department of Plant BiochemistryCharles Tanford Protein CenterInstitute for Biochemistry and BiotechnologyMartin-Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Lolita Piersimoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Christian H. Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Marc Kipping
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Department of Plant BiochemistryCharles Tanford Protein CenterInstitute for Biochemistry and BiotechnologyMartin-Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
| | - Claudio Iacobucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Department of Physical and Chemical SciencesUniversity of L'AquilaVia Vetoio, Coppito67100L'AquilaItaly
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of PharmacyMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany,Center for Structural Mass SpectrometryMartin Luther University Halle-WittenbergKurt-Mothes-Str. 306120Halle/SaaleGermany
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5
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Gennari M, Fratini M, Nante N, Vigiani N. Estimated excess mortality figures in the year 2020-2021 in casentino municipalities (Italy). Eur J Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac131.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In 2020, the total deaths from all causes were the highest ever recorded in Italy since World War II (15.6% excess), with peaks during Sars-Cov2 waves and reductions in periods of national lockdown. On the contrary, in 2021, the total number of deaths from all causes reduced compared to the previous year. Analysing local mortality data, our study aims to assess whether, in the Casentino Valley (Arezzo, Tuscany), an excess of deaths from all causes occurred between January 2020 and December 2021 compared to the five years 2015-2019.
Methods
We used the official mortality data from the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), and that are published in the Table of deaths by the municipality on March 2, 2022. From this database, we extrapolated all deaths from all causes between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, in the 10 municipalities of Casentino. The data collected were processed using Microsoft Excel 2016 software. We then distinguished by total per month, gender, and age group and then compared these data with the previous five years’ average by calculating the percentage change.
Results
Overall, both the years 2020 and 2021, it is shown an increase in the deaths percentages compared to the previous five-year period, respectively 5.66% and 8.07%. In particular, there is an excess of mortality in November and December 2020. The increase in mortality is more remarkable for males (13% in 2020 and 20% in 2021). The highest percentage increase was recorded in 2021 for the 75-84 age group (+15%) and in 2020 for males over 85 (+29%).
Conclusions
The data analysed confirms the excess mortality in 2020-2021 compared to the average of the previous 5 years in Casentino. There are peaks in November and December 2020, corresponding with the second wave of Sars Cov2 infection. The results obtained establish the basis for subsequent analyses that will verify the correlation of mortality peaks with the incidence of Sars-Cov2 cases in the territory studied.
Key messages
• Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021 there was an excess of all-cause mortality in our area.
• This excess mortality appears to be related to peaks in Sars-Cov2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gennari
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena , Siena, Italy
| | - M Fratini
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena , Siena, Italy
| | - N Nante
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena , Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena , Siena, Italy
| | - N Vigiani
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena , Siena, Italy
- UOC Food and Nutrition Hygiene-East Area, Azienda USL Toscana Sud-Est , Arezzo, Italy
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6
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Kastner C, Wagner VC, Fratini M, Dobritzsch D, Fuszard M, Heilmann M, Heilmann I. The pollen-specific class VIII-myosin ATM2 from Arabidopsis thaliana associates with the plasma membrane through a polybasic region binding anionic phospholipids. Biochimie 2022; 203:65-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.10.002] [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] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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7
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Ubbiali D, Fratini M, Piersimoni L, Ihling C, Kipping M, Heilmann I, Iacobucci C, Sinz A. Direct Observation of ‘Elongated’ Conformational States in α‐Synuclein upon Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Ubbiali
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Department of Pharm. Chem. & Bioanalytics GERMANY
| | - Marta Fratini
- Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultat I Biowissenschaften Department of Plant Biochemistry GERMANY
| | - Lolita Piersimoni
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Department of Pharm. Chem. & Bioanalytics GERMANY
| | - Christian Ihling
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Department of Pharm. Chem. & Bioanalytics GERMANY
| | - Marc Kipping
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Department of Pharm. Chem. & Bioanalytics GERMANY
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultat I Biowissenschaften Department of Plant Biochemistry GERMANY
| | - Claudio Iacobucci
- Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg: Martin-Luther-Universitat Halle-Wittenberg Department of Pharm. Chem. & Bioanalytics GERMANY
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg Institute of Pharmacy Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4 6120 Halle GERMANY
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8
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Artyukov I, Arutyunov G, Bobrov M, Bukreeva I, Cedola A, Dragunov D, Feshchenko R, Fratini M, Mitrokhin V, Sokolova A, Vinogradov A, Gianoncelli A. Author Correction: The first observation of osmotically neutral sodium accumulation in the myocardial interstitium. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23632. [PMID: 34857872 PMCID: PMC8639728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I Artyukov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - G Arutyunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - M Bobrov
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (MONIKI), 61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow, 129110, Russia
| | - I Bukreeva
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cedola
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Dragunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - R Feshchenko
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - M Fratini
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - V Mitrokhin
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Sokolova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Vinogradov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - A Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14, km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza-Trieste, Italy
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9
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Artyukov I, Arutyunov G, Bobrov M, Bukreeva I, Cedola A, Dragunov D, Feshchenko R, Fratini M, Mitrokhin V, Sokolova A, Vinogradov A, Gianoncelli A. The first observation of osmotically neutral sodium accumulation in the myocardial interstitium. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22025. [PMID: 34764351 PMCID: PMC8585917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01443-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the detection and quantification of the Na+ depositions in the extracellular matrix of myocardial tissue, which are suggested to be bound by negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) structures. The presented experimental results are based on high resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectromicroscopy technique used to perform a comparative analysis of sodium containment in intracellular and interstitial spaces of cardiac tissues taken from animals selected by low and high sodium intake rates. The experimental results obtained show that high sodium daily intake can result in a remarkable increase of sodium content in the myocardial interstitium.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Artyukov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - G Arutyunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - M Bobrov
- Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (MONIKI), 61/2 Shchepkina St., Moscow, 129110, Russia
| | - I Bukreeva
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cedola
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - D Dragunov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - R Feshchenko
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - M Fratini
- CNR-Institute of Nanotechnology, 5 Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - V Mitrokhin
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Sokolova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov St., Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - A Vinogradov
- P.N.Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, 53 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - A Gianoncelli
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14, km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149, Basovizza-Trieste, Italy
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10
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Fratini M, Krishnamoorthy P, Stenzel I, Riechmann M, Matzner M, Bacia K, Heilmann M, Heilmann I. Erratum to: Plasma membrane nano-organization specifies phosphoinositide effects on Rho-GTPases and actin dynamics in tobacco pollen tubes. Plant Cell 2021; 33:3176. [PMID: 34189579 PMCID: PMC8462807 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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11
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Fratini M, Krishnamoorthy P, Stenzel I, Riechmann M, Matzner M, Bacia K, Heilmann M, Heilmann I. Plasma membrane nano-organization specifies phosphoinositide effects on Rho-GTPases and actin dynamics in tobacco pollen tubes. Plant Cell 2021; 33:642-670. [PMID: 33955493 PMCID: PMC8136918 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Pollen tube growth requires coordination of cytoskeletal dynamics and apical secretion. The regulatory phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) is enriched in the subapical plasma membrane of pollen tubes of Arabidopsis thaliana and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and can influence both actin dynamics and secretion. How alternative PtdIns(4,5)P2 effects are specified is unclear. In tobacco pollen tubes, spinning disc microscopy (SD) reveals dual distribution of a fluorescent PtdIns(4,5)P2-reporter in dynamic plasma membrane nanodomains vs. apparent diffuse membrane labeling, consistent with spatially distinct coexisting pools of PtdIns(4,5)P2. Several PI4P 5-kinases (PIP5Ks) can generate PtdIns(4,5)P2 in pollen tubes. Despite localizing to one membrane region, the PIP5Ks AtPIP5K2-EYFP and NtPIP5K6-EYFP display distinctive overexpression effects on cell morphologies, respectively related to altered actin dynamics or membrane trafficking. When analyzed by SD, AtPIP5K2-EYFP associated with nanodomains, whereas NtPIP5K6-EYFP localized diffusely. Chimeric AtPIP5K2-EYFP and NtPIP5K6-EYFP variants with reciprocally swapped membrane-associating domains evoked reciprocally shifted effects on cell morphology upon overexpression. Overall, active PI4P 5-kinase variants stabilized actin when targeted to nanodomains, suggesting a role of nanodomain-associated PtdIns(4,5)P2 in actin regulation. This notion is further supported by interaction and proximity of nanodomain-associated AtPIP5K2 with the Rho-GTPase NtRac5, and by its functional interplay with elements of Rho of plants signaling. Plasma membrane nano-organization may thus aid the specification of PtdIns(4,5)P2 functions to coordinate cytoskeletal dynamics and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fratini
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Praveen Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Stenzel
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mara Riechmann
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Monique Matzner
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kirsten Bacia
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mareike Heilmann
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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12
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Rausche J, Stenzel I, Stauder R, Fratini M, Trujillo M, Heilmann I, Rosahl S. A phosphoinositide 5-phosphatase from Solanum tuberosum is activated by PAMP-treatment and may antagonize phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate at Phytophthora infestans infection sites. New Phytol 2021; 229:469-487. [PMID: 32762082 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants susceptible to late blight disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans display enhanced resistance upon infiltration with the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), Pep-13. Here, we characterize a potato gene similar to Arabidopsis 5-phosphatases which was identified in transcript arrays performed to identify Pep-13 regulated genes, and termed StIPP. Recombinant StIPP protein specifically dephosphorylated the D5-position of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2 ) in vitro. Other phosphoinositides or soluble inositolpolyphosphates were not converted. When transiently expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) pollen tubes, a StIPP-YFP fusion localized to the subapical plasma membrane and antagonized PtdIns(4,5)P2 -dependent effects on cell morphology, indicating in vivo functionality. Phytophthora infestans-infection of N. benthamiana leaf epidermis cells resulted in relocalization of StIPP-GFP from the plasma membrane to the extra-haustorial membrane (EHM). Colocalizion with the effector protein RFP-AvrBlb2 at infection sites is consistent with a role of StIPP in the plant-oomycete interaction. Correlation analysis of fluorescence distributions of StIPP-GFP and biosensors for PtdIns(4,5)P2 or phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns4P) indicate StIPP activity predominantly at the EHM. In Arabidopsis protoplasts, expression of StIPP resulted in the stabilization of the PAMP receptor, FLAGELLIN-SENSITIVE 2, indicating that StIPP may act as a PAMP-induced and localized antagonist of PtdIns(4,5)P2 -dependent processes during plant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Rausche
- Department of Stress and Developmental Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Irene Stenzel
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt Mothes-Str. 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Ron Stauder
- Department of Stress and Developmental Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Marta Fratini
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt Mothes-Str. 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Marco Trujillo
- Independent Research Group Protein Ubiquitinylation, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Ingo Heilmann
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt Mothes-Str. 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
| | - Sabine Rosahl
- Department of Stress and Developmental Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, Halle (Saale), D-06120, Germany
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13
