162 results on '"Capunzo, Mario"'
Search Results
2. An alternative approach for the decontamination of hospital settings
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Moccia, Giuseppina, Motta, Oriana, Pironti, Concetta, Proto, Antonio, Capunzo, Mario, and De Caro, Francesco
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- 2020
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3. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Collected from Clinical Samples in a Hospital in Southern Italy.
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Santella, Biagio, Boccella, Mariarosaria, Folliero, Veronica, Iervolino, Domenico, Pagliano, Pasquale, Fortino, Luigi, Serio, Bianca, Vozzella, Emilia Anna, Schiavo, Luigi, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Capunzo, Mario, Boccia, Giovanni, and Franci, Gianluigi
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KLEBSIELLA pneumoniae ,URINARY tract infections ,DRUG resistance in bacteria ,ERTAPENEM ,MEROPENEM ,CARBAPENEMS - Abstract
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a serious threat to global public health. Recently, due to its increased resistance to carbapenems and β-lactams, Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the main causes of septicemia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. It is crucial to take immediate action and implement effective measures to prevent further spread of this issue. This study aims to report the prevalence and antibiotic resistance rates of K. pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical specimens from 2015 to 2020 at the University Hospital of Salerno, Italy. More than 3,800 isolates were collected from urine cultures, blood cultures, respiratory samples, and others. K. pneumoniae isolates showed broad resistance to penicillin and cephalosporins, and increased susceptibility to fosfomycin and gentamicin. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) isolates accounted for 20–22%. A high percentage of strains tested were resistant to carbapenems, with an average of 40% to meropenem and 44% to ertapenem. The production of ESBLs and resistance to carbapenems is one of the major public health problems. Constant monitoring of drug-resistant isolates is crucial for developing practical approaches in implementing antimicrobial therapy and reducing the spread of K. pneumoniae in nosocomial environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Current Epidemiological Status and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Serratia marcescens.
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Cosimato, Ilaria, Santella, Biagio, Rufolo, Sandra, Sabatini, Paola, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Capunzo, Mario, Boccia, Giovanni, Folliero, Veronica, and Franci, Gianluigi
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SERRATIA marcescens ,DRUG resistance in bacteria ,DRUG resistance in microorganisms ,NOSOCOMIAL infections ,PUBLIC health - Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistance represents a serious worldwide public health issue, underscoring the importance of epidemiology research in determining antimicrobial strategies. The purpose of this research was to investigate antibiotic resistance in Serratia marcescens isolates from clinical samples over seven years at the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno, Italy. S. marcescens is an important opportunistic pathogen associated with a wide spectrum of clinical diseases, including pneumonia, keratitis, meningitis, and urinary tract and wound infections. Outbreaks of nosocomial infections by S. marcescens strains have been documented in high-risk settings, mainly affecting immunocompromised patients and newborns. The primary objective of this study is to assess the rates of antibiotic resistance over the years to deal with a future emergency which includes the failure of various therapies due to antibiotic resistance. During the investigation, a total of 396 species of S. marcescens were isolated from various clinical samples, mainly from broncho-aspirates and sputum (31.6%) and blood cultures (21.5%). Antibiotics that showed the greatest susceptibility included ceftazidime/avibactam, amikacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and selected members of the cephalosporin class. However, a disconcerting trend of increasing rates of carbapenem resistance was outlined over the observation period. The absence of effective countermeasures, combined with growing antibiotic resistance that negates the effectiveness of multiple antibiotics, highlights the potential for S. marcescens infections to trigger serious clinical complications and increased mortality rates. The surveillance of Serratia marcescens infections constitutes a pivotal element in refining empiric therapy to mitigate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. An epidemiological qualitative/quantitative SWOT‐AHP analysis in order to highlight the positive or critical aspects of dental implants: A pilot study.
