551 results on '"Luciano, P."'
Search Results
2. Effects of multisession prefrontal cortex tDCS or taVNS on stress, perceived stress and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized controlled study
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Laya Dalila dos Reis, Laura Pereira Generoso, Gabrielly Santos Pereira, João Paulo da Silva Teixeira Barú, Natalie Lange Candido, Maria Gabriela Maziero Capello, Renato Ortolani Marcondes de Castro, Edvaldo José Rodrigues Cardoso, Robson Dias Scoz, Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira, Marcelo Lourenço da Silva, and Josie Resende Torres da Silva
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chronic stress ,transcranial direct current stimulation ,transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation ,sleep quality ,neuromodulation ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
IntroductionChronic stress is a condition characterized by prolonged stimulation, leading to mental and physical weakness. It can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and cognitive function, potentially causing various health issues. This article explores the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), in managing chronic stress and improving sleep quality.MethodsThe study conducted a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial with participants experiencing chronic stress. In total, 100 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: the anodal tDCS group (n = 50), the sham tDCS group (n = 50), the taVNS group (n = 50), or the sham taVNS group (n = 50). Within each condition, participants received five sessions of either active treatment or sham treatment, with 20 min of tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA) for the tDCS groups, or taVNS on the left ear (20 Hz) for the taVNS groups. At baseline, post-intervention, and 4 weeks thereafter, we evaluated stress using the Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (LSSI), perceived stress through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe tDCS and taVNS interventions resulted in reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and enhanced perception of stress.DiscussionThese findings suggest that tDCS and taVNS hold promise as effective treatments for chronic stress, offering a safe and accessible approach to improving individuals’ wellbeing and overall quality of life.Clinical trial registrationhttps://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2ww2ts8, identifier UTN: U1111-1296-1810; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) RBR-2ww2ts8.
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- 2024
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3. Does practice make perfect? Functional connectivity of the salience network and somatosensory network predicts response to mind–body treatments for fibromyalgia
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Sonia Medina, Owen O’Daly, Matthew A. Howard, Albert Feliu-Soler, and Juan V. Luciano
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mindfulness ,fibromyalgia ,rsBOLD ,functional connectivity ,brain biomarker ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
BackgroundMind–body treatments can improve coping mechanisms to deal with pain, improve the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and reduce perceived pain in some cases. However, responses to these treatments are highly variable, the mechanisms underpinning them remain unclear, and reliable predictors of treatment response are lacking. We employed resting-state blood oxygen level-dependent (rsBOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) following mind–body treatment that may relate to and predict pain relief.MethodsWe recruited patients with FMS who underwent either mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; n = 18) or a psychoeducational program (FibroQoL; n = 22) and a treatment-as-usual FMS group (TAU; n = 18). We collected rsBOLD data, alongside subjective pain, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing measures prior to and following treatments. We examined behavioral changes and FC changes in the salience network (SN) and sensorimotor network (SMN) and performed regression analyses to identify predictors for treatment response.ResultsThe MBSR and FibroQoL groups experienced significant reductions in pain catastrophizing. After treatment, the FC of the sensorimotor cortex with the rest of the SMN became significantly reduced in the MBSR group compared to the TAU group. The FC between the SN and the SMN at baseline was negatively correlated with pain reductions following MBSR but positively correlated with pain reductions in the FibroQoL group. These results yielded large to very large effect sizes. Following MBSR, only for those patients with lower baseline SMN-SN FC, minutes of mindfulness practice were positively associated with clinical improvement (small to medium effect size).ConclusionsDifferent mind–body treatments are underpinned by discrete brain networks. Measures of the functional interplay between SN and SMN have the potential as predictors of mind–body treatment response in patients with FMS.
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- 2024
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4. Chemical and genetic characterization of lipopeptides from Bacillus velezensis and Paenibacillus ottowii with activity against Fusarium verticillioides
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Gisele de Fátima Dias Diniz, José Edson Fontes Figueiredo, Kirley Marques Canuto, Luciano Viana Cota, Ana Sheila de Queiroz Souza, Maria Lúcia Ferreira Simeone, Sylvia Morais de Sousa Tinoco, Paulo Riceli Vasconcelos Ribeiro, Lourenço Vitor Silva Ferreira, Mikaely Sousa Marins, Christiane Abreu de Oliveira-Paiva, and Vera Lúcia dos Santos
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biocontrol ,maize (Zea mays L.) ,lipopeptides ,Paenibacillus ottowii ,Bacillus velezensis ,Fusarium verticillioides ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
IntroductionThe fungus Fusarium verticillioides significantly threatens maize crops in tropical soils. In light of this, biological control has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce fungicide costs and environmental risks. In this study, we aimed to test the antifungal activity of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from three Bacillus velezensis (CT02, IM14, and LIS05) and one Paenibacillus ottowii (LIS04) against F. verticillioides, thereby contributing to the development of effective biocontrol measures.MethodsThe research employed a comprehensive approach. The antifungal activity of the bacterial strains was tested using cell-free supernatant (CFS) from three Bacillus velezensis (CT02, IM14, and LIS05) and one Paenibacillus ottowii (LIS04). The UPLC-MS evaluated the CFS to identify the main bioactive molecules involved in the inhibitory effect on F. verticillioides. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the impact of CFS on spores and hyphae, and genome sequencing was conducted to identify the genes involved in biological control. These robust methodologies ensure the reliability and validate our findings.ResultsThe CFS of the four strains demonstrated significant inhibition of fungal growth. The UPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of lipopeptides with antifungal activity, including surfactin and fengycins A and B expressed by the three strains of Bacillus velezensis and iturin A expressed by strains LIS05 and IM14. For Paenibacillus ottowii, fusaricidins, ABCDE, and five previously unreported lipopeptides were detected. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that treatments with CFS led to significant distortion and breakage of the F. verticillioides hyphae, in addition to the formation of cavities in the membrane. Genome mining confirmed the presence of genes coding for the lipopeptides identified by UPLC-MS, including the gene for iturin in CTO2. Genomic sequencing revealed that CT02, IM14, and LIS05 belong to different strains of Bacillus velezensis, and LIS04 belongs to Paenibacillus ottowii, a species recently described.DiscussionThe four bacterial strains, including three novel strains identified as Bacillus velezensis and one as the recently described species Paenibacillus ottowii, demonstrate significant potential as biocontrol agents for managing fungal disease. This finding underscores the novelty and potential impact of our research.
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- 2024
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5. Effects of acute hypothyroidism on plasma melatonin and Aanat and Asmt expression in the pineal gland and gonads of rats
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Rafaella Valete Nunes Paiva, Pedro Henrique de Lima Mondes, Beatriz de Jesus Brandão, Julia Nascimento Sant’Anna, Maria Eduarda Freire dos Santos, Yasmin Muniz Fighera, Luciano Cardoso Santos, Regina P. Markus, Pedro Augusto Carlos Magno Fernandes, Juneo Freitas Silva, and Eduardo Koji Tamura
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melatonin ,extrapineal melatonin ,AANAT ,ASMT ,ovary ,testicle ,Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ,RC648-665 - Abstract
IntroductionThe reproductive system is tightly regulated by environmental and physiological signals. Melatonin, known as the hormone of darkness, plays a crucial role in regulating both the circadian and reproductive systems in mammals. Hypothyroidism is a key endocrine disorder that harms the reproductive system. Despite many studies on melatonin’s effects on the reproductive system, there is conflicting information regarding melatonin synthesis modulation in hypothyroidism. The objective of this study was to investigate the modulation of plasma melatonin levels and gene expression of Aanat and Asmt in the pineal gland and gonads of rats with hypothyroidism at different times of the day.MethodsFemale and male Wistar rats were divided into control and hypothyroid groups. Hypothyroidism was induced using propylthiouracil (PTU) for 15 days, rats were euthanized six hours after lights on (ZT6), before lights off (ZT11.5), and six hours after lights off (ZT18). Free thyroxine (FT4) and melatonin were quantified in plasma, and gene expressions of melatonin synthesizing enzymes (Aanat and Asmt) were measured in pineal and sexual organs (testis and ovary). Also, morphological analysis was performed in sexual organs.ResultsThe results reveal some disparities between the sexes. Hypothyroidism reduced antral and primary follicles in the ovary, and reduced the weight of testis, epididymis, and prostate. In relation to gene expression, we observed a reduction in Aanat expression in the pineal gland during the light phase (ZT6), and in males, this reduction occurred during the dark phase (ZT18). Regarding Asmt expression, there was a decrease in females also during the dark phase (ZT18). In the gonads, there was an increase in expression in both sexes at ZT11.5. Additionally, it was interesting to observe the association between FT4 levels and Asmt expression in the gonads.ConclusionsThis study showed that acute hypothyroidism can affect components of the melatonergic system in gonads, particularly gene expression of melatonin synthesis enzymes (Aanat and Asmt) contributing to changes in reproduction organs during disease progression. These findings enhance our understanding of melatonin synthesis in the reproductive system during hypothyroidism, showing distinct responses in male and female rats, and suggest that hypothyroidism affects the circadian rhythmicity of melatonin synthesis in a sex-dependent manner.
