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1. MFIX-Exa: A path toward exascale CFD-DEM simulations

Author

Musser, J, Musser, J, Almgren, AS, Fullmer, WD, Antepara, O, Bell, JB, Blaschke, J, Gott, K, Myers, A, Porcu, R, Rangarajan, D, Rosso, M, Zhang, W, Syamlal, M, Musser, J, Musser, J, Almgren, AS, Fullmer, WD, Antepara, O, Bell, JB, Blaschke, J, Gott, K, Myers, A, Porcu, R, Rangarajan, D, Rosso, M, Zhang, W, and Syamlal, M

Abstract

MFIX-Exa is a computational fluid dynamics–discrete element model (CFD-DEM) code designed to run efficiently on current and next-generation supercomputing architectures. MFIX-Exa combines the CFD-DEM expertise embodied in the MFIX code—which was developed at NETL and is used widely in academia and industry—with the modern software framework, AMReX, developed at LBNL. The fundamental physics models follow those of the original MFIX, but the combination of new algorithmic approaches and a new software infrastructure will enable MFIX-Exa to leverage future exascale machines to optimize the modeling and design of multiphase chemical reactors.

Published
2022

2. The divergence of nearby trajectories in soft-sphere DEM

Author

Fullmer, WD, Fullmer, WD, Porcu, R, Musser, J, Almgren, AS, Srivastava, I, Fullmer, WD, Fullmer, WD, Porcu, R, Musser, J, Almgren, AS, and Srivastava, I

Abstract

The n-body instability is investigated with the soft-sphere discrete element method. The divergence of nearby trajectories is quantified by the dynamical memory time. Using the inverse proportionality between the dynamical memory time and the largest Lyapunov exponent, the soft-sphere discrete element method results are compared to previous hard-sphere molecular dynamics data for the first time. Good agreement is observed at low concentrations and the degree of instability is shown to increase asymptotically with increasing spring stiffness. At particle concentrations above 30%, the soft-sphere Lyapunov exponents increase faster than the corresponding hard-sphere data. This paper concludes with a demonstration of how this case study may be used in conjunction with regression testing and code verification activities.

Published
2022

8. 1-year outcomes after transfemoral transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement: Results from the Italian OBSERVANT study

Author

Tamburino, C, Barbanti, M, D'Errigo, P, Ranucci, M, Onorati, F, Covello, R, Santini, F, Rosato, S, Santoro, G, Fusco, D, Grossi, C, Seccareccia, F, Marra, S, D'Amico, M, Gaita, F, Moretti, C, De Benedictis, M, Aranzulla, T, Pistis, G, Reale, M, Bedogni, F, Brambilla, N, Ferrario, M, Ferrero, L, Vicinelli, P, Colombo, A, Chieffo, A, Ferrari, A, Inglese, L, Casilli, F, Ettori, F, Frontini, M, Antona, C, Piccaluga, E, Klugmann, S, De Marco, F, Tespili, M, Saino, A, Leonzi, O, Rizzi, A, Grisolia, E, Franceschini Grisolia, E, Isabella, G, Fraccaro, C, Bernardi, G, Bisceglia, T, Armellini, I, Vischi, M, Parodi, E, Vignali, L, Ardissimo, D, Marzocchi, A, Marrozzini, C, Cremonesi, A, Colombo, F, Giannini, C, Pierli, C, Iadanza, A, Meucci, F, Berti, S, Mariani, M, Tomai, F, Ghini, A, Violini, R, Confessore, P, Crea, F, Giubilato, S, Sardella, G, Mancone, M, Ribichini, F, Vassanelli, C, Dandale, R, Giudice, P, Vigorito, F, Liso, A, Specchia, L, Indolfi, C, Spaccarotella, C, Stabile, A, Gandolfo, C, Ussia, G, Comoglio, C, Dyrda, O, Rinaldi, M, Salizzoni, S, Micalizzi, E, Di Gregorio, O, Scoti, P, Costa, R, Casabona, R, Del Ponte, S, Panisi, P, Spira, G, Troise, G, Messina, A, Viganò, M, Aiello, M, Alfieri, O, Denti, P, Menicanti, L, Agnelli, B, Donatelli, F, Muneretto, C, Rambaldini, M, Gamba, A, Tasca, G, Ferrazzi, P, Terzi, A, Gelpi, G, Martinelli, L, Bruschi, G, Graffigna, A, Mazzucco, A, Pappalardo, A, Gatti, G, Livi, U, Pompei, E, Coppola, R, Gucciardo, M, Albertini, A, Caprili, L, Ghidoni, I, Gabbieri, D, La Marra, M, Aquino, T, Gherli, T, Policlinico, S, Di Bartolomeo, R, Savini, C, Popoff, G, Innocenti, D, Bortolotti, U, Pratali, S, Stefano, P, Blanzola, C, Glauber, M, Cerillo, A, Chiaramonti, F, Pardini, A, Fioriello, F, Torracca, L, Rescigno, G, De Paulis, R, Nardella, S, Musumeci, F, Luzi, G, Possati, G, Bonalumi, G, Covino, E, Pollari, F, Sinatra, R, Roscitano, A, Chiariello, L, Nardi, P, Lonobile, T, Baldascino, F, Di Benedetto, G, Mastrogiovanni, G, Piazza, L, Marmo, J, Vosa, C, De Amicis, V, Speziale, G, Visicchio, G, Spirito, R, Gregorini, R, Villani, M, Pano, M, Bortone, A, De Luca Tupputi Schinosa, L, De Cillis, E, Gaeta, R, Di Natale, M, Cassese, M, Antonazzo, A, Argano, V, Santaniello, E, Patanè, L, Gentile, M, Tribastone, S, Follis, F, Montalbano, G, Pilato, M, Stringi, V, Patanè, F, Salamone, G, Ruvolo, G, Pisano, C, Mignosa, C, Bivona, A, Cirio, E, Lixi, G, Maraschini, A, Badoni, G, Onorato, F, De Palma, R, Scandotto, S, Orlando, A, Copello, F, Borgia, P, Marchetta, F, and Porcu, R