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Wiegand T, Fratini M, Frey F, Yserentant K, Liu Y, Weber E, Galior K, Ohmes J, Braun F, Herten DP, Boulant S, Schwarz US, Salaita K, Cavalcanti-Adam EA, Spatz JP. Forces during cellular uptake of viruses and nanoparticles at the ventral side. Nat Commun 2020; 11:32. [PMID: 31896744 PMCID: PMC6940367 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many intracellular pathogens, such as mammalian reovirus, mimic extracellular matrix motifs to specifically interact with the host membrane. Whether and how cell-matrix interactions influence virus particle uptake is unknown, as it is usually studied from the dorsal side. Here we show that the forces exerted at the ventral side of adherent cells during reovirus uptake exceed the binding strength of biotin-neutravidin anchoring viruses to a biofunctionalized substrate. Analysis of virus dissociation kinetics using the Bell model revealed mean forces higher than 30 pN per virus, preferentially applied in the cell periphery where close matrix contacts form. Utilizing 100 nm-sized nanoparticles decorated with integrin adhesion motifs, we demonstrate that the uptake forces scale with the adhesion energy, while actin/myosin inhibitions strongly reduce the uptake frequency, but not uptake kinetics. We hypothesize that particle adhesion and the push by the substrate provide the main driving forces for uptake. Many intracellular pathogens mimic extracellular matrix motifs to specifically interact with the host membrane which may influences virus particle uptake. Here authors use single molecule tension sensors to reveal the minimal forces exerted on single virus particles and demonstrate that the uptake forces scale with the adhesion energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Wiegand
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Marta Fratini
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital, INF 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), INF 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Felix Frey
- BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, INF 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Yserentant
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, INF 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Johns Hopkins University, 3400N Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Eva Weber
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Straße 9-11, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Kornelia Galior
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Julia Ohmes
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Experimental Trauma Surgery, Universty Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Felix Braun
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, INF 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk-Peter Herten
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, INF 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & School of Chemistry, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital, INF 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), INF 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- BioQuant Center, Heidelberg University, INF 267, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - E Ada Cavalcanti-Adam
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Joachim P Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstraße 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Institute for Physical Chemistry, Heidelberg University, INF 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Fratini M, Wiegand T, Funaya C, Jiang Z, Shah PNM, Spatz JP, Cavalcanti-Adam EA, Boulant S. Surface Immobilization of Viruses and Nanoparticles Elucidates Early Events in Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis. ACS Infect Dis 2018; 4:1585-1600. [PMID: 30200751 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an important entry pathway for viruses. Here, we applied click chemistry to covalently immobilize reovirus on surfaces to study CME during early host-pathogen interactions. To uncouple chemical and physical properties of viruses and determine their impact on CME initiation, we used the same strategy to covalently immobilize nanoparticles of different sizes. Using fluorescence live microscopy and electron microscopy, we confirmed that clathrin recruitment depends on particle size and discovered that the maturation into clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) is independent from cargo internalization. Surprisingly, we found that the final size of CCVs appears to be imprinted on the clathrin coat at early stages of cargo-cell interactions. Our approach has allowed us to unravel novel aspects of early interactions between viruses and the clathrin machinery that influence late stages of CME and CCVs formation. This method can be easily and broadly applied to the field of nanotechnology, endocytosis, and virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Fratini
- Heidelberg University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Cellular Biophysics, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tina Wiegand
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Cellular Biophysics, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotta Funaya
- Heidelberg University, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhongxiang Jiang
- Leica Microsystems GmbH, Am Friedensplatz 3, 68165 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pranav N. M. Shah
- Heidelberg University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim P. Spatz
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Cellular Biophysics, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Ada Cavalcanti-Adam
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Cellular Biophysics, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Heidelberg University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology and German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Bonaccorsi G, Fratini M, Romiti A, Capecchi L, Pellegrino E, Lorini C. The long way towards health literacy in the healthcare organizations: an experience in two hospitals. Eur J Public Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky213.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - M Fratini
- University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - A Romiti
- University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | - C Lorini
- University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
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16
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Campi G, Cristofaro F, Pani G, Fratini M, Pascucci B, Corsetto PA, Weinhausen B, Cedola A, Rizzo AM, Visai L, Rea G. Heterogeneous and self-organizing mineralization of bone matrix promoted by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Nanoscale 2017; 9:17274-17283. [PMID: 29090300 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05013e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The mineralization process is crucial to the load-bearing characteristics of the bone extracellular matrix. In this work, we have studied the spatiotemporal dynamics of mineral deposition by human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiating toward osteoblasts promoted by the presence of exogenous hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. At the molecular level, the added nanoparticles positively modulated the expression of bone-specific markers and enhanced calcified matrix deposition during osteogenic differentiation. The nucleation, growth and spatial arrangement of newly deposited hydroxyapatite nanocrystals have been evaluated using scanning micro X-ray diffraction and scanning micro X-ray fluorescence. As leading results, we have found the emergence of a complex scenario where the spatial organization and temporal evolution of the process exhibit heterogeneous and self-organizing dynamics. At the same time the possibility of controlling the differentiation kinetics, through the addition of synthetic nanoparticles, paves the way to empower the generation of more structured bone scaffolds in tissue engineering and to design new drugs in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Campi
- Institute of Crystallography - CNR, via Salaria Km 29.300, 00015, Monterotondo Roma, Italy.