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- 2024
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6. Editorial: Multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders
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Belgin Sever, Luciano Saso, Rumiana Tzoneva, Valentina Onnis, and Halilibrahim Ciftci
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tyrosine kinase Inhibition ,cancer ,apoptosis ,downstream signalling ,Abl and Src tyrosine kinases ,epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Published
- 2024
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7. Editorial: RNA-chromatin interactions: biology, mechanism, disease, and therapeutics—volume 2
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Malik Bisserier, Luciano G. Martelotto, Assam El-Osta, and Prabhu Mathiyalagan
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noncoding RNA ,RNA ,chromatin RNA ,long noncoding RNA ,epigenetics ,miRNA ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Published
- 2024
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8. Four-year real-world experience of secukinumab in a large Italian cohort of axial spondyloarthritis
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Roberta Ramonda, Mariagrazia Lorenzin, Maria Sole Chimenti, Salvatore D’Angelo, Antonio Marchesoni, Carlo Selmi, Ennio Lubrano, Leonardo Santo, Michele Maria Luchetti Gentiloni, Fabiola Atzeni, Alberto Cauli, Maria Manara, Maurizio Rossini, Roberta Foti, Giacomo Cozzi, Laura Scagnellato, Mario Ferraioli, Antonio Carriero, Nicoletta Luciano, Francesca Ruzzon, Mauro Fatica, Elena Fracassi, Andrea Doria, Rosario Foti, and Antonio Carletto
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axial spondyloarthritis ,r-axSpA/nr-axSpA biological therapy ,secukinumab (IL17i) ,IL17i effectiveness ,IL17i safety ,IL17i drug retention rate ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate in a real-life Italian multicenter cohort of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) (1) the 4-year effectiveness and safety of secukinumab, (2) the drug retention rate (DRR), and (3) the impact of the line of bDMARDs treatment, subtype of axSpA, and sex on achieving low disease activity (LDA) and very low disease activity (VLDA).MethodsConsecutive axSpA patients receiving secukinumab between 2016 and 2023 were prospectively evaluated. Data on disease characteristics, previous/ongoing treatments, comorbidities, and follow-up duration were collected. Treatment response was evaluated at 6 and 12 months after initiation and yearly up to 48 months (T48). DRR and effectiveness outcomes were evaluated according to bDMARDs treatment, axSpA subtype, and sex. Infections and adverse events (AEs) were recorded.ResultsWe enrolled 272 patients (48.2% male; median age, 51; 39.7% HLA-B27+; 40.4% nr-axSpA), of whom 30.9% were naïve to secukinumab. Overall, secukinumab yielded improvement in effectiveness outcomes; the naïve patients maintained lower disease activity vs. the non-naïve ones. At T48, the LDA and VLDA rates were higher in naïve patients and in male individuals. Treatment was discontinued in 104 patients due to primary/secondary loss of effectiveness and in 34 patients due to AEs. The DRR at T48 was 67.4% in the whole population, regardless of treatment line, axSpA subtype, and sex.ConclusionsSecukinumab was safe and effective in all axSpA patients irrespective of treatment line, disease subtype, and sex. The patients achieved sustained 4-year remission and DRR.
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- 2024
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9. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation modulates masseter muscle activity, pain perception, and anxiety levels in university students: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
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Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira, Ricardo Brites, Gonçalo Fraião, Gonçalo Pereira, Henrique Fernandes, José Américo Almeida de Brito, Laura Pereira Generoso, Maria Gabriela Maziero Capello, Gabrielly Santos Pereira, Robson Dias Scoz, Josie Resende Torres Silva, and Marcelo Lourenço Silva
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transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) ,anxiety ,masseter muscle activation ,pain ,neuromodulation ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
IntroductionChronic anxiety is a statemarked by sustained activation of the masseter muscle, manifesting in both mental and physical strain. This prolonged tension can significantly impact mental wellbeing and cognitive abilities, posing a risk for a range of health complications. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial investigated the impact of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on masseter muscle activity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and anxiety levels in university students with elevated anxiety.MethodsForty-two participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either active TAVNS or sham TAVNS groups. Various parameters, including masseter muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals, PPT, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, were assessed before pretreatment, immediately after the intervention week, and 2 weeks follow-up.ResultsActive TAVNS significantly reduced both left and right masseter activation during resting mandibular position, persisting for 2 weeks post-intervention. Additionally, TAVNS induced a lasting decrease in both left and right masseter PPT, indicative of altered pain perception. Notably, BAI scores showed a substantial reduction, emphasizing TAVNS as a potential intervention for anxiety, with effects maintained at the 2-week follow-up.DiscussionThis study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted effects of TAVNS on physiological and psychological aspects associated with anxiety in university students. The promising results underscore TAVNS as a potential neuromodulatory intervention for anxiety-related conditions, warranting further research and clinical exploration.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4s4kt2r.
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- 2024
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10. Kinanthropometry and dietary habits of non-professional rugby players
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Francis E. Holway, Francesco Campa, Cristian Petri, Luciano R. Spena, and Natalia Y. Szydlowski
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body composition ,anthropometry ,nutrition ,sports team ,multicomponent models ,Sports ,GV557-1198.995 - Abstract
IntroductionEvaluating the body composition and dietary habits of non-professional athletes can help identify areas for improvement to enhance sports performance. The present study aimed to describe the anthropometric and body composition features, as well as the dietary habits, of non-professional rugby players in Argentina.MethodsFifty-seven rugby players from a Group III Club of the Unión de Rugby de Buenos Aires (URBA) were assessed using extensive anthropometric measurements according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Reference data from professional rugby players in Group I clubs were used as a control for body composition comparisons. Dietary intake was evaluated using the 24-h recall method, and nutrient analysis was performed with SARA software.ResultsNon-professional rugby players were shorter (Forwards: 175.9 vs. 181.5 cm; Backs: 172.5 vs. 175.7 cm), had higher body fat percentages (Forwards: 16.4 vs. 12.3%; Backs: 11.0 vs. 9.3%), and were less muscular (Forwards: 46.0 vs. 48.8%; Backs: 48.4 vs. 50.2%) compared to professional rugby players. The average dietary intake was 3,363 Kcal, with protein and carbohydrate intakes of 1.4 g kg−1 day−1 and 4.1 g kg−1 day−1, respectively, and 35% of energy intake from fat. Backs reported a higher caloric intake than forwards (3,682 vs. 2,827 Kcal). There was a high prevalence of insufficient intake of calcium (58%), vitamin A (49%), and vitamin C (65%), the latter two corresponding with a low intake of fruits and vegetables (6% of total energy intake). Meal pattern analysis showed that 46% of total energy was ingested at dinner.ConclusionsThe body composition of non-professional rugby players from low-income clubs could be improved to enhance rugby performance, as compared to players in more competitive tiers. Economic constraints might contribute to a sub-optimal nutritional profile, potentially affecting body composition and on-field performance negatively. Recommendations to improve dietary intake should be made considering the budget constraints of these players.
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- 2024
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11. Estimation of lifetime costs for patients receiving a transplant: the case of liver transplantation related to hepatitis B in Italy
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Alfredo Marzano, Beatrice Canali, Luciano De Carlis, Paolo De Simone, Francesca Fiorentino, Maria Rendina, Chiara Vassallo, and Stefano Fagiuoli
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hepatitis B ,immunoglobulin ,liver transplant ,cost analysis ,cost of illness ,Italy ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
IntroductionIn Italy, post-liver transplant (LT) hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection prophylaxis is frequently based on a combined regimen of anti-HBV immunoglobulin (HBIG) and oral antivirals. However, little information is available at the national level on the cost of LT and the contribution of HBV prophylaxis. This study aimed to quantify the direct healthcare cost for adult patients undergoing LT for HBV-related disease over a lifetime horizon and from the perspective of a National Healthcare Service.MethodsA pharmaco-economic model was implemented with a 4-tiered approach consisting of 1) preliminary literature research to define the research question; 2) pragmatic literature review to retrieve existing information and inform the model; 3) micro-simulated patient cycles; and 4) validation from a panel of national experts.ResultsThe average lifetime healthcare cost of LT for HBV-related disease was €395,986. The greatest cost drivers were post-transplant end-stage renal failure (31.9% of the total), immunosuppression (20.6%), and acute transplant phase (15.8%). HBV reinfection prophylaxis with HBIG and antivirals accounted for 12.4% and 6.4% of the total cost, respectively; however, lifetime HBIG prophylaxis was only associated with a 6.6% increase (~€422 k). Various sensitivity analyses have shown that discount rates have the greatest impact on total costs.ConclusionThis analysis showed that the burden of LT due to HBV is not only clinical but also economic.
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- 2024
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12. Case report: Potential role of immunotherapy in thymic malignancies: a unique case of a durable and complete response upon an immune checkpoint inhibitor
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Angelo Luciano, Erica Pietroluongo, Margaret Ottaviano, Angela Grieco, Annarita Peddio, Pietro De Placido, Alberto Servetto, Massimo Mascolo, Silvia Varricchio, Roberto Bianco, Giovannella Palmieri, and Mario Giuliano
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immune-related adverse events ,autoimmunity ,Good’s syndrome ,thymomas ,immunotherapy ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors are rare malignancies with an incidence of 1.7 cases per million people per year. They pose significant management challenges due to their association with autoimmune disorders. In this case report, we present the 21-year history of a patient diagnosed with advanced B2/B3 thymoma and Good’s syndrome. The patient achieved a complete and durable response after receiving only two cycles of the immune checkpoint inhibitor Nivolumab. However, this positive outcome was accompanied by the development of severe immune-related myocarditis complicated by reactivation of cytomegalovirus. Moreover, the patient developed a highly uncommon subdiaphragmatic pararectal dissemination of the thymic tumor, which is a condition rarely described in the literature. Despite the success in achieving complete and durable response with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the emergence of immune-related adverse events highlights the potential challenges associated with these treatments, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between cancer, immune system dysregulations and immunotherapy.
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- 2024
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13. Salicylic acid improves cowpea productivity under water restriction in the field by modulating metabolism
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Igor Eneas Cavalcante, Alberto Soares de Melo, Rener Luciano de Souza Ferraz, Rayanne Silva de Alencar, Guilherme Felix Dias, Priscylla Marques de Oliveira Viana, Maurisrael Moura Rocha, Ashwell Rungano Ndhlala, Francisco Vanies da Silva Sá, Claudivan Feitosa de Lacerda, and Pedro Roberto Almeida Viégas
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osmoprotection ,antioxidant mechanism ,photosynthesis ,production ,Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ,Plant culture ,SB1-1110 - Abstract
IntroductionSalicylic acid has shown promise in alleviating water stress in cultivated plants. However, there is a lack of studies confirming its effectiveness in cowpea plants grown in field conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the use of salicylic acid as a water stress mitigator in cowpea cultivars under different irrigation depths in field conditions.MethodsFour cowpea cultivars (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante, and BRS Pajeú) were subjected to different treatments: control (W100: 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration – ETc), W50 (50% of ETc), W50+SA2 (50% of ETc + 276 mg L-1 of SA), and W50+SA4 (50% of ETc + 552 mg L-1 of SA). The treatments were combined in a 4×4 factorial scheme with three replications, arranged in a randomized block design.ResultsWater restriction had a negative impact on the water status, growth, gas exchange, and production of the cultivars while also leading to changes in the antioxidant metabolism and osmolyte concentration. The application of SA enhanced antioxidant activity and the synthesis of osmotic adjusters under stress conditions. The most effective concentration was 276 mg L-1 in stage R2 and 552 mg L-1 in stage V7, respectively. The BRS Pujante cultivar showed increased productivity under water restriction with SA application, while the BRS Tapaihum was the most tolerant among the cultivars studied.DiscussionIn summary, our findings underscore the importance of using SA to mitigate the effects of water restriction on cowpea cultivation. These discoveries are crucial for the sustainability of cowpea production in regions susceptible to drought, which can contribute to food security. We further add that the adoption of new agricultural practices can enhance the resilience and productivity of cowpea as an essential and sustainable food source for vulnerable populations in various parts of the world.