Subjects
aortic stenosis, implantation, intermediate risk, transcatheter aortic valve, Settore MED/23 - Chirurgia Cardiaca
Published
2015

13. ILLITE CRYSTALLINITY IN PELITIC AND MARLY ROCKS FROM THE NORTHERN APENNINES (SOUTHERN TUSCANY AND UMBRIA, ITALY)

Author

FRANCESCHELLI M., PANDELI E., PUXEDDU M., PORCU R., and FADDA S.

Subjects
ITALY, MARLY AND PELITIC SHALE, METAMORPHISM, ALPINE OROGENY, DIAGENESIS, NORTHERN APENNINES, ILLITE CRYSTALLINITY
Abstract

Illite crystallinity (IC) was determined in 850 samples of pelitic and marly shale of the Alpine tectonic units belonging to the Northern Apennines all over southern Tuscany and western Umbria. The IC values fall in the range °DELTA2THETA = 0.18-0.74 (high-grade diagenesis to epimetamorphic grade), significantly shifted towards lower values than those found in northern Tuscany for the same units. Values falling in the range °DELTA2THETA - 0.58 - 0.95 were found near granite outcrops or geothermal areas affected by strong hydrothermal alteration. The following ranges of °DELTA2THETA were obtained: 1) Ophiolitic Complex: 0.41-0.67; 2) Cretaceous-Paleogene Flysch Complex: 0.280. 74; 3) Canetolo Complex: 0.26-0.57; 4) Tuscan Nappe: 0.24-0.68; 5) Cervarola-Falterona Unit: 0.43-0.65, with values of 0.32 and 0.37 near overthrust surfaces; 6) Umbrian Series 0.43-0.60; 7) Tuscan Metamorphic Units: 0.18-0.39. The regional distribution pattern does not show clear vertical and horizontal zonations as those observed in northern Tuscany and Liguria. The high values and narrower ranges of IC parameter in southern Tuscany and Umbria as compared with those of northern Tuscany and Liguria are attributed to a post-tectonic increase of the geothermal gradient produced by lithospheric and crustal thinning, mantle swelling and shallow emplacement of acidic magmas below the western side of the Northern Apennines.

Published
1994

15. Role of Chlamydophila abortusin ovine and caprine abortion in Sardinia, Italy

Author

Masala, G., Porcu, R., Sanna, G., Tanda, A., and Tola, S.

Abstract

Between 1999–2003, 14 321 sera and 646 abortion samples (498 foetuses and 148 placentae) were analysed from 807 sheep and goat farms distributed all over the island of Sardinia. After notification of abortion in a flock, sera collected at random from adult animals were examined to detect antibodies specific to Chlamydophila (C.) abortusby ELISA, whereas foetuses and placenta were analysed by PCR assay. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 611 (4.8%) sheep and 106 (5.8%) goats. From a total of 2050 ovine and 151 caprine fetal samples including muscle, liver, abomasum, spleen, brain and placenta, 29 (1.4%) ovine and 1 (0.6%) caprine samples were C. abortusPCR-positive. Placenta was the tissue with the highest detection rate. These results indicate that the seroprevalence of C. abortusinfection in sheep and goats is very low in Sardinia, and PCR results demonstrate that C. abortushas no significant role in abortion, especially in goats.

