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Drago L, Iemoli E, Rodighiero V, Nicola L, De Vecchi E, Piconi S. Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) treatment on adult atopic dermatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 24:1037-48. [PMID: 22230409 DOI: 10.1177/039463201102400421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by xerosis, pruritus and eczema. The role of probiotics in the prevention and the treatment of AD have been extensively studied in children with controversial results while there are few studies on an adult population. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the intake of a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus salivarius LS01) in the treatment of adult patients with AD. A group of 38 patients was treated with probiotics or placebo (maltodextrin) for 16 weeks. The study was performed from January (T0) to May, 2009 (T16). The assessment of efficacy was based on change in SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) index, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) improvement, cytokine production by PBMCs and ability to modify faecal microbial flora. No significant adverse events were recorded during the study. Patients treated with probiotics showed a statistically improvement of both clinical parameters (SCORAD p<0.0001 and DLQI p= 0.021) at the end of treatment (T16) compared with the placebo group. Furthermore, after four months of treatment there was a significant reduction of Th1 cytokines (IL-12+IFNgamma) (p= 0.03) and Th1/Th2 ratio (IL-12+IFNgamma/IL-4+IL-5) (p= 0.019) only in placebo-treated patients. A statistically relevant decrease of staphylococci in faeces of the probiotictreated group was also observed at the end of treatment. In our study, the administration of L. salivarius LS01 was well tolerated and was associated with a significant improvement of clinical manifestation and QoL. This probiotic strain could have an important role in modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles and could be considered as an important adjunctive therapy in the treatment of adult AD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial |
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Temporiti MEE, Nicola L, Nielsen E, Tosi S. Fungal Enzymes Involved in Plastics Biodegradation. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1180. [PMID: 35744698 PMCID: PMC9230134 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing environmental problem, in part due to the extremely stable and durable nature of this polymer. As recycling does not provide a complete solution, research has been focusing on alternative ways of degrading plastic. Fungi provide a wide array of enzymes specialized in the degradation of recalcitrant substances and are very promising candidates in the field of plastic degradation. This review examines the present literature for different fungal enzymes involved in plastic degradation, describing their characteristics, efficacy and biotechnological applications. Fungal laccases and peroxidases, generally used by fungi to degrade lignin, show good results in degrading polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), while esterases such as cutinases and lipases were successfully used to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PUR). Good results were also obtained on PUR by fungal proteases and ureases. All these enzymes were isolated from many different fungi, from both Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes, and have shown remarkable efficiency in plastic biodegradation under laboratory conditions. Therefore, future research should focus on the interactions between the genes, proteins, metabolites and environmental conditions involved in the processes. Further steps such as the improvement in catalytic efficiency and genetic engineering could lead these enzymes to become biotechnological applications in the field of plastic degradation.
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Review |
3 |
64 |
3
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Mombelli B, Nicola L, Valli M, Gismondo MR. Activity of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin against urinary pathogens. J Antimicrob Chemother 2001; 48:37-45. [PMID: 11418511 DOI: 10.1093/jac/48.1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compares the antibacterial activities of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin against recently isolated urinary tract pathogens, by evaluating their MICs and MBCs in accordance with NCCLS susceptibility tests, time-kill curves and interference with bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. A total of 200 clinical isolates was tested, including the species Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin and only one was resistant to ciprofloxacin, and there were no differences between beta-lactamase-positive and -negative strains. K. pneumoniae strains resistant to ciprofloxacin were also resistant to levofloxacin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus seemed to be less susceptible than methicillin-susceptible strains to these quinolones. S. epidermidis strains were susceptible to levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, with the exception of two isolates. Incubation of S. aureus and E. coli with subinhibitory antimicrobial concentrations reduced their capacity to adhere to uroepithelial cells; this was statistically significant at 0.25 x MIC with respect to controls (P < 0.05). Inhibition of adhesion ranged from 36 to 43% when bacteria were incubated in the presence of 0.25 x MIC of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, and from 10 to 27% at 0.125 x MIC. These findings suggest that levofloxacin is an effective alternative to ciprofloxacin in the treatment of urinary tract infections and that sub-inhibitory concentrations may contribute to efficacy.