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17
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Iaconelli M, Muscillo M, Della Libera S, Fratini M, Meucci L, De Ceglia M, Giacosa D, La Rosa G. One-year Surveillance of Human Enteric Viruses in Raw and Treated Wastewaters, Downstream River Waters, and Drinking Waters. Food Environ Virol 2017; 9:79-88. [PMID: 27682315 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human enteric viruses are a major cause of waterborne diseases, and can be transmitted by contaminated water of all kinds, including drinking and recreational water. The objectives of the present study were to assess the occurrence of enteric viruses (enterovirus, norovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis A and E virus) in raw and treated wastewaters, in rivers receiving wastewater discharges, and in drinking waters. Wastewater treatment plants' (WWTP) pathogen removal efficiencies by adenovirus quantitative real-time PCR and the presence of infectious enterovirus, by cell culture assays, in treated wastewaters and in surface waters were also evaluated. A total of 90 water samples were collected: raw and treated wastewaters (treated effluents and ultrafiltered water reused for industrial purposes), water from two rivers receiving treated discharges, and drinking water. Nested PCR assays were used for the identification of viral DNA/RNA, followed by direct amplicon sequencing. All raw sewage samples (21/21), 61.9 % of treated wastewater samples (13/21), and 25 % of ultrafiltered water samples (3/12) were contaminated with at least one viral family. Multiple virus families and genera were frequently detected. Mean positive PCRs per sample decreased significantly from raw to treated sewage and to ultrafiltered waters. Moreover, quantitative adenovirus data showed a reduction in excess of 99 % in viral genome copies following wastewater treatment. In surface waters, 78.6 % (22/28) of samples tested positive for one or more viruses by molecular methods, but enterovirus-specific infectivity assays did not reveal infectious particles in these samples. All drinking water samples tested negative for all viruses, demonstrating the effectiveness of treatment in removing viral pathogens from drinking water. Integrated strategies to manage water from all sources are crucial to ensure water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Muscillo
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fratini
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - L Meucci
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - M De Ceglia
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - D Giacosa
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Bukreeva I, Mittone A, Bravin A, Festa G, Alessandrelli M, Coan P, Formoso V, Agostino RG, Giocondo M, Ciuchi F, Fratini M, Massimi L, Lamarra A, Andreani C, Bartolino R, Gigli G, Ranocchia G, Cedola A. Virtual unrolling and deciphering of Herculaneum papyri by X-ray phase-contrast tomography. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27227. [PMID: 27265417 PMCID: PMC4893689 DOI: 10.1038/srep27227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A collection of more than 1800 carbonized papyri, discovered in the Roman ‘Villa dei Papiri’ at Herculaneum is the unique classical library survived from antiquity. These papyri were charred during 79 A.D. Vesuvius eruption, a circumstance which providentially preserved them until now. This magnificent collection contains an impressive amount of treatises by Greek philosophers and, especially, Philodemus of Gadara, an Epicurean thinker of 1st century BC. We read many portions of text hidden inside carbonized Herculaneum papyri using enhanced X-ray phase-contrast tomography non-destructive technique and a new set of numerical algorithms for ‘virtual-unrolling’. Our success lies in revealing the largest portion of Greek text ever detected so far inside unopened scrolls, with unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast, all without damaging these precious historical manuscripts. Parts of text have been decoded and the ‘voice’ of the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus is brought back again after 2000 years from Herculaneum papyri.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bukreeva
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Rome Unit, I-00195 Rome, Italy.,P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr., 53 Moscow, Russia
| | - A Mittone
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F-38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - A Bravin
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F-38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France
| | - G Festa
- Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Dipartimento di Fisica, I-00133 Rome, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Cristallografia (Bari), I-70126 Bari, Italy.,Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, I-00184 Rome, Italy
| | - M Alessandrelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per il Lessico Intellettuale Europeo e Storia delle Idee, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - P Coan
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F-38043 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Faculty of Medicine and Department of Physics, D-80799 München, Germany
| | - V Formoso
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Cosenza Unit, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy.,Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Fisica, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - R G Agostino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Cosenza Unit, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy.,Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Fisica, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - M Giocondo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Cosenza Unit, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - F Ciuchi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Cosenza Unit, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - M Fratini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Rome Unit, I-00195 Rome, Italy
| | - L Massimi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Rome Unit, I-00195 Rome, Italy
| | - A Lamarra
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per il Lessico Intellettuale Europeo e Storia delle Idee, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Andreani
- Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Dipartimento di Fisica, I-00133 Rome, Italy.,Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, I-00184 Rome, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici (Messina), I-98158, Italy
| | - R Bartolino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Cosenza Unit, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy.,Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Fisica, I-87036 Arcavacata Di Rende (Cosenza), Italy.,Interdisciplinary Center B. Segre Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, I-001564 Rome, Italy
| | - G Gigli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - G Ranocchia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per il Lessico Intellettuale Europeo e Storia delle Idee, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Cedola
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Nanotecnologia, Rome Unit, I-00195 Rome, Italy
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19
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Iaconelli M, Purpari G, Della Libera S, Petricca S, Guercio A, Ciccaglione AR, Bruni R, Taffon S, Equestre M, Fratini M, Muscillo M, La Rosa G. Hepatitis A and E Viruses in Wastewaters, in River Waters, and in Bivalve Molluscs in Italy. Food Environ Virol 2015; 7:316-24. [PMID: 26115693 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-015-9207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have reported the detection of hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) virus in sewage waters, indicating a possibility of contamination of aquatic environments. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of HAV and HEV in different water environments, following the route of contamination from raw sewage through treated effluent to the surface waters receiving wastewater discharges . Bivalve molluscan shellfish samples were also analyzed, as sentinel of marine pollution. Samples were tested by RT-PCR nested type in the VP1/2A junction for HAV, and in the ORF1 and ORF2 regions for HEV. Hepatitis A RNA was detected in 12 water samples: 7/21 (33.3%) raw sewage samples, 3/21 (14.3%) treated sewage samples, and 2/27 (7.4%) river water samples. Five sequences were classified as genotype IA, while the remaining 7 sequences belonged to genotype IB. In bivalves, HAV was detected in 13/56 samples (23.2%), 12 genotype IB and one genotype IA. Whether the presence of HAV in the matrices tested indicates the potential for waterborne and foodborne transmission is unknown, since infectivity of the virus was not demonstrated. HEV was detected in one raw sewage sample and in one river sample, both belonging to genotype 3. Sequences were similar to sequences detected previously in Italy in patients with autochthonous HEV (no travel history) and in animals (swine). To our knowledge, this is the first detection of HEV in river waters in Italy, suggesting that surface water can be a potential source for exposure .
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Affiliation(s)
- M Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Purpari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy
| | - S Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Petricca
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy
| | - A R Ciccaglione
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - R Bruni
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Taffon
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Equestre
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fratini
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Muscillo
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Campi G, Fratini M, Bukreeva I, Ciasca G, Burghammer M, Brun F, Tromba G, Mastrogiacomo M, Cedola A. Imaging collagen packing dynamics during mineralization of engineered bone tissue. Acta Biomater 2015; 23:309-316. [PMID: 26049151 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The structure and organization of the Type I collagen microfibrils during mineral nanoparticle formation appear as the key factor for a deeper understanding of the biomineralization mechanism and for governing the bone tissue physical properties. In this work we investigated the dynamics of collagen packing during ex-vivo mineralization of ceramic porous hydroxyapatite implant scaffolds using synchrotron high resolution X-ray phase contrast micro-tomography (XPCμT) and synchrotron scanning micro X-ray diffraction (SμXRD). While XPCμT provides the direct 3D image of the collagen fibers network organization with micrometer spatial resolution, SμXRD allows to probe the structural statistical fluctuations of the collagen fibrils at nanoscale. In particular we imaged the lateral spacing and orientation of collagen fibrils during the anisotropic growth of mineral nanocrystals. Beyond throwing light on the bone regeneration multiscale process, this approach can provide important information in the characterization of tissue in health, aging and degeneration conditions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE BONE grafts are the most common transplants after the blood transfusions. This makes the bone-tissue regeneration research of pressing scientific and social impact. Bone is a complex hierarchical structure, where the interplay of organic and inorganic mineral phases at different length scale (from micron to atomic scale) affect its functionality and health. Thus, the understanding of bone tissue regeneration requires to image its spatial-temporal evolution (i) with high spatial resolution and (ii) at different length scale. We exploited high spatial resolution X-ray Phase Contrast micro Tomography and Scanning micro X-ray Diffraction in order to get new insight on the engineered tissue formation mechanisms. This approach could open novel routes for the early detection of different degenerative conditions of tissue.
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Deales A, Fratini M, Romano S, Rappelli A, Penco M, Perna GP, Beccaceci G, Borgia R, Palumbo W, Magi M, Vespasiani G, Bronzini M, Musilli A, Nocciolini M, Mezzetti A, Manzoli L. Care manager to control cardiovascular risk factors in primary care: the Raffaello cluster randomized trial. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2014; 24:563-571. [PMID: 24472633 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This cluster randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of a disease and care management (D&CM) model in cardiovascular (CVD) prevention in primary care. METHODS AND RESULTS Eligible subjects had ≥ 1 among: blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg; glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7%; LDL-cholesterol ≥ 160 or ≥ 100 mg/dL (primary or secondary prevention, respectively); BMI ≥ 30; current smoking. The D&CM intervention included a teamwork including nurses as care managers for the implementation of tailored care plans. Control group was allocated to usual-care. The main outcome was the proportion of subjects achieving recommended clinical targets for ≥ 1 of uncontrolled CVD risk factors at 12-month. During 2008-2009 we enrolled 920 subjects in the Abruzzo/Marche regions, Italy. Following the exclusion of L'Aquila due to 2009 earthquake, final analyses included 762 subjects. The primary outcome was achieved by 39.1% (95%CI: 34.2-44.2) and 25.2% (95%CI: 20.9-29.9) of subjects in the intervention and usual-care group, respectively (p < 0.001). The D&CM intervention significantly increased the proportion of subjects who achieved clinical targets for both diabetes and hypertension, with no differences in hypercholesterolemia, smoking status and obesity. CONCLUSIONS The D&CM intervention was effective in controlling cardiovascular risk factors, in particular hypertension and diabetes. Numbers needed to treat were small. Such intervention may deserve further consideration in clinical practice. REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12611000813987.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Deales
- Clinical Governance Area, Regional Healthcare Agency of Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Fratini
- Clinical Governance Area, Regional Healthcare Agency of Marche Region, Ancona, Italy
| | - S Romano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Rappelli
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Penco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Piero Perna
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Umberto I, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - R Borgia
- Health District of Francavilla, Chieti, Italy
| | - W Palumbo
- Primary Care Practice of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Magi
- Primary Care Practice of Ancona, Italy
| | - G Vespasiani
- Diabetes Care Center Madonna del Soccorso Hospital, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - M Bronzini
- Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Musilli
- Alliance Development & Health Solutions Manager, Pfizer, Italy
| | - M Nocciolini
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Italy
| | - A Mezzetti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Italy; Clinical Research Center, Ce.S.I., University "G. d'Annunzio" Foundation, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Manzoli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti, Italy.
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, Muscillo M, Iaconelli M, Taffon S, Equestre M, Chionne P, Madonna E, Pisani G, Bruni R, Ciccaglione AR. Molecular characterisation of human hepatitis E virus from Italy: comparative analysis of five reverse transcription-PCR assays. Virol J 2014; 11:72. [PMID: 24755361 PMCID: PMC4002560 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E (HEV) is an important public-health concern as a major cause of enterically transmitted hepatitis worldwide. In industrialised countries it is considered rare, and largely confined to travellers returning from endemic areas. However, autochthonous (locally acquired) HEV infection is also emerging in these regions. The infection is caused by different genotypes, depending on whether it is travel-related or autochthonous. Conventional RT-PCR followed by sequencing of PCR products can identify HEV genotype and, depending on the region, the subtype, thus helping in defining the origin of infection and tracing the source of contamination. Methods We re-analysed a collection of serum samples previously confirmed as hepatitis E positive by anti-HEV IgM and IgG assays as well as by Real-Time PCR, with the aim to compare the performances of five different broad range RT-PCR assays that could be provided for molecular characterisation of HEV. This approach is certainly valuable to investigate the molecular epidemiology of acute hepatitis E in countries where co-circulation of different genotypes occurs, like Italy. Results Samples were analyzed by five assays targeting the ORF1, ORF2, and ORF2/3 regions. The sensitivity of these assays varied significantly, depending on the target region. Only 46% of samples tested positive by nested PCR; moreover, no single method was able to detect all positive samples. Most sequences originated from patients who had travelled to endemic areas (genotype 1), while the minority originated from Italian patients with no travel history (genotype 3). Conclusion Broad range methods for molecular characterization of HEV still need to be improved to detect all circulating strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Muscillo M. Viral infections acquired indoors through airborne, droplet or contact transmission. Ann Ist Super Sanita 2014; 49:124-32. [PMID: 23771256 DOI: 10.4415/ann_13_02_03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor human environments, including homes, offices, schools, workplaces, transport systems and other settings, often harbor potentially unsafe microorganisms. Most previous studies of bioaerosols in indoor environments have addressed contamination with bacteria or fungi. Reports on the presence of viral aerosols in indoor air are scarce, however, despite the fact that viruses are probably the most common cause of infection acquired indoor. OBJECTIVE This review discusses the most common respiratory (influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and enteroviruses) and gastrointestinal (noroviruses) viral pathogens which can be easily transmitted in indoor environments. RESULTS The vast majority of studies reviewed here concern hospital and other health facilities where viruses are a well-known cause of occupational and nosocomial infections. Studies on other indoor environments, on the other hand, including homes, nonindustrial workplaces and public buildings, are scarce. CONCLUSIONS The lack of regulations, threshold values and standardized detection methods for viruses in indoor environments, make both research and interpretation of results difficult in this field, hampering infection control efforts. Further research will be needed to achieve a better understanding of virus survival in aerosols and on surfaces, and to elucidate the relationship between viruses and indoor environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Fratini M, Di Bonito P, La Rosa G. Oncogenic Papillomavirus and Polyomavirus in Water Environments: Is There a Potential for Waterborne Transmission? Food Environ Virol 2014; 6:1-12. [PMID: 24293168 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-013-9134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne exposure to human viruses through contact with sewage-contaminated water environments can result in infections associated with a wide range of illnesses. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly encountered manifestations of waterborne viral illness. Respiratory diseases, neurological diseases and paralysis can also occur. Whether viral infections resulting in health outcomes like cancer might also be transmitted by the waterborne route is unknown. Recently, viruses belonging to two oncogenic groups-Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Human Polyomaviruses (HPyVs)-have been detected in urban sewages worldwide. The latter have also been identified in other water environments. HPVs are epitheliotropic viruses responsible for several diseases of skin and mucosae, from common warts to squamous intraepithelial lesions that can either heal or progress to invasive carcinoma of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus or oropharynx. Human PyVs infect different tissues and organs, causing infections that are usually subclinical in immunocompetent individuals but can be serious in immunocompromised hosts. These pathogens belong to a family of DNA tumour viruses. Merkel cell polyomavirus, a HPyV identified in recent years, has attracted much attention due to its link with a rare and aggressive form of human cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma, the incidence of which has tripled over the past two decades. JC polyomavirus and BK polyomavirus are also potentially oncogenic. The observed abundance and wide dissemination of HPVs and HPyVs in water environments strongly suggest the need to shed light on the fate of these viruses in water environments and to elucidate their potential for waterborne transmission. Such information is essential for the improvement of wastewater management programs in terms of both sewage treatment and water quality surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fratini
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - P Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - G La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Malucelli E, Iotti S, Fratini M, Marraccini C, Notargiacomo A, Gianoncelli A, Bukreeva I, Cedola A, Maier J, Farruggia G, Cappadone C, Merolle L, Wolf F, Trapani V, Lagomarsino S. X-ray fluorescence microscopy of light elements in cells: self-absorption correction by integration of compositional and morphological measurements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/463/1/012022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Muscillo M, Fratini M, Graffeo R, Sanguinetti M, Martella V, Green KY, Della Libera S, La Rosa G. GIV Noroviruses in Wastewaters and in Stool Specimens from Hospitalized Patients. Food Environ Virol 2013; 5:10.1007/s12560-013-9121-5. [PMID: 23943065 PMCID: PMC5570654 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-013-9121-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Noroviruses (NoVs) are important human pathogens associated with foodborne and waterborne gastroenteritis. These viruses are genetically highly heterogeneous, with more than forty genotypes within three genogroups (GI, GII, and GIV) identified in humans. However, the vast majority of human infections are associated with variants of a unique genotype, GII.4. Aside from these NoV strains of epidemiological relevance, NoV strains of genogroup GIV (Alphatron-like) are reported in a sporadic fashion and their overall prevalence in the community is unknown and this likely reflects the lack of specific diagnostic tools. We analyzed raw sewages collected from 32 wastewater treatment plants distributed throughout Italy (307 samples) and stool specimens collected from hospitalized patients with clinical signs of diarrhea of unknown etiology (285 samples). By using specific qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR assays, 21.8 % of the sewage samples and 3.2 % of the stool specimens tested positive for GIV NoVs. The number of genome copies in fecal samples ranged from 5.08 × 104 to 1.73× 106/g of feces. Sequence analysis showed limited genetic variability in human GIV viruses. The presence of GIV NoV both in sewage and in clinical samples confirms that not only GI and GII NoVs but also GIV strains are circulating in humans. Monitoring of GIV NoV is recommended in order to understand the dynamics of circulation in human populations, environmental contamination, and potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muscillo