Published
2005
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16. ( Sulphide deposits associated to Sardinian Tertiary volcanics. Note I: first results of prospecting in the Perdaxius area, Sardinia).|Mineralizzazioni a solfuri associate alle vulcaniti terziarie della Sardegna Nota I: primi risultati della prospezione dell'area di Perdaxius

Author

Grillo S.M., Mazzella A., Melis F., Porcu R., Pretti S., Rivoldini S., Uras I., Carcangiu G., Fadda S., Fiori M., Palomba M., and Marini C.

Subjects
sampling, tertiary volcanism, Sardinia, Prospecting
Abstract

The paper reports on the results of recent prospecting for sulphide occurrences related to the Tertiary volcanism in Sardinia. The area concerned was chosen as a test site in order to define the field and laboratory methods to be used in subsequent surveys, owing to its logistical, geological and structural features. Geochemical sampling, both of volcanic rocks and related soils, was carried out over a regular 100 X 100 sqm grid. The spectrophotometric analysis of these samples for base metals revealed anomalous concentrations in certain places and these are investigated in greater depth. The characateristics of the volcanic rocks and of their alterations as well as rocks in the vicinity of contact are investigated by means of microscopic, diffractometric and spectrometric analysis.

Published
1986

17. Signs of sulphide mineralisation along the contacts between Cambrian limestones and Tertiary volcanics. South western Sardinia (Italy).

Author

Fiori M., Grillo S.M., Porcu R., Fiori M., Grillo S.M., and Porcu R.

Abstract

At the northern border of the Narcao Rift (SW Sardinia), Oligocene-Miocene calc-alkaline volcanics, both effusive and subvolcanic, are in contact with Cambrian sandstones, shales, and, mainly, carbonate rocks and Eocene continental clastics. The volcanics of andesitic type are accompanied by thermal metamorphism at the contact with limestones. A small Pb mine operates in the Cambrian limestones, along the contact with some of the andesitic dykes. The study of Pb, Zn and Cu contents along the contacts between andesitic dykes and Cambrian limestones showed that Cu behaved differently from Pb and Zn. Cu is proposed to be supplied by the skarn formation phenomena related with the volcanic activity, while Pb and Zn are believed to be already present in the Cambrian limestones. The skarns themselves show character intermediate between the Cu-skarns and the Au-skarns., At the northern border of the Narcao Rift (SW Sardinia), Oligocene-Miocene calc-alkaline volcanics, both effusive and subvolcanic, are in contact with Cambrian sandstones, shales, and, mainly, carbonate rocks and Eocene continental clastics. The volcanics of andesitic type are accompanied by thermal metamorphism at the contact with limestones. A small Pb mine operates in the Cambrian limestones, along the contact with some of the andesitic dykes. The study of Pb, Zn and Cu contents along the contacts between andesitic dykes and Cambrian limestones showed that Cu behaved differently from Pb and Zn. Cu is proposed to be supplied by the skarn formation phenomena related with the volcanic activity, while Pb and Zn are believed to be already present in the Cambrian limestones. The skarns themselves show character intermediate between the Cu-skarns and the Au-skarns.

18. Sulphide mineralisation associated with the Tertiary volcanics of Sardinia. Part I: Preliminary results of exploration in the Perdaxius area.

Author

Grillo S.M., Carcangiu G., Fadda S., Fiori M., Marini C., Mazzella A., Melis F., Palomba M., Porcu R., Pretti S., Rivoldini S., Uras I., Grillo S.M., Carcangiu G., Fadda S., Fiori M., Marini C., Mazzella A., Melis F., Palomba M., Porcu R., Pretti S., Rivoldini S., and Uras I.

Abstract

Sampling of an area of Tertiary volcanic rocks 1500 by 2500m at 100m intervals revealed anomalies in lead, zinc and copper distributions in soils and rocks., Sampling of an area of Tertiary volcanic rocks 1500 by 2500m at 100m intervals revealed anomalies in lead, zinc and copper distributions in soils and rocks.

19. Different impact of sex on baseline characteristics and major periprocedural outcomes of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve interventions: Results of the multicenter Italian OBSERVANT Registry

Author

Onorati, Francesco, D'Errigo, Paola, Barbanti, Marco, Rosato, Stefano, Covello, Remo Daniel, Maraschini, Alice, Ranucci, Marco, Santoro, Gennaro, Tamburino, Corrado, Grossi, Claudio, Santini, Francesco, Menicanti, Lorenzo, Seccareccia, Fulvia, Badoni, Gabriella, Fusco, Danilo, De Palma, Rossana, Scondotto, Salvatore, Orlando, Anna, Copello, Francesco, Zanier, Loris, Zocchetti, Carlo, Cecchi, Mario, Borgia, Piero, Celentano, Egidio, Mauro, Aldo, De Luca, Giovanni, Marchetta, Fausto, Antonelli, Antonello, Porcu, Rosanna, Marra, S., D'Amico, M., Gaita, F., Moretti, C., De Benedictis, M., Aranzulla, T., Pistis, G., Reale, M., Bedogni, F., Brambilla, N., Colombo, A., Chieffo, A., Ferrari, A., Inglese, L., Casilli, F., Ettori, F., Frontini, M., Antona, C., Piccaluga, E., Klugmann, S., De Marco, F., Tespili, M., Saino, A., Franceschini Grisolia, E., Isabella, G., Fraccaro, C., Proclemer, A., Bisceglia, T., Armellini, I., Vischi, M., Parodi, E., Petronio, S., Giannini, C., Pierli, C., Iadanza, A., Santoro, G., Meucci, F., Tomai, F., Ghini, A., Sardella, Gennaro, Mancone, M., Ribichini, F., Vassanelli, C., Dandale, R., Giudice, P., Vigorito, F., Bortone, A., De Luca Tupputi Schinosa, L., De Cillis, E., Indolfi, C., Spaccarotella, C., Stabile, A., Gandolfo, C., Tamburino, C., Ussia, G., Rinaldi, M., Salizzoni, S., Grossi, C., Di Gregorio, O., Scoti, P., Costa, R., Casabona, R., Del Ponte, S., Panisi, P., Spira, G., Troise, G., Messina, A., Viganò, M., Aiello, M., Alfieri, O., Denti, P., Menicanti, L., Agnelli, B., Muneretto, C., Rambaldini, M., Gamba, A., Tasca, G., Ferrazzi, P., Terzi, A., Gelpi, G., Martinelli, L., Bruschi, G., Graffigna, A. C., Mazzucco, A., Pappalardo, A., Gatti, G., Livi, U., Pompei, E., Passerone, G., Bortolotti, U., Pratali, S., Stefano, P., Blanzola, C., Glauber, M., Cerillo, A., Chiaramonti, F., Pardini, A., Fioriello, F., Torracca, L., Rescigno, G., De Paulis, R., Nardella, S., Musumeci, F., Luzi, G., Possati, G., Bonalumi, G., Covino, E., Pollari, F., Sinatra, Riccardo, Roscitano, A., Chiariello, L., Nardi, P., Lonobile, T., Baldascino, F., Di Benedetto, G., Mastrogiovanni, G., Piazza, L., Marmo, J., Vosa, C., De Amicis, V., Villani, M., Pano, M. A., Cassese, M., Antonazzo, A., Patanè, L., Gentile, M., Tribastone, S., Follis, F., Montalbano, G., Pilato, M., Stringi, V., Patanè, F., Salamone, G., Ruvolo, G., Pisano, C., Mignosa, C., Bivona, A., Cirio, E. M., Lixi, G., Onorati, F., D'Errigo, P., Barbanti, M., Rosato, S., Covello, R. D., Maraschini, A., Ranucci, M., Santoro, G., Tamburino, C., Grossi, C., Santini, F., Menicanti, L., Seccareccia, F., Badoni, G., Fusco, D., De Palma, R., Scondotto, S., Orlando, A., Copello, F., Zanier, L., Zocchetti, C., Cecchi, M., Borgia, P., Celentano, E., Mauro, A., De Luca, G., Marchetta, F., Antonelli, A., Porcu, R., Marra, S., D'Amico, M., Gaita, F., Moretti, C., De Benedictis, M., Aranzulla, T., Pistis, G., Reale, M., Bedogni, F., Brambilla, N., Colombo, A., Chieffo, A., Ferrari, A., Inglese, L., Casilli, F., Ettori, F., Frontini, M., Antona, C., Piccaluga, E., Klugmann, S., De Marco, F., Tespili, M., Saino, A., Franceschini Grisolia, E., Isabella, G., Fraccaro, C., Proclemer, A., Bisceglia, T., Armellini, I., Vischi, M., Parodi, E., Petronio, S., Giannini, C., Pierli, C., Iadanza, A., Meucci, F., Tomai, F., Ghini, A., Sardella, G., Mancone, M., Ribichini, F., Vassanelli, C., Dandale, R., Giudice, P., Vigorito, F., Bortone, A., De Luca Tupputi Schinosa, L., De Cillis, E., Indolfi, C., Spaccarotella, C., Stabile, A., Gandolfo, C., Ussia, G., Rinaldi, M., Salizzoni, S., Di Gregorio, O., Scoti, P., Costa, R., Casabona, R., Del Ponte, S., Panisi, P., Spira, G., Troise, G., Messina, A., Vigano, M., Aiello, M., Alfieri, O., Denti, P., Agnelli, B., Muneretto, C., Rambaldini, M., Gamba, A., Tasca, G., Ferrazzi, P., Terzi, A., Gelpi, G., Martinelli, L., Bruschi, G., Graffigna, A. C., Pappalardo, A., Mazzucco, A., Livi, U., Pompei, E., Passerone, G., Bortolotti, U., Pratali, S., Stefano, P., Blanzola, C., Glauber, M., Cerillo, A., Chiaramonti, F., Pardini, A., Fioriello, F., Torracca, L., Rescigno, G., De Paulis, R., Nardella, S., Musumeci, F., Luzi, G., Possati, G., Bonalumi, G., Covino, E., Pollari, F., Sinatra, R., Roscitano, A., Chiariello, L., Nardi, P., Lonobile, T., Baldascino, F., Di Benedetto, G., Mastrogiovanni, G., Piazza, L., Marmo, J., Vosa, C., De Amicis, V., Villani, M., Pano, M. A., Cassese, M., Antonazzo, A., Patane, L., Gentile, M., Tribastone, S., Montalbano, G., Follis, F., Pilato, M., Stringi, V., Patane, F., Salamone, G., Ruvolo, G., Pisano, C., Mignosa, C., Bivona, A., Cirio, E. M., and Lixi, G.

Subjects
Aortic valve, Registrie, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aortic Valve, Aortic Valve Stenosis, Blood Transfusion, Chi-Square Distribution, Comorbidity, Female, Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation, Hospital Mortality, Humans, Italy, Linear Models, Logistic Models, Male, Multivariate Analysis, Odds Ratio, Postoperative Complications, Prospective Studies, Registries, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Sex Factors, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome, Cardiac Catheterization, Health Status Disparities, Surgery, Medicine (all), Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine, medicine.medical_treatment, Sex Factor, Aortic valve replacement, 80 and over, Age Factor, Myocardial infarction, Multivariate Analysi, education.field_of_study, Ejection fraction, medicine.anatomical_structure, Aortic valve stenosis, Cardiology, Linear Model, Human, medicine.medical_specialty, Logistic Model, Time Factor, Population, Internal medicine, medicine, education, business.industry, Risk Factor, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Settore MED/23 - Chirurgia Cardiaca, EuroSCORE, medicine.disease, Aortic Valve Stenosi, Prospective Studie, Postoperative Complication, business
Abstract

Background: Despite the widespread use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the role of sex on outcome after TAVI or surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) has been poorly investigated. We investigated the impact of sex on outcome after TAVI or AVR. Methods: There were 2108 patients undergoing TAVI or AVR who were enrolled in the Italian Observational Multicenter Registry (OBSERVANT). Thirty-day mortality, major periprocedural morbidity, and transprosthetic gradients were stratified by sex according to interventions. Results: Female AVR patients showed a worse risk profile compared with male AVR patients, given the higher mean age, prevalence of frailty score of 2 or higher, New York Heart Association class of 3 or higher, lower body weight, and preoperative hemoglobin level (P ≤.02). Similarly, female TAVI patients had a different risk profile than male TAVI patients, given a higher age and a lower body weight and preoperative hemoglobin level (P ≤.005), but with a similar New York Heart Association class, frailty score, EuroSCORE (P = NS), a better left ventricular ejection fraction and a lower prevalence of left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%, porcelain aorta, renal dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arteriopathy, and previous cardiovascular surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention (P ≤.01). Women showed a smaller aortic annulus than men in both populations (P

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20. A Phase Ib Study of Atezolizumab with Radium-223 Dichloride in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Author

Fong L, Morris MJ, Sartor O, Higano CS, Pagliaro L, Alva A, Appleman LJ, Tan W, Vaishampayan U, Porcu R, Tayama D, Kadel EE 3rd, Yuen KC, Datye A, Armstrong AJ, and Petrylak DP

Subjects
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Combined Modality Therapy, Double-Blind Method, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Metastasis, Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant drug therapy, Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant pathology, Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized therapeutic use, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors therapeutic use, Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant radiotherapy, Radium therapeutic use
Abstract

Purpose: Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have limited treatment options after progressing on hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. Here, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) + radium-223 dichloride (radium-223) in men with mCRPC., Patients and Methods: This phase Ib study evaluated atezolizumab + radium-223 in men with mCRPC and bone and lymph node and/or visceral metastases that progressed after androgen pathway inhibitor treatment. Following safety assessment of concurrent dosing, 45 men were randomized 1:1:1 to concurrent or one of two staggered dosing schedules with either agent introduced one cycle before the other. This was followed by a safety-efficacy expansion cohort (randomized 1:1:1). The primary endpoints were safety and objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), PSA responses, and overall survival (OS)., Results: As of October 4, 2019, 44 of 45 men were evaluable. All 44 had ≥1 all-cause adverse event (AE); 23 (52.3%) had a grade 3/4 AE. Fifteen (34.1%) grade 3/4 and 3 (6.8%) grade 5 AEs were related to atezolizumab; none were related to radium-223. Confirmed ORR was 6.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-18.7], median rPFS was 3.0 months (95% CI, 2.8-4.6), median PSA progression was 3.0 months (95% CI, 2.8-3.3), and median OS was 16.3 months (95% CI, 10.9-22.3)., Conclusions: This phase Ib study demonstrated that atezolizumab + radium-223, regardless of administration schedule, had greater toxicity than either drug alone, with no clear evidence of additional clinical benefit for patients with mCRPC and bone and lymph node and/or visceral metastases., (©2021 The Authors; Published by the American Association for Cancer Research.)

Published
2021
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21. [Ecological study on the mortality of residents in Manfredonia (Apulia Region, Southern Italy) from 1970 to 2013].

Author

Gianicolo EA, Mangia C, Cervino M, Bruni A, De Marchi B, Biggeri A, Porcu R, and Vigotti MA

Subjects
Adolescent, Adult, Cardiovascular Diseases chemically induced, Cause of Death, Female, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Lung Neoplasms mortality, Male, Middle Aged, Myocardial Infarction mortality, Neoplasms chemically induced, Research Design, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Sex Distribution, Arsenic adverse effects, Cardiovascular Diseases mortality, Disasters, Environmental Exposure adverse effects, Health Status, Mortality, Neoplasms mortality
Abstract

OBIETTIVI: valutare lo stato di salute della popolazione residente nel comune di Manfredonia dal 1970 al 2013. DISEGNO: analisi descrittiva dell'andamento temporale della mortalità generale, per gruppi di cause, dal 1970 al 2013. SETTING E PARTECIPANTI: i dati di mortalità e le popolazioni residenti sono di fonte Istat. Sono state esaminate 55 cause di decesso. Le analisi sono disaggregate per sesso e periodo. PRINCIPALI MISURE DI OUTCOME: sono stati elaborati i rapporti standardizzati di mortalità (SMR%), con i rispettivi intervalli di confidenza al 90% (IC90%), e i tassi di mortalità standardizzati col metodo diretto (TSD ). RISULTATI: lo stato di salute misurato dal tasso di mortalità per tutte le cause migliora nel tempo: i TSD passano da 92 x10.000 negli anni 1970-1974 a 52 x10.000 nel biennio 2012-2013 negli uomini, da 70 x10.000 a 39 x10.000 nelle donne. Tuttavia, rispetto alla media regionale Manfredonia perde progressivamente il suo vantaggio, passando da -20% a -10% negli uomini, e da -20% a +1,5% nelle donne. Questo andamento è molto evidente per il complesso delle cause cardiovascolari, mentre i tumori maligni sono in generale nella media regionale. Nell'ultimo periodo disponibile per causa di decesso (2006-2011), la mortalità per infarto miocardico è stata più alta della media regionale (uomini: +35%; donne: +54%). I rapporti standardizzati di mortalità (SMR) mostrano tra gli uomini valori in crescita, in particolar modo rispetto al riferimento provinciale, con un eccesso a cominciare dal periodo 2006-2011 (22 decessi/anno e 19 attesi; SMR%: 117,2; IC90% 101,1-135,2; riferimento: provincia di Foggia). Anche tra le donne gli SMR% superano i riferimenti provinciali negli ultimi periodi esaminati (nel 2012-2013: 7 decessi/ anno e 4,2 attesi; SMR%: 116,4; IC90% 97,0-260,7; riferimento: provincia di Foggia). CONCLUSIONI: la mortalità a Manfredonia è diminuita in misura minore rispetto a quella osservata nei riferimenti provinciali e regionali. Il vantaggio che si osservava negli anni Sessanta si è, infatti, ridotto nel tempo, fino ad annullarsi negli ultimi anni. Dal 1970, Manfredonia ha progressivamente perso il vantaggio che aveva. Dagli anni Duemila, la mortalità per infarto del miocardio è in eccesso sulla media regionale e provinciale. Da casi documentati in letteratura si osserva che le popolazioni che sperimentano catastrofi di origine naturale o antropica possono fronteggiare un aumento di patologie cardiovascolari. La mortalità per tumore polmonare mostra un eccesso sulla media regionale, in particolare provinciale, a cominciare dal 2000, coerentemente con i tempi di latenza legati all'esposizione ad arsenico negli anni Settanta.

Published
2016
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23. Reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in L929 cells infected with Coxiella burnetii strains isolated from placenta and foetal brain of sheep (Sardinia, Italy).

Author

Masu G, Porcu R, Chisu V, Floris A, and Masala G

Subjects
Animals, Brain cytology, Brain embryology, Cells, Cultured, Coxiella burnetii pathogenicity, Female, Italy, Mice, Placenta cytology, Pregnancy, Q Fever veterinary, Sheep, Actin Cytoskeleton, Coxiella burnetii ultrastructure
Abstract

Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q Fever, is a zoonotic pathogen distributed worldwide. It has been reported that virulent strains of C. burnetii are poorly internalized by monocytes compared to avirulent variants. Virulence is also associated to the formation of pseudopodal extensions and transient reorganization of filamentous actin. In this article, we investigated the ability of 2 Coxiella strains isolated from ovine aborted samples to induce reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in mouse fibroblast cells. Cells were exposed for 24 and 48 hours to ovine placenta and foetal brain tissue homogenates and then analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to detect Coxiella infection. The formation of pseudopodal extensions, the polarized distribution of F‑actin, and the involvement of C. burnetii strain in cytoskeleton reorganization have been assessed using a laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. Results indicate that similarly to the virulent reference strain, strains of C. burnetii isolated from foetal brain induced morphological changes - modification in F‑actin distribution and in the localization of bacteria. By contrast, C. burnetii strain isolated from ovine placenta did not induce any significant change in L929 cell morphology. In conclusion, both C. burnetii strains isolated from ovine placenta and foetal brain were pathogenic causing ovine abortion, but in vitro the C. burnetii strain isolated from brain only was able to induce F‑actin reorganization in L929 infected cells.

Published
2015
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24. [Epidemiological study on the health status of residents in Manfredonia (Italy). The beginning of the study told by the citizens].

Author

Porcu R

Subjects
Arsenic, Attitude of Health Personnel, Community Participation, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Pollutants, Fear, Group Processes, Health Status, Humans, Italy, Meteorological Concepts, Negotiating, Research Support as Topic, Trust, Accidents, Occupational, Disaster Victims psychology, Health Surveys
Abstract

In Manfredonia (Southern Italy) an epidemiological study on the health status of the residents, based on a new perspective of a research shared by researchers and citizens, has been launched. The design of the study considered the previous history of Manfredonia, whose management of environmental issues produced distrust and suspicion towards institutions; these feelings are still alive in the civil society. In this article the beginning of the study is framed by means of a double narration: from the point of view of the researchers and of the citizens. After two public meetings, a citizen coordination group, a website and a public relation office have been created. During the next meetings, researchers and population will set the objectives of the survey, and the public health implications of different possible scenarios will be discussed.

Published
2015

25. Molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Type II in sheep abortion in Sardinia, Italy.

Author

Chessa G, Chisu V, Porcu R, and Masala G

Subjects
Abortion, Veterinary etiology, Alleles, Animals, Brain embryology, Brain parasitology, Female, Fetal Diseases parasitology, Fetal Diseases veterinary, Fetus parasitology, Genetic Markers, Genotype, Italy, Liver embryology, Liver parasitology, Placenta parasitology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length, Pregnancy, Sheep, Species Specificity, Toxoplasma classification, Toxoplasma isolation & purification, Toxoplasmosis, Animal complications, Abortion, Veterinary parasitology, Genes, Protozoan, Sheep Diseases parasitology, Toxoplasma genetics, Toxoplasmosis, Animal parasitology
Abstract

During 2009-2010, 161 tissue samples (142 placentas, 16 brains, and 3 livers) from aborted ovine fetuses on Sardinia Island, Italy, were tested for toxoplasmosis. Organs that showed a positive result by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS1 region for Toxoplasma gondii were also amplified with 11 genetic markers (SAG1, 5'-SAG2, 3'-SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) and then subjected to PCR/RFLP for genetic typing. T. gondii DNA was found in 5 placentas, 14 brains, and 2 livers by PCR analysis and all isolates displayed Type II alleles at all 11 loci with all 11 markers. The results indicate that the Type II T. gondii is associated with ovine abortion., (© G. Chessa et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2014.)

Published
2014
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26. First isolation and characterization of Chlamydophila abortus from abortion tissues of sheep in Sardinia, Italy.

Author

Chisu V, Porcu R, Tanda A, and Masala G

Subjects
Animals, Chlamydophila genetics, Female, Italy, Pregnancy, Abortion, Veterinary microbiology, Chlamydophila isolation & purification, Placenta microbiology, Sheep microbiology
Abstract

Chlamydophila abortus (C. abortus) is the responsible agent for chlamydial abortion [commonly known as Enzootic Abortion of Ewes (EAE)] and, as such, it causes major financial losses to the sheep industry worldwide. Isolation of the pathogen is considered the 'gold standard' and most sensitive method of detection for diagnosing chlamydial infection. So far, there has been no isolation of C. abortus from ovines in Sardinia, Italy. This letter describes the results of a study conducted on a total of 89 aborted samples (40 foetuses and 49 placentae) collected in 2010 in Northern Sardinia, Italy. Three placentae resulted PCR-positive when analyzed using the putative outer membrane protein (pmp) specific primers, the test lead to the identification and first isolation in cell culture of C. abortus. This letter to the editor describes the first isolation of C. abortus from ovine placentae and increases the knowledge of one of the agents that causes ovine abortion in Sardinia and, more generally, in the Mediterranean basin.

Published
2013
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27. Detection of pathogens in ovine and caprine abortion samples from Sardinia, Italy, by PCR.

Author

Masala G, Porcu R, Daga C, Denti S, Canu G, Patta C, and Tola S

Subjects
Aborted Fetus microbiology, Abortion, Veterinary diagnosis, Animals, Bacterial Infections diagnosis, Bacterial Infections veterinary, Goat Diseases diagnosis, Goats, Italy, Parasitic Diseases, Animal diagnosis, Parasitic Diseases, Animal parasitology, Placenta microbiology, Sheep, Sheep Diseases diagnosis, Abortion, Veterinary microbiology, Goat Diseases microbiology, Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary, Sheep Diseases microbiology
Abstract

During 2003-2005, 399 abortion samples (315 fetuses and 84 placentae) were collected from 107 ovine and caprine farms in northern Sardinia. Tissues from aborted fetuses and placentae were examined by PCR assay to detect DNA from Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus, Salmonella enterica Serovar abortusovis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum. The DNA from at least 1 of these 5 infectious agents was amplified in 41% of ovine fetuses, while only 17% of the caprine fetuses yielded a positive amplification result for at least 1 of the 5 agents. Out of a total of 366 ovine aborted samples, T. gondii DNA was detected most frequently (18.1% of fetuses and 13.1% of placentae), followed by S. abortusovis (13% of fetuses and 14.4% of placentae), C. burnetii (10.9% of fetuses, of 9.2% placentae), C. abortus (2.4% of fetuses, 6.5% of placentae), and N. caninum (2% of placentae). In 33 fetuses and 9 placentae, the simultaneous presence of pathogens with different associations was detected. Out of a total of 31 caprine aborted samples, T. gondii was detected most frequently (13% of fetuses and 25% of placentae), followed by C. abortus (12.5% of placentae), C. burnetii (12.5% of placentae), and N. caninum (8.6%).

Published
2007
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28. Occurrence, distribution, and role in abortion of Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goats in Sardinia, Italy.

Author

Masala G, Porcu R, Sanna G, Chessa G, Cillara G, Chisu V, and Tola S

Subjects
Aborted Fetus microbiology, Animals, Antibodies, Bacterial blood, Coxiella burnetii genetics, DNA, Bacterial chemistry, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay veterinary, Female, Goats, Italy epidemiology, Placenta microbiology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Pregnancy, Q Fever epidemiology, Q Fever microbiology, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Sheep, Abortion, Veterinary microbiology, Coxiella burnetii isolation & purification, Goat Diseases microbiology, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious microbiology, Q Fever veterinary, Sheep Diseases microbiology
Abstract

Between 1999 and 2002, 9349 sera and 517 aborted samples (422 foetuses and 95 placenta) were analysed from 675 sheep and 82 goat farms distributed all over the island of Sardinia. After abortion notification, sera collected at random from adult animals were examined to detect antibodies specific to Coxiella burnetii by ELISA, whereas foetuses and placenta were analysed by PCR assay. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in 255 (38%) sheep farms and in 39 (47%) goat herds whereas 40 ovine (10%) and 3 (6%) caprine foetuses were C. burnetii PCR-positive. Although C. burnetii DNA was amplified from different types of tissues, placenta was the tissue with the highest detection rate. Seroprevalence analysis indicates that C. burnetii distribution in sheep and goats is very high, but PCR results demonstrate that C. burnetii has a relatively low role in abortion, especially in goats.

Published
2004
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29. [Problems created by brain death].

Author

Ferrini-Porcu R and Bérard C

Subjects
Humans, Brain Death, Tissue and Organ Procurement legislation & jurisprudence
Published
1987

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