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Funk, Richard H. W., De Stefano, Marco, Hoffmann, Thomas, and Capunzo, Mario
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DENTAL implants ,OLDER people ,SINUS augmentation ,PILOT projects ,CHEMICAL resistance ,SMOKING - Abstract
Objectives: In recent years, dental implants are increasing in popularity due to their high success rate, demonstrated functionality, and aesthetic treatment results. Scientific research is very active in proposing improvements in the quality and survival of implants, taking into consideration various aspects. The objective of this study was to provide a holistic epidemiologic view of the state of dental implants, using a systematic approach based on a multimethod SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and AHP (analytical hierarchical process) qualitative–quantitative analysis to identify the characteristics that can determine their success or failure. Materials and Methods: The study used the hybrid method of SWOT‐AHP. Results: Analysis of the results showed that among strengths, the skill of the dentist was considered the most important factor, followed by the success of dental implants in the old people; among weaknesses, bruxism and chronic diseases were highlighted; for opportunities, biomechanical behavior, in terms of good mechanical strength and good tribological resistance to chemical and physical agents in the oral cavity, were considered the most important factors; finally, among threats, medical liability and biomechanical problems had equal weight. Conclusions: This study applied a multimethod SWOT‐AHP approach to bring out favorable or critical evidence on the topic of dental implants. In accordance with the result of the strategic vector identified in the Twisting zone Adjustment type section, showed that implant surgery is a widespread technique but always needs improvement to increase the likelihood of success and reduce the complications that can lead to implant failure. What is known?: Many factors like aging, common diseases, and biomechanical issues early account for the implant success.Sinus floor elevation combined with conventional length implants results in increased cost and treatment time, risk of infection, postoperative sinusitis, limited bone gain.Shorter implants can result in increased biomechanical complications, including loosening and breakage of the implant screw and prosthesis, bone loss.Both procedures include short‐term failures due to overheating of the bone during preparation of the implant site, lack of primary stability due to over‐preparation or poor bone quality, overloading, and others.Bone loss due to peri‐implantitis or implant fractures are the main causes of long‐term implant failure.General implant survival is influenced by tobacco smoking, periodontal disease, systemic disease, bone atrophy, and related factors. What this study adds?: Because the interplay or more parameters can lead to lower implant success, we introduce here a novel calculation method for these factors to provide a holistic epidemiological view of the status of dental implants, adopting a systematic approach based on:a multimethod qualitative–quantitative analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) andanalytical hierarchical process (AHP) to bring out the favorable or critical aspects and define a possible strategy for action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. Anti-Herpes Zoster Vaccination of Fragile Patients in Hospital Setting: A Nudge Intervention in Italy.
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De Caro, Francesco, Malatesta, Francesca, Pecoraro, Nadia, Capunzo, Mario, Carpinelli, Luna, Caruccio, Simona, Cersosimo, Giuseppina, Costantino, Maria, Giordano, Claudio, Longanella, Walter, Patella, Vincenzo, Saggese Tozzi, Arcangelo, Savarese, Giulia, Sinopoli, Pio, Vozzella, Emilia Anna, and Moccia, Giuseppina
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HERPES zoster ,HOSPITAL patients ,VACCINATION ,PHYSICIAN-patient relations ,HERPES zoster vaccines - Abstract
Background: A nudge intervention against Herpes Zoster, created and implemented in Italy, is presented in order to administer the Shingrix vaccine on a sample of frail patients, as required by the National Prevention Plan. Individual and contextual factors associated with vaccine adherence were investigated. Method: 300 frail adult subjects underwent a full vaccine cycle with recombinant-Shingrix vaccine (RZV vaccine). Hospital Presidia of the Salerno University Hospital Authority, a Hospital Presidium of the Salerno Local Health Authority, and the Public Health Laboratory of the University of Salerno (Campania) participated in the intervention. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered with the following scales: EQ-5D, PSS-10, MSPSS, and representations of HZ and its consequences. Results: Some variables, such as peer support, doctor–patient relationship, level of education, and perception of health, are important in vaccine adherence and information processing. The following factors emerged from the factor analysis: Trust in collective knowledge and collective responsibility (F1); beliefs about virus risk and vaccine function (F2); information about virus and symptomatology (F3); and vaccine distrust (F4). Factor 4 correlates negatively with social support indices (R = −0.363; p < 0.001). There is a significant relationship between factor 3 and satisfaction with national information campaigns (F = 3.376; gdl = 5; p-value = 0.006). Conclusions: Future vaccination campaigns should be built with the aim of personalizing information and developing contextualized strategies, starting from understanding the stakeholders involved, cultural contexts, and organizational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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7. BAG3 interacts with p53 in endometrial carcinoma
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De Marco, Margot, Troisi, Jacopo, Giugliano, Luigi, Rosati, Alessandra, D’Antonio, Antonio, Iaccarino, Roberta, Capunzo, Mario, Salzano, Francesco, Martinelli, Rosanna, Cavallo, Pierpaolo, Guida, Maurizio, and Marzullo, Liberato
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- 2020
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8. BAG3 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth by activating stromal macrophages.