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, Accardi L, D'Oro G, Della Libera S, Muscillo M, Di Bonito P. Mucosal and cutaneous human papillomaviruses detected in raw sewages. PLoS One 2013; 8:e52391. [PMID: 23341898 PMCID: PMC3544852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Epitheliotropic viruses can find their way into sewage. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in urban wastewaters. Sewage samples were collected from treatment plants distributed throughout Italy. The DNA extracted from these samples was analyzed by PCR using five PV-specific sets of primers targeting the L1 (GP5/GP6, MY09/MY11, FAP59/64, SKF/SKR) and E1 regions (PM-A/PM-B), according to the protocols previously validated for the detection of mucosal and cutaneous HPV genotypes. PCR products underwent sequencing analysis and the sequences were aligned to reference genomes from the Papillomavirus Episteme database. Phylogenetic analysis was then performed to assess the genetic relationships among the different sequences and between the sequences of the samples and those of the prototype strains. A broad spectrum of sequences related to mucosal and cutaneous HPV types was detected in 81% of the sewage samples analyzed. Surprisingly, sequences related to the anogenital HPV6 and 11 were detected in 19% of the samples, and sequences related to the "high risk" oncogenic HPV16 were identified in two samples. Sequences related to HPV9, HPV20, HPV25, HPV76, HPV80, HPV104, HPV110, HPV111, HPV120 and HPV145 beta Papillomaviruses were detected in 76% of the samples. In addition, similarity searches and phylogenetic analysis of some sequences suggest that they could belong to putative new genotypes of the beta genus. In this study, for the first time, the presence of HPV viruses strongly related to human cancer is reported in sewage samples. Our data increases the knowledge of HPV genomic diversity and suggests that virological analysis of urban sewage can provide key information useful in supporting epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Fratini
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Accardi
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziana D'Oro
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Della Libera
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Muscillo
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Muscillo M. Viral infections acquired indoors through airborne, droplet or contact transmission. Ann Ist Super Sanita 2013. [PMID: 23771256 DOI: 10.4415/ann-13-02-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor human environments, including homes, offices, schools, workplaces, transport systems and other settings, often harbor potentially unsafe microorganisms. Most previous studies of bioaerosols in indoor environments have addressed contamination with bacteria or fungi. Reports on the presence of viral aerosols in indoor air are scarce, however, despite the fact that viruses are probably the most common cause of infection acquired indoor. OBJECTIVE This review discusses the most common respiratory (influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and enteroviruses) and gastrointestinal (noroviruses) viral pathogens which can be easily transmitted in indoor environments. RESULTS The vast majority of studies reviewed here concern hospital and other health facilities where viruses are a well-known cause of occupational and nosocomial infections. Studies on other indoor environments, on the other hand, including homes, nonindustrial workplaces and public buildings, are scarce. CONCLUSIONS The lack of regulations, threshold values and standardized detection methods for viruses in indoor environments, make both research and interpretation of results difficult in this field, hampering infection control efforts. Further research will be needed to achieve a better understanding of virus survival in aerosols and on surfaces, and to elucidate the relationship between viruses and indoor environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Muscillo M. Emerging and potentially emerging viruses in water environments. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2012; 48:397-406. [DOI: 10.4415/ann_12_04_07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Fratini
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta della Libera
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Muscillo
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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La Rosa G, Fratini M, Spuri Vennarucci V, Guercio A, Purpari G, Muscillo M. GIV noroviruses and other enteric viruses in bivalves: a preliminary study. New Microbiol 2012; 35:27-34. [PMID: 22378550] [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] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the presence of the enteric viruses: norovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis E virus in bivalves using nested PCR methods and cell culture assays. Noroviruses GII.4 and GIV.1, adenoviruses types 1 and 2, hepatitis A, and echovirus type 7 were detected in the shellfish tested, which were often co-infected. This is the first study to detect such a high level of viral contamination in Italian mussels (up to four different viral groups in a single sample), and the first to document the presence of GIV NoV in shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy.
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Deales A, Fratini M, Racco F, Zorzan R, Cicchitelli F, Belligoni M. 079 The stroke marche regional audit program. BMJ Qual Saf 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/qshc.2010.041624.47] [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: 11/04/2022]
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La Rosa G, Iaconelli M, Pourshaban M, Fratini M, Muscillo M. Molecular detection and genetic diversity of norovirus genogroup IV: a yearlong monitoring of sewage throughout Italy. Arch Virol 2010; 155:589-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0619-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Joseph B, Iadecola A, Fratini M, Bianconi A, Marcelli A, Saini NL. RE L(3) x-ray absorption study of REO(1-x)F(x)FeAs (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) oxypnictides. J Phys Condens Matter 2009; 21:432201. [PMID: 21832432 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/21/43/432201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth L(3)-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been used to study REOFeAs (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm) oxypnictides. The Nd L(3) XANES due to the [Formula: see text] transition shows a substantial change in both white line (WL) spectral weight and the higher energy multiple scattering resonances with the partial substitution of O by F. A systematic change in the XANES features is seen due to varying lattice parameters with ionic radius of the rare earth. On the other hand, we hardly see any change across the structural phase transition. The results provide timely information on the local atomic correlations showing the importance of the local structural chemistry of the REO spacer layer and interlayer coupling in the competing superconductivity and itinerant striped magnetic phase of the oxypnictides.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Joseph
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Roma 'La Sapienza', Piazza le Aldo Moro 2, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Abstract
Chronic constipation is encountered frequently in clinical practice, and the use of laxatives is widespread in the general population. The need for effective and safe compounds stimulates research in the field. Unfortunately, to assess the colonic motility effects of these compounds, we have to rely on objective measurements available only through relatively invasive studies, such as manometric recordings of the motor activity of the large bowel. However, the possibility of studying almost the entire length of the viscus with these techniques allows a better definition of the pathophysiological processes involved in the genesis of constipation, and more insights into the effects of specifically acting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bassotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia Medical School, Italy.