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4
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Longa C, Nicola L, Antonielli L, Mescalchin E, Zanzotti R, Turco E, Pertot I. Soil microbiota respond to green manure in organic vineyards. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:1547-1560. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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8 |
39 |
5
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Nicola L, Tosi S, Savini D. In vitroevaluation of nematophagous activity of fungal isolates. J Basic Microbiol 2013; 54:1-5. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201200431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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12 |
25 |
6
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Gismondo M. In vitro antimicrobial activity of a novel propolis formulation (Actichelated propolis). J Appl Microbiol 2007; 103:1914-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03421.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18 |
25 |
7
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Drago L, Nicola L, Rodighiero V, Larosa M, Mattina R, De Vecchi E. Comparative evaluation of synergy of combinations of -lactams with fluoroquinolones or a macrolide in Streptococcus pneumoniae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66:845-849. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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14 |
21 |
8
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Francesco P, Nicola L. Nosological difference between the Bartsocas-Papas syndrome and lethal multiple pterygium syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 1988; 29:699-700. [PMID: 3377016 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.1320290338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Letter |
37 |
16 |
9
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De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Ossola F, Drago L. In vitro selection of resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae at in vivo fluoroquinolone concentrations. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 63:721-7. [PMID: 19218275 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkp020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the ability to select for resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae of levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin. METHODS Twenty strains of S. pneumoniae susceptible to fluoroquinolones were used. The frequencies of spontaneous single-step mutations at plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) peak and trough antibiotic concentrations were calculated. Multi-step selection of resistance was evaluated by performing 10 serial subcultures on agar plates containing a linear gradient from peak to trough antimicrobial concentrations, followed by 10 subcultures on antibiotic-free agar. Resistant strains selected after multi-step selection were characterized for DNA mutations by sequencing gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE genes. RESULTS Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin showed the lowest frequencies of mutations (median <10(-11)) at plasma peak and at ELF concentrations, while medians ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-6) were observed for ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin. In a multi-step selection assay, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin selected for the highest number of resistant strains (19 and 31, respectively). No selection of resistance was observed for levofloxacin at ELF concentrations and for moxifloxacin at plasma and ELF concentrations. Mutations in parC, parE and gyrA genes were found in ciprofloxacin- and prulifloxacin-resistant strains, while only parC mutations were found for levofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin are characterized by a lower propensity to select in vitro for resistance in S. pneumoniae than ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin, when tested at plasma and lung concentrations.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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10
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De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Zanini S, Drago L. In VitroScreening of Probiotic Characteristics of Some Italian Products. J Chemother 2013; 20:341-7. [DOI: 10.1179/joc.2008.20.3.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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12 |
14 |
11
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Drago L, De vecchi E, Nicola L, Colombo A, Gismondo M. Microbiological Evaluation of Commercial Probiotic Products Available in Italy. J Chemother 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/joc.2004.16.5.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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12 |
12 |
12
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Drago L, Nicola L, Ossola F, De Vecchi E. In vitro antiviral activity of resveratrol against respiratory viruses. J Chemother 2008; 20:393-4. [PMID: 18606601 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2008.20.3.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Letter |
17 |
12 |
13
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Valli M, Gismondo MR. Effects of subinhibitory concentrations of ibuprofen isobuthanolammonium on virulence factors of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. J Chemother 2002; 14:314-5. [PMID: 12120890 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2002.14.3.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Letter |
23 |
12 |
14
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Drago L, Nicola L, De Vecchi E. A comparative in-vitro evaluation of resistance selection after exposure to teicoplanin, vancomycin, linezolid and quinupristin–dalfopristin in Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14:608-11. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.01993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17 |
10 |
15
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Olowe OM, Nicola L, Asemoloye MD, Akanmu AO, Babalola OO. Trichoderma: Potential bio-resource for the management of tomato root rot diseases in Africa. Microbiol Res 2022; 257:126978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.126978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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3 |
9 |
16
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Legnani D, Lombardi A, Gismondo MR. In vitro synergy and selection of resistance by fluoroquinolones plus amikacin or beta-lactams against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. J Chemother 2005; 17:46-53. [PMID: 15828443 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2005.17.1.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the potential synergy of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in combination with cefepime, ceftazidime, imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam or amikacin, against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli by using checkerboard and time kill studies. Moreover, selection of resistance was determined by frequency of mutations and by calculating the increase in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) after five serial subcultures on antibiotic-containing plates. Synergy occurred more often with levofloxacin combined with imipenem (7/10 strains) and with levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin with amikacin (10/10) than for the other combinations. Time kill studies showed synergy for levofloxacin combined with amikacin, ceftazidime, imipenem or piperacillin/tazobactam, and for ciprofloxacin combined with amikacin, cefepime or imipenem. Antibiotic combinations selected for resistance less frequently than antibiotics alone. Mutation frequency was <10(-12) for all combinations. In conclusion, the combination of a fluoroquinolone with a beta-lactam or amikacin may provide improved antimicrobial activity and help limit the occurrence of resistance in ESBL-producing E. coli strains.