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- 2024
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14. Editorial: Deep brain stimulation think tank: updates in neurotechnology and neuromodulation, volume IV
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Kara A. Johnson, James J. Giordano, Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora, Marta San Luciano, Svjetlana Miocinovic, Michael S. Okun, and Joshua K. Wong
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deep brain stimulation ,neuroimaging ,neurophysiology ,movement disorders ,interventional psychiatry ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Published
- 2024
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15. Pelvic ultrasound and pubertal attainment in girls with sexual precocity: the pivotal role of uterine volume in predicting the timing of menarche
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Alessandro Cattoni, Gianni Russo, Giulia Capitoli, Giulia Rodari, Maria Laura Nicolosi, Silvia Molinari, Daniele Tondelli, Ciretta Pelliccia, Silvia Radaelli, Andrea Mario Luciano Arosio, Katia Fontana, Giulia Tattesi, Paolo Passoni, Annalisa Boneschi, Claudia Giavoli, Silvia Laura Carla Meroni, Marianna Rita Stancampiano, Elda Garuti, Andrea Biondi, Adriana Balduzzi, and Carla Bizzarri
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precocious puberty ,pelvic ultrasound ,uterine volume ,age of menarche ,GnRH analogues ,Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ,RC648-665 - Abstract
IntroductionAmong girls assessed for pubertal precocity, pelvic ultrasound (pUS) may represent a pivotal tool to predict the time expected to elapse between sonographic assessment and the onset of menarche (TUS-M). Accordingly, the present analysis is meant to define the statistical relationship between sonographic parameters and TUS-M, in order to identify the most reliable predictor of the timing of menarche.MethodsRetrospective, multicenter analysis. Girls assessed for sexual precocity and showing sonographic and clinical findings consistent with pubertal onset upon referral were considered eligible. Patients treated with GnRH analogues were excluded and only those who had subsequently achieved complete and spontaneous pubertal attainment and for whom the exact date of menarche was available were included. Overall, we enrolled 184 girls from five tertiary care Italian Centers.ResultsThe time elapsed (months) between baseline endocrine assessment and spontaneous achievement of menarche showed a negative statistically significant correlation (p
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- 2024
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16. Prevention and Rehabilitation After Heart Transplantation: A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Heart Failure Association of the ESC, and the European Cardio Thoracic Transplant Association, a Section of ESOT
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Maria Simonenko, Dominique Hansen, Josef Niebauer, Maurizio Volterrani, Stamatis Adamopoulos, Cristiano Amarelli, Marco Ambrosetti, Stefan D. Anker, Antonio Bayes-Genis, Tuvia Ben Gal, T. Scott Bowen, Francesco Cacciatore, Giuseppe Caminiti, Elena Cavarretta, Ovidiu Chioncel, Andrew J. S. Coats, Alain Cohen-Solal, Flavio D’Ascenzi, Carmen de Pablo Zarzosa, Andreas B. Gevaert, Finn Gustafsson, Hareld Kemps, Loreena Hill, Tiny Jaarsma, Ewa Jankowska, Emer Joyce, Nicolle Krankel, Mitja Lainscak, Lars H. Lund, Brenda Moura, Kari Nytrøen, Elena Osto, Massimo Piepoli, Luciano Potena, Amina Rakisheva, Giuseppe Rosano, Gianluigi Savarese, Petar M. Seferovic, David R. Thompson, Thomas Thum, and Emeline M. Van Craenenbroeck
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diabetes ,dyslipidaemia ,exercise training ,heart failure ,heart transplantation ,Specialties of internal medicine ,RC581-951 - Abstract
Little is known either about either physical activity patterns, or other lifestyle-related prevention measures in heart transplantation (HTx) recipients. The history of HTx started more than 50 years ago but there are still no guidelines or position papers highlighting the features of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx. The aims of this scientific statement are (i) to explain the importance of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx, and (ii) to promote the factors (modifiable/non-modifiable) that should be addressed after HTx to improve patients’ physical capacity, quality of life and survival. All HTx team members have their role to play in the care of these patients and multidisciplinary prevention and rehabilitation programmes designed for transplant recipients. HTx recipients are clearly not healthy disease-free subjects yet they also significantly differ from heart failure patients or those who are supported with mechanical circulatory support. Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation after HTx both need to be specifically tailored to this patient population and be multidisciplinary in nature. Prevention and rehabilitation programmes should be initiated early after HTx and continued during the entire post-transplant journey. This clinical consensus statement focuses on the importance and the characteristics of prevention and rehabilitation designed for HTx recipients.
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- 2024
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17. Changes in primary care visits for respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multinational study by the International Consortium of Primary Care Big Data Researchers (INTRePID)
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John M. Westfall, Angela Ortigoza Bonilla, María C. Lapadula, Paula L. Zingoni, William C. W. Wong, Knut A. Wensaas, Wilson D. Pace, Javier Silva-Valencia, Luciano F. Scattini, Amy P. P. Ng, Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Zheng J. Ling, Zhuo Li, Adrian H. Heald, Adrian Laughlin, Robert S. Kristiansson, Christine M. Hallinan, Lay H. Goh, Gabriela Gaona, Signe Flottorp, Simon de Lusignan, María S. Cuba-Fuentes, Valborg Baste, Karen Tu, and on behalf of INTRePID
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COVID-19 ,acute respiratory illness ,chronic respiratory illness ,primary care ,asthma ,COPD ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
ObjectivesThe majority of patients with respiratory illness are seen in primary care settings. Given COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory illness, the INTernational ConsoRtium of Primary Care BIg Data Researchers (INTRePID), assessed the pandemic impact on primary care visits for respiratory illnesses.DesignDefinitions for respiratory illness types were agreed on collectively. Monthly visit counts with diagnosis were shared centrally for analysis.SettingPrimary care settings in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Norway, Peru, Singapore, Sweden and the United States.ParticipantsOver 38 million patients seen in primary care settings in INTRePID countries before and during the pandemic, from January 1st, 2018, to December 31st, 2021.Main outcome measuresRelative change in the monthly mean number of visits before and after the onset of the pandemic for acute infectious respiratory disease visits including influenza, upper and lower respiratory tract infections and chronic respiratory disease visits including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory allergies, and other respiratory diseases.ResultsINTRePID countries reported a marked decrease in the average monthly visits for respiratory illness. Changes in visits varied from −10.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): −33.1 to +11.3%] in Norway to −79.9% (95% CI: −86.4% to −73.4%) in China for acute infectious respiratory disease visits and − 2.1% (95% CI: −12.1 to +7.8%) in Peru to −59.9% (95% CI: −68.6% to −51.3%) in China for chronic respiratory illness visits. While seasonal variation in allergic respiratory illness continued during the pandemic, there was essentially no spike in influenza illness during the first 2 years of the pandemic.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on primary care visits for respiratory presentations. Primary care continued to provide services for respiratory illness, although there was a decrease in infectious illness during the COVID pandemic. Understanding the role of primary care may provide valuable information for COVID-19 recovery efforts and planning for future global emergencies.
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- 2024
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18. Editorial: Mindfulness-based interventions in clinical settings: are there benefits for both patients and their physicians?
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Petra Hanson, Rohit Shankar, Jeremy Dale, and Juan V. Luciano
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mindfulness ,burnout - professional ,wellbeing & happiness ,meditation ,pain ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Published
- 2024
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19. European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) Consensus Statement on the Use of Non-invasive Biomarkers for Cardiothoracic Transplant Rejection Surveillance
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Andriana Nikolova, Sean Agbor-Enoh, Saskia Bos, Marisa Crespo-Leiro, Stephan Ensminger, Marta Jimenez-Blanco, Annamaria Minervini, Michael Perch, Javier Segovia, Robin Vos, Kiran Khush, and Luciano Potena
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heart transplantation ,lung transplant ,biomarker ,rejection ,guidelines ,Specialties of internal medicine ,RC581-951 - Abstract
While allograft rejection (AR) continues to threaten the success of cardiothoracic transplantation, lack of accurate and repeatable surveillance tools to diagnose AR is a major unmet need in the clinical management of cardiothoracic transplant recipients. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) have been the cornerstone of rejection monitoring since the field’s incipience, but both suffer from significant limitations, including poor concordance of biopsy interpretation among pathologists. In recent years, novel molecular tools for AR monitoring have emerged and their performance characteristics have been evaluated in multiple studies. An international working group convened by ESOT has reviewed the existing literature and provides a series of recommendations to guide the use of these biomarkers in clinical practice. While acknowledging some caveats, the group recognized that Gene-expression profiling and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) may be used to rule out rejection in heart transplant recipients, but they are not recommended for cardiac allograft vasculopathy screening. Other traditional biomarkers (NT-proBNP, BNP or troponin) do not have sufficient evidence to support their use to diagnose AR. Regarding lung transplant, dd-cfDNA could be used to rule out clinical rejection and infection, but its use to monitor treatment response is not recommended.
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- 2024
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20. Characterization of antiseizure medications effects on the EEG neurodynamic by fractal dimension
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Camillo Porcaro, Dario Seppi, Giovanni Pellegrino, Filippo Dainese, Benedetta Kassabian, Luciano Pellegrino, Gianluigi De Nardi, Alberto Grego, Maurizio Corbetta, and Florinda Ferreri
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quantitative-EEG ,focal epilepsy ,antiseizure medications ,biomarkers ,fractal dimension ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
ObjectivesAn important challenge in epilepsy is to define biomarkers of response to treatment. Many electroencephalography (EEG) methods and indices have been developed mainly using linear methods, e.g., spectral power and individual alpha frequency peak (IAF). However, brain activity is complex and non-linear, hence there is a need to explore EEG neurodynamics using nonlinear approaches. Here, we use the Fractal Dimension (FD), a measure of whole brain signal complexity, to measure the response to anti-seizure therapy in patients with Focal Epilepsy (FE) and compare it with linear methods.MaterialsTwenty-five drug-responder (DR) patients with focal epilepsy were studied before (t1, named DR-t1) and after (t2, named DR-t2) the introduction of the anti-seizure medications (ASMs). DR-t1 and DR-t2 EEG results were compared against 40 age-matched healthy controls (HC).MethodsEEG data were investigated from two different angles: frequency domain—spectral properties in δ, θ, α, β, and γ bands and the IAF peak, and time-domain—FD as a signature of the nonlinear complexity of the EEG signals. Those features were compared among the three groups.ResultsThe δ power differed between DR patients pre and post-ASM and HC (DR-t1 vs. HC, p
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- 2024
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21. Editorial: Rehabilitation robotics: challenges in design, control, and real applications, volume II
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Francisco Romero-Sánchez, Luciano Luporini Menegaldo, Josep M. Font-Llagunes, and Massimo Sartori
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wearable robots ,exoskeletons ,exosuits ,rehabilitation ,human augmentation ,neuromusculoskeletal modeling ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Published
- 2024
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22. Effect of transportation distance and lairage time on selected behaviors and carcass parameters in zebu cattle—a study using the animal focal sampling method
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Welligton Conceição da Silva, Amauri Gouveia Júnior, Manoel Soares Damasceno Neto, Luciano Fernandes Sousa, Antônio Vinícius Correa Barbosa, Éder Bruno Rebelo da Silva, Maria Roseane Pereira dos Santos, José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior, Raimundo Nonato Colares Camargo Júnior, and André Guimarães Maciel E. Silva
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ethology ,bruise ,pre-slaughter management ,waiting time ,cattle ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transport distance and lairage time on behavioral indicators of zebu beef cattle in the resting pen of a slaughterhouse using the focal animal technique. Eight lots of male zebu cattle, Nelore, aged approximately 4 years old, weighing on average 500 ± 28.5 kg-1, from different municipalities, transported by land, were evaluated. The lots were grouped into two categories: short distance (> 500 km) and long distance (> 500 km). Five focal animals per evaluated lot were used in each cycle of behavior observation, randomly chosen, and visually identified. The animal focal sampling method was used, with instantaneous recording, every 5 min per animal/h. A video camera was used and placed at a fixed point in the corral. After slaughtering, bruises and carcass pH were evaluated. The respiratory rate (RR) was measured in two moments, 30 min after unloading (RR_I) and 1 h before slaughtering (RR_F); behavioral data were divided into four lairage periods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) equally and evaluated as repeated measures over time. The lairage time lowered the behaviors of headbutting (NCHBs), pushing (PsH), mounting (MT), and chasing away (CA), (p = 0.0001), and these behaviors were more evident in animals transported for short distances in the initial resting times, decreasing as they remained in the resting pen. There was effect of distance on the initial and final pH of the carcass, being greater in the short distance (p = 0.047). There was no effect of distance or lairage time on initial or final RR (p > 0.05). In addition, animals transported over long distances showed less carcass injuries, which were observed during post mortem inspection. It is concluded that animals transported over short distances present a greater number of agonistic behaviors, such as NCHBs, MT, PsH, and CA, predisposing to higher rates of bruising during lairage and more accentuated changes in the final pH of the meat.
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- 2024
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23. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin prevents ejection fraction reduction, reduces myocardial and renal NF-κB expression and systemic pro-inflammatory biomarkers in models of short-term doxorubicin cardiotoxicity
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V. Quagliariello, M. L. Canale, I. Bisceglia, M. Iovine, A. Paccone, C. Maurea, M. Scherillo, A. Merola, V. Giordano, G. Palma, A. Luciano, F. Bruzzese, F. Zito Marino, M. Montella, R. Franco, M. Berretta, D. Gabrielli, G. Gallucci, and N. Maurea
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cancer ,dapagliflozin ,cardio-oncology ,cardioprotection ,doxorubicin ,NF-kB ,Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ,RC666-701 - Abstract
BackgroundAnthracycline-mediated adverse cardiovascular events are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exert multiple cardiometabolic benefits in patients with/without type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. We hypothesized that the SGLT2i dapagliflozin administered before and during doxorubicin (DOXO) therapy could prevent cardiac dysfunction and reduce pro-inflammatory pathways in preclinical models.MethodsCardiomyocytes were exposed to DOXO alone or combined with dapagliflozin (DAPA) at 10 and 100 nM for 24 h; cell viability, iATP, and Ca++ were quantified; lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy 2-hexenal), NLRP3, MyD88, and cytokines were also analyzed through selective colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Female C57Bl/6 mice were treated for 10 days with a saline solution or DOXO (2.17 mg/kg), DAPA (10 mg/kg), or DOXO combined with DAPA. Systemic levels of ferroptosis-related biomarkers, galectin-3, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and pro-inflammatory chemokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL17-α, IL-18, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF) were quantified. After treatments, immunohistochemical staining of myocardial and renal p65/NF-kB was performed.ResultsDAPA exerts cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in human cardiomyocytes exposed to DOXO by reducing iATP and iCa++ levels, lipid peroxidation, NLRP-3, and MyD88 expression. Pro-inflammatory intracellular cytokines were also reduced. In preclinical models, DAPA prevented the reduction of radial and longitudinal strain and ejection fraction after 10 days of treatment with DOXO. A reduced myocardial expression of NLRP-3 and MyD-88 was seen in the DOXO-DAPA group compared to DOXO mice. Systemic levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF were significantly reduced after treatment with DAPA. Serum levels of galectine-3 and hs-CRP were strongly enhanced in the DOXO group; on the other hand, their expression was reduced in the DAPA-DOXO group. Troponin-T, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-Terminal Pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) were strongly reduced in the DOXO-DAPA group, revealing cardioprotective properties of SGLT2i. Mice treated with DOXO and DAPA exhibited reduced myocardial and renal NF-kB expression.ConclusionThe overall picture of the study encourages the use of DAPA in the primary prevention of cardiomyopathies induced by anthracyclines in patients with cancer.
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- 2024
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24. Facts and myths about use of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a narrative clinical review
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Matteo Di Vincenzo, Vassilis Martiadis, Bianca Della Rocca, Eleonora Arsenio, Andrea D’Arpa, Antonio Volpicelli, Mario Luciano, Gaia Sampogna, and Andrea Fiorillo
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treatment-resistant depression ,esketamine ,major depressive disorder ,recovery ,remission ,Psychiatry ,RC435-571 - Abstract
Introduction and aimsTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at least two different antidepressants, taken at the right dosage, for adequate period of time and with continuity, fail to give positive clinical effects. Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine, was recently approved for TRD treatment from U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicine Agency. Despite proved clinical efficacy, many misconceptions by clinicians and patients accompany this medication. We aimed to review the most common “false myths” regarding TRD and esketemine, counterarguing with evidence-based facts.MethodsThe keywords “esketamine”, “treatment resistance depression”, “depression”, “myth”, “mythology”, “pharmacological treatment”, and “misunderstanding” were entered in the main databases and combined through Boolean operators.ResultsMisconceptions regarding the TRD prevalence, clinical features and predictors have been found. With respect of esketamine, criteria to start treatment, dissociative symptoms, potential addiction and aspects of administration and monitoring, were found to be affected by false beliefs by clinicians and patients.Discussion and conclusionTRD represents a challenging condition, requiring precise diagnosis in order to achieve patient’s full recovery. Esketamine has been proved as an effective medication to treat TRD, although it requires precautions. Evidence can inform clinical practice, in order to offer this innovative treatment to all patients with TRD.
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- 2024
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25. Discovering new genes for alfalfa (Medicago sativa) growth and biomass resilience in combined salinity and Phoma medicaginis infection through GWAS
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Wiem Mnafgui, Cheima Jabri, Nada Jihnaoui, Nourhene Maiza, Amal Guerchi, Nawres Zaidi, Gerhard Basson, Eden Maré Keyster, Naceur Djébali, Luciano Pecetti, Mohsen Hanana, Paolo Annicchiarico, Muhammet Sakiroglu, Ndiko Ludidi, and Mounawer Badri
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alfalfa ,biomass traits ,genetic resources ,GWAS ,Phoma medicaginis ,salinity ,Plant culture ,SB1-1110 - Abstract
Salinity and Phoma medicaginis infection represent significant challenges for alfalfa cultivation in South Africa, Europe, Australia, and, particularly, Tunisia. These constraints have a severe impact on both yield and quality. The primary aim of this study was to establish the genetic basis of traits associated with biomass and growth of 129 Medicago sativa genotypes through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) under combined salt and P. medicaginis infection stresses. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the variation in these traits could be primarily attributed to genotype effects. Among the test genotypes, the length of the main stem, the number of ramifications, the number of chlorotic leaves, and the aerial fresh weight exhibited the most significant variation. The broad-sense heritability (H²) was relatively high for most of the assessed traits, primarily due to genetic factors. Cluster analysis, applied to morpho-physiological traits under the combined stresses, revealed three major groups of accessions. Subsequently, a GWAS analysis was conducted to validate significant associations between 54,866 SNP-filtered single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and seven traits. The study identified 27 SNPs that were significantly associated with the following traits: number of healthy leaves (two SNPs), number of chlorotic leaves (five SNPs), number of infected necrotic leaves (three SNPs), aerial fresh weight (six SNPs), aerial dry weight (nine SNPs), number of ramifications (one SNP), and length of the main stem (one SNP). Some of these markers are related to the ionic transporters, cell membrane rigidity (related to salinity tolerance), and the NBS_LRR gene family (associated with disease resistance). These findings underscore the potential for selecting alfalfa genotypes with tolerance to the combined constraints of salinity and P. medicaginis infection.
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- 2024
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26. Genomic surveillance and serological profile of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Macaé and nearby cities, southeastern Brazil
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Amanda Cristina Veiga Fernandes da Silva, Carina Azevedo Oliveira Silva, Graziele Fonseca de Sousa, Viktoria Aparecida Gomes Silva Coelho, Lucas Tavares da Cunha, Artur Nunes Paes, Allan Pierre Bonetti Pozzobon, Daniele das Graças dos Santos, Raphael Mello Carpes, Evenilton Pessoa Costa, Cintia Monteiro-de-Barros, José Luciano Nepomuceno-Silva, Raquel de Souza Gestinari, and Flávia Borges Mury
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COVID-19 ,genomic surveillance ,SARS-CoV-2 ,serology ,variants ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
IntroductionA characteristic of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the sequential emergence and global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants, noted for their enhanced transmission efficiency. These variants with mutations in the Spike glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein), which interacts with ACE2 receptors in human cells is critical for infection, affects the transmissibility of the virus, which is a matter of great concern for public health.ObjectiveThis research analyses the effects these variants on a cohort of vaccinated and naturally infected individuals from the cities of Macaé-RJ, Rio das Ostras-RJ, and Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil, from March 2021 to March 2023.MethodsThis investigation encompasses the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2, B.1.671.3), and Omicron (BQ.1, BQ.1.1 sublines, and BF.7) variants, focusing on their genomic surveillance and implications for the disease’s epidemiology. The experimental analysis included a control group (vaccinated and uninfected subjects), and an infected group (post-vaccinated subjects). Samples from nasopharyngeal swabs underwent viral detection via RT-qPCR for diagnosis confirmation. RNase H-dependent RT-qPCR (rhAmp-PCR) and third-generation sequencing were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. Anti-S-glycoprotein immunoglobulins were also evaluated for vaccinated infected and noninfected volunteers. Symptoms from infected individuals were compiled in order to reveal patterns of clinical signs associated with viral infection.ResultsThe study included 289 participants, with infections identified by Gamma (n = 44), Delta (n = 189), and Omicron (n = 56) variants. The prevalent symptoms among the naturally infected participants were cough, fever, sore throat, headache, and runny nose. For Omicron, cognitive symptoms such as memory loss and concentration issues were reported. Interestingly, the infected vaccinated group had higher anti-S-glycoprotein IgM production (n = 28, 0.2833 ± 0.09768 OD) compared to the uninfected vaccinated group (n = 14, 0.1035 ± 0.03625 OD). Conversely, anti-S-glycoprotein IgG production was higher in the control group (n = 12, 1.770 ± 0.1393 OD) than in the infected vaccinated group (n = 26, 1.391 ± 0.1563 OD).ConclusionThis comprehensive study enables monitoring of predominant variants and their correlation with clinical cases, providing valuable insights for public health. Our research group continues to survey circulating variants, contributing to the global understanding of the pandemic.
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- 2024
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27. Case Report: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using balloon-expandable bioprosthesis in patients with severe pure aortic regurgitation on noncalcified native valves: a series of cases
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Luciano de Moura Santos, Larissa Santos Luz, Vinicius Lelis Bastos, Tulio Assunção Barcelos, Frederico André Alves Abreu, Leonardo Cogo Beck, Mohammed Jamal Aldin Hilal Darnasser, Francisco de Assis Cruz, Luis Carlos Vieira Matos, and Wenderval Borges Carvalho
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aortic regurgitation ,transcatheter aortic valve implantation ,pure native aortic valve regurgitation ,balloon-expandable valve bioprosthesis ,leak paravalvular ,Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system ,RC666-701 - Abstract
BackgroundFor individuals with pure aortic regurgitation (AR), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is cautiously recommended only for those with a high or prohibitive surgical risk. We aimed to describe the results of a case series of transcatheter implantation of a balloon-expandable aortic valve bioprosthesis (BEV) for the treatment of noncalcified native valve AR.MethodsFrom February 2022–November 2022, we performed TAVI in patients with severe pure AR. Cases were indicated on the basis of symptoms, high/prohibitive surgical risk, or patient refusal of conventional treatment.ResultsFive patients underwent successful TAVI. The mean age was 81.9 ± 6.6 years, 3 (60%) female and 5 (100%) in NYHA class III or IV. The baseline echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 49.0 ± 10.6% and left ventricular end-systolic diameter 28.5 ± 4.7 mm/m². The average area of the aortic annulus was 529.1 ± 47.0mm² and the area oversizing index was 17.6 ± 1.2%. In the 30-day follow-up, there were no cases of prosthesis embolization, annulus rupture, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, hemorrhagic complication or death. One patient required a permanent pacemaker and another had a minor vascular complication. The clinical follow-up were 19.8 months (16.7–21.8). During this period, all patients remained alive and in NYHA class I or II. One of the patients developed a moderate paravalvular leak.ConclusionTAVI with a BEV proved to be safe and effective in this small case series of patients with noncalcified native valve AR in a follow-up longer than 1 year.
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- 2024
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28. Editorial: Plant-microbe interactions in forest ecosystems, volume II
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Julio Javier Diez Casero, Ana Paula Moreira Rovedder, and Luciano Kayser Vargas
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forest ,mycorrhizal fungi (MF) ,microbial diversity ,microbial ecology ,phytopathogenic fungi ,Plant culture ,SB1-1110 - Published
- 2024
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29. Editorial: Molecular characterization of humic substances and regulatory processes activated in plants, volume II
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Serenella Nardi, Michela Schiavon, Adele Muscolo, Diego Pizzeghello, Andrea Ertani, Luciano Pasqualoto Canellas, and Jose M. Garcia-Mina
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humic substances ,molecular structure ,biostimulants ,plant growth ,iron nutrition ,Plant culture ,SB1-1110 - Published
- 2024
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30. Acute anodal transcranial direct current stimulation improves the performance of professional rowers
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Luciano Ramos, Tatiana Aparecida Magacho Ramos, Rodrigo Freire De Almeida, Jader Vinicius da Silva-Rocha, Carla Zimerer, and Fernando Zanela Arêas
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ergogenic aid ,neuromodulation ,tDCS ,insula ,sports ,performance ,Sports ,GV557-1198.995 - Abstract
IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of acute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on physical and subjective responses in professional rowing during the 2,000-m time trial test.MethodsSeven rowers (age 20.86 ± 4.49 years; weight 71.66 ± 7.97 kg) participated in this randomized triple-blind trial with a crossover experimental design. The protocol consists of 2 days with different conditions (anodal and sham). The tDCS anodic stimulation conducted was 2 mA for 20 min in the left temporal cortex (2.5 cm from the F7 zone and 2.5 cm from the T3 zone), targeting the left insular cortex. In the sham moment, the participants experienced 30 s of stimulation. Afterward, they performed a standardized progressive warm-up for 15 min, following the Brazilian Rowing Confederation's assessment protocols, and rested for 3 min before the test started. All procedures were made on an indoor rowing machine, which allowed the capture of performance variables such as time performed, power in watts (W), pace (m/min), and stroke rate (strokes/min). The ratings of perceived exertion [Borg scale (CR-20)] were recorded in each 2-min during the test.ResultsThe results presented differences in power [Z: −2.371; p = 0.018; effect size (ES) = −0.896 (large)] and pace [Z: −2.371; p = 0.018; ES = −0.896 (large)] and time performance [Z: −1.612; p = 0.107; ES = −0.609 (large)] throughout the protocol for the anodal moment.DiscussionHowever, no differences for the other variables were found. According to the results, the current tDCS with the present protocol improved the physical performance at the 2,000-m time trial Test providing ergogenic aid.
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- 2024
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31. Case report: Association between PTEN-gene variant and an aggressive case of multiple dAVFs
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Glaucia Suzanna Jong-A-Liem, Talita Helena Martins Sarti, Mariusi Glasenapp dos Santos, Luciano Marcus Tirotti Giacon, Raphael Wuo-Silva, Alex Machado Baeta, José Maria de Campos Filho, and Feres Chaddad-Neto
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pseudotumor cerebri ,gene variant ,AV fistulas ,dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) ,PTEN gene mutation ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
IntroductionMutations of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene have been associated with a spectrum of disorders called PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, which predisposes the individual to develop various types of tumors and vascular anomalies. Its phenotypic spectrum includes Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS), Proteus syndrome, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), some sporadic cancers, Lhermitte–Duclos disease (LDD), and various types of associated vascular anomalies.Clinical presentationA previously healthy 27-year-old woman was experiencing visual scintillating scotomas and mild chronic headaches for the past 2 years. The initial computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans did not reveal any abnormalities, but the possibility of pseudotumor cerebri was considered. Furthermore, a cerebral angiogram showed a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), which was initially treated through embolization. However, in spite of proper treatment, this patient experienced multiple recurrent dAVFs in different locations, requiring multiple embolizations and surgeries. Despite exhibiting altered cerebral perfusion and hemodynamics, the patient did not display any significant symptoms until she experienced a sudden stroke resulting from deep venous thrombosis, which was not associated with any medical procedures or medication use. A comprehensive analysis was performed due to the aggressive nature of the dAVFs. Surprisingly, exome sequencing of a blood sample revealed a PTEN gene variant in chromosome 10, indicative of Cowden syndrome. However, no tumors or other vascular lesions were detected in other systems that would constitute Cowden syndrome.ConclusionThe rapid formation of multiple and complex dAVFs, coupled with not meeting the criteria for any other PTEN-related syndrome, unequivocally leads to the presentation of a novel phenotype of the PTEN germline variant.
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- 2024
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32. Trust in the Transplant Team Associated With the Level of Chronic Illness Management—A Secondary Data Analysis of the International BRIGHT Study
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Juliane Mielke, Maan Isabella Cajita, Kris Denhaerynck, Sabine Valenta, Fabienne Dobbels, Cynthia L. Russell, Sabina De Geest, the BRIGHT study team, Luis Almenar-Bonet, Andrea Cotait Ayoub, Fernanda Barone, Lut Berben, Andrée Bernard, Vicens Brossa-Loidi, Karyn Ryan Canales, Katherine St. Clair, Johan Van Cleemput, Bernice Coleman, Marisa G. Crespo-Leiro, Sandra Cupples, Patricia M. Davidson, Bartira De Aguiar Roza, Samira Scalso De Almeida, Paolo De Simone, Andreas Doesch, Flavio R. Epstein, Ashi Firouzi, Grant Fisher, Maureen Flattery, Albert Groenewoud, Haissam Haddad, Michelle Harkess, Eva Horvath, Alain Jean Poncelet, Annemarie Kaan, Andrew Kao, Stella Kozuszko, Christiane Kugler, Ugolino Livi, Kristin Ludrosky, Joanne Maddicks-Law, Magali Michel, Tara Miller, Paul Mohacsi, Maria Molina, Linda Ohler, Gareth Parry, Luciano Potenta, Cheryl Riotto, Carmen Segura Saint-Gerons, Laurent Sebbag, Javier Segovia-Cubero, and Jacqueline Trammell
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trust ,chronic illness management ,heart transplant ,transplant team ,behavioral outcomes ,Specialties of internal medicine ,RC581-951 - Abstract
A trustful relationship between transplant patients and their transplant team (interpersonal trust) is essential in order to achieve positive health outcomes and behaviors. We aimed to 1) explore variability of trust in transplant teams; 2) explore the association between the level of chronic illness management and trust; 3) investigate the relationship of trust on behavioral outcomes. A secondary data analysis of the BRIGHT study (ID: NCT01608477; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01608477?id=NCT01608477&rank=1) was conducted, including multicenter data from 36 heart transplant centers from 11 countries across four different continents. A total of 1,397 heart transplant recipients and 100 clinicians were enrolled. Trust significantly varied among the transplant centers. Higher levels of chronic illness management were significantly associated with greater trust in the transplant team (patients: AOR= 1.85, 95% CI = 1.47–2.33, p < 0.001; clinicians: AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07–1.71, p = 0.012). Consultation time significantly moderated the relationship between chronic illness management levels and trust only when clinicians spent ≥30 min with patients. Trust was significantly associated with better diet adherence (OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.01–1.77, p = 0.040). Findings indicate the relevance of trust and chronic illness management in the transplant ecosystem to achieve improved transplant outcomes. Thus, further investment in re-engineering of transplant follow-up toward chronic illness management, and sufficient time for consultations is required.