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Luchetti MM, Piccinini G, Mantovani A, Peri G, Matteucci C, Pomponio G, Fratini M, Fraticelli P, Sambo P, Di Loreto C, Doni A, Introna M, Gabrielli A. Expression and production of the long pentraxin PTX3 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Clin Exp Immunol 2000; 119:196-202. [PMID: 10606983 PMCID: PMC1905539 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01110.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PTX3 is a secreted molecule which consists of a C-terminal domain similar to classical pentraxins (e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP)) and of an unrelated N-terminal domain. Unlike the classical pentraxins, the long pentraxin PTX3 is expressed in response to IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but not to IL-6, in various cell types. The present study was designed to investigate the expression of PTX3 in RA. Dissociated RA and osteoarthritis (OA) type B synoviocytes were cultured in the presence and in the absence of inflammatory cytokines. PTX3 mRNA expression in synoviocytes was evaluated by Northern analysis. PTX3 protein levels in synovial cell cultures and synovial fluid were estimated by ELISA, and PTX3 distribution in synovial tissues by immunohistochemical techniques. OA synoviocytes were induced to express high levels of PTX3 mRNA by TNF-alpha, but not by other cytokines including IL-1beta and IL-6. RA synoviocytes, unlike OA synoviocytes, constitutively expressed high levels of PTX3 in the absence of deliberate stimulation. The constitutive expression of PTX3 in RA synoviocytes was not modified by anti-TNF-alpha antibodies, IL-1 receptor antagonist or a combination of the two agents. In contrast, interferon-gamma and transforming growth factor-beta inhibited PTX3 constitutive expression in RA synoviocytes. The joint fluid from RA patients contained higher levels of immunoreactive PTX3 than controls and the synovial tissue contained endothelial cells and synoviocytes positive for PTX3 by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, PTX3 may play a role in inflammatory circuits of RA, and its relevance as a marker of disease activity deserves further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Luchetti
- Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale, Ematologia ed Immunologia Clinica, Università di Ancona, Ancona
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Fratini M, Morbidoni L, Natalini M, Pomponio G. [Guidelines: research in the web, critical assessment, clinical application]. Recenti Prog Med 1999; 90:643-7. [PMID: 10676102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Fratini
- Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale, Ematologia ed Immunologia Clinica, Università, Ancona.
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Danieli MG, Fratini M, Rossetti L, Giovagnoni A, Amici F, Danieli G. [Therapy of refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Cyclosporin and methotrexate combination]. Recenti Prog Med 1998; 89:7-13. [PMID: 9549386] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystemic disease affecting mainly the joints and characterised by a poor prognosis. In a four month open study we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a combination therapy in 14 patients with active and refractory RA (non responsive to MTX or CsA monotherapy). After three pulses of methyl-prednisolone (125 mg/die i.v. for 3 days), at day the 4 patients received methotrexate (MTX 15/mg/week p.os) and cyclosporine (CsA 3 mg/kg/day p.os). At the end of treatment period, patients had a statistically significant improvement in the tender-joint count (Ritchie Index) in the swollen-joint count and in the pain as recorded on a 100-mm visual-analogue scale. Following the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for response to treatment in RA, 6 patients (60%) met these criteria, whereas 2 had a worsening. We could not detect any clear difference in serological parameters (ESR, CRP and Hb levels) between the beginning and the end of the therapy. A significant difference in the score of edema/joint effusion was documented at the RM analysis. Side-effects were not substantially increased as compared to MTX or CsA in single therapy. Combination therapy with CsA and MTX seems to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with active and refractory RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Danieli
- Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale, Università, Ancona
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Donati A, Cola L, Danieli R, Achilli D, Kalagy E, Pomponio G, Fratini M, Gabrielli A, Pietropaoli P. Terminal Complement Complex C 5b-9. Intensive Care Med 1996. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01921180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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39
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Schwarz E, Fratini M. [Physiology of the peripheral circulation. Observations on a population of 100 hundred normal subjects with strain-gauge plethysmography]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1987; 35:37-42. [PMID: 3561807] [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: 01/06/2023]
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Fratini M, Crescioli R. [Apropos of endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes: an unusual case of EPS with hypoglycemia associated with neuroblastic pheochromocytoma]. Osp Ital Chir 1968; 19:357-74. [PMID: 5718565] [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: 01/16/2023]
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Fratini M, Milli GC. [2 cases of endocarditis during severe brucellar sepsis]. G Mal Infett Parassit 1968; 20:373-7. [PMID: 5735143] [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: 01/16/2023]
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Fratini M. [Suppurative gastritis: apropos of a rare case of primary abscess of the gastric wall]. Arch De Vecchi Anat Patol 1968; 51:411-34. [PMID: 5737307] [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: 01/16/2023]
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