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Journal Article |
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17
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Tocalli L, Gismondo MR. Effect of Moxifloxacin on Bacterial Pathogenicity Factors in Comparison with Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin and Ceftriaxone. J Chemother 2013; 16:30-7. [PMID: 15077996 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2004.16.1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Moxifloxacin is a recent fluoroquinolone with an antibacterial spectrum encompassing both aerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, as well as anaerobic bacteria. In this study the activity of moxifloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and effects of subinhibitory concentrations on bacterial morphology and adhesion properties were compared with those of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and ceftriaxone. The in vitro activity of moxifloxacin against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens was equal to or better than that of comparators. Subinhibitory concentrations of moxifloxacin significantly affected bacterial morphology of S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, H. influenzae and P. aeruginosa, leading to formation of spherical forms and filaments. Moreover, bacterial adhesion to buccal cells and fibroblasts was reduced after treatment with 1/4 and 1/8 X MIC of moxifloxacin. In conclusion, subinhibitory concentrations of moxifloxacin remarkably interfere with some bacterial pathogenic factors, thereby contributing to its antimicrobial activity.
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18
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Legnani D, Gismondo MR. Kinetic bactericidal activity of telithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin against respiratory pathogens. APMIS 2006; 113:655-63. [PMID: 16309423 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2005.apm_195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study assessed the comparative in vitro killing kinetics of telithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined against Streptococcus pneumoniae, beta-haemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis strains characterized by different susceptibilities to beta-lactams and macrolides. For each bacterial species, representative strains were chosen for time-kill studies. Telithromycin showed high activity against all the tested strains with MIC ranging from < or = 0.004 to 0.5 mg/L for streptococci, from 0.008 to 8 mg/L for H. influenzae, and from 0.008 to 0.5 mg/L for M. catarrhalis. In time-kill studies, telithromycin showed an overall superior bactericidal activity in respect to macrolides, particularly against resistant strains. In conclusion, telithromycin proved to possess bactericidal activity against a wide range of respiratory pathogens, including strains resistant to common macrolides.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
19 |
7 |
19
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Landínez-Torres AY, Becerra Abril JL, Tosi S, Nicola L. Soil Microfungi of the Colombian Natural Regions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228311. [PMID: 33182736 PMCID: PMC7698138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although Colombia was one of the first tropical countries where an effort was made to gather mycological flora, contributions to the taxonomy, diversity, and ecology of soil microfungi are still scarce. In this study, the diversity of soil microfungi was studied collecting data from literature according to the Colombian natural regions: Andean, Amazonian, Caribbean, Orinoquía, Pacific, and Insular. The majority of the records comes from the Andean region, the most accessible to research. The other regions have been much less studied, with the Insular one with no data at all. International literature reported, up to now, ca. 300 different species of soil microfungi belonging to 126 different genera and 6 phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota Mucoromycota, Glomeromycota, Mortierellomycota, and Olpidiomycota). Vescicular-Arbuscular fungi were widely investigated with Acaulospora and Glomus, the most recorded genera with ca. 20 species each. Ascomycota was the most diverse phylum with Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Fusarium representing the majority. Mortierella is strongly present in Mortierellomycota, and in the panorama of all recorded fungi, too. The other phyla and genera were less recorded. It is, therefore, evident the need to continue studying the soil microfungi in Colombia to have a better understanding of soil functioning and its ecosystem services.
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Review |
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5 |
20
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De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Zucchetti E, Drago L. In VitroInduction of Resistance by Tissue Concentrations of Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Cefixime and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in Clinical Isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenes. J Chemother 2013; 18:379-88. [PMID: 17024793 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2006.18.4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of exposure to serum, tonsils and breakpoint drug concentrations of clarithromycin, azithromycin, cefixime and amoxicillin/clavulanate on Streptococcus pyogenes susceptibility. Frequency of mutation and development of resistance after ten passages on antibiotic gradient plates, followed by ten passages without antibiotic, were determined. Phenotypes of macrolide-resistant strains grown at the end of multi-step selection were also determined. Azithromycin induced a surge of resistant strains more rapidly and frequently than clarithromycin, particularly at tonsils concentrations. With amoxicillin/clavulanate no strains showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) higher than the susceptibility breakpoint. Mutational frequencies were higher for azithromycin, at serum and breakpoint drug concentrations, than for the other drugs. Most of the macrolide resistant strains showed an MLS(B) phenotype. In conclusion, the ability to prevent the occurrence of resistance in clinical isolates of S. pyogenes was similar for amoxicillin/clavulanate and clarithromycin followed by cefixime > azithromycin when tonsil drug concentrations were considered, and greater for amoxicillin/clavulanate followed by clarithromycin > cefixime> azithromycin, at breakpoint and serum concentrations.
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Valli M, Marchetti F, Gismondo MR. Comparative bactericidal activity of fluoroquinolones against clinical isolates resistant to fluoroquinolones. J Chemother 2003; 15:118-23. [PMID: 12797386 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2003.15.2.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The bactericidal activity of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and norfloxacin against clinical isolates conventionally classified as resistant to fluoroquinolones were compared at their maximum concentrations in serum, urine (except moxifloxacin) and bronchial mucosa (except norfloxacin). Time killing curves against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were performed. Serum concentrations of the tested drugs were not able to produce a bactericidal effect on fluoroquinolone-resistant strains. In the urine series, levofloxacin was always bactericidal (decrease > or = 3 logs CFU/ml), while norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin were bactericidal on E. coli (both), P. mirabilis (norfloxacin) and P. aeruginosa (ciprofloxacin). In the bronchial mucosa series, S. pneumoniae was rapidly killed by levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, and K. pneumoniae by levofloxacin after 12 hours. In conclusion, the maximum levofloxacin concentrations achievable at certain body sites allowed killing even of strains defined as resistant by conventional breakpoints.
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Comparative Study |
22 |
4 |
22
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Valli M, Nicola L, Gismondo MR. Effect of linezolid in comparison with that of vancomycin on glycocalix production: in vitro study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46:598-9. [PMID: 11796388 PMCID: PMC127078 DOI: 10.1128/aac.46.2.598-599.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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letter |
23 |
3 |
23
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Drago L, De Vecchi E, Nicola L, Legnani D, Prenna M, Ripa S. In vitro selection of resistance to clarithromycin in Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates. J Chemother 2005; 17:161-8. [PMID: 15920900 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2005.17.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In this study the effects of exposure to serum, lung and breakpoint concentrations on Streptococcus pneumoniae susceptibility to clarithromycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin were evaluated. Development of resistance was determined by multi-step and single-step methodologies. In the first experimental set, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined after 10 passages on antibiotic-gradient plates and 10 passages on antibiotic-free plates. Acquisition of resistance was defined as an increase of > or = 4-fold from the starting MIC. In single-step studies, the rate of spontaneous mutations was calculated after a passage on antibiotic-containing agar plates. Azithromycin and levofloxacin gave the highest number of strains with MIC increased of at least 4 times the starting value, followed by moxifloxacin and by clarithromycin which only at the lowest concentration tested selected for resistance in 5 strains. Amoxicillin/clavulanate never displayed > or = 4-fold MIC increase. Frequencies of mutation were lower for clarithromycin and moxifloxacin than for the comparators. At lung concentrations clarithromycin had limited potential to select for resistance.