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- 2024
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33. The PII protein interacts with the Amt ammonium transport and modulates nitrate/nitrite assimilation in mycobacteria
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Delfina Ensinck, Edileusa C. M. Gerhardt, Lara Rollan, Luciano F. Huergo, Hugo Gramajo, and Lautaro Diacovich
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mycobacteria ,PII protein ,nitrogen metabolism regulation ,nitrate/nitrite assimilation ,ammonium transport ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
PII proteins are signal transduction proteins that belong to a widely distributed family of proteins involved in the modulation of different metabolisms in bacteria. These proteins are homotrimers carrying a flexible loop, named T-loop, which changes its conformation due to the recognition of diverse key metabolites, ADP, ATP, and 2-oxoglutarate. PII proteins interact with different partners to primarily regulate a set of nitrogen pathways. In some organisms, PII proteins can also control carbon metabolism by interacting with the biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), a key component of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzyme complex, inhibiting its activity with the consequent reduction of fatty acid biosynthesis. Most bacteria contain at least two PII proteins, named GlnB and GlnK, with different regulatory roles. In mycobacteria, only one PII protein was identified, and the three-dimensional structure was solved, however, its physiological role is unknown. In this study we purified the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) PII protein, named GlnB, and showed that it weakly interacts with the AccA3 protein, the α subunit shared by the three different, and essential, Acyl-CoA carboxylase complexes (ACCase 4, 5, and 6) present in M. tb. A M. smegmatis deletion mutant, ∆MsPII, exhibited a growth deficiency on nitrate and nitrite as unique nitrogen sources, and accumulated nitrite in the culture supernatant. In addition, M. tb PII protein was able to interact with the C-terminal domain of the ammonium transporter Amt establishing the ancestral role for this PII protein as a GlnK functioning protein.
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- 2024
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34. Influence of the sand-clay ratio of the burial material of forensic targets on ground-penetrating radar (GPR) responses–comparison of dry and rainy season data
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Kimberly Coutinho Paes Leme de Castro, Luciano Soares da Cunha, Ana Clara de Araujo Sousa, Pedro Vencovsky Nogueira, and Welitom Rodrigues Borges
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clandestine grave ,controlled research site ,forensic science ,burials ,GPR ,ground penetrating radar ,Science - Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of the sand-clay ratio on the detection of simulated forensic targets resembling human burial evidence using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). To achieve this goal, we established a controlled site consisting of four experimental graves (SEPs), with each SEP representing a distinct burial scenario. The project’s objectives encompass evaluating how varying the clay soil content influences the detection of swine targets using 2D, quasi-3D, and 4D GPR imaging techniques. We observed signal attenuation in the GPR data during the rainy season and after reflection from larger targets, primarily due to the conductive behavior of the soft tissues within the targets. We achieved more precise results in an SEP that was 85% sand and 15% clay material, regardless of seasonality. We obtained better results in the dry season due to the greater penetrability of electromagnetic waves and more explicit reflections. In comparison, we achieved more precise results for SEP03, which was 70% sand and 30% clay material. In conclusion, controlled sites are invaluable tools for geophysical investigations, as they provide a controlled environment where we can meticulously adjust various parameters, leading to a more precise and insightful analysis of the results. By systematically manipulating factors such as the soil composition, target depth, and environmental conditions, researchers can effectively calibrate their instruments and methodologies, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of their findings. Therefore, controlled sites not only facilitate comprehensive data collection but also serve as essential platforms for refining and validating geophysical techniques, ultimately advancing the field of geophysical forensics.
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- 2024
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35. How do sea urchins prepare offspring to face ocean acidification? Gamete intraspecific differences and adaptability
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Davide Asnicar, Lisa Locatello, Laura Zanovello, Riccardo Minichino, Luciano Masiero, Marco Munari, and Maria Gabriella Marin
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ocean acidification ,sea urchins ,reproduction ,gamete quality ,sperm viability ,sperm velocity ,Science ,General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,QH1-199.5 - Abstract
IntroductionDue to their relevant ecological position and well-studied biology, sea urchins are reference organisms for ocean acidification studies, at both within- and trans-generational levels. In this study, we examined gamete quality in specimens exposed to future predicted (-0.4 units) pH conditions during gametogenesis.MethodsEgg physical characteristics, biochemical composition, and fatty acid profiles were assessed after two and six months of exposure, while sperm viability and velocity were analyzed after six months of exposure. Considering the documented intraspecific variability in response to ocean acidification, this study involved two populations of Paracentrotus lividus. One population was sampled from the highly variable lagoon of Venice (Site 1), while the other was obtained from a coastal area (Site 2) characterized by more stable environmental conditions and facing minimal anthropogenic stress.ResultsA different response was highlighted in the two sites. Noteworthy trends emerged, especially in the fatty acid profile and sperm traits. Although adults were fed the same diet, Site 1 eggs contained more high-energetic fatty acids than Site 2, potentially boosting the survival odds for the next generation. Moreover, Site 1 sperms displayed higher viability but slower motility compared to those from Site 2. Within sites, a significant difference between time points and a change in the fitness strategy of sea urchin females emerged when comparing eggs spawned after two and six months of exposure to reduced pH. The effects of time and exposure pH are more pronounced in animals from Site 1, suggesting a higher adaptability of this population rather than negative effects of ocean acidification.DiscussionOverall, our findings suggest that sea urchins have the potential to acclimate to reduced pH and to produce gametes of the same quality as controls held at the currently natural pH. Our findings emphasize the relevance of combining investigations of gamete quality characteristics, particularly egg biochemistry and fatty acid composition, and considering site variability to fully understand the transgenerational response potential of sea urchins to ocean acidification.
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- 2024
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36. Personal dispositions explain differences in physical health benefits of nature exposure: the role of restorativeness and affect
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Claudia Russo, Luciano Romano, Giuseppina Spano, Annalisa Theodorou, Giuseppe Carrus, Stefano Mastandrea, Cinzia Angelini, Giovanni Sanesi, and Angelo Panno
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nature connectedness ,love and care for nature ,place identity ,positive and negative affect ,physical wellbeing ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
IntroductionUrbanization processes are constantly increasing, and most of the European population currently live in urban areas. Nevertheless, evidence is consistent in highlighting the positive association between nature exposure and human wellbeing, although individual differences might affect this association.MethodsThe present study aimed to investigate the association among nature connectedness, conceptualized as Love and Care for Nature, place identity, and physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive and negative affect. A total of 312 visitors of an urban green area (i.e., Milan’s Parco Nord) participated in the study. They completed an anonymous questionnaire.ResultsFindings showed that nature connectedness and place identity positively affect physical wellbeing, via restorativeness and positive affect, but not through the negative ones.DiscussionResults highlight the importance of the joint role of exposure to nature and individual differences in promoting wellbeing. This study offers implications for interventions aimed at enhancing individuals’ health through exposure to nature. Limitations of the study and future research developments are discussed.
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- 2024
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37. Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of TpN17 and TmpA recombinant proteins in syphilis detection: a phase II study
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Ângelo Antônio Oliveira Silva, Ayla Araújo Lima, Larissa Carvalho Medrado Vasconcelos, Rosângela Andrade Almeida, Natália Erdens Maron Freitas, Talita Andrade Oliva, Miralba Freire de Carvalho Ribeiro da Silva, Fabricio Klerynton Marchini, Nilson Ivo Tonin Zanchin, Isadora Cristina de Siqueira, and Fred Luciano Neves Santos
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syphilis ,recombinant proteins ,immunodiagnosis ,TpN17 protein ,TmpA protein ,ELISA ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the spiral bacterium Treponema pallidum. Diagnosis is based on epidemiology, clinical and serology, but serodiagnosis is challenging because distinct clinical forms of the infection may influence serological performance. Several recombinant Treponema pallidum-proteins have already been tested for syphilis diagnosis and they are critical to achieve high accuracy in serological testing. A total of 647 samples were included in the study: 180 T. pallidum-positive samples, 191 T. pallidum-negative samples and 276 sera from individuals infected with unrelated diseases. The diagnostic potential was validated by analysis of ROC curves. For the indirect ELISA, TpN17 (100%) and TmpA (99%) showed excellent AUC values. Sensitivity values were 97.2% for TpN17 and 90.6% for TmpA, while specificity was 100% for both molecules. According to the clinical phase, TmpA ranged from 84% to 97%, with the highest value for secondary syphilis. TpN17 was 100% sensitive for the primary and secondary stages and 93.2% for recent latent syphilis. All clinical phases achieved 100% specificity. Accuracy values showed that TmpA (> 95%) and TpN17 (> 98%) presented high diagnostic accuracy for all clinical stages of syphilis. Cross-reactivity was only observed in one sample positive for Chagas disease (1.5%), when TpN17 was evaluated. On the other hand, TmpA showed reactivity for two samples positive for Chagas disease (3.1%), one sample positive for HBV (1.25%), two samples positive for HIV (9.5%) and one sample positive for HTLV (1.6%). The TmpA antigen’s performance was evaluated in multiple studies for syphilis diagnosis, corroborating our findings. However, TpN17 sensitivity values have ranged in other studies. According to clinical stages of the infection, our findings obtained close performance values.