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Rosati, Alessandra, Basile, Anna, D'Auria, Raffaella, d'Avenia, Morena, De Marco, Margot, Falco, Antonia, Festa, Michelina, Guerriero, Luana, Iorio, Vittoria, Parente, Roberto, Pascale, Maria, Marzullo, Liberato, Franco, Renato, Arra, Claudio, Barbieri, Antonio, Rea, Domenica, Menichini, Giulio, Hahne, Michael, Bijlsma, Maarten, Barcaroli, Daniela, Sala, Gianluca, di Mola, Fabio Francesco, di Sebastiano, Pierluigi, Todoric, Jelena, Antonucci, Laura, Corvest, Vincent, Jawhari, Anass, Firpo, Matthew A, Tuveson, David A, Capunzo, Mario, Karin, Michael, De Laurenzi, Vincenzo, and Turco, Maria Caterina
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Macrophages ,Stromal Cells ,Animals ,Mice ,Inbred C57BL ,Humans ,Mice ,Carcinoma ,Pancreatic Ductal ,Pancreatic Neoplasms ,Adaptor Proteins ,Signal Transducing ,Membrane Proteins ,Cell Proliferation ,Female ,Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins ,Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ,Inbred C57BL ,Carcinoma ,Pancreatic Ductal ,Adaptor Proteins ,Signal Transducing - Abstract
The incidence and death rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have increased in recent years, therefore the identification of novel targets for treatment is extremely important. Interactions between cancer and stromal cells are critically involved in tumour formation and development of metastasis. Here we report that PDAC cells secrete BAG3, which binds and activates macrophages, inducing their activation and the secretion of PDAC supporting factors. We also identify IFITM-2 as a BAG3 receptor and show that it signals through PI3K and the p38 MAPK pathways. Finally, we show that the use of an anti-BAG3 antibody results in reduced tumour growth and prevents metastasis formation in three different mouse models. In conclusion, we identify a paracrine loop involved in PDAC growth and metastatic spreading, and show that an anti-BAG3 antibody has therapeutic potential.
- Published
- 2015
9. A Narrative Review Exploring the Similarities between Cilento and the Already Defined "Blue Zones" in Terms of Environment, Nutrition, and Lifestyle: Can Cilento Be Considered an Undefined "Blue Zone"?
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Donato, Antonio, Funk, Richard H. W., and Capunzo, Mario
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Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society, not only as a function of lifespan, but, more importantly, as a function of healthspan. There are Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs), regions around the world, such as in Okinawa, Japan; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; and Ogliastra, Sardinia, that are characterized by a significant percentage of residents who live exceptionally long lives, often avoiding age-related disability to a significantly higher degree than in the Western way of life. Longevity is not a universal phenomenon, so if there are places in the world with characteristics similar to the LBZs, it is important to identify them in order to better understand what other factors, in addition to the known ones, might contribute to a long and healthy life. This narrative review aims to identify common factors between Cilento and the five LBZs, taking into account environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Articles from 2004 to the present, limited to studies published in English, German, and Italian, were searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The co-authors agreed on 18 final reference texts. In order to evaluate the similarities between Cilento and the LBZs, a descriptive comparative approach was used. Cilento and the LBZs share several common factors, including a hilly altitude ranging from 355 to 600 m; a mild climate throughout the year, with temperatures between 17.4 and 23.5 degrees Celsius; traditional professions, such as agriculture and animal husbandry; and a predominantly Mediterranean or plant-based diet, with typical recipes based on legumes, tubers, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, maintenance of strong intergenerational family relationships, religious devotion, and social relationships within the community are also prevalent. Given the similarities to Cilento, one might wonder if this is an LBZ waiting to be discovered. The lessons learned from this discovery could be applied to the general population to protect them from non-communicable chronic diseases and help slow the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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10. Novel Potent Decameric Peptide of Spirulina platensis Reduces Blood Pressure Levels Through a PI3K/AKT/eNOS-Dependent Mechanism
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Carrizzo, Albino, Conte, Giulio Maria, Sommella, Eduardo, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, Sala, Marina, Scala, Maria Carmina, Aquino, Rita Patrizia, De Lucia, Massimiliano, Madonna, Michele, Sansone, Francesca, Ostacolo, Carmine, Capunzo, Mario, Migliarino, Serena, Sciarretta, Sebastiano, Frati, Giacomo, Campiglia, Pietro, and Vecchione, Carmine
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- 2018
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11. The isoprenoid end product N6-isopentenyladenosine reduces inflammatory response through the inhibition of the NFκB and STAT3 pathways in cystic fibrosis cells
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Santoro, Antonietta, Ciaglia, Elena, Nicolin, Vanessa, Pescatore, Alessandra, Prota, Lucia, Capunzo, Mario, Ursini, Matilde V., Nori, Stefania L., and Bifulco, Maurizio
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- 2018
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12. Antimicrobial Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Serretiello, Enrica, Manente, Roberta, Dell'Annunziata, Federica, Folliero, Veronica, Iervolino, Domenico, Casolaro, Vincenzo, Perrella, Alessandro, Santoro, Emanuela, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Capunzo, