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Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Stera G, Toschi Vespasiani G, Biagi C, Zama D, Balduini E, Scheier LM, Lanari M. National survey conducted among Italian pediatricians examining the therapeutic management of croup. Respir Med 2024; 226:107587. [PMID: 38522591 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Practice-to-recommendations gaps exist in croup management and have not been critically investigated. This study examined the therapeutic management of croup among a national sample of Italian pediatric providers. METHODS A survey was administered online to a sample of primary care and hospital-based pediatricians. Demographic data, perception regarding disease severity, treatment and knowledge of croup, choices of croup treatment medications, and knowledge of and adherence to treatment recommendations were compared between hospital and primary care pediatricians. Oral corticosteroids alone, oral corticosteroids with or without nebulized epinephrine and nebulized epinephrine plus oral or inhaled corticosteroids were considered the correct management in mild, moderate and severe croup, respectively. The determinants for correct management were examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Six hundred forty-nine pediatricians answered at least 50% of the survey questions and were included in the analysis. Providers reported extensive use of inhaled corticosteroids for mild and moderate croup. Recommended treatment for mild, moderate and severe croup was administered in 46/647 (7.1%), 181/645 (28.0%) and 263/643 (40.9%) participants, respectively. Provider's age and knowledge of Westley Croup Score were significant predictors for correct management of mild croup. Being a hospital pediatrician and perception of croup as a clinically relevant condition were significant for moderate croup. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences exist between recommended guidelines and clinical practice in croup management. This study suggests wide variability in both the treatment of croup and clinical decision making strategies among hospital and primary care pediatricians. Addressing this issue could lead to noteworthy clinical and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Toschi Vespasiani
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Balduini
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Guida F, Andreozzi L, Zama D, Prete A, Masetti R, Fabi M, Lanari M. Innovative strategies to predict and prevent the risk for malnutrition in child, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1332881. [PMID: 38188871 PMCID: PMC10771315 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1332881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Children, adolescents, and young adult cancer survivors (CAYAs) constitute a growing population requiring a customized approach to mitigate the incidence of severe complications throughout their lifetimes. During cancer treatment, CAYAs cancer survivors undergo significant disruptions in their nutritional status, elevating the risks of mortality, morbidity, and cardiovascular events. The assessment of nutritional status during cancer treatment involves anthropometric and dietary evaluations, emphasizing the necessity for regular assessments and the timely identification of risk factors. Proactive nutritional interventions, addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition, should be tailored to specific age groups and incorporate a family-centered approach. Despite encouraging interventions, a notable evidence gap persists. The goal of this review is to comprehensively examine the existing evidence on potential nutritional interventions for CAYAs cancer survivors. We explore the evidence so far collected on the nutritional intervention strategies elaborated for CAYAs cancer survivors that should target both undernutrition and overnutrition, being age-specific and involving a family-based approach. Furthermore, we suggest harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to anticipate and prevent malnutrition in CAYAs cancer survivors, contributing to the identification of novel risk factors and promoting proactive, personalized healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorentina Guida
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Zama
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Prete
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seragnoli", Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit "Lalla Seragnoli", Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Paediatric Emergency Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Fabi M, Meli M, Leardini D, Andreozzi L, Maltoni G, Bitelli M, Pierantoni L, Zarbo C, Dondi A, Bertulli C, Bernardini L, Pession A, Lanari M. Body Mass Index (BMI) Is the Strongest Predictor of Systemic Hypertension and Cardiac Mass in a Cohort of Children. Nutrients 2023; 15:5079. [PMID: 38140337 PMCID: PMC10745364 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension (HTN) is a well-established cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in adults. The presence of HTN in children appears to predict its persistence into adulthood. Early diagnosis of HTN is crucial to reduce CV morbidity before the onset of organ damage. AIM The aim of this study is to investigate cardiac damage in HTN, its risk factors (RFs), and evolution. METHODS We conducted a prospective/retrospective study involving children referred to the Childhood Hypertension Outpatient Clinic. This study included clinical and echocardiographic assessments of cardiac morphology and function at three time points: enrollment (T0) and follow-up (T1 and T2). RESULTS Ninety-two patients (mean age 11.4 ± 3 years) were enrolled. Cardiac eccentric and concentric hypertrophy were present in 17.9% and 9%, respectively, with remodeling in 10.5%. Overweight/obese subjects exhibited significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), frequency of HTN, and body mass index (BMI) at T0 compared with patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SBP and BMI persisted more during follow-up. Normal-weight vs. overweight/obese patients were significantly more likely to have normal geometry. Positive correlations were found between BMI and left ventricular (LV) mass at T0, BMI and SBP at T0 and T1. Gender, BMI, SBP, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly predicted LV mass index (LVMI), but only BMI added significance to the prediction. During follow-up, the variation of BMI positively correlated with the variation of SBP, but not with LVMI. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, body weight is strongly associated with HTN and cardiac mass. Importantly, the variation in body weight has a more significant impact on the consensual variation of cardiac mass than blood pressure (BP) values. A strict intervention on weight control through diet and a healthy lifestyle from early ages might reduce the burden of CV morbidity in later years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Meli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Davide Leardini
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Maltoni
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Bitelli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Zarbo
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Cristina Bertulli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Luca Bernardini
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (C.Z.); (L.B.)
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (L.A.); (L.P.); (A.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Fabi M, Dondi A, Andreozzi L, Frazzoni L, Biserni GB, Ghiazza F, Dajti E, Zagari RM, Lanari M. Kawasaki disease, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and adenoviral infection: a scoring system to guide differential diagnosis. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4889-4895. [PMID: 37597046 PMCID: PMC10640425 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Children with Kawasaki disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Adenovirus infections (AI) of the upper respiratory tract show overlapping features. This study aims to develop a scoring system based on clinical or laboratory parameters to differentiate KD or MIS-C from AI patients. Ninety pediatric patients diagnosed with KD (n = 30), MIS-C (n = 26), and AI (n = 34) admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of S.Orsola University Hospital in Bologna, Italy, from April 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, and a scoring system was subsequently developed. A simple model (clinical score), including five clinical parameters, and a complex model (clinic-lab score), resulting from the addition of one laboratory parameter, were developed and yielded 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity with a score ≥2 and 98.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity with a score ≥3, respectively, for MIS-C and KD diagnosis, as compared to AI. CONCLUSION This scoring system, intended for both outpatients and inpatients, might limit overtesting, contribute to a more effective use of resources, and help the clinician not underestimate the true risk of KD or MIS-C among patients with an incidental Adenovirus detection. WHAT IS KNOWN • Kawasaki Disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and adenoviral infections share overlapping clinical presentation in persistently febrile children, making differential diagnosis challenging. • Scoring systems have been developed to identify high-risk KD patients and discriminate KD from MIS-C patients. WHAT IS NEW • This is the first scoring model based on clinical criteria to distinguish adenoviral infection from KD and MIS-C. • The score might be used by general pediatricians before referring febrile children to the emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Frazzoni
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Elton Dajti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Maurizio Zagari
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Martinelli E. An Electron Spin Resonance Study Comparing Nanometer-Nanosecond Dynamics in Diblock Copolymers and Their Poly(methyl Methacrylate) Binary Blends. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4195. [PMID: 37896439 PMCID: PMC10611165 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204195] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Block copolymers are a class of materials that are particularly interesting with respect to their capability to self-assemble in ordered structures. In this context, the coupling between environment and dynamics is particularly relevant given that movements at the molecular level influence various properties of macromolecules. Mixing the polymer with a second macromolecule appears to be an easy method for studying these relationships. In this work, we studied blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and a block copolymer composed of PMMA as the first block and poly(3-methyl-4-[6-(methylacryloyloxy)-hexyloxy]-4'-pentyloxy azobenzene) as the second block. The relaxational properties of these blends were investigated via electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, which is sensitive to nanometric length scales. The results of the investigations on the blends were related to the dynamic behavior of the copolymers. At the nanoscale, the study revealed the presence of heterogeneities, with slow and fast dynamics available for molecular reorientation, which are further modulated by the ability of the block copolymers to form supramolecular structures. For blends, the heterogeneities at the nanoscale were still detected. However, it was observed that the presence of the PMMA as a major component of the blends modified their dynamic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IPCF-CNR), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centro per l’Integrazione della Strumentazione dell’Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Elisa Martinelli
- CISUP, Centro per l’Integrazione della Strumentazione dell’Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Balestrieri E, Corinaldesi E, Fabi M, Cipriani C, Giudice M, Conti A, Minutolo A, Petrone V, Fanelli M, Miele MT, Andreozzi L, Guida F, Filice E, Meli M, Grelli S, Rasi G, Toschi N, Torcetta F, Matteucci C, Lanari M, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P. Preliminary Evidence of the Differential Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Kawasaki Disease and SARS-CoV-2-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15086. [PMID: 37894766 PMCID: PMC10606856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a postinfectious sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with some clinical features overlapping with Kawasaki disease (KD). Our research group and others have highlighted that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the activation of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in turn induces inflammatory and immune reactions, suggesting HERVs as contributing factors in COVID-19 immunopathology. With the aim to identify new factors involved in the processes underlying KD and MIS-C, we analysed the transcriptional levels of HERVs, HERV-related genes, and immune mediators in children during the acute and subacute phases compared with COVID-19 paediatric patients and healthy controls. The results showed higher levels of HERV-W, HERV-K, Syn-1, and ASCT-1/2 in KD, MIS-C, and COV patients, while higher levels of Syn-2 and MFSD2A were found only in MIS-C patients. Moreover, KD and MIS-C shared the dysregulation of several inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. Interestingly, in MIS-C patients, negative correlations have been found between HERV-W and IL-10 and between Syn-2 and IL-10, while positive correlations have been found between HERV-K and IL-10. In addition, HERV-W expression positively correlated with the C-reactive protein. This pilot study supports the role of HERVs in inflammatory diseases, suggesting their interplay with the immune system in this setting. The elevated expression of Syn-2 and MFSD2A seems to be a distinctive trait of MIS-C patients, allowing to distinguish them from KD ones. The understanding of pathological mechanisms can lead to the best available treatment for these two diseases, limiting complications and serious outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Elena Corinaldesi
- Pediatric Unit, Ramazzini Hospital, 41012 Carpi, Italy; (E.C.); (F.T.)
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Allegra Conti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Fiorentina Guida
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Emanuele Filice
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Matteo Meli
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Guido Rasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (N.T.)
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | | | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (F.G.); (E.F.); (M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.G.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (M.T.M.); (S.G.); (G.R.); (C.M.); (P.S.-V.)
- National Research Council, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Lanari M, Andreozzi L, Fabi M. Advances in Pediatric Cardiology Nutrition. Nutrients 2023; 15:2653. [PMID: 37375557 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular diseases is powerful and complex [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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8
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Pruccoli J, Biagi C, Andreozzi L, Fetta A, Sacrato L, Tartarini C, Cordelli DM, Lanari M. Clinical and psychopathological profiles of children with somatic symptom disorders in a pediatric emergency unit: an observational study before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:1731-1739. [PMID: 36757495 PMCID: PMC9909631 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04850-3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Somatic symptom disorders (SSDs) are a group of clinical conditions characterized by heterogeneous physical symptoms, not directly supported by a demonstrable organic process. Despite representing a growing problem in the pediatric age, the literature lacks studies assessing the psychopathological and clinical features of subjects with SSD, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This is a retrospective, observational study, involving two historical cohorts of children admitted to a tertiary referral Italian hospital over the 2 years preceding and following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Demographic, clinical, socio-economical, and psychological variables were investigated. Standardized tests for the developmental age were administered to assess psychopathological variables. Overall rates and trends of accesses for SSD, as compared to the total accesses for any cause at the Pediatric Emergency Room during the same periods, were reported as well. Fifty-one (pre-pandemic, 29; pandemic, 22) children with SSD were enrolled (age, 11.4 ± 2.4 years, F = 66.7%). Subjects in the pandemic historical cohort reported more frequently fever (p < 0.001), headache (p = 0.032), and asthenia (p < 0.001), as well as more chronic conditions in personal and family history, and fewer previous hospital accesses, as compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Depressed mood and anxious traits were documented in both samples. None of them had an ongoing or a previously reported SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the pandemic, a clinical psychologist was more frequently consulted before the hospital discharge to mental health services, to support the diagnosis. Conclusion: This study showed the significant burden of SSD in children, highlighting the need to implement pediatricians' education to optimize the management of these patients. Children with SSD who accessed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented specific clinical features. Future studies, conducted on longitudinal and controlled samples, are indicated to further investigate children with these conditions. What is Known: • Somatic symptoms disorders (SSDs) are frequent in the pediatric age, especially in early adolescence. • Evidence remains scarce on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on SSDs in children. What is New: • Children with SSD who accessed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented specific clinical features. • The implementation of pediatricians' education and a multidisciplinary approach are needed to optimize the management of SSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Pruccoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy ,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138 Italy
| | - Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy ,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacrato
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy ,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Department, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138 Italy
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9
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Fabi M, Petrovic B, Andreozzi L, Corinaldesi E, Filice E, Biagi C, Rizzello A, Mattesini BE, Bugani S, Lanari M. Circulating Endothelial Cells: A New Possible Marker of Endothelial Damage in Kawasaki Disease, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710106. [PMID: 36077506 PMCID: PMC9456219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kawasaki Disease (KD) and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) are pediatric diseases characterized by systemic inflammation and vascular injury, potentially leading to coronary artery lesions (CALs). Data on vascular injury occurring during acute COVID-19 (AC19) in children are still lacking. The aim of our study was to investigate endothelial injury in KD-, MIS-C- and AC19-dosing circulating endothelial cells (CECs). METHODS We conducted a multicenter prospective study. CECs were enumerated by CellSearch technology through the immunomagnetic capture of CD146-positive cells from whole blood. RESULTS We enrolled 9 KD, 20 MIS-C and 10 AC19. During the acute stage, the AC19 and KD patients had higher CECs levels than the MIS-C patients. From the acute to subacute phase, a significant CEC increase was observed in the KD patients, while a mild decrease was detected in the MIS-C patients. Cellular clusters/syncytia were more common in the KD patients. No correlation between CECs and CALs were found in the MIS-C patients. The incidence of CALs in the KD group was too low to investigate this correlation. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a possible role of CECs as biomarkers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in KD and MIS-C and different mechanisms of vascular injury in these diseases. Further larger studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Biljana Petrovic
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Emanuele Filice
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Rizzello
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Simone Bugani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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10
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Zama D, Leardini D, Biscardi L, Corsini I, Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Lanari M. Activity of a Pediatric Emergency Department of a Tertiary Center in Bologna, Italy, during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Pediatr Rep 2022; 14:366-374. [PMID: 36136082 PMCID: PMC9505070 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric14030043] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the pediatric emergency department (ED) of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy faced a reorganization to better deal with the new clinical needs. We herein describe the main changes in the organization and in the attendances to our pediatric ED. From the 1 March 2020 to the 31 January 2022, 796 children positive for SARS-CoV-2 presented to our pediatric ED, but only 26 required hospitalizations, of which only 9 for COVID-19 related reasons. During this period, we also registered a temporal correlation between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) admissions and the peaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Italian population. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remained during last year the viral infection with the highest hospitalization rate. The analysis and description of the changes in the activity of the pediatric ED during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may help to better understand the routinary activity and be prepared for any possible new challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Zama
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Leardini
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Biscardi
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-214-4231
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Unit of Pediatrics Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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11
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Pierantoni L, Stera G, Andreozzi L, Pellegrino F, Dondi A, Fabi M, Corsini I, Ghizzi C, Lanari M. Multicentre study revealed significant gaps between evidence-based recommendations for using corticosteroids for croup and clinical practice. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:2010-2016. [PMID: 35751481 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16468] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Adherence to croup management recommendations has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to describe the treatment patterns in two paediatric emergency departments and analyse the adherence to recommendations. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with croup in two Italian pediatric emergency departments in 2017. Data on clinical presentation, corticosteroid administration and home therapy were collected. Length of stay, hospitalisation and re-access rates were compared among different corticosteroid treatment groups. RESULTS We enrolled 632 patients (61.1% males) with a mean age of 42.8±55.1 months. Corticosteroids were administered to 403 (63.8%) children in the emergency departments. Dexamethasone was administered to 1 (0.4%) patient. Inhaled and oral corticosteroids were given to 342 (54.1%) and 226 (35.8%) patients, respectively. Home therapy was prescribed for 603 (95.4%) patients, either with inhaled (86.2%) and/or oral (43.8%) corticosteroids. The re-access rate was 2.8%. The actual pharmaceutical costs were an estimated 10 times higher than they would have been if the recommendations had been followed. CONCLUSION A significant gap between the evidence and clinical practice for croup treatment was observed. Improving adherence to the recommendations could lead to clinical and economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Stera
- Specialty School of Paediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrino
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsini
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
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12
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Fabi M, Filice E, Biagi C, Andreozzi L, Palleri D, Mattesini BE, Rizzello A, Gabrielli L, Ghizzi C, Di Luca D, Caramelli F, De Fanti A, Lanari M. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children: One Year after the Onset of the Pandemic in a High-Incidence Area. Viruses 2021; 13:2022. [PMID: 34696451 PMCID: PMC8541388 DOI: 10.3390/v13102022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection in children can trigger cardiovascular manifestations potentially requiring an intensive treatment and defining a new entity named Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), whose features partially overlap with Kawasaki Disease (KD). A cross-sectional study including all diagnoses of MIS-C and KD from April 2020 to May 2021 in our metropolitan area was conducted evaluating clinical, laboratory (including immunological response, cytokines, and markers of myocardial damage), and cardiac (coronary and non-coronary) features at onset of the diseases. Evolution of ventricular dysfunction, valve regurgitations, and coronary lesions was documented. The severity of the disease was also considered based on the need for inotropic support and ICU admission. Twenty-four MIS-C were diagnosed (14 boys, median age 82 months): 13/24 cases (54.17%) presented left ventricular dysfunction, 12/24 (50%) required inotropic support, and 10/24 (41.67%) developed coronary anomalies (CALs). All patients received steroids and IVIG at a median time of 5 days (IQR1:4, IQR3:6.5) from onset of fever and heart function normalized 6 days (IQR1: 5, IQR3: 7) after therapy, while CALs persisted in one. One patient (12.5%) required infliximab because of refractory disease and still presented CALs 18 days after therapy. During the same study period, 15 KD were diagnosed: none had ventricular dysfunction, while 7/15 (46.67%) developed CALs. Three out of 15 patients (20%) still presented CALs 46 days from onset. Compared to KD, MIS-C pts have significantly higher IL8 and similar lymphocytes subpopulations. Despite a more severe presentation and initial cardiac findings compared to KD, the myocardial injury in MIS-C has a rapid response to immunomodulatory treatment (median time 6 days), in terms of ventricular function, valve regurgitations, and troponin. Incidence of CALs is similar at onset, but it tends to regress in most of the cases of MIS-C differently than in KD where CALs persist in up to 40% in the subacute stage after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Emanuele Filice
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Daniela Palleri
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Bianca Elisa Mattesini
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Alessia Rizzello
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Microbiology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Chiara Ghizzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Daniela Di Luca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Caramelli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandro De Fanti
- Pediatrics Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Via Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.); (L.A.); (D.P.); (B.E.M.); (A.R.); (M.L.)
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13
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Pierantoni L, Andreozzi L, Ambretti S, Dondi A, Biagi C, Baccelli F, Lanari M. Three-Year Trend in Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance among Children's Urine Cultures in an Italian Metropolitan Area. Children (Basel) 2021; 8:children8070597. [PMID: 34356576 PMCID: PMC8303248 DOI: 10.3390/children8070597] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children, and Escherichia coli is the main pathogen responsible. Several guidelines, including the recently updated Italian guidelines, recommend amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) as a first-line antibiotic therapy in children with febrile UTIs. Given the current increasing rates of antibiotic resistance worldwide, this study aimed to investigate the three-year trend in the resistance rate of E. coli isolated from pediatric urine cultures (UCs) in a metropolitan area of northern Italy. We conducted a retrospective review of E. coli-positive, non-repetitive UCs collected in children aged from 1 month to 14 years, regardless of a diagnosis of UTI, catheter colonization, urine contamination, or asymptomatic bacteriuria. During the study period, the rate of resistance to AMC significantly increased from 17.6% to 40.2% (p < 0.001). Ciprofloxacin doubled its resistance rate from 9.1% to 16.3% (p = 0.007). The prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli rose from 3.9% to 9.2% (p = 0.015). The rate of resistance to other considered antibiotics remained stable, as did the prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases and extensively resistant E. coli among isolates. These findings call into question the use of AMC as a first-line therapy for pediatric UTIs in our population, despite the indications of recent Italian guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pierantoni
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Specialty School of Paediatrics—Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Simone Ambretti
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Arianna Dondi
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Carlotta Biagi
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Francesco Baccelli
- Specialty School of Paediatrics—Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Division of Pediatric Emergency, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.P.); (A.D.); (C.B.); (M.L.)
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14
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Fabi M, Filice E, Andreozzi L, Conti F, Gabrielli L, Balducci A, Vergine G, Cicero, MD C, Iughetti L, Guerzoni ME, Corinaldesi E, Lazzarotto T, Pession A, Lanari M. Spectrum of Cardiovascular Diseases in Children During High Peak Coronavirus Disease 2019 Period Infection in Northern Italy: Is There a Link? J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2020; 10:714-721. [PMID: 33283237 PMCID: PMC7798942 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piaa162] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have a milder clinical course than adults. We describe the spectrum of cardiovascular manifestations during a COVID-19 outbreak in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. METHODS A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed, including all patients diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD), myocarditis, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) from February to April 2020. KD patients were compared with those diagnosed before the epidemic. RESULTS KD: 8 patients (6/8 boys, all negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]): complete presentation in 5/8, 7/8 immunoglobulin (IVIG) responders, and 3/8 showed transient coronary lesions (CALs). Myocarditis: one 5-year-old girl negative for SARS-CoV-2 and positive for parvovirus B19. She responded to IVIG. MIS-C: 4 SARS-CoV-2-positive boys (3 patients with positive swab and serology and 1 patient with negative swab and positive serology): 3 presented myocardial dysfunction and pericardial effusion, and 1 developed multicoronary aneurysms and hyperinflammation; all responded to treatment. The fourth boy had mitral and aortic regurgitation that rapidly regressed after steroids. CONCLUSIONS KD, myocarditis, and MIS-C were distinguishable cardiovascular manifestations. KD did not show a more aggressive form compared with previous years: coronary involvement was frequent but always transient. MIS-C and myocarditis rapidly responded to treatment without cardiac sequelae despite high markers of myocardial injury at the onset, suggesting a myocardial depression due to systemic inflammation rather than focal necrosis. Evidence of actual or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was documented only in patients with MIS-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy,The corresponding author is Dr. Marianna Fabi, Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy. Via Massarenti 11. 40138 Bologna, Italy. Tel: +39 333 8351572. Fax +39 051 2143116.
| | - Emanuele Filice
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Conti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Liliana Gabrielli
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Balducci
- Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease Unit, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Cicero, MD
- Department of Pediatrics, AUSL, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Guerzoni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory of Virology, St. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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15
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Fabi M, Andreozzi L, Frabboni I, Dormi A, Corinaldesi E, Lami F, Cicero C, Tchana B, Francavilla R, Sprocati M, Bigucci B, Balsamo C, Valin PS, Di Fazzio G, Iughetti L, Valletta E, Marchetti F, Donti A, Lanari M. Non-coronary cardiac events, younger age, and IVIG unresponsiveness increase the risk for coronary aneurysms in Italian children with Kawasaki disease. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:1507-1514. [PMID: 32936425 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05331-w] [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: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most frequent cause of acquired heart disease in children in high-income countries because of coronary artery involvement. Risk factors for coronary lesions can vary in consideration of different genetic background and environmental factors. METHODS Multicenter retrospective and prospective study including 372 consecutive children (58% boys; mean age 34.3 ± 30.3 months, Caucasian 85%) was diagnosed with KD. We divided the cohort into 2 groups according to the presence of coronary anomalies (CAA) and aneurysms. We compared the groups and studied the risk factors for CAA and for aneurysms, the most severe lesions. RESULTS Children with CAA were 91/372 (24.46%, aneurysms 20/372, 5.37%). Children with CAA were more likely to have a longer duration of fever (p < 0.001), later day of treatment (p < 0.001), to be IVIG non-responders and late treated (p < 0.001), while age, clinical presentation, and seasonality were not different. They also had significantly higher WBC and neutrophils, lower lymphocytes, Hb and Na during the acute stage, and slower resolution of inflammation. Age, IVIG unresponsiveness, and presence of non-coronary cardiac findings were independent risk factors for CAA and for aneurysms, while neutrophils just for CAA. Age under 6 months was a risk factor for the aneurysm. Aneurysms occurred more frequently in the first quartile of the age of KD onset (under 14 months). CONCLUSION Very young children with non-coronary cardiac findings are at increased risk for a more severe form of KD with aneurysms. These children could benefit from adjunctive therapy beside IVIG, especially if they have higher markers of inflammation, particularly neutrophils. Key points • Risk factors for coronary lesions can vary in consideration of different genetic background and environmental factors. • Risk factors for coronary involvement have been extensively studied in the Asian population, and others have been validated in cohorts with mixed ethnicities. • In our predominantly Caucasian population, non-coronary cardiac findings, age younger than 6 months, and IVIG unresponsiveness are independent risk factors for a more severe form of KD with aneurysms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Frabboni
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ada Dormi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Lami
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Cicero
- Department of Pediatrics, AUSL, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Bertrand Tchana
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini Barilla, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Monica Sprocati
- Department of Pediatrics, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Sogno Valin
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria della Scaletta Hospital, Imola, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Fazzio
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Valletta
- Department of Pediatrics, G.B.Morgagni - L. Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy
| | - Federico Marchetti
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL della Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Andrea Donti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Corinaldesi E, Pavan V, Andreozzi L, Fabi M, Selvini A, Frabboni I, Lanzoni P, Paccagnella T, Lanari M. Environmental Factors and Kawasaki Disease Onset in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17051529. [PMID: 32120916 PMCID: PMC7084934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051529] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD)is an idiopathic acute febrile illness that primarily occurs in children <5 years of age and can lead to artery lesions if not promptly treated. Recent studies have shown possible correlations between KD onset and currents and air pollutants.The present study describes results on the correlation between environmental conditions, frequency, and variability ofKD onset in children under five years of age in Emilia-Romagna, a region of Northern Italy, over the period from 2000 to 2017. Since there are substantial climatic differences between the western-central (Emilia) and the eastern area (Romagna) of the region, the data for these areas are analyzed separately. The environmental factors considered are observed local surface daily temperature, daily precipitation, upper air wind regimes, and local air pollution. The results indicate that in Emilia-Romagna, KD onset occurs mainly during late autumn and early spring, which is in agreement with the literature. The frequency of KD onset in Emilia is significantly higher in months characterized by a high frequency of southerly flow, which is associated with milder than average night-time temperature, and in years with a prevailing south-westerly mean flow. These results are consistent with other studies, suggesting that certain wind conditions are more favorable for disease onset, which are possibly associated with one or more airborne agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Corinaldesi
- Pediatric Department, Ramazzini Hospital, Carpi, 41012 Modena, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Pavan
- Arpae-SIMC, Hydro-Meteo-Climate Service of the Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy (ARPAE), 40122 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Medical and Surgical Sciences Departement, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (I.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Medical and Surgical Sciences Departement, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (I.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Andrea Selvini
- Arpae-SIMC, Hydro-Meteo-Climate Service of the Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy (ARPAE), 40122 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
| | - Ilaria Frabboni
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Medical and Surgical Sciences Departement, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (I.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Paolo Lanzoni
- Pediatric Department, Ramazzini Hospital, Carpi, 41012 Modena, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Paccagnella
- Arpae-SIMC, Hydro-Meteo-Climate Service of the Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy (ARPAE), 40122 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (A.S.); (T.P.)
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Medical and Surgical Sciences Departement, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (I.F.); (M.L.)
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17
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Fabi M, Andreozzi L, Corinaldesi E, Bodnar T, Lami F, Cicero C, Tchana B, Landini C, Sprocati M, Bigucci B, Balsamo C, Sogno Valin P, Di Fazzio G, Iughetti L, Valletta E, Marchetti F, Donti A, Lanari M. Inability of Asian risk scoring systems to predict intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary lesions in Kawasaki disease in an Italian cohort. Eur J Pediatr 2019; 178:315-322. [PMID: 30499051 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Since resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is associated with coronary lesions (CALs) in Kawasaki disease (KD), it is crucial to identify patients at risk to protect them from coronary involvement. The available risk scores to predict IVIG resistance were developed in Asian populations in whom their effectiveness has been proven, but data on non-Asian children are limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of the Kobayashi, Egami, and Formosa risk scores to predict IVIG resistance and CALs in Italian patients with KD. A multicenter retrospective analysis involving children with KD diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 was carried out: 257 patients were enrolled (57.9% boys, 89.9% Caucasian); 43 patients were IVIG resistant (16.7%). The scores have low sensitivity and specificity in predicting IVIG resistance: respectively, KS 64% and 62.5%, ES 41.4% and 77.4%, and FS 70.8% and 44.9%. The predictive value of the 3 scores for predicting CALs was also poor.Conclusion: Kobayashi, Egami, and Formosa Scores are ineffective in predicting IVIG resistance and coronary involvement in a predominantly Caucasian cohort. A specific score system for mostly Caucasian children with KD is needed enable the early identification of those at risk for CALs who could benefit from intensified treatment. What is Known: • There are several risk scores developed in the Asian population to early identify patients with KD at risk for immunoglobulin-resistance and thus for coronary lesions. • Data are scarce on their effectiveness in non-Asian children. What is New: • We present a comprehensive analysis of the ability of 3 Asian risk scores in a cohort of mostly Caucasian children to predict immunoglobulin resistance and coronary involvement. • Low sensitivity and specificity of the Asian scores for immunoglobulin-resistance and coronary lesions suggest the need for criteria specific for different ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Fabi
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tetyana Bodnar
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Lami
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Cicero
- Department of Pediatrics, AUSL, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Bertrand Tchana
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini Barilla, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Landini
- Department of Pediatrics, Maggiore Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Sprocati
- Department of Pediatrics, Arcispedale Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Sogno Valin
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria della Scaletta Hospital, Imola, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Fazzio
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Valletta
- Department of Pediatrics, G.B.Morgagni - L. Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL della Romagna, Forlì, Italy
| | - Federico Marchetti
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL della Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Andrea Donti
- Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Department of Pediatrics, S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Andreozzi L, Giannetti A, Cipriani F, Caffarelli C, Mastrorilli C, Ricci G. Hypersensitivity reactions to food and drug additives: problem or myth? Acta Biomed 2019; 90:80-90. [PMID: 30830065 PMCID: PMC6502174 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i3-s.8168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK The possibility of an allergic reaction or an intolerance to additives is frequently suspected by parents, especially for chronic illness with frequent exacerbations such as atopic dermatitis or chronic urticaria. For more than 50 years, potential adverse reactions to additives have been suggested, but to date data are conflicting. The purpose of this article is to provide the clinicians with general information about additives and adverse reactions to them and to suggest a practical approach to children suspected to have reactions to food additives. METHODS We performed an extensive research on all English-language Medline articles, case reports and reviews published online until December 2018. Used search terms were: food additives, food dye, adverse reactions, food allergy, food hypersensitivity, intolerance, drugs, children. RESULTS There are only few case reports of adverse reactions in childhood with a clear involvement of additives. In this review article we reported the associations between additives and adverse reactions described in literature, in order to inform the pediatrician about the potential clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS Prior to suspect an adverse reaction to additives, it is important to rule out other possible causes: the diagnostic process is complicated and rarely conclusive. The gold standard is the double-blind placebo controlled oral challenge after an exclusion diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital.
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19
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Santoro A, Andreozzi L, Ricci G, Mastrorilli C, Caffarelli C. Allergic reactions to cow's milk proteins in medications in childhood. Acta Biomed 2019; 90:91-93. [PMID: 30830066 PMCID: PMC6502173 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i3-s.8169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cow's milk is a frequent trigger of allergic reactions in childhood. Cow's milk proteins can be present in pharmaceutical excipients. METHODS We have analyzed paediatric literature on allergic reactions to cow's milk proteins in medication, focusing on the different routes of administration (inhaled, parental and oral). RESULTS Dry-powder inhalers may contain lactose as excipient. Lactose can be rarely contaminated with milk proteins and it may induce allergic reactions in patients with cow's milk allergy. Case reports have described immediate hypersensitivity reactions to methylprednisolone sodium succinate 40 mg injection, a formulation that contains lactose as excipient. Some cases of anaphylaxis after receiving diphteria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine injection in children allergic to milk have been reported. Cow's milk proteins can be detected also in oral polio vaccine, certain probiotics and lactulose syrup. CONCLUSIONS We suggest caution in administration of pharmaceuticals containing milk allergens in children allergic to milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Santoro
- Clinica Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Università di Parma, Italy.
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20
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De Rosa G, Andreozzi L, Piastra M, Castelli B, Rigante D. Acute myocarditis as a revealing clue of complete Kawasaki disease. Reumatismo 2018; 70:115-116. [PMID: 29976047 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2018.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- G De Rosa
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Zulli
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Andreozzi L, Bracci B, D'Errico F, Rigante D. A master role for neutrophils in Kawasaki syndrome. Immunol Lett 2017; 184:112-114. [PMID: 28219676 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bracci
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Errico
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Cimini D, Corte KD, Finamore R, Andreozzi L, Stellavato A, Pirozzi AVA, Ferrara F, Formisano R, De Rosa M, Chino M, Lista L, Lombardi A, Pavone V, Schiraldi C. Production of human pro-relaxin H2 in the yeast Pichia pastoris. BMC Biotechnol 2017; 17:4. [PMID: 28088197 PMCID: PMC5237503 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-016-0319-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Initially known as the reproductive hormone, relaxin was shown to possess other therapeutically useful properties that include extracellular matrix remodeling, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic and angiogenic effects. All these findings make relaxin a potential drug for diverse medical applications. Its precursor, pro-relaxin, is an 18 kDa protein, that shows activity in in vitro assays. Since extraction of relaxin from animal tissues raises several issues, prokaryotes and eukaryotes were both used as expression systems for recombinant relaxin production. Most productive results were obtained when using Escherichia coli as a host for human relaxin expression. However, in such host, relaxin precipitated in the form of inclusion bodies and, therefore, required several expensive recovery steps as cell lysis, refolding and reduction. Results To overcome the issues related to prokaryotic expression here we report the production and purification of secreted human pro-relaxin H2 by using the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris as expression host. The methanol inducible promoter AOX1 was used to drive expression of the native and histidine tagged forms of pro-relaxin H2 in dual phase fed-batch experiments on the 22 L scale. Both protein forms presented the correct structure, as determined by mass spectrometry and western blotting analyses, and demonstrated to be biologically active in immune enzymatic assays. The presence of the tag allowed to simplify pro-relaxin purification obtaining higher purity. Conclusions This work presents a strategy for microbial production of recombinant human pro-relaxin H2 in Pichia pastoris that allowed the obtainment of biologically active pro-hormone, with a final concentration in the fermentation broth ranging between 10 and 14 mg/L of product, as determined by densitometric analyses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-016-0319-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cimini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - K Della Corte
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - R Finamore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - L Andreozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - A Stellavato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - A V A Pirozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Ferrara
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - R Formisano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Chino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia I, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - L Lista
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia I, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lombardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia I, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - V Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia I, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - C Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Second University of Naples and University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via de Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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24
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Tarantino G, Esposito S, Andreozzi L, Bracci B, D'Errico F, Rigante D. Lung Involvement in Children with Hereditary Autoinflammatory Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17122111. [PMID: 27983684 PMCID: PMC5187911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-lived systemic inflammatory reactions arising from disrupted rules in the innate immune system are the operating platforms of hereditary autoinflammatory disorders (HAIDs). Multiple organs may be involved and aseptic inflammation leading to disease-specific phenotypes defines most HAIDs. Lungs are infrequently involved in children with HAIDs: the most common pulmonary manifestation is pleuritis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), respectively caused by mutations in the MEFV and TNFRSF1A genes, while interstitial lung disease can be observed in STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), caused by mutations in the TMEM173 gene. The specific pleuropulmonary diseases may range from sub-clinical abnormalities during inflammatory flares of FMF and TRAPS to a severe life-threatening disorder in children with SAVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusyda Tarantino
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Bracci
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca D'Errico
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Andreozzi L, Galli G, Giordano M, Martinelli E, Zulli F. Heterogeneity and Dynamics in Azobenzene Methacrylate Random and Block Copolymers: A Nanometer–Nanosecond Study by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy. Macromolecules 2015. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b01520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Andreozzi
- Department
of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Galli
- Department
of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa and INSTM, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Giordano
- Department
of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Martinelli
- Department
of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa and INSTM, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Zulli
- Department
of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and IPCF-CNR, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Pighin S, Savadori L, Bonini N, Andreozzi L, Savoldelli A, Schena F. Acute Exercise Increases Sex Differences in Amateur Athletes' Risk Taking. Int J Sports Med 2015; 36:858-63. [PMID: 26090877 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1398677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The research presented here investigates the interaction between acute exercise, biological sex and risk-taking behavior. The study involved 20 amateur athletes (19-33 years old), 10 males and 10 females, who were asked to undergo subsequent experimental sessions designed to compare their risky behaviors on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) 34 at rest and while exercising at moderate intensity (60% of their maximal aerobic power). Results showed that physical exercise affected male and female participants differently: Whereas males became more risk seeking, females became more risk averse during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pighin
- University of Verona, Research Center "Sport, Mountain and Health", Trento, Italy
| | - L Savadori
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - N Bonini
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - L Andreozzi
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - A Savoldelli
- University of Verona, Research Center "Sport, Mountain and Health", Trento, Italy
| | - F Schena
- University of Verona, Research Center "Sport, Mountain and Health", Trento, Italy
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Esposito S, Bianchini S, Fastiggi M, Fumagalli M, Andreozzi L, Rigante D. Geoepidemiological hints about Streptococcus pyogenes strains in relationship with acute rheumatic fever. Autoimmun Rev 2015; 14:616-21. [PMID: 25772310 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains are lately classified on the basis of sequence variations in the emm gene encoding the M protein, but despite the high number of distinct emm genotypes, the spectrum of phenotypes varying from invasive suppurative to non-suppurative GAS-related disorders has still to be defined. The relationship of GAS types with the uprising of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a multisystemic disease caused by misdirected anti-GAS response in predisposed people, is also obscure. Studies published over the last 15 years were retrieved from PubMed using the keywords: "Streptococcus pyogenes" or "group A Streptococcus" and "acute rheumatic fever": the prevalence of peculiar emm types across different countries of the world is highly variable, depending on research designs, year of observation, country involved, patients' age, and gender. Most studies revealed that a relatively small number of specific emm/M protein types can be considered "rheumatogenic", as potentially characterized by the possibility of inducing ARF, with remarkable differences between developing and developed countries. The association between emm types and post-streptococcal manifestations is challenging, however surveillance of disease-causing variants in a specific community with high rate of ARF should be reinforced with the final goal of developing a potential primary prophylaxis against GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Bianchini
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Fastiggi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
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De Maddi F, Sottile R, Andreozzi L, Rigante D. Deep thrombophlebitis masked by peripheral arthritis in Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Int J Rheum Dis 2014; 19:1357-1358. [PMID: 25496261 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Maddi
- Department of Pediatrics, Santobono-Pausilipon Children Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Sottile
- Department of Pediatrics, Santobono-Pausilipon Children Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Rigante D, Lopalco G, Vitale A, Lucherini OM, De Clemente C, Caso F, Emmi G, Costa L, Silvestri E, Andreozzi L, Iannone F, Galeazzi M, Cantarini L. Key facts and hot spots on tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome. Clin Rheumatol 2014; 33:1197-207. [PMID: 24935411 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-014-2722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), formerly known as familial Hibernian fever, is the most common autosomal dominant autoinflammatory disease, resulting from mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene, encoding the 55-kD tumor necrosis factor receptor. The pathophysiologic mechanism of TRAPS remains ambiguous and only partially explained. The onset age of the syndrome is variable and the clinical scenery is characterized by recurrent episodes of high-grade fever that typically lasts 1-3 weeks, associated with migrating myalgia, pseudocellulitis, diffuse abdominal pain, appendicitis-like findings, ocular inflammatory signs, and risk of long-term amyloidosis. Fever episodes are responsive to high-dose corticosteroids, but different classes of drugs have been reported to be ineffective. The use of etanercept is unable to control systemic inflammation, while interleukin-1 blockade has been shown as effective in the control of disease activity in many patients reported so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Puleo G, Zulli F, Piovanelli M, Giordano M, Mazzolai B, Beccai L, Andreozzi L. Mechanical and rheological behavior of pNIPAAM crosslinked macrohydrogel. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Andreozzi L, Galli G, Giordano M, Zulli F. A Rheological Investigation of Entanglement in Side-Chain Liquid-Crystalline Azobenzene Polymethacrylates. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma400260n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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)
- L. Andreozzi
- Department of Physics “E.
Fermi”, University of Pisa, Pisa,
Italy
- IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Galli
- Department
of Chemistry and
Industrial Chemistry and INSTM, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Giordano
- Department of Physics “E.
Fermi”, University of Pisa, Pisa,
Italy
- IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Zulli
- Department of Physics “E.
Fermi”, University of Pisa, Pisa,
Italy
- IPCF-CNR, Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Giordano M, Zulli F. Length scales and dynamics in the reorientational relaxation of tracers in molecular and polymeric glass formers via electron spin resonance spectroscopy. J Phys Chem B 2010; 114:12833-9. [PMID: 20860386 DOI: 10.1021/jp106798c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that a temperature region exists above the glass transition temperature, playing a fundamental role in the physics of polymers and glass formers. In this region, several dynamic crossovers have been experimentally and numerically revealed in the past years and the onset of glassy behavior is generally located, because of cooperative and heterogeneous features exhibited by the dynamics. In this Article, the rotational dynamics of two different stiff molecular spin probes dissolved in poly(propylene glycol) has been investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy in a wide temperature range. Decoupling phenomena between macroscopic and microscopic transport properties have been observed in the crossover region. A comparison with previous studies carried out with the same tracers dissolved in different polymers and glass formers strongly supports the idea that the observed crossover signals the onset of spatial correlations of dynamics on the length scale probed by the tracers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica Enrico Fermi, Università di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Augier S, Coiai S, Passaglia E, Ciardelli F, Zulli F, Andreozzi L, Giordano M. Structure and rheology of polypropylene with various architectures prepared by coagent-assisted radical processing. POLYM INT 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.2942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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35
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Restaino O, Vinciguerra S, Carcarino L, Andreozzi L, Alfano A, Cimini D, De Mattia R, Schiraldi C. Molecular weight studies on chondroitin-like microbial capsular polysaccharides. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.721] [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: 10/20/2022]
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36
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Hvala M, Giordano M. Short-time rotational relaxation in supercooled and glassy o-terphenyl: A nonlinear electron spin resonance study by using molecular probes with different symmetries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/13642819908223087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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)
- L. Andreozzi
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Universitá di Pisa, Piazza Torricelli 2 , I-56126 , Pisa , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica delia Materia , UdR Pisa, Pisa , Italy
| | - M. Faetti
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Universitá di Pisa, Piazza Torricelli 2 , I-56126 , Pisa , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica delia Materia , UdR Pisa, Pisa , Italy
| | - M. Hvala
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Universitá di Pisa, Piazza Torricelli 2 , I-56126 , Pisa , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica delia Materia , UdR Pisa, Pisa , Italy
| | - M. Giordano
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Universitá di Pisa, Piazza Torricelli 2 , I-56126 , Pisa , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica delia Materia , UdR Pisa, Pisa , Italy
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Andreozzi L, Di Schino A, Giordano M, Leporini D. Electron spin resonance studies of the enhanced rotation and the fractional Debye—Stokes—Einstein law in polymeric liquid crystals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/13642819808204983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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)
- L. Andreozzi
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Università di Pisa , Piazza Torricelli 2, Pisa , I-56100 , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica per la Materia , UdR, Pisa , Italy
| | - A. Di Schino
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Università di Pisa , Piazza Torricelli 2, Pisa , I-56100 , Italy
| | - M. Giordano
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Università di Pisa , Piazza Torricelli 2, Pisa , I-56100 , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica per la Materia , UdR, Pisa , Italy
| | - D. Leporini
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Università di Pisa , Piazza Torricelli 2, Pisa , I-56100 , Italy
- b Istituto Nazionale di Fisica per la Materia , UdR, Pisa , Italy
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Salmerón Sanchez M, Gómez Ribelles JL. Phenomenological theory of structural relaxation based on a thermorheologically complex relaxation time distribution. Eur Phys J E Soft Matter 2008; 27:87-97. [PMID: 19230229 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2008-10355-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to explore the consequences on the kinetics of structural relaxation of considering a glass-forming system to consist of a series of small but macroscopic relaxing regions that evolve independently from each other towards equilibrium in the glassy state. The result of this assumption is a thermorheologically complex model. In this approach each relaxing zone has been assumed to follow the Scherer-Hodge model for structural relaxation (with the small modification of taking a linear dependence of configurational heat capacity with temperature). The model thus developed contains four fitting parameters. A least-squares search routine has been used to find the set of model parameters that fit simultaneously four DSC thermograms in PVAc after different thermal histories. The computer-simulated curves are compared with those obtained with Scherer-Hodge model and the model proposed by Gómez and Monleón. The evolution of the relaxation times during cooling or heating scans and also during isothermal annealing below the glass transition has been analysed. It has been shown that the relaxation times distribution narrows in the glassy state with respect to equilibrium. Isothermal annealing causes this distribution to broaden during the process to finally attain in equilibrium the shape defined at temperatures above Tg.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Andreozzi
- Department of Physics E. Fermi, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Autiero C, Faetti M, Galli G, Giordano M, Zulli F. Enthalpy Relaxation of Polymers: On the Possible Role of Liquid-Crystalline Order. Macromol Rapid Commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.200800082] [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: 11/09/2022]
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Andreozzi L, Autiero C, Faetti M, Zulli F. Structural relaxation of an unentangled polymer in terms of a simple phenomenological approach. J Chem Phys 2007; 127:084909. [PMID: 17764296 DOI: 10.1063/1.2762213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The enthalpy relaxation mechanism of a low molecular weight synthesis of polymethylmethacrylate was investigated by means of calorimetric experiments. The data were analyzed in terms of a kinetic approach treating nonlinearity in a different manner with respect to the Tool-Narayanaswamy-Moynihan model. The relaxation isotherms recorded at four different temperatures were well reproduced by this approach that, however, failed in describing the relaxation asymmetry towards the equilibrium after opposite temperature jumps. A modification of the model was proposed with an additional free parameter accounting for the stretching of the relaxation function. In this way all the experimental data were reproduced fairly well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Physics Department, University of Pisa and Polylab CNR/I.N.F.M, Largo B. Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Cianflone F, Galli G, Giordano M, Leporini D. Debye-Stokes-Einstein Fractional Law in a Polymeric Liquid Crystal: A Non-Linear ESR Study by Using Spin Probes with Different Symmetries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/10587259608031886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Andreozzi
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Piazza Torricelli 2, I-56126 , Pisa , Italia
| | - F. Cianflone
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Piazza Torricelli 2, I-56126 , Pisa , Italia
| | - G. Galli
- b Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale , Via Risorgimento 35, I-56126 , Pisa , Italia
| | - M. Giordano
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Piazza Torricelli 2, I-56126 , Pisa , Italia
| | - D. Leporini
- a Dipartimento di Fisica , Piazza Torricelli 2, I-56126 , Pisa , Italia
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Andreozzi L, Autiero C, Faetti M, Giordano M, Zulli F. Dynamic crossovers and activated regimes in a narrow distribution poly(n-butyl acrylate): an ESR study. J Phys Condens Matter 2006; 18:6481-6492. [PMID: 21690848 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/18/28/004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The rotational dynamics of the spin probe cholestane dissolved in a narrow distribution poly(n-butyl acrylate) sample has been investigated via electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out in a wide temperature range: different dynamic regions have been recognized, and the coupling of the probe dynamics to the α and secondary relaxations has been revealed. In particular, the coupling with the structural relaxation is ruled by two fractionary Vogel-Fulcher laws (VF). The crossover from one VF region to the other occurs at the temperature T(C) = 1.17T(g), signalling the onset of the cooperativity in the dynamics and confirming a behaviour previously observed in ESR studies carried out on polymeric glass-formers. Furthermore, in this work we discuss the activated regime at the highest temperatures and show that the activation energy does not depend on the length of the polymer main- and side-chains, while its onset temperature linearly depends on the chain length.
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Andreozzi L, Castelvetro V, Faetti M, Giordano M, Zulli F. Rheological and Thermal Properties of Narrow Distribution Poly(ethyl acrylate)s. Macromolecules 2006. [DOI: 10.1021/ma052190+] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Andreozzi L, Castelvetro V, Ciardelli G, Corsi L, Faetti M, Fatarella E, Zulli F. Free radical generation upon plasma treatment of cotton fibers and their initiation efficiency in surface-graft polymerization. J Colloid Interface Sci 2005; 289:455-65. [PMID: 16112228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2005] [Revised: 03/25/2005] [Accepted: 03/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Low-temperature plasma was used to activate mercerized cotton fabrics, to be followed by grafting with various methacrylates. Careful analysis of the experimental electron spin resonance (ESR) lineshapes of cotton samples treated at different RF powers made it possible to recognize and quantify four different species of free radicals still persistent 30 h after irradiation in the samples maintained under inert atmosphere. The decay rate of these species at room temperature was also evaluated with the analysis of the time evolution of the ESR spectra. The nature of the free radical species actually involved in the monomer grafting reaction has been discussed for cotton fabrics prepared under different plasma treatment conditions by analyzing the ESR lineshapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica "E. Fermi," largo B. Pontecorvo 3, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Physics Department of the University of Pisa and I.N.F.M U.d.R. Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Faetti
- Physics Department of the University of Pisa and I.N.F.M U.d.R. Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Physics Department of the University of Pisa and I.N.F.M U.d.R. Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Zulli
- Physics Department of the University of Pisa and I.N.F.M U.d.R. Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Zulli F, Giordano M. Connecting Shear Stress Relaxation and Enthalpy Recovery in Polymers through a Modified TNM Approach. Macromolecules 2004. [DOI: 10.1021/ma049334p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Andreozzi
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E. Fermi” and INFM, Università di Pisa, via F. Buonarroti 2, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Faetti
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E. Fermi” and INFM, Università di Pisa, via F. Buonarroti 2, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Zulli
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E. Fermi” and INFM, Università di Pisa, via F. Buonarroti 2, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Giordano
- Dipartimento di Fisica “E. Fermi” and INFM, Università di Pisa, via F. Buonarroti 2, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Giordano M, Palazzuoli D, Zulli F. Enthalpy Relaxation in Polymers: A Comparison among Different Multiparameter Approaches Extending the TNM/AGV Model. Macromolecules 2003. [DOI: 10.1021/ma0347870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and INFM UdR Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Faetti
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and INFM UdR Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and INFM UdR Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Palazzuoli
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and INFM UdR Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Zulli
- Department of Physics “E. Fermi”, University of Pisa and INFM UdR Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Faetti M, Giordano M, Palazzuoli D. Physical Aging in Side-Chain Liquid Crystal Polymers: A DSC Investigation of the Enthalpy Relaxation. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma020602y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreozzi
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy, and INFM UdR Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Faetti
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy, and INFM UdR Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Giordano
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy, and INFM UdR Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Palazzuoli
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy, and INFM UdR Pisa, Via F. Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Andreozzi L, Federico C, Motta S, Saccone S, Sazanova AL, Sazanov AA, Smirnov AF, Galkina SA, Lukina NA, Rodionov AV, Carels N, Bernardi G. Compositional mapping of chicken chromosomes and identification of the gene-richest regions. Chromosome Res 2002; 9:521-32. [PMID: 11721951 DOI: 10.1023/a:1012436900788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
'Compositional chromosomal mapping', namely the assessment of the GC level of chromosomal bands, led to the identification, in the human chromosomes, of the GC-richest H3+ bands and of the GC-poorest L1+ bands, which were so called on the basis of the isochore family predominantly present in the bands. The isochore organization of the avian genome is very similar to those of most mammals, the only difference being the presence of an additional, GC-richest, H4 isochore family. In contrast, the avian karyotypes are very different from those of mammals, being characterized, in most species, by few macrochromosomes and by a large number of microchromosomes. The 'compositional mapping' of chicken mitotic and meiotic chromosomes by in-situ hybridization of isochore families showed that the chicken GC-richest isochores are localized not only on a large number of microchromosomes but also on almost all telomeric bands of macrochromosomes. On the other hand, the GC-poorest isochores are generally localized on the internal regions of macrochromosomes and are almost absent in microchromosomes. Thus, the distinct localization of the GC-richest and the GC-poorest bands observed on human chromosomes appears to be a general feature of chromosomes from warm-blooded vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Andreozzi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, University of Catania, Italy
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