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Journal Article |
20 |
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van Dokkum JS, Khajeh Salehani M, Irani N, Nicola L. On the Proportionality Between Area and Load in Line Contacts. TRIBOLOGY LETTERS 2018; 66:115. [PMID: 30956514 PMCID: PMC6417384 DOI: 10.1007/s11249-018-1061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The relative contact area of rough surface contacts is known to increase linearly with reduced pressure, with proportionality factor κ . In its common definition, the reduced pressure contains the root-mean-square gradient (RMSG) of the surface. Although easy to measure, the RMSG of the entire surface does not coincide, at small loads, with the RMSG over the actual contact areag ¯ r , which gives a better description of the contact between rough surfaces. It was recently shown that, for Hertzian contacts, linearity between area and load is indeed obtained only if the RMSG is determined over the actual contact area. Similar to surface contacts, in line contacts, numerical data are often studied using theories that predict linearity by design. In this work, we revisit line contact problems and examine whether or not the assumption of linearity for line contacts holds true. We demonstrate, using Green's function molecular dynamics simulations, that κ for line contacts is not a constant: It depends on both the reduced pressure and the Hurst exponent. However, linearity holds when the RMSG is measured over the actual contact area. In that case, we could compare κ for line and surface contacts and found that their ratio is approximately 0.9. Finally, by analytically deriving the proportionality factor usingg ¯ r in the original model of Greenwood and Williamson, a value is obtained that is surprisingly in good agreement with our numerical results for rough surface contacts.
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research-article |
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25
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Nicola M, Onorati M, Albertoni MM, Bianchi CL, De Nucci G, Mandelli ED, Nicola L, Di Nuovo F. Fine Needle Aspiration versus Fine Needle Biopsy of Biliopancreatic Lesions: Are They Really Opposing Techniques or Can They Be Complementary? Our Experience in a Large Cohort of Cases from a Single Institution. Acta Cytol 2020; 65:40-47. [PMID: 33099544 DOI: 10.1159/000510755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA), and fine needle biopsy (FNB) are considered the best procedures for the diagnosis of biliopancreatic lesions. These methods represent a milestone since they proved to be both safe for the patient and useful to achieve diagnostic material useful to plan the best treatment strategy. OBJECTIVE Since in the literature, a debate between cytology and histology supporters is still ongoing and the trend is changing in favor of FNB, we would like to present our experience about the diagnostic yield of FNA and FNB. The aim of our study is to highlight FNA versus FNB diagnostic role of biliopancreatic lesions, highlight advantages, and drawbacks of these procedures, and our view on these 2 procedures and whether they should still be considered complementary or opposing techniques. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our hospital series of 469 EUS diagnostics procedures of biliopancreatic lesions performed in 419 patients, between 2015 and 2019. RESULTS The overall adequacy rates of FNA and FNB were, respectively, 98.9 and 100%. Stratifying cases according to anatomic location of the mass (pancreas vs. biliary system), we detected 168 malignancies out of 349 pancreatic lesions (168/349; 48.1%), while biliary system cases positive for malignancy represented 33.8% (23/68 cases) (p value = 0.045, χ2 test). As for concomitant FNB, our series displayed a high rate of diagnostic concordance (88.8%). CONCLUSIONS Despite numerous data published, it is still unclear which is the most feasible method to use; therefore, we compared FNA, FNB, or their combination to understand the best applicable technique. Our experience confirmed that FNA is extremely efficient in the diagnosis of biliopancreatic lesions, especially in the hands of expert endoscopists and pathologists. Considering anatomic location, EUS-FNA is more accurate for mass-forming neoplasms in the pancreatic parenchyma rather than for lesions of the biliary system. Moreover, concomitant FNB usually confirmed the cytological diagnosis, allowing a deeper immunohistochemical characterization of the neoplasia. This proves that a "pure" cytology and "pure" histology approach should be looked differently since these are complementary techniques especially if we can obtain a cellblock from FNA.
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