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- 2024
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38. Small for Gestational Age Newborns in French Guiana: The Importance of Health Insurance for Prevention
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Lindsay Osei, Nicolas Vignier, Mathieu Nacher, Juliette Laumonnier, Claude Conan, Loreinzia Clarke, Akoï Koivogui, Sabrina Covis, Luciano Valony, Célia Basurko, Solène Wiedner-Papin, Alain Prual, Thierry Cardoso, Malika Leneuve-Dorilas, Leslie Alcouffe, Najeh Hcini, Stéphanie Bernard, Tiphanie Succo, Françoise Vendittelli, and Narcisse Elenga
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small for gestational age ,newborns ,French Guiana ,migrants ,health insurance ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Objectives: Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns have a higher risk of poor outcomes. French Guiana (FG) is a territory in South America with poor living conditions. The objectives of this study were to describe risk factors associated with SGA newborns in FG.Methods: We used the birth cohort that compiles data from all pregnancies that ended in FG from 2013 to 2021. We analysed data of newborns born after 22 weeks of gestation and/or weighing more than 500 g and their mothers.Results: 67,962 newborns were included. SGA newborns represented 11.7% of all newborns. Lack of health insurance was associated with SGA newborns (p < 0.001) whereas no difference was found between different types of health insurance and the proportion of SGA newborns (p = 0.86). Mothers aged less than 20 years (aOR = 1.65 [1.55–1.77]), from Haiti (aOR = 1.24 [1.11–1.39]) or Guyana (aOR = 1.30 [1.01–1.68]) and lack of health insurance (aOR = 1.24 [1.10–1.40]) were associated with SGA newborns.Conclusion: Immigration and precariousness appear to be determinants of SGA newborns in FG. Other studies are needed to refine these results.
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- 2024
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39. Combining mindfulness and cognitive training in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: study protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial (the NeuroMind study)
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Tania Badia-Aguarón, Estíbaliz Royuela-Colomer, Vanessa Pera-Guardiola, Pere Vergés-Balasch, Ausiàs Cebolla, Juan V. Luciano, Joaquim Soler, Albert Feliu-Soler, and Anna Huguet Miguel
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ADHD ,children ,executive functions ,mindfulness ,cognitive training ,randomized controlled trial ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
IntroductionAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has a global mean prevalence of 5%. Cognitive Training (CT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have shown promising results in managing ADHD symptoms, but they are not its Treatment-As-Usual (TAU). The NeuroMind Study aims to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of three interventions: Mindfulness for Health (M4H), CT using the NeuronUP® platform (CT), and a combination of both, Mindfulness Cognitive Training (MCT). There is empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the M4H and NeuronUP® platform; however, this study explores for the first time the effectiveness of MCT and CT, as well as the integration of M4H into TAU. The objectives of this 5-month Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) are: (1) To analyze the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of M4H, CT or a combination of both (MCT) added to TAU for children with ADHD; (2) To evaluate the role of psychological process variables (mindfulness and emotional regulation) as mediators of 5-month follow-up clinical outcomes; (3) To preliminarily explore whether specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics can predict the short-and medium-term clinical response to the specific treatments.Methods and analysisParticipants will be 120 children (7 to 12 years) with ADHD recruited at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Sant Joan de Déu Terres de Lleida (Spain) randomly allocated to one of the four study arms: TAU vs. TAU + CT vs. TAU + M4H vs. TAU + MCT. An assessment to collect ADHD symptoms, Executive Functions (EF), comorbid symptoms and global functioning will be conducted pre-intervention, post-intervention (2 months after baseline) and at the 5-month follow-up. Linear mixed models and mediational models will be computed.DiscussionIf the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the MCT are demonstrated, this study could be a preliminary basis to do a full RCT with a larger sample to definitively validate the intervention. The MCT could be applied in clinical practice if it is definitively validated.Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier, NCT05937347. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05937347?locStr=Spain&country=Spain&cond=ADHD&intr=Mindfulness&rank=1.
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- 2024
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40. Characterization of prevalent tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their challenges in glioblastoma treatment
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Mahdie Rahban, Sara Joushi, Hamideh Bashiri, Luciano Saso, and Vahid Sheibani
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glioblastoma ,tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) ,genetic heterogeneity ,epigenetic heterogeneity ,TKIs resistance ,blood-brain barrier ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive malignant primary tumor in the central nervous system. Despite extensive efforts in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and neurosurgery, there remains an inadequate level of improvement in treatment outcomes. The development of large-scale genomic and proteomic analysis suggests that GBMs are characterized by transcriptional heterogeneity, which is responsible for therapy resistance. Hence, knowledge about the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity of GBM is crucial for developing effective treatments for this aggressive form of brain cancer. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) can act as signal transducers, regulate important cellular processes like differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism. Therefore, TK inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed to specifically target these kinases. TKIs are categorized into allosteric and non-allosteric inhibitors. Irreversible inhibitors form covalent bonds, which can lead to longer-lasting effects. However, this can also increase the risk of off-target effects and toxicity. The development of TKIs as therapeutics through computer-aided drug design (CADD) and bioinformatic techniques enhance the potential to improve patients’ survival rates. Therefore, the continued exploration of TKIs as drug targets is expected to lead to even more effective and specific therapeutics in the future.
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- 2024
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41. Description of new species of Mycobacterium terrae complex isolated from sewage at the São Paulo zoological park foundation in Brazil
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Camila Lopes Romagnoli, Emilyn Costa Conceição, Edson Machado, Leonardo Bruno Paz Ferreira Barreto, Abhinav Sharma, Natalia Maria Silva, Lucas Evangelista Marques, Maria Aparecida Juliano, Maria Cristina da Silva Lourenço, Luciano Antonio Digiampietri, Philip Noel Suffys, Sylvia Cardoso Leão, and Cristina Viana-Niero
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Mycolicibacter ,taxonomy ,non-tuberculous mycobacteria ,whole-genome sequencing ,MALDI-TOF-MS ,Mycobacterium terrae complex ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 - Abstract
Five mycobacterial isolates from sewage were classified as members of the genus Mycobacterium but presented inconclusive species assignments. Thus, the isolates (MYC017, MYC098, MYC101, MYC123 and MYC340) were analyzed by phenotypical, biochemical, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and genomic features to clarify their taxonomic position. Phenotypic analysis and biochemical tests did not distinguish these isolates from other non-pigmented mycobacteria. In contrast, MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that isolates were not related to any previously described Mycobacterium species. Comparative genomic analysis showed values of ANI and dDDH between 81.59–85.56% and 24.4–28.8%, respectively, when compared to the genomes of species of this genus. In addition, two (MYC101 and MYC123) presented indistinguishable protein spectra from each other and values of ANI = 98.57% and dDDH = 97.3%, therefore being considered as belonging to the same species. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the five isolates within the Mycobacterium terrae complex (MTC) but in a specific subclade and separated from the species already described and supported by 100% bootstrap value, confirming that they are part of this complex but different from earlier described species. According to these data, we propose the description of four new species belonging to the Mycobacterium genus: (i) Mycobacterium defluvii sp. nov. strain MYC017T (= ATCC TSD-296T = JCM 35364T), (ii) Mycobacterium crassicus sp. nov. strain MYC098T (= ATCC TSD-297T = JCM 35365T), (iii) Mycobacterium zoologicum sp. nov. strain MYC101T (= ATCC TSD-298T = JCM 35366T) and MYC123 (= ATCC BAA-3216 = JCM 35367); and (iv) Mycobacterium nativiensis sp. nov. strain MYC340T (= ATCC TSD-299T = JCM 35368T).
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- 2024
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42. Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review
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Francisco Javier Fernández-Carrasco, Cirenia Batugg-Chaves, Azahara Ruger-Navarrete, Francisco Javier Riesco-González, Rocío Palomo-Gómez, Juan Gómez-Salgado, Luciano Rodriguez Diaz, María Dolores Vázquez-Lara, Javier Fagundo-Rivera, and Juana Maria Vázquez-Lara
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pregnancy ,sexual desire ,pregnant women ,sexual partners ,sexual dysfunctions ,public health ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected.Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester.Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.
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- 2024
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43. Forest therapy using virtual reality in the older population: a systematic review
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Davide Clemente, Luciano Romano, Elena Zamboni, Giuseppe Carrus, and Angelo Panno
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virtual reality ,forest therapy ,virtual natural environment ,virtual forest environment ,exposure to nature ,older people ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
IntroductionAs life expectancy increases, more attention needs to be paid to their mental and physical condition. Many older patients are also bedridden, which makes some treatments, like in vivo exposure to natural environments, more difficult to be applied. This study aimed to systematically review articles that include interventions combining virtual reality and forest environment, targeting a sample of older people.MethodsBased on PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search in three databases (EBSCO, PubMed, and Scopus), plus gray literature (OpenGrey). We considered only studies that used forest settings via virtual reality and included a sample with age ≥ 65.ResultsAfter the screening and eligibility stages, 7 articles have been included.DiscussionThe study underlines the need to implement research in this direction to standardize effective procedures that can be used to improve the mental and physical health of the older people and caregivers, while also reducing social costs.
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- 2024
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44. Comparison of hepatitis B and SARS-CoV2 vaccination rates in people who attended Drugs and Addiction Centres
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Diana Corona-Mata, Antonio Rivero-Juárez, Ángela Camacho, Laura Ruiz-Torres, Inmaculada Ruiz-Cáceres, Ana Belén Pérez, Bartolomé de la Fuente Darder, David Cáceres-Anillo, María de Guía Castro-Granados, María Lizaur-Barbudo, María Victoria Cabrera-Gisbert, Justa Redondo-Écija, Ana Aparicio-Aparicio, Leticia Manchado-López, Luciano Cobos, Ignacio Pérez-Valero, and Antonio Rivero
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hepatitis B virus ,COVID-19 disease ,SARS-CoV-2 ,drugs addiction ,vaccination ,prevention ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Background and aimsPersons with substance use disorder are at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Although most of them are attached to social health centers, the vaccination rate in this group is low. In this context, we designed a study to evaluate the prevalence of users of drug addiction centers (DAC) not immunized against hepatitis B and to compare the rate of vaccination against hepatitis B with the rate of immunization against SARS-Cov-2 in 2 years of follow-up.DesignRetrospective study that included individuals attended at DAC. Patients were screened at baseline (June 2020–January 2021) for HBV immunization. Individuals with HBsAb < 10 IU/mL were recommended to receive hepatitis B vaccine, during follow-up (January 2021–October 2022). At the end of follow-up, the HBV vaccination rate among candidates was determined and compared with the vaccination rate against SARS-Cov-2 in this population in the same period.FindingsA total of 325 subjects were surveyed and tested. At baseline, the 65% (211/325) of were candidates to initiate vaccination and were advisor to HBV vaccination. During the follow-up 15 individuals received at least one dose of HBV vaccine, supposing a vaccination rate of 7.2%. In the same period, 186 individuals received at least one dose against SARS-Cov-2, representing a vaccination rate of 83%. The comparison between vaccination rates reached statistically significant (p
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- 2024
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45. Drug survival of IL-12/23, IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a retrospective multicenter real-world experience on 5932 treatment courses – IL PSO (Italian landscape psoriasis)
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Luigi Gargiulo, Luciano Ibba, Piergiorgio Malagoli, Anna Balato, Federico Bardazzi, Martina Burlando, Carlo G. Carrera, Giovanni Damiani, Paolo Dapavo, Valentina Dini, Francesca M. Gaiani, Giampiero Girolomoni, Claudio Guarneri, Claudia Lasagni, Francesco Loconsole, Angelo V. Marzano, Matteo Megna, Santo R. Mercuri, Massimo Travaglini, Antonio Costanzo, and Alessandra Narcisi
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IL-inhibitors ,immunomodulatory therapies ,inflammatory skin diseases ,psoriasis ,psoriasis treatment ,Immunologic diseases. Allergy ,RC581-607 - Abstract
IntroductionThe development of several effective biological drugs for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis has dramatically changed the lives of patients. Despite the wide use of interleukin (IL) inhibitors, limited data are available to date regarding long-term treatment persistence.MethodThis multicenter retrospective real-world study evaluated 5932 treatment courses across 5300 patients, all treated with interleukin inhibitors. Drug survival was expressed by using the Kaplan-Meier estimator for each biological drug at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. We also stratified by discontinuation associated with primary or secondary ineffectiveness.ResultsIn our study, the most prescribed drugs were secukinumab (1412), ixekizumab (1183), and risankizumab (977). After four years of follow-up, risankizumab emerged as the treatment with the highest drug survival overall, as 91.6% of patients were still on treatment. The overall probability of drug survival at four years was comparable for tildrakizumab (83.5%), ixekizumab (82.6%), guselkumab (82.4%) and brodalumab (81.8%). When evaluating only patients who discontinued the treatment because of ineffectiveness, once again risankizumab was the molecule with the highest drug survival at 4 years (93.4%), this time followed by ixekizumab (87%). Our study, in which all IL inhibitors were adequately represented, confirmed a slightly better treatment persistence for IL-23 inhibitors, consistent with other real-world studies.ConclusionOur experience showed that IL-23 inhibitors, and risankizumab in particular, had a higher probability of drug survival overall during a 4-year follow-up. Risankizumab and ixekizumab were less likely to be discontinued because of ineffectiveness after four years.
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- 2024
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46. Cocaine reward and reinstatement in adolescent versus adult rodents
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Amy A. Arguello, Christian T. Valade, Luciano S. Voutour, and Christopher A. Reeves
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adolescence ,context ,self-administration ,cocaine seeking ,reinstatement ,cocaine conditioned place preference ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Adolescence is a critical juncture when initiation of drug use intersects with profound developmental changes in the brain. Adolescent drug use increases the risk to develop substance use disorders (SUDs) later in life, but the mechanisms that confer this vulnerability are not understood. SUDs are defined by cycles of use, abstinence, and relapse. Intense craving during drug-free periods is often triggered by cues and environmental contexts associated with previous use. In contrast to our understanding of stimuli that elicit craving and relapse in adults, the behavioral processes that occur during periods of abstinence and relapse in adolescents are poorly understood. The current mini-review will summarize findings from preclinical rodent studies that used cocaine conditioned place preference and operant cocaine self-administration to examine subsequent effects on reward, relapse and incubation of craving.
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- 2024
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47. A systematic review of cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions for comorbid chronic pain and clinically relevant psychological distress
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Juan P. Sanabria-Mazo, Ariadna Colomer-Carbonell, Óscar Fernández-Vázquez, Georgina Noboa-Rocamora, Gemma Cardona-Ros, Lance M. McCracken, Antonio Montes-Pérez, Juan R. Castaño-Asins, Sílvia Edo, Xavier Borràs, Antoni Sanz, Albert Feliu-Soler, and Juan V. Luciano
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cognitive behavioral therapy ,chronic pain ,distress ,depression ,anxiety ,systematic review ,Psychology ,BF1-990 - Abstract
ObjectiveChronic pain frequently co-occurs with clinically relevant psychological distress. A systematic review was conducted to identify the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions for patients with these comorbid conditions.MethodsThe systematic search was carried out in Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to March 18th, 2023. Four reviewers independently conducted screenings, extraction, and quality assessment.ResultsTwelve randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized controlled trial involving 1,661 participants that examined the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (nine studies), Mindfulness-based Interventions (three studies), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (one study), and Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression (one study) were included. Compared to treatment as usual, six out of eight studies of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy reported significant differences in the reduction of depressive symptoms at post-treatment (d from 1.31 to 0.18) and four out of six at follow-up (d from 0.75 to 0.26); similarly, five out of six reported significant differences in the reduction of anxiety symptoms at post-treatment (d from 1.08 to 0.19) and three out of four at follow-up (d from 1.07 to 0.27). Overall, no significant differences between traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and treatment as usual were reported at post-treatment and follow-up in the studies exploring pain intensity and pain catastrophizing.ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may produce significant benefits for the improvement of depression, anxiety, and quality of life, but not for pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. More evidence is needed to determine the effects of MBI, ACT, and BATD.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42021219921.
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- 2023
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48. Case report: The use of PRP in the treatment of diabetic foot: case series and a review of the literature
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Paolo Izzo, Claudia De Intinis, Marcello Molle, Andrea Polistena, Simone Sibio, Massimo Codacci-Pisanelli, Daniele Biacchi, Pierfrancesco Di Cello, Daniele Santini, Luciano Izzo, and Sara Izzo
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PRP ,diabetic foot ,wound care ,ulcer ,case series ,literature review ,Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology ,RC648-665 - Abstract
BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic condition that significantly impacts global health. Diabetic foot complications, such as foot ulcers, pose a substantial burden on individuals with diabetes and can lead to serious consequences, including amputation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsIn our study, we treated 12 patients with chronic diabetic ulcers using PRP injections administered at three-week intervals. Our objective was to assess the reduction in wound size and the rate of complete healing at 6 months after the start of the treatment. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to contextualize our findings.ResultsOut of the 12 patients, 8 achieved complete healing of their diabetic foot ulcers, while the remaining four showed significant improvement with more than 50% reduction in the initial lesion size. 3 patients developed mild irritation at the inoculation site. These outcomes, combined with the evidence from published studies, highlight the effectiveness of PRP in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a successful therapeutic option for enhancing the healing process of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The favorable outcomes observed, including a high rate of complete healing and significant wound size reduction, underscore the value of PRP treatment in managing this challenging complication. Further research and larger studies may provide additional insights into the mechanisms and long-term benefits of PRP in diabetic wound healing.
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- 2023
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49. Editorial: Nutrition and management of animals we keep as companions, volume II
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Luciano Trevizan, Anna K. Shoveller, and Ananda P. Félix
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digestibility trials ,ingredients ,lipid metabolism ,pet food processing ,camelina oil ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Published
- 2023
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50. Argipressin-norepinephrine association in the treatment of septic shock: the use of the polydistrectual resistance index as an assessment of vascular compliance
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Alessio Barile, Barbara Mazzotta, Antonio Izzi, Lucia Mirabella, Gilda Cinnella, Gianluca Paternoster, Giuseppe Mincolelli, Andreaserena Recchia, Maria Pia Tonti, Aldo Manuali, Massimiliano Copetti, Luciano Restivo, Mauro D’Amora, Aldo Di Fazio, Pasquale Innelli, and Alfredo Del Gaudio
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septic shock ,association ,argipressin ,decatecholaminization ,resistance index ,echodynamic monitoring ,Anesthesiology ,RD78.3-87.3 - Abstract
IntroductionThe hemodynamic management of septic patients involves initial fluid therapy, followed by the use of vasoconstrictors in case of treatment failure. The latest Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines suggest the synergistic use of argipressin in addition to norepinephrine when hemodynamic optimization is not achieved with norepinephrine alone.MethodsIn our single-center retrospective observational study, the primary endpoint is the safety of initial norepinephrine-argipressin association treatment, assessed through a reduction in Resistance Index. Our secondary endpoint includes the efficacy of this combination, measured by an increase in Mean Arterial Pressure and a reduction in Resistance Index as an indicator of organ perfusion. The Resistance Index (RI) is evaluated through Power Doppler ultrasound. RI is crucial for assessing multi-district vascular tone and multiorgan perfusion. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their treatment. In Group 1, we analyzed patients treated with norepinephrine alone in incremental doses; in Group 2, we analyzed patients receiving the initial norepinephrine-argipressin association treatment (norepinephrine 0.05 mcg/kg/min-argipressin 0.03 IU/min); in the third group (Group 3), we analyzed patients given argipressin (0.03 IU/min) after norepinephrine ( 65 mmHg). RI measurements were taken in the Renal Artery (ARE), Radial Artery (AR), Central Retinal Artery (CRA), and Superior Mesenteric Artery (AMS) at four different time points: T0 before vasopressor therapy, T1 at 1 h, T2 at 24 h, and T3 at 48 h after vasopressor infusion.ResultsA total of 48 patients were divided into three groups: 17 patients in Group 1, 16 in Group 2, and 15 in Group 3. In Group 1, an increase in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was observed, but there was an increase in RIs in the right CRI and left ARE. In Group 2, there was an improvement in MAP and a reduction in RIs in the right/left CRI, left ARE, AMS, and right AR. In Group 3, there was an increase in MAP and a reduction in RIs in the right/left CRI, left ARE, AMS, and right AR.ConclusionEarly norepinephrine-argipressin association treatment appears to be a valid strategy for hemodynamic optimization in this patient population.
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- 2023
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