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Calabrese C, Maertens A, Piras A, Aprile C, Liotta LF. Novel Sol-Gel Synthesis of TiO 2 Spherical Porous Nanoparticles Assemblies with Photocatalytic Activity. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2023; 13:1928. [PMID: 37446444 DOI: 10.3390/nano13131928] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
For this study, the synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials was performed via a novel sol-gel method employing titanium butoxide as a metal precursor, Pluronic F127 as a templating agent, toluene as a swelling agent, and acidic water or ethanol as the reaction solvents. The method was designed by tailoring certain reaction parameters, such as the sequence of toluene addition, magnetic stirring, the type of reaction solvent, and the calcination conditions. Analysis of the specific surface area and porosity was carried out via N2 physisorption, whereas the morphological features of the solids were investigated via transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline structure of both the dried powders and the calcined materials was evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis. It transpired that the different phase compositions of the solids are related to the specific synthesis medium employed. Under the adopted reaction conditions, ethanol, which was used as a reaction solvent, promoted the local arrangement of dispersed anatase particles, the specific arrangement of which does not lead to rutile transformation. Conversely, the use of water alone supported high-particle packing, evolving into a rutile phase. The photodegradation of Rhodamine B was used as a target reaction for testing the photocatalytic activity of the selected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Calabrese
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN)-CNR, via Ugo La Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Amélie Maertens
- Unit of Nanomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Namur, NISM, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Unit of Nanomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Namur, NISM, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-5000 Namur, Belgium
- DEsign & Synthesis of INorganic materials for Energy applications (DESINe) Group, Institute for Materials Research (Imo-Imomec), Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Carmela Aprile
- Unit of Nanomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Namur, NISM, Rue de Bruxelles, 61-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Leonarda Francesca Liotta
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN)-CNR, via Ugo La Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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2
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Rosa A, Pinna I, Piras A, Porcedda S, Masala C. Sex Differences in the Bitterness Perception of an Aromatic Myrtle Bitter Liqueur and Bitter Compounds. Nutrients 2023; 15:2030. [PMID: 37432169 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated sex differences in the perception of bitter compounds and an aromatic bitter herbal liqueur (Mirtamaro) obtained by the infusion of myrtle leaves/berries together with a mixture of Mediterranean herbs/plants as flavoring/bittering ingredients. In a healthy population (n = 231 participants), using bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses, significant sex differences emerged in quinine bitterness perception, with women showing a higher bitter taste intensity rating than men. Among all participants, 40 subjects (subpopulation) were randomly selected for the evaluation of sex differences in Mirtamaro gustatory and olfactory perception using a hedonic Likert-type scale. Women showed higher ratings in Mirtamaro aroma (odor intensity) and bitterness (taste intensity) perception than men, with a superior capacity to perceive/describe its sensory attributes. 1,8-Cineole and methyl chavicol were the main contributors to the bitter liqueur aroma. A significant correlation (r = 0.564, p < 0.01) between Mirtamaro odor pleasantness/taste pleasantness was observed in women, indicating a positive contribution of aromatic herbs to bitter taste acceptability. Moreover, a higher bitter intensity rating of 6-n-propylthiouracil was evidenced in women than men. Our results highlighted sex differences in bitter taste acuity and the role of aromatic herbs/plants in modulating bitter taste acceptance, which is useful information in the field of precision nutrition and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pinna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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3
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Abbaci H, Nabti EH, Al-Bekairi AM, Hagras SAA, Salem-Bekhit MM, Adjaoud A, Alzahrani HA, Bensidhoum L, Alenazy R, Piras A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Benguerba Y, Houali K. Comparative Bioactivity Evaluation of Chemically Characterized Essential Oils Obtained from Different Aerial Parts of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f. (Myrtaceae). Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062638. [PMID: 36985610 PMCID: PMC10053293 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062638] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) obtained by hydro-distillation from different parts of twigs (EOT), leaves (EOL), and fruits (EOF) of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook. f. were screened for their chemical composition, insecticidal, repellence, and antibacterial properties. Based on GC and GC/MS analysis, 23 constituents were identified across the twigs, leaves, and fruits, with 23, 23, and 21 components, respectively. The primary significant class was oxygenated monoterpenes (82.2–95.5%). The main components were 1,8-cineole (65.6–86.1%), α-terpinyl acetate (2.5–7.6%), o-cymene (3.3–7.5%), and α-terpineol (3.3–3.5%). All three EOs exhibited moderate antibacterial activities. EOL was found to have higher antibacterial activity against all tested strains except Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199), for which EOT showed more potency. Globally, Dickeya solani (CFBP 8199) was the most sensitive (MIC ≤ 2 mg/mL), while the most resistant bacteria were Dickeya dadantii (CFBP 3855) and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (CFBP 5387). Fumigant, contact toxicity, and repellent bioassays showed different potential depending on plant extracts, particularly EOT and EOL as moderate repellents and EOT as a medium toxicant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hocine Abbaci
- Laboratoire de Maitrise des Energies Renouvelables, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria
| | - El-hafid Nabti
- Laboratoire de Maitrise des Energies Renouvelables, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria
| | | | - Soheir A. A. Hagras
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Inaya Medical Colleges, Riyadh 11352, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo 11787, Egypt
| | - Mounir M. Salem-Bekhit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdenour Adjaoud
- Département des Sciences Biologiques de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria
| | - Hayat Ali Alzahrani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar 73211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leila Bensidhoum
- Laboratoire de Maitrise des Energies Renouvelables, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria
| | - Rawaf Alenazy
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Technical Institute “Michele Giua”, Via Montecassino, 09134 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Yacine Benguerba
- Laboratoire de Biopharmacie Et Pharmacotechnie (LBPT), Université Ferhat ABBAS Sétif-1, Sétif 19000, Algeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Karim Houali
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée et Biotechnologies (LABAB), Faculté des Sciences Biologiques et des Sciences Agronomiques, Université Mouloud MAMMERI de Tizi-Ouzou, Tizi-Ouzou 15000, Algeria
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4
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Alves-Silva JM, Maccioni D, Cocco E, Gonçalves MJ, Porcedda S, Piras A, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Advances in the Phytochemical Characterisation and Bioactivities of Salvia aurea L. Essential Oil. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:1247. [PMID: 36986933 PMCID: PMC10056036 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Delia Maccioni
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emma Cocco
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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5
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Gys N, Pawlak B, Marcoen K, Reekmans G, Velasco LF, An R, Wyns K, Baert K, Zhang K, Lufungula LL, Piras A, Siemons L, Michielsen B, Van Doorslaer S, Blockhuys F, Hauffman T, Adriaensens P, Mullens S, Meynen V. Self-Induced and Progressive Photo-Oxidation of Organophosphonic Acid Grafted Titanium Dioxide. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202200441. [PMID: 36802130 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
While synthesis-properties-performance correlations are being studied for organophosphonic acid grafted TiO2 , their stability and the impact of the exposure conditions on possible changes in the interfacial surface chemistry remain unexplored. Here, the impact of different ageing conditions on the evolution of the surface properties of propyl- and 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid grafted mesoporous TiO2 over a period of 2 years is reported, using solid-state 31 P and 13 C NMR, ToF-SIMS and EPR as main techniques. In humid conditions under ambient light exposure, PA grafted TiO2 surfaces initiate and facilitate photo-induced oxidative reactions, resulting in the formation of phosphate species and degradation of the grafted organic group with a loss of carbon content ranging from 40 to 60 wt %. By revealing its mechanism, solutions were provided to prevent degradation. This work provides valuable insights for the broad community in choosing optimal exposure/storage conditions that extend the lifetime and improve the materials' performance, positively impacting sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Gys
- Sustainable Materials, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.,Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Present address: Centre for Membrane Separations, Adsorption, Catalysis and Spectroscopy (cMACS), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.,Research Group Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan, Leuven, 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bram Pawlak
- Analytical and Circular Chemistry (ACC), Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kristof Marcoen
- Research Group Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF), Department Materials and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gunter Reekmans
- Analytical and Circular Chemistry (ACC), Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Leticia F Velasco
- Department of Chemistry, Royal Military Academy, Renaissancelaan 30, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rui An
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kenny Wyns
- Sustainable Materials, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Kitty Baert
- Research Group Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF), Department Materials and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Léon Luntadila Lufungula
- Structural Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Laboratory of Applied Materials Chemistry, Unit of Nanomaterials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Namur University, Rue de Bruxelles 61, 5000, Namur, Belgium.,Design and Synthesis of Inorganic Nanomaterials (DESINe), Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC), Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Laurens Siemons
- Structural Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.,Present address: Institute for Applied Chromatography (IAC), SGS Belgium NV, Polderdijkweg 16, 2030, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart Michielsen
- Sustainable Materials, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sabine Van Doorslaer
- Laboratory of Biophysics and BioMedical Physics (BIMEF), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Frank Blockhuys
- Structural Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tom Hauffman
- Research Group Electrochemical and Surface Engineering (SURF), Department Materials and Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Adriaensens
- Analytical and Circular Chemistry (ACC), Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Hasselt University, Agoralaan 1, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Steven Mullens
- Sustainable Materials, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Vera Meynen
- Sustainable Materials, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.,Laboratory of Adsorption and Catalysis (LADCA), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Al-Hmadi HB, Majdoub S, Chaabane-Banaoues R, Nardoni S, El Mokni R, Dhaouadi H, Piras A, Babba H, Porcedda S, Hammami S. Chemical composition, antifungal and antibiofilm activities of essential oils from Glycyrrhiza foetida (Desf.) growing in Tunisia. Biomed Chromatogr 2023; 37:e5596. [PMID: 36740815 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designated to investigate the chemical composition, the antifungal activity and antibiofilm properties of Glycyrrhiza foetida (Desf.) growing in Tunisia and recognized for its pharmacological and therapeutic effects. The chemical analysis of essential oil samples prepared via hydrodistillation of the aerial parts was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, the antifungal activity of G. foetida essential oil was developed against three dermatophyte strains, two molds and Candida spp. yeasts using the broth microdilution assay. According to the percentages, the main constituents are δ-cadinene (13.9%), (E)-caryophyllene (13.2%) and γ-cadinene (8.3%). The efficiency of the essential oil in inhibiting Candida albicans biofilms formation was also evaluated in terms of inhibitory percentages. The results showed that C. albicans and Microsporum canis were the most sensitive to G. foetida essential oil with a complete inhibition at 0.4 and 0.2 mg ml-1 , respectively. Candida albicans biofilm development was reduced by 80% by the volatile oil at a concentration of 0.8 mg ml-1 . The essential oil of G. foetida has a promising role in the control of fungal agents with medical interest and in inhibition of Candida biofilm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hekmat B Al-Hmadi
- Research Unit LR21ES04, Environmental and Clean Processes Chemistry Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia.,Department of Chemistry, College of Medicine, AL-Muthanna University, Samawah, Iraq
| | - Siwar Majdoub
- Research Unit LR21ES04, Environmental and Clean Processes Chemistry Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Raja Chaabane-Banaoues
- LP3M: Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology, B Clinical Biology Department Faculty of Pharmacy, 1 Avicenne Street, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Simona Nardoni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ridha El Mokni
- Laboratory of Botany, Cryptogamy and Plant Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences "A", Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir BP 207, Avenue Avicenna, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hatem Dhaouadi
- Research Unit LR21ES04, Environmental and Clean Processes Chemistry Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Hamouda Babba
- LP3M: Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology, B Clinical Biology Department Faculty of Pharmacy, 1 Avicenne Street, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Saoussen Hammami
- Research Unit LR21ES04, Environmental and Clean Processes Chemistry Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia
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7
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Alves-Silva JM, Cocco E, Piras A, Gonçalves MJ, Silva A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Cruz MT, Maxia A, Salgueiro L. Unveiling the Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Essential Oil. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:plants12020359. [PMID: 36679072 PMCID: PMC9867359 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Salvia is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential. However, the biological relevance of some species remains unknown, namely Salvia cacaliifolia Benth. Therefore, the aim of this study is to unveil the chemical composition and relevant properties to its essential oil (EO). The EO was characterized by GC and GC-MS and its antifungal effect was evaluated according to the CLSI guidelines on dermatophytes and yeasts. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, by assessing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the effect on the protein levels of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 by western blot analysis. Wound healing capacity was determined using the scratch wound healing assay, and the anti-aging potential was assessed by evaluating the senescence marker β-galactosidase. The EO was mainly characterized by γ-curcumene, β-bisabolene, bicyclogermacrene and curzerenone. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes and C. neoformans. The EO significantly decreased iNOS and COX-2 protein levels and concomitantly reduced NO release. Additionally, it demonstrated anti-senescence potential and promoted wound healing. Overall, this study highlights relevant pharmacological properties of the EO of Salvia cacaliifolia, which should be further explored envisaging the development of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally friendly skin products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Alves-Silva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Emma Cocco
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de S. Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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8
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Campana N, Licciardi M, Pinna G, Soro C, Sara S, Mohammad A, Nissardi V, Piras A, Cadeddu Dessalvi C, Roberta M. 925 THE TWIDDLER'S SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT. Eur Heart J Suppl 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suac121.023] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The Twiddler's syndrome is a rare condition of malfunctioning of a cardiovascular implantable elettronic device (CIED) due to the rotation of the device around its own long axis within its pocket. This brings to the leads wrapping around the device case and consequently dislocating, resulting in a deficit in sensing and pacing.
Case Report
We present the case of an 82-year-old woman, affect by atrial and conduction tissue disease for which was implanted a dual-chamber PaceMaker (PM). She arrived at the emergency department for asthenia and a traumatic syncopal episode, preceded by intense general malaise, nausea and vomiting. At EKG findings of electroinduced atrial rhythm, electroinduced ventricular rhythm with loss of capture and emergence of spontaneous rhythm, with subsequent resumption of capture. At device telemetry check, rise of ventricular and atrial pacing thresholds together with sporadic ventricular capture losses. Chest×Ray showed entanglement of leads around the PM case and retraction of the ventricular catheter.
Therefore, the patient was admitted to the cardiology department, and the surgical pocket was revised with case extraction and leads debridement with subsequent optimization of their position. The next day, following device telemetry check, which showed good electrical parameters, and the follow-up chest X-Ray, which was normal, the patient was discharged.
Conclusion
All physicians, particularly cardiologists, must pay close attention to the evaluation of patients with CIEDs. First of all, meticulous analysis of the EKG must be performed, which is capable of showing loss of capture and abnormal QRS morphologies due to cardiac pacing at abnormal locations. In addition, it is necessary to perform the telemetry check of the device, infact findings of sensing deficits and/or elevation of pacing thresholds indicate device malfunctioning, which is not necessarily due to leads injuries. Displacement of the leads can be easily detected with a chest X-ray, always remembering to rule out the presence of Twiddler syndrome, however rare it may be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Campana
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | - Marco Licciardi
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | - Gabriele Pinna
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | - Cinzia Soro
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | - Santus Sara
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | - Ahmad Mohammad
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | | | - Alessandra Piras
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
| | | | - Montisci Roberta
- Clinical Cardiology Unit, Aou Of Cagliari, University Of Cagliari
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9
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Rosa A, Pinna I, Piras A, Porcedda S, Masala C. Flavoring of sea salt with Mediterranean aromatic plants affects salty taste perception. J Sci Food Agric 2022; 102:6005-6013. [PMID: 35446446 PMCID: PMC9540657 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11953] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential component of daily food, crucial for many physiological processes. Due to health risks related to salt over consumption, considerable interest is devoted to strategies to reduce dietary salt intake. In this work we evaluated the sensory dimensions of sea salts flavored with Mediterranean aromatic plants with the aim to confirm the role of herbs/spices in the enhancement of salty perception and to validate the use of flavored salts as a strategy to reduce salt intake. To this goal we compared taste dimensions (pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity) of solutions obtained with salt and sea salts flavored with Mediterranean herbs, spices, and fruits. Sensorial differences were analyzed using a seven-point hedonic Likert-type scale on 58 non-trained judges. RESULTS Main flavor compounds, identified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection-mass spectrometry (GC-FID-MS) analysis, were α-pinene and 1,8-cineole in myrtle salt (FS 1), verbenone, α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and rosifoliol in herbs/plants salt (FS 2), and limonene in orange fruits/saffron salt (FS 3). At the dose of 0.04 g mL-1 , saline solutions obtained with flavored salt (containing approximately 6-30% less sodium chloride) were perceived as more intense, less familiar, but equally pleasant than pure salt solution. In particular, sea salt flavored with orange fruits/saffron emerged as the most interesting in potentiating saltiness perception. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the important role of Mediterranean aromatic plants in the enhancement of saltiness perception and qualified the use of flavored sea salt during food preparation/cooking instead of normal salt as a potential strategy to reduce the daily salt intake. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaMonserratoItaly
| | - Ilenia Pinna
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaMonserratoItaly
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaMonserratoItaly
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaMonserratoItaly
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaMonserratoItaly
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10
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Piras A, Melis G, Cugusi L, Bassareo PP. Myopericarditis in a Male Adolescent Following the Second Shot of COVID-19 Pfizer m-RNA Vaccine: Typical Example and Analysis of 110 Single Case Reports. Pediatr Rep 2022; 14:401-409. [PMID: 36278552 PMCID: PMC9589994 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric14040048] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most powerful weapons against COVID-19 is vaccines. After the worldwide spread of the disease, m-RNA vaccines were authorized not only in adult patients, but also in children and adolescents aged 12-18. Since then, alarming reports of cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis have been noted, primarily involving males after the second vaccine shot. A typical example of myopericarditis occurring in an adolescent a few days after the second shot of an m-RNA vaccine is described here. An in-depth review of all 110 single case reports published up to July 2022 with related features and outcomes is also presented. This is the first extensive analysis focused solely on a significant number of single case reports, which have usually been excluded from systematic reviews and meta-analyses carried out in the field. The analysis presented here confirms that most cases occurred in males after the second injection of an m-RNA vaccine. Cases were mild and responsive to the usual medical treatment. What is newly reported is that not only adolescents, but also older people, especially females, were affected by this adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piras
- Struttura Complessa di Cardiologia-UTIC-Emodinamica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giada Melis
- Pronto Soccorso ed OBI, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lucia Cugusi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Bassareo
- School of Medicine, University College of Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
- Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, D12 N512 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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11
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Piras A, Maccioni A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Gonçalves MJ, Alves-Silva JM, Silva A, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil of Teucrium scordium L. subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang. (Lamiaceae) from Sardinia Island (Italy). Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:5828-5835. [PMID: 34930083 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.2018432] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory potential of the essential oil of Teucrium scordium subsp. scordioides (Schreb.) Arcang, a plant widely used in traditional medicine in Sardinia. The oil was rich in germacrene D (25.1%), δ-cadinene (12.9%) and alloaromadendrene (11.3%). The yeast Cryptococcus neoformans and the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and Epidermophyton floccosum were the most susceptible fungi to the action of the oil. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, the oil was able to decrease nitric oxide production by ca. 30% at 1.25 μL/mL, without affecting cell viability. In the scratch wound assay, it allowed for ca. 36% of wound closure after 18 h, thus showing anti-migratory properties. Overall, this study highlights the potential of this species to mitigate fungal infections associated with an inflammatory response. Furthermore, we also reported for the first time its anti-migratory capacity, thus suggesting anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Alfredo Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- State Institute of Higher Education "Michele Giua", via Montecassino, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Product Research Center, Coimbra, Portugalv
| | - Jorge M Alves-Silva
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Silva
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ligia Salgueiro
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Product Research Center, Coimbra, Portugalv
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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12
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Floris S, Fais A, Medda R, Pintus F, Piras A, Kumar A, Kuś PM, Westermark GT, Era B. Washingtonia filifera seed extracts inhibit the islet amyloid polypeptide fibrils formations and α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 36:517-524. [PMID: 33494628 PMCID: PMC7850368 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1874945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Washingtonia filifera seeds have revealed to possess antioxidant properties, butyrylcholinesterase and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities. The literature has indicated a relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type-2 diabetes (T2D). Keeping this in mind, we have now evaluated the inhibitory properties of W. filifera seed extracts on α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzyme activity and the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) fibrils formation. Three extracts from seeds of W. filifera were evaluated for their enzyme inhibitory effect and IC50 values were calculated for all the extracts. The inhibition mode was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis and the inhibition of IAPP aggregate formation was monitored. W. filifera methanol seed extract appears as the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and for the IAPP fibril formation. Current findings indicate new potential of this extract that could be used for the identification or development of novel potential agents for T2D and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Floris
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Piotr Marek Kuś
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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13
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Madouni N, Meddah B, Aicha TT, Bensouici C, Cakmak YS, Piras A, Falconieri D, Sonnet P. Chemical profile, antioxidant and photoprotective activities of essential oil and crude extracts of Algerian Thymus serpyllum. Nova Biotechnol Chim 2021. [DOI: 10.36547/nbc.916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus serpyllum is an aromatic and medicinal plant widely used in Algerian folk medicine. It was collected from Mascara region North West of Algeria and studied in the aim to provide more knowledge about chemical composition, antioxidant and photo-protective activities of essential oil, ethanolic and infusion extracts. The chemical analysis of investigated T. serpyllum EO was performed for the first time in this research work. It was carried out by GC/MS for identifying 25 components where the dominated compounds were Carvacrol (66%) and γ–Terpinene (11.5%). The phenolic profile of ethanolic and aqueous infusion extracts was performed using HPLC chromatography and the data showed the Benzoic acid and Rosmarinc acid were found as major compounds. Extracts showed an excellent source of total phenols and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, Galvinoxyl radical (GOR), CUPRAC, reducing power and O-phenanthroline approaches. All extracts showed a significant antioxidant capacity with different mechanisms. However, ethanol and infusion extracts showed stronger capacity than EO. Moreover, the photoprotective activity of T. serpyllum extracts was explored for the first time in our study. Extracts exhibited high values of sun protective factors (SFP) with 38.34±2.29 and 38.82±2.23 for ethanol and infusion extract respectively. Results of our study may encourage the pharmacologic, food and cosmetic sectors to use the wild thyme as natural and healthy source of active compounds.
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14
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Fionda B, Piras A, D'Aviero A, Venuti V, Casà C, Preziosi F, Catucci F, Boldrini L, Daidone A, Tagliaferri L, Gambacorta MA, Valentini V. The "PC-WIRED" study: Patient Centred Evolution of Websites of Italian Radiotherapy Departments. Patient Educ Couns 2021; 104:2152-2153. [PMID: 33608213 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Fionda
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - A Piras
- Villa Santa Teresa, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - A D'Aviero
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - V Venuti
- Università degli Studi di Palermo, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - C Casà
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Preziosi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Catucci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - L Boldrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A Daidone
- Villa Santa Teresa, Radioterapia Oncologica, Palermo, Italy
| | - L Tagliaferri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy
| | - M A Gambacorta
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - V Valentini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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15
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Piras A, Piras C, Porcedda S, Rosa A. Comparative evaluation of the composition of vegetable essential and fixed oils obtained by supercritical extraction and conventional techniques: a chemometric approach. Int J Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.15098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
| | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
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16
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Cutrufello MG, Atzori L, Meloni D, Piras A, Gazzoli D, Rombi E. Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate by Transesterification of Propylene Carbonate with Methanol on CeO 2-La 2O 3 Oxides Prepared by the Soft Template Method. Materials (Basel) 2021; 14:4802. [PMID: 34500892 PMCID: PMC8432469 DOI: 10.3390/ma14174802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, CeO2, La2O3, and CeO2-La2O3 mixed oxide catalysts with different Ce/La molar ratios were prepared by the soft template method and characterized by different techniques, including inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. NH3 and CO2 adsorption microcalorimetry was also used for assessing the acid and base surface properties, respectively. The behavior of the oxides as catalysts for the dimethyl carbonate synthesis by the transesterification of propylene carbonate with methanol, at 160 °C under autogenic pressure, was studied in a stainless-steel batch reactor. The activity of the catalysts was found to increase with an increase in the basic sites density. The formation of dimethyl carbonate was favored on medium-strength and weak basic sites, while it underwent decomposition on the strong ones. Several parasitic reactions occurred during the transformation of propylene carbonate, depending on the basic and acidic features of the catalysts. A reaction pathway has been proposed on the basis of the components identified in the reaction mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giorgia Cutrufello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari—Complesso Universitario di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.G.C.); (L.A.); (D.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Unità di Cagliari, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Luciano Atzori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari—Complesso Universitario di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.G.C.); (L.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Meloni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari—Complesso Universitario di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.G.C.); (L.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium;
- Chemistry Department, Namur University, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Delia Gazzoli
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Rombi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari—Complesso Universitario di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (M.G.C.); (L.A.); (D.M.)
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), Unità di Cagliari, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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17
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Belabdelli F, Bekhti N, Piras A, Benhafsa FM, Ilham M, Adil S, Anes L. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Crataegus monogyna leaves' extracts. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:3234-3239. [PMID: 34334069 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1958215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Crataegus monogyna is an important plant of the Rosaceae family, widely used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and nephritis. The aim of the current study was to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of leaves' extracts against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The total amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids contained in the dry extracts of plants were estimated by colorimetric methods. DPPH assay was utilized to measure the antioxidant activity of C. monogyna. The phytochemical compounds were determined through HPLC technique, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethanol extract was performed using the broth dilution method. The ethanol extract represented the richest extract in polyphenol with 473.4 mg GAE g-1 and flavonoids 80.9 mg CE g-1 and showed considerable antioxidant potential IC50 =22.50 µg/ml. The antibacterial susceptibility test against Staphylococcus aureus 0.512 mg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Belabdelli
- Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Bio & Nano-systems, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Nabila Bekhti
- Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Bio & Nano-systems, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.,Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mustapha Stambouli University of Mascara, Route Mamounia, Mascara, Algeria
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fouad Mekhalef Benhafsa
- Center for Scientific and Technical Research in Physico-Chemical Analysis (CRAPC), Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mokhtari Ilham
- Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Bio & Nano-systems, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Selka Adil
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Abou Bakr Belkaïd University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Lazzaz Anes
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
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18
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sanfratello A, Piras A, Boldrini L, La Vecchia M, Venuti V, Torchia M, Lotà C, Rinaldi C, Amari M, Orlando M, Zichichi L, Angileri T, Daidone A. PO-1406 Paget’s disease of scrotum and penis: Case Report of a re-irradiation and Review of the Literature. Radiother Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(21)07857-9] [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: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Maccioni A, Falconieri D, Sanna C, Porcedda S, Piras A, Maxia A. Characterization of Essential Oils from Different Taxa Belonging to the Genus Teucrium in Sardinia Island, Italy. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10071359. [PMID: 34371562 PMCID: PMC8309330 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The genus Teucrium L. (Lamiaceae) is a genus growing in mild climate zones, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. It is represented by 11 taxa in Sardinia (Italy), living commonly in sunny habitats. In this study, the following eight Sardinian Teucrium taxa were selected, and the essential oils (EOs), obtained by stem distillation, were analyzed by GC–FID and GC–MS: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum, T. chamaedrys subsp. chamaedrys, T. flavum subsp. glaucum, T. marum, T. massiliense, T. scordium subsp. scordioides, T. scorodonia, and T. subspinosum. The comprehensive analyses led to the identification of 87 constituents representing the majority of the volatile compounds. Significant differences, both qualitative and quantitative, were observed between the taxa. Overall, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes characterized all Teucrium EOs: T. capitatum subsp. capitatum and T. flavum subsp. glaucum revealed the highest content of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while in the other Teucrium taxa sesquiterpene hydrocarbons prevailed. Worthy of note, diterpenes were found only in T. marum and T. subspinosum, whereas T. massiliense was rich in non-terpenic oxygenated compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the chemical composition of EOs obtained from Sardinian Teucrium species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Maccioni
- Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Via Sant’Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- State Industrial Technical Institute “Michele Giua”, Via Montecassino 41, 09134 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Sanna
- Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Via Sant’Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.M.)
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via S. Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.S. 554, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, S.S. 554, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (S.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Via Sant’Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.M.)
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via S. Ignazio da Laconi 13, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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Engelbrecht LDV, Farris R, Vasiliu T, Demurtas M, Piras A, Cesare Marincola F, Laaksonen A, Porcedda S, Mocci F. Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Excess Thermodynamic Properties of Highly Nonideal Liquid Mixtures of Butanol Isomers + DBE. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:587-600. [PMID: 33428423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c10076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Binary alcohol + ether liquid mixtures are of significant importance as potential biofuels or additives for internal combustion engines and attract considerable fundamental interest as model systems containing one strongly H-bonded self-associating component (alcohol) and one that is unable to do so (ether), but that can interact strongly as a H-bond acceptor. In this context, the excess thermodynamic properties of these mixtures, specifically the excess molar enthalpies and volumes (HE and VE), have been extensively measured. Butanol isomer + di-n-butyl ether (DBE) mixtures received significant attention because of interesting differences in their VE, changing from negative (1- and isobutanol) to positive (2- and tert-butanol) with increasing alkyl group branching. With the aim of shedding light on the differences in alcohol self-association and cross-species H-bonding, considered responsible for the observed differences, we studied representative 1- and 2-butanol + DBE mixtures by molecular dynamics simulations and experimental excess property measurements. The simulations reveal marked differences in the self-association of the two isomers and, while supporting the existing interpretations of the HE and VE in a general sense, our results suggest, for the first time, that subtle changes in H-bonded topologies may contribute significantly to the anomalous volumetric properties of these mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon de Villiers Engelbrecht
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Farris
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tudor Vasiliu
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bio-nanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Romanian Academy-Petru Poni (PP) Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 00487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Monica Demurtas
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Flaminia Cesare Marincola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aatto Laaksonen
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bio-nanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Romanian Academy-Petru Poni (PP) Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 00487 Iasi, Romania.,Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University (SU), 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University (NTU), 210009 Nanjing, China.,Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Energy Science, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Mocci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Era B, Floris S, Sogos V, Porcedda C, Piras A, Medda R, Fais A, Pintus F. Anti-Aging Potential of Extracts from Washingtonia filifera Seeds. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:151. [PMID: 33466576 PMCID: PMC7828731 DOI: 10.3390/plants10010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the inhibitory effect of fruit extracts from Washingtonia filifera on skin aging-related enzymes. The pulp extracts did not exert a significant enzyme inhibition while seed extracts from W. filifera exhibit anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. Tyrosinase was mildly inhibited while a stronger effect was observed with respect to elastase and collagenase inhibition. Alcoholic extracts provided better results than aqueous extracts. Among them, methanol extracts showed the prominent enzyme inhibitory activities being IC50 value for elastase and collagenase comparable and even better than the reference compound. The inhibition mode of the most active extracts was investigated by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis. Seed extracts from W. filifera were also investigated for their photo-protective effect by Mansur equation and the antioxidant activity of W. filifera extract was evaluated in oxidative-stressed cells. To evaluate the safety of the extract, the effect on cell viability of human keratinocytes cells was analyzed. Methanol extract presented the best photo-protective effect and exerted an antioxidant activity in a cellular system with no cytotoxic effect. The overall results demonstrate that W. filifera extracts are promising sources of bioactive compounds that could be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (B.E.); (S.F.); (R.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Sonia Floris
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (B.E.); (S.F.); (R.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (V.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Clara Porcedda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (V.S.); (C.P.)
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (B.E.); (S.F.); (R.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (B.E.); (S.F.); (R.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (B.E.); (S.F.); (R.M.); (F.P.)
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Masala C, Marincola FC, Porcedda S, Piras A. Waste salt from the manufacturing process of mullet bottarga as source of oil with nutritional and nutraceutical properties. J Sci Food Agric 2020; 100:5363-5372. [PMID: 32542835 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sardinian food delicacy 'bottarga' is the final product of a number of treatments (salting and drying) on the ovaries of mullet (Mugil spp) and represents an important natural source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) with nutraceutical properties. During the salting process of mullet roes to obtain bottarga, huge amounts of waste salt are generated, rich in residual ovary material. RESULTS We evaluated the lipid composition (main lipid components and fatty acids) and bioactivity of oil obtained from the ovary material separated from waste salt (waste salt oil). Oil was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ), an environmentally friendly separation technique. The lipid composition of waste salt oil was determined by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C-NMR) spectroscopy and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD) chromatography. The oil was characterized by a relatively high level of n-3 PUFA (122 ± 7 g kg-1 of oil), and these beneficial health compounds were mainly present in the form of wax esters. Waste salt oil showed a marked cytotoxic effect [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] in cancer B16F10 melanoma cells, with a slight cytotoxic effect in normal cells (3T3 fibroblasts). Waste salt and its derivatives (salt oil and residual material after oil extraction) were also tested for the attractant effect and acceptability to insects (Ceratitis capitata) to gain preliminary information about their potential application for animal supplementation. CONCLUSION The results qualify waste salt as a potential resource for veterinary dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Flaminia Cesare Marincola
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
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23
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Cusumano D, Boldrini L, Yadav P, Gao Y, Chiloiro G, Piras A, Broggi S, Lenkowicz J, Placidi L, Musunuru H, Dinapoli N, Barbaro B, Azario L, Gambacorta M, De Spirito M, Basetti M, Yang Y, Fiorino C, Valentini V. PH-0715: External validation of ERITCP as response predictor in rectal cancer using MR-guided Radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(21)00737-4] [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: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Zontone P, Affanni A, Bernardini R, Brisinda D, Del Linz L, Formaggia F, Minen D, Minen M, Savorgnan C, Piras A, Rinaldo R, Fenici R. Comparative assessment of drivers' stress induced by autonomous and manual driving with heart rate variability parameters and machine learning analysis of electrodermal activity. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.3515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Nowadays research on Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) and attention towards novel technology allowing real-time assessment of car drivers' psycho-physiological status is growing, to quantify driver's stress during semi-autonomous or autonomous driving assistance and to investigate human reaction to different types of ADS. We present a system for automatic stress detection with combined machine learning analysis of Skin Potential Response (SPR) and electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings to compare the driver's stress reaction during both manual and autonomous driving sessions carried out in a dynamic professional drive simulator (PDS).
Methods
All data were acquired after informed consent from 14 healthy volunteers (HVs) in the Vi-grade (Udine) PDS. Two SPR signals (one from each hand) and three chest ECG leads were recorded. A Motion Artifact (MA) removal algorithm was used to remove motion artifacts from SPR signals. A cleaned, single SPR signal, obtained as the RMS value by combining the two original signals, was then sent together with the time-variation of heart rate (HR) to a Machine Learning (ML) classification algorithm, i.e., a Support Vector Machine (SVM), based on some specific features of this signal. The output of the SVM provides a series of labels, that indicate the presence or lack of stress episodes during the driving experiment. Stress occurrence was also independently quantified with heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in the time (TD) and frequency (FD) domains and with non-linear (NL) methods.
Results
All participants completed the driving protocol consisting of two subsequent sessions, one with conventional manual (MD) and the other with autonomous (AD) driving settings, along a highway where some unexpected events occurred, inducing different level stress response.
Figure 1 shows an example of time variant changes of the RMS SPR signal and of the HR of one tested individual during both experimental settings. A simultaneous increase of both SPR and HR signal is apparent during the stress episodes correctly identified by the SVM (gray shadows). Discriminant analysis of FD (VLF, LF and HF) and NL (SD1, SD2, Entropy and Recurrence Plot) HRV parameters, independently assessed by two researchers blind to SVM results, differentiated between stress induced by MD and AD (accuracy: 88,4% cross-correlated) in good agreement with automatic SVM assessment. In general stress level was lower during the AD, being all HRV parameters not significantly modified from baseline rest. SPR amplitude eventually increased also during AD, but SVM efficiently differentiated between AD and MD stress anyhow.
Conclusions
The proposed method for automatic assessment of stress reactions of car drivers with SVM of SPR and HR signals is reliable, in both MD and AD scenarios. The results seem to evidence that MD is in general more demanding than AD inducing higher activation of sympathetic nervous system, especially in critical situations.
Figure 1. Time variance of SPR and HR.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zontone
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | - A Affanni
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | - R Bernardini
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | - D Brisinda
- Catholic University of Sacred Heart - Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Del Linz
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | | | - D Minen
- Vi-grade s.r.l., Udine, Italy
| | - M Minen
- Vi-grade s.r.l., Udine, Italy
| | | | - A Piras
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | - R Rinaldo
- University of Udine, Dipartimento Politecnico di Ingegneria e Architettura, Udine, Italy
| | - R Fenici
- Biomagnetism and Clinical Physiology International Center (BSSS), Rome, Italy
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25
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Nabila B, Piras A, Fouzia B, Falconieri D, Kheira G, Fedoul FF, Majda SR. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis leaves. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:989-993. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1839450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bekhti Nabila
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Science, Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Belabdelli Fouzia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Guenaoui Kheira
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Firdaous-Faiza Fedoul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
| | - Sekkal-Rahal Majda
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Science, Djillali Liabes University, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria
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26
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Maccioni A, Falconieri D, Porcedda S, Piras A, Gonçalves MJ, Alves-Silva JM, Salgueiro L, Maxia A. Antifungal activity and chemical composition of the essential oil from the aerial parts of two new Teucrium capitatum L. chemotypes from Sardinia Island, Italy. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:6007-6013. [PMID: 32856485 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1813136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chemical composition of two populations of Teucrium capitatum L. one from the coastline and the other one from the mountainous area of Sardinia (Italy) was assessed. Two chemotypes were identified: limonene/α-pinene/(E)-nerolidol chemotype predominant in the coastline, and limonene/α-pinene/α-trans-bergamotene/humulene epoxide II chemotype common in plants growing in the mountainous area. In addition, our results showed that the sample growing in the coastline had a more promising antifungal activity. Furthermore, this sample was highly effective in inhibiting C. albicans germ tube formation, at doses well below its MIC. Overall, this study shows that the edaphoclimatic characteristics play an important role on the essential oil composition and biological activity of Teucrium capitatum L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Cagliari, Italy.,State Institute of Higher Education "Michele Giua", Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | | | | | - Ligia Salgueiro
- CIEPQPF and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Maxia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Co.S.Me.Se, Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Studio dei Metaboliti Secondari, Cagliari, Italy
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27
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Piras A, Porcedda S, Falconieri D, Fais A, Era B, Carta G, Rosa A. Supercritical extraction of volatile and fixed oils from Petroselinum crispum L. seeds: chemical composition and biological activity. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:1883-1888. [PMID: 32820642 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1810031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of volatile and fixed oil from milled parsley (Petroselinum crispum L.) seeds, using CO2 as solvent, is presented in this study. Extraction experiments were carried out in two steps: at pressures of (90 or 300) bar and temperature of 40 °C. The first extraction step, performed at 90 bar, produced a volatile fraction mainly formed by apiole (82.1%) and myristicin (11.4%). The volatile oil yield was 2.6% by weight of the charge. The second extraction step, carried out at 300 bar produced a fixed oil at a yield of 0.4% by weight. The most represented fatty acids in P. crispum fixed oil were 18:1 n-12 (49.9%), 18:2 n-6 (18.2%), 18:1 n-9 (11.8%), and 16:0 (7.4%). In particular, the unsaturated fatty acids 18:1 n-12 and 18:1 n-9 averaged 182.2 mg/g and 92.1 mg/g of oil extract, respectively. The quality of the oils extracted by SFE, in terms of its chemical composition, was compared to the oils obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) in a Clevenger apparatus and by solvent extraction (SE) using n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant properties were determined by means of the ABTS assay. The results indicated that the fixed oil possessed low antioxidant activity (EC50 = 0.4 mg/mL) and the volatile oil had no antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content, expressed as concentration of gallic acid (gallic acid equivalent, GAE), of the fixed oil was 1.5 mg/g. The fixed oil found to have inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, the volatile oil is active on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Both samples have weak inhibitory activity on α-amylase and no activity on butyrylcholinesterase (BChE).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - S Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - D Falconieri
- State Institute of Higher Education "Michele Giua", Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - B Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - G Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - A Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
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28
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Pasero D, Rizzo D, Piras A, Floris L, Parrilla C, Riu F, Terragni P, Bussu F. Tracheotomy in COVID-19 patients: preliminary experience and technical refinements. Br J Surg 2020; 107:e304. [PMID: 32542655 PMCID: PMC7323130 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Pasero
- Intensive Care Unit, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Università di Sassari, Rome, Italy
| | - D Rizzo
- Otolaryngology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sassari, Rome, Italy
| | - A Piras
- Otolaryngology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sassari, Rome, Italy
| | - L Floris
- Intensive Care Unit, Rome, Italy
| | - C Parrilla
- Otolaryngology Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - F Riu
- Otolaryngology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sassari, Rome, Italy
| | - P Terragni
- Intensive Care Unit, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Università di Sassari, Rome, Italy
| | - F Bussu
- Otolaryngology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sassari, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, Università di Sassari, Rome, Italy
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Ben Attia I, Zucca P, Cesare Marincola F, Nieddu M, Piras A, Rosa A, Rescigno A, Chaieb M. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia. POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.31883/pjfns/122040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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30
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Alves-Silva JM, Piras A, Porcedda S, Falconieri D, Maxia A, Gonçalves MJ, Cruz MT, Salgueiro L. Chemical characterization and bioactivity of the essential oil from Santolina insularis, a Sardinian endemism. Nat Prod Res 2020; 36:445-449. [PMID: 32496130 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1774764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Santolina insularis is a Sardinian endemism that is widely used in traditional medicine. The essential oil was obtained with a yield of 2.7% and is mainly characterized by β-phellandrene (22.6%), myrcene (11.4%) and artemisia ketone (7.6%). The oil significantly reduced NO production without affecting macrophages viability. In addition, it substantially inhibited the expression of two key pro-inflammatory enzymes, iNOS and COX-2 (71% and 25% at 0.54 mg/mL). Furthermore, the oil had a promising antifungal activity being Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) and the majority of dermatophytes (MIC = 0.13 mg/mL) the most susceptible fungi. Moreover, it significantly decreased the yeast-to-hypha transition (80% inhibition at 0.13 mg/mL) on C. albicans long before showing inhibitory effects. Overall, these results show that S. insularis could be applied in the treatment of fungal infections and associated inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Maxia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Botany section, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria José Gonçalves
- University of Coimbra, iCBR, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Cruz
- University of Coimbra, iCBR, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, CNC, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- University of Coimbra, iCBR, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
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31
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Erre GL, Piras A, Piga M, Fedele AL, Mangoni AA, Lazzerini PE, Gremese E, Mathieu A, Ferraccioli G, Passiu G, Saba PS. QT and QT dispersion intervals in long-standing and moderately active rheumatoid arthritis: results from a multicentre cross-sectional study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2020; 38:516-522. [PMID: 31498064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To define the prevalence of prolonged QT interval and QT dispersion (QTd) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in a control population. METHODS QT interval corrected by Bazett's formula (QTc) was calculated from standard 12-lead ECGs in 963 subjects free of previous cardiovascular events (646 RA patients and 317 controls strictly matched for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors). RESULTS RA patients (59.6±9.6 years, 68.1% females) had a long mean disease duration (10.6 years) and moderate disease activity (DAS28=3.68±1.23). QTc was 5 msec longer in RA patients than in controls (412±9 vs. 407±28 msec, p=0.013). However, the prevalence of QTc prolongation in RA patients and controls was not significantly different (5.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.50). On the contrary, RA patients had a significantly greater QTd (42±26 vs. 35±18 msec, p<0.001) and a higher prevalence of increased QTd (33.3% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001) than controls. Furthermore, RA was independently associated to increased QTd [OR(95%CI)= 2.21(1.58-3.08), p=0.0001]. In the RA population, male gender and older age were independently associated with a higher prevalence of prolonged QTd. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of long-standing and moderately active RA patients, RA showed longer QTc but similar prevalence of prolonged QTc and an increased QTd with a 1.8-fold higher prevalence of increased QTd than the control population. Further studies in larger prospective cohorts are warranted to investigate whether QTd prolongation predicts sudden cardiac death and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Erre
- UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Specialità Mediche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Italy.
| | | | - Matteo Piga
- UOC di Reumatologia, Policlinico Universitario di Monserrato, Cagliari, and Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna L Fedele
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Arduino A Mangoni
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Pietro E Lazzerini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Roma, and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mathieu
- UOC di Reumatologia, Policlinico Universitario di Monserrato, Cagliari, and Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Passiu
- UOC di Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Specialità Mediche, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, and Università degli Studi di Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier S Saba
- UOC di Cardiologia Clinica e Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Italy
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32
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Belabdelli F, Piras A, Bekhti N, Falconieri D, Belmokhtar Z, Merad Y. Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Chemistry Africa 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-020-00130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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33
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Massaccesi M, Boldrini L, Piras A, Stimato G, Quaranta F, Azario L, Mattiucci GC, Valentini V. Spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) targeting the hypoxic tumor segment for the intentional induction of non-targeted effects: An in silico study to exploit a new treatment paradigm. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2020; 14:11-14. [PMID: 32154394 PMCID: PMC7052565 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The possibility of intentionally triggering non targeted effects (NTEs) using spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT) alone or combined with immunotherapy is an intriguing and fascinating area of research. Among different techniques for SFRT, stereotactic body radiotherapy targeting exclusively the central hypoxic segment of bulky tumors, (SBRT-PATHY) might trigger immunogenic cell death more efficiently. This in silico study aims to identify the best possible dosimetric trade-off for prescribing SFRT with volumetric modulated arc (VMAT) based stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Material and methods Eight spherical volumes defined "Gross Tumor Volumes" (GTVs) were generated with diameters of 3-10 cm (with incremental steps of 1 cm), simulating tumor lesions. The inner third part of each GTV (GTVcentral) was selected to simulate the central hypoxic area and a ring structure was derived around it to simulate the tumor periphery (GTVperipheral). Volumetric modulated arc radiation treatment (VMAT) plans were calculated to deliver a single fraction of 10 Gy to each GTVcentral with different dose prescription methods: target mean and isodose driven (40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90%).The volume of GTVperipheral receiving less than 2 Gy was recorded as dosimetric performance indicator. Results 56 possible dosimetric scenarios were analyzed. The largest percentage of GTVperipheral spared from the dose of 2 Gy was achieved with dose prescription methods to the 70% isodose line for lesions smaller than 6 cm (range 42.9-48.4%) and to the target mean for larger ones (range 52.9-64.5%). Conclusions Optimizing the dose prescription method may reduce the dose to tumor periphery in VMAT-based SFRT, thus potentially sparing tumor infiltrating immune cells. The optimal method may vary according to the size of the lesion. This should be taken into account when designing prospective trials using SFRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Massaccesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy
| | - L Boldrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy
| | - A Piras
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Radiologia, Roma, Italy
| | - G Stimato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Fisica Sanitaria, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy
| | - F Quaranta
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Fisica, Roma, Italy
| | - L Azario
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Fisica Sanitaria, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Fisica, Roma, Italy
| | - G C Mattiucci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Radiologia, Roma, Italy
| | - V Valentini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, UOC di Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Roma, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Radiologia, Roma, Italy
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34
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Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Pascual MA, Rodriguez I, Piras A, Perniciano M, Saba L, Paoletti AM, Mais V, Alcazar JL. Ultrasonographic soft markers for detection of rectosigmoid deep endometriosis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:269-273. [PMID: 30977185 DOI: 10.1002/uog.20289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) soft markers as a first-line imaging tool to raise suspicion of rectosigmoid (RS) involvement in women suspected of having deep endometriosis. METHODS We included in this prospective observational study all patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis who underwent diagnostic transvaginal US evaluation at our unit from January 2016 to February 2017. Several US soft markers were evaluated for prediction of RS involvement (presence of US signs of uterine adenomyosis, presence of an endometrioma, adhesion of the ovary to the uterus (reduced ovarian mobility), presence of 'kissing ovaries' (KO) and absence of the 'sliding sign'), using as the gold standard expert US examination for the presence of RS endometriosis. RESULTS Included were 333 patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis. Of these, 106 had an US diagnosis of RS endometriosis by an expert. The only significant variables found in the prediction model were absence of the sliding sign (odds ratio (OR), 13.95; 95% CI, 7.7-25.3), presence of KO (OR, 22.5; 95% CI, 4.1-124.0) and the interaction between these two variables (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.004-0.28). Regarding their interaction, RS endometriosis was present when KO was absent and the sliding sign was present in 10% (19/190) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were present in 71.4% (5/7) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were absent in 60.8% (76/125) of cases and when KO was present and the sliding sign was absent in 54.5% (6/11) of cases. Thus, when the sliding sign was absent and/or KO was present, transvaginal US showed a specificity of 75% (95% CI, 69-80%) and a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 73-88%). CONCLUSIONS US findings of absence of the sliding sign and/or presence of KO in patients with clinical suspicion of endometriosis should raise suspicion of RS involvement and indicate referral for expert US examination, with a low rate of false-negative diagnosis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guerriero
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula, Monserrato, Italy
| | - S Ajossa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M A Pascual
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Rodriguez
- Unidad Epidemiología y Estadística, Departamento de Obstetricia, Ginecología y Reproducción, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Piras
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Perniciano
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - L Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - A M Paoletti
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - V Mais
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - J L Alcazar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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35
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Piras A, Ariu F, Martino N, Maltana A, Menéndez-Blanco I, Paramio M, Dell'Aquila M, Bogliolo L. 186 Protective effect of resveratrol on invitro fertilization of ovine oocytes matured under cadmium exposure. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic environmental and industrial heavy metals, with adverse effect on female reproduction. Earlier invitro studies have demonstrated that exposure to Cd during IVM impairs oocyte fertilization through the induction of oxidative stress (Martino et al. 2017 Reprod. Toxicol. 69, 132-145). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing IVM medium with resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin with antioxidant activity, on IVF of ovine oocytes matured under Cd exposure and to evaluate whether this effect could be mediated by alterations of cortical granules (CGs) distribution and/or intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cumulus-oocyte complexes collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries of prepubertal ewes were invitro matured with 0μM CdCl2 (control), 2μM CdCl2 (Cd group), or 2μM CdCl2 + 1μM Res (Cd-Res). Groups of MII oocytes were invitro fertilized with ram semen (Bogliolo et al. 2011 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 23, 809-817). After 16h, oocytes were fixed with absolute ethanol, stained with Hoechst 33342, and classified as follows: normally fertilized (two pronuclei), polyspermic (more than two pronuclei), and abnormally fertilized (asynchronous pronucleus formation). Levels of ROS and distribution of CG in MII oocytes (n=25 each group) were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining with 2’,7’dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated lectin peanut agglutinin, respectively (Jiao et al. 2013 PLoS One 8, 58018). Data of fertilization and CGs distribution were analysed by Chi-squared test and ROS levels (mean±standard error) by Kruskal-Wallis test with STATA\IC 11.0 (Stata Corp.). Oocytes matured in presence of Res had higher normal fertilization and lower polyspermy rates than those matured without Res (Table 1). Levels of ROS in oocytes were lower in the Cd-Res group than in the Cd group (74.4±1.3 vs. 122.4±1.5 pixel/oocyte; P<0.05), and similar to those of the control (71.1±2.3 pixel/oocyte). The ratio of oocytes of Cd-Res group with CGs normally distributed in the peripheral region was higher than that of Cd group (91.3% vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and comparable to that of control oocytes (95.8%). Collectively, our results showed that resveratrol protects oocytes from Cd-induced alteration of normal fertilization by preventing oxidative stress and improving the major mechanism responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization.
Table 1.Effect of resveratrol on IVF rate of oocytes matured under cadmium exposure
Group
No. of total oocytes
No. of MII oocytes
No. of fertilized oocytes (%)
Normal
Polyspermy
Abnormal
Control
136
105 (77.2)
59 (56.2)a
23 (21.9)a
6 (5.7)
Cd
146
106 (72.6)
39 (36.8)b
38 (35.8)b
7 (6.6)
Cd-Res
114
88 (77.2)
47 (53.4)a
16 (18.2)a
7 (7.9)
a,bValues in the same column with different superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05).
This project was supported by FDS 2016 (CUP J86C18000780005).
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Ariu F, Sanna Passino E, Piras A, Melosu V, Maioli M, Castagna A, Fontani V, Rinaldi S, Bogliolo L. 78 Radio electric asymmetric conveyer treatment during prolonged cold storage of ovaries enhances developmental competence of oocytes in the domestic cat model. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothermic storage (4°C) of ovaries for long-distance transport holds great potential to expand access to fertility preservation in animals and humans (Duncan et al. 2016 Reproduction 152, 201-210). However, storage for prolonged periods (over 24h) leads to structural/functional changes in the ovarian tissue with a critical reduction of follicular viability and oocyte quality (Piras et al. 2018 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 10, 16-76; Isachenko et al. 2009 Fertil. Steril. 91, 1556-1559). The radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) is a novel technology platform for neuro and bio-modulation that optimize the ion fluxes and the mechanisms driving cellular asymmetry and polarization in biological structures (Maioli et al. 2016 Sci. Rep. 6, 28682). The REAC has already proved to be effective in promoting cell differentiation and reprogramming and to counteract the biological mechanisms linked to aging and the degenerative process (Berlinguer et al. 2017 Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol. 15, 11; Maioli et al. 2014 Age 36, 9-20). In the present study, the domestic cat was used as an experimental model to evaluate the effect of REAC treatment during ovary storage at 4°C for 48h on invitro developmental ability of oocytes retrieved from antral follicles. Ovaries harvested from healthy domestic queens during ovariectomy were randomly assigned to the REAC-treated (R: n=13) and untreated (C: n=13) groups. In detail, ovaries were maintained in 4mL of phosphate-buffered saline at 4°C for 48h. The REAC device was set at 2.4 GHz, and its conveyer electrodes were immersed into the phosphate-buffered saline. After 48h, ovaries were sliced to release cumulus-oocyte complexes, which were selected according to their morphological characteristics (Johnston et al. 1991 Biol. Reprod. 45, 898-906) for IVM (R: n=130; C: n=133). Matured oocytes were fertilised (IVF) with frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa and presumptive zygote were invitro cultured (IVC) for 7 days. On Day 2 and Day 7 of IVC, respectively, the number of embryos cleaved and developing to the blastocyst stage was determined. The IVM, IVF, and IVC were performed according to the procedure of Piras et al. (2018 Reprod. Biol. End. 16, 76). Data were analysed by chi-square test with STATA\IC 11.0. Maturation rate of oocytes did not differ between groups (R: n=59/130, 45.4%; C: n=66/133, 49.6%). Cleavage rate was higher (P<0.05) in the R group (n=34/59, 57.6%) compared with the C group (n=25/66, 37.9%). The percentages of blastocyst formation relative to the number of cleaved embryos (R: n=12/34, 35.3%; C: n=3/25 12.0%) and to the total number of MII oocytes (R: n=12/59, 20.4%; C: n=3/66, 4.5%) increased (P<0.05) after REAC treatment compared with the untreated counterpart. In conclusion, REAC treatment during cold storage of cat ovaries for 48h positively affected the quality of oocytes as assessed by invitro embryo production outcome. The REAC technology could provide a useful approach for the optimization of ovarian tissue transport conditions for fertility preservation especially for endangered species and patients with fertility-threatening conditions.
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Menéndez-Blanco I, Ariu F, Piras A, Nieddu S, Paramio M, Arav A, Ledda S, Bogliolo L. 111 Fertilizing ability of frozen and freeze-dried semen following intracytoplasmic sperm injection of invitro-matured sheep oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv32n2ab111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Freeze-drying is a novel technique that permits the storage of semen at room temperature for long time periods, retaining their fertilizing capacity. The main objective of this work was to compare the fertilization ability of frozen-thawed (FT) and freeze-dried (FD) ram semen following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of invitro-matured (IVM) sheep oocytes. Oocytes were recovered by slicing the ovaries of slaughtered sheep. Selected cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were IVM for 24h in tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) supplemented with 10% heat-treated oestrous sheep serum (ESS), 0.36mM pyruvate, FSH (1IUmL−1), and luteinising hormone (LH; 1IUmL−1) under mineral oil in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, at 38.5°C. Semen was collected from fertile adult rams using an artificial vagina and processed for (1) freezing and thawing (Khalifa and Lymberopoulos, 2013 Cell Tissue Bank 14, 687-698; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-012-9357-6) or (2) freeze-drying and rehydration according to Arav et al. (2018 J. Assist. Reprod. Genet. 35, 1149-115; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1145-1) protocols. For FD protocol, sperm samples were diluted in a sugar solution of trehalose and sorbitol (LyoB) and dehydrated for 24h. Later, the samples were rehydrated in a warming solution and diluted in TCM-199 before ICSI. After maturation, metaphase II (MII) oocytes with a polar body were injected with FT or FD sperm. Briefly, oocytes were transferred into groups of six in an ICSI dish containing 6-µL drops of holding medium (TCM-199 + 5% fetal bovine serum) and 3-µL drops of PVP for the sperm samples. Injection was carried out with an inverted microscope (Olympus IX73) connected to a micromanipulation system (Narishige) using ICSI pipettes with 7-µm internal diameter. Within 1h, ICSI oocytes were activated with 5 µM ionomycin for 4min and invitro cultured in modified synthetic oviductal fluid medium (Bogliolo et al. 2011 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 23, 809-817; https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11023). After 17-21h, injected oocytes were fixed and stained in a solution of ethanol Hoechst 33342 and classified as FPN (one female pronucleus and one condensed sperm head), MPN (one male pronucleus and one MII), 2PN (two pronuclei, male and female), 3PN (three or more pronuclei), and NPN (no pronuclei). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test with SAS software, version 9.4. The ICSI-FD group had a higher number of NPN and a lower number of 2PN than did the ICSI-FT group (P<0.05). We think that more technical advances in the FD process as well as the rehydration procedure are necessary to improve the application of FD ovine semen for invitro fertilization by ICSI in sheep, but in any case these results have showed that FD could be a useful tool for the future of invitro embryo production.
Table 1.Pronuclear formation at 17-21h post-injection1
Treatment
n
FPN
MPN
2PN
3PN
NPN
FT
71
9.66±4.12
4.26±1.48
48.13±2.79a
5.97±4.16
31.98±6.75a
FD
65
6.16±2.26
1.39±1.39
20.15±4.14b
10.57±6.59
61.73±6.89b
a,bValues in the same column with different superscript letters differ significantly (P<0.05).
1Data are presented as mean±s.e.m. FPN=female pronucleus, MPN=one male pronucleus and one metaphase II oocyte, 2PN=two pronuclei, male and female, 3PN=three or more pronuclei, NPN=no pronuclei.
Funding was provided by Spanish MINECO Grant AGL2017-85837-R, Spanish MECD pre-doctoral grant FPU15/00773, and Spanish MECD mobility grant EST18/00472 to Irene Menéndez Blanco.
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Vascellari S, Zucca P, Perra D, Serra A, Piras A, Rescigno A. Antiproliferative and antiviral activity of methanolic extracts from Sardinian Maltese Mushroom ( Cynomorium coccineum L.). Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:2967-2971. [PMID: 31621410 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1678613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cynomorium coccineum is a non-photosynthetic plant that grows in Mediterranean countries and that is amply used in the traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to extend previous studies on the chemical and biological properties of C. coccineum, evaluating the potential antiviral and antiproliferative activity of the methanolic extract. The MTT assay was used for the in vitro cytotoxic studies against human cancer-derived cell lines, while both MTT and plaque reduction (PRT) methods were used to evaluate the potential inhibitory effect of the extract against a panel of mammal viruses. The results obtained showed no selective activity against any DNA and RNA virus but revealed an interesting antiproliferative activity against human leukaemia-derived cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Vascellari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemistry and Geology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Rescigno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biochemistry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Majdoub S, El Mokni R, Muradalievich AA, Piras A, Porcedda S, Hammami S. Effect of pressure variation on the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction of wild carrot (Daucus carota subsp. maritimus) extracts. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1125:121713. [PMID: 31323559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2019.121713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to check the comparative qualities of essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation (HD) and supercritical fluid techniques. It constitutes the first attempt to investigate the chemical composition of Daucus carota subsp. maritimus extracts using supercritical fluid technology (SFE) as an environmentally clean innovative method of extraction. The effect of pressure on the nature of extractable substances from wild carrot has been performed at a constant temperature of 50 °C and two different pressures (100 and 300 bar). The experimental results showed that pressure had a significant enhancing effect on the fluid transport properties and therefore on yield values. The extraction yield increases from 1.167 to 2.986% while increasing pressure. The chemical compositions of the essential oils prepared by HD and SFE were analyzed on the basis of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Thus, we noticed that all analyzed samples were enriched in geranyl acetate and β‑bisabolene, and that the quantities of different identified substances were extremely sensitive to the extraction method and to the pressure variation in case of SFE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwar Majdoub
- Research Unit 13ES63, Applied Chemistry and Environment, Monastir University, Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir 5000, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ridha El Mokni
- Department of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerta, Jarzouna-7021, Bizerta, University of Carthage, Tunisia; Department Pharmaceutical Sciences "A", Laboratory of Botany, Cryptogamy and Plant Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, BP 207, Avenue Avicenna-5000, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Department of Silvo-Pastoral Resources, Laboratory of Silvo-Pastoral Resources, Silvo-Pastoral Institute of Tabarka, BP. 345, Tabarka 8110, University of Jendouba, Tunisia
| | - Aliev Aslan Muradalievich
- Mountain Botanical Garden DSC RAS, Yaragskogo Street, 75, Makhachkala 367030, Russia; Institute of Physics DSC RAS, Yaragskogo Street, 94, Makhachkala 367003, Russia
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0,700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0,700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Saoussen Hammami
- Research Unit 13ES63, Applied Chemistry and Environment, Monastir University, Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir 5000, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
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Rosa A, Era B, Masala C, Nieddu M, Scano P, Fais A, Porcedda S, Piras A. Supercritical CO
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Extraction of Waste Citrus Seeds: Chemical Composition, Nutritional and Biological Properties of Edible Fixed Oils. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201800502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari09123 CagliariItaly
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Paola Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari09123 CagliariItaly
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
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Gharred N, Dbeibia A, Falconieri D, Hammami S, Piras A, Dridi-Dhaouadi S. Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from flowers, leaves and aerial parts of Tunisian Dittrichia Viscosa. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1612789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nawres Gharred
- Research Unit Applied Chemistry and Environment 13ES63, Faculty of Sciences, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Amal Dbeibia
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Valorization of Environemental Polluants and Products, Faculty of Pharamacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Danilo Falconieri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Saoussen Hammami
- Research Unit Applied Chemistry and Environment 13ES63, Faculty of Sciences, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sonia Dridi-Dhaouadi
- Research Unit Applied Chemistry and Environment 13ES63, Faculty of Sciences, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Gueriero S, Pascual M, Piras A, Musa E, Ajossa S, Rodriguez I, Perniciano M, Saba L, Mais V, Alcazar J. Cost‐effective evaluation of magnetic resonance after use of simple rules in ovarian cancer. Australas J Ultrasound Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Gueriero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - M.A. Pascual
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, and Reproduction InstitutUniversitari Dexeus Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Piras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - E. Musa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - S. Ajossa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - I. Rodriguez
- Unidad Epidemiología y Estadística Departamento de Obstetricia Ginecología y Reproducción Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus Barcelona Spain
| | - M. Perniciano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - L. Saba
- Department of Radiology Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - V. Mais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Cagliari Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula Cagliari Italy
| | - J.L. Alcazar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clínica Universidad de Navarra School of Medicine, University of Navarra Pamplona Spain
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Chiesa S, Gatta R, Martino A, Piras A, Cusumano D, Boldrini L, Masciocchi C, Massaccesi M, Dinapoli N, Cellini F, D'aviero A, Mattiucci G, Mantini G, Balducci M, Valentini V. EP-1928 Radiomic features and local response in Lung Cancer treated with Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)32348-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Floris S, Fais A, Rosa A, Piras A, Marzouki H, Medda R, González-Paramás AM, Kumar A, Santos-Buelga C, Era B. Phytochemical composition and the cholinesterase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of seed extracts from the Washingtonia filifera palm fruit. RSC Adv 2019; 9:21278-21287. [PMID: 35521327 PMCID: PMC9066185 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02928a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemical composition and biological properties of palm Washingtonia filifera (Lindl.) H. Wendl. seeds are seldom studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Floris
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Hanen Marzouki
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biologically Active Substances
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- University of Monastir
- Tunisia
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
| | | | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- University of Cagliari
- Cagliari
- Italy
| | | | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Monserrato
- Italy
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Rosa A, Piras A, Carta G, Solari P, Crnjar R, Masala C. Evaluation of the attractant effect and lipid profile modulation of natural fixed oils on the medfly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2018; 99:e21508. [PMID: 30302815 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824; Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous pest in horticulture, mainly targeting Citrus fruits. Natural essential and fixed oils are currently under investigation for their broad-spectrum in pest control. To gain better knowledge about medfly behavior and biochemistry, we examined with behavioral and biochemical assays, the effects on C. capitata from six natural fixed oils obtained from vegetable (five) or animal (one) matrices using the eco-friendly supercritical CO 2 extraction. Oils were obtained at 250/300 bar and 40°C from the seeds of Laurus nobilis and Citrus paradisi, the fruits of Myristica fragrans and Pistacia terebinthus, wheat germ, and mullet roes (marine oil). Behavioral experiments were performed by means of two-choice tests to analyze the oil attractant effect compared with control (water or standard diet). The fatty acid composition of oils and the total lipid and fatty acid profile of medflies were characterized by chromatographic techniques. Behavioral bioassays showed that fixed oil obtained from M. fragrans (nutmeg butter) was more attractive than other oils. Medflies fed (24 hr) on marine oil showed significant changes in the total lipid and fatty acid profile induced by oil ingestion without toxic effects. However, 56% mortality was observed in insects fed on M. fragrans oil and no biochemical changes ascribable to oil ingestion were detected in the medflies that survived. Our results advance knowledge about the behavioral and biochemical response of medflies to fixed oils and will be potentially useful in developing new pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Solari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
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Gobbo M, Verzegnassi F, Ronfani L, Zanon D, Melchionda F, Bagattoni S, Majorana A, Bardellini E, Mura R, Piras A, Petris MG, Mariuzzi ML, Barone A, Merigo E, Decembrino N, Vitale MC, Berger M, Defabianis P, Biasotto M, Ottaviani G, Zanazzo GA. Multicenter randomized, double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy for the treatment of severe oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy in children: laMPO RCT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27098. [PMID: 29727048 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the efficacy of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) compared to that of placebo on severe oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric oncology patients. The primary objective was the reduction of OM grade (World Health Organization [WHO] scale) 7 days after starting PBM. Secondary objectives were reduction of pain, analgesic consumption, and incidence of side effects. METHODS One hundred and one children with WHO grade > 2 chemotherapy-induced OM were enrolled in eight Italian hospitals. Patients were randomized to either PBM or sham treatment for four consecutive days (days +1 to +4). On days +4, +7, and +11, OM grade, pain (following a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale, NRS) and need for analgesics were evaluated by an operator blinded to treatment. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were allocated to the PBM group, and 50 were allocated to the sham group. In total, 93.7% of PBM patients and 72% of sham patients had OM grade < 3 WHO on day +7 (P = 0.01). A significant reduction of pain was registered on day +7 in the PBM versus sham group (NRS 1 [0-3] vs. 2.5 [1-5], P < 0.006). Reduced use of analgesics was reported in the PBM group, although it was not statistically significant. No significant adverse events attributable to treatment were recorded. CONCLUSIONS PBM is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for children affected by chemotherapy-induced OM, as it accelerates mucosal recovery and reduces pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Gobbo
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Dental Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Verzegnassi
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, IRCCS materno infantile Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS materno infantile Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Davide Zanon
- Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, IRCCS materno infantile Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fraia Melchionda
- Pediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit "Lalla Seràgnoli," Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, Sant'Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Bagattoni
- Unit of Dental Care for Special Needs Patients and Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences (DiBiNeM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Majorana
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Science and Public Health, Dental School University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Bardellini
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Dental School, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Mura
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Division of Dental Medicine, Department of Medical Science, LUdeS HEI Foundation Malta
| | | | | | - Angelica Barone
- Pediatric and Onco-Hematology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Merigo
- Dental School, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Nunzia Decembrino
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marina Consuelo Vitale
- Sezione di Ortognatodonzia e Odontoiatria Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche, Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Berger
- Oncoematologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita, Torino, Italy
| | - Patrizia Defabianis
- Section of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Biasotto
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Dental Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Ottaviani
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Dental Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulio Andrea Zanazzo
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit, IRCCS materno infantile Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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Loera-Valencia R, Piras A, Ismail MAM, Manchanda S, Eyjolfsdottir H, Saido TC, Johansson J, Eriksdotter M, Winblad B, Nilsson P. Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies. J Intern Med 2018; 284:2-36. [PMID: 29582495 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Loera-Valencia
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - A Piras
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M A M Ismail
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Neuro, Diseases of the Nervous System Patient Flow, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - S Manchanda
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - H Eyjolfsdottir
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T C Saido
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - J Johansson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - B Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Martino A, Lenkowicz J, Mattiucci G, Petrone A, Piras A, Smaniotto D, Alitto A, Mazzarella C, Palazzoni G, Congedo M, Chiappetta M, Margaritora S, Valentini V, Mantini G. EP-1399: HEmatologic paRaMeters as prEdictive biomarkerS in NSCLC (HERMES-Lung) for metastasis development. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, El Zerey-Belaskri A, Zitouni A, Ghembaza N, Benhassaini H, Atik-Bekkara F, Piras A, Falconieri D, Rosa A. Fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. fruit fatty oil from Algeria. Food Measure 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11694-018-9755-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Piras A, Marcellin-Little DJ, Borghetti P, Vezzoni A, Olivieri M. Accessory caudal glenoid ossification centre as possible cause of lameness in nine dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
SummaryAn accessory centre of ossification was identified on the caudal aspect of the glenoid (ACGOC) in nine dogs. In three of the dogs, concomitant lesions were found in the same shoulder joint. When they appeared to be loose, the fragments were removed using arthroscopy in eight dogs. Upon histological examination in four dogs, the presence of articular cartilage on these ACGOC confirmed the fact that they represented a portion of the glenoid. The resolution of the clinical signs in six cases with isolated ACGOC after fragment excision and without concomitant lesions suggests that ACGOC was the cause of lameness in these affected dogs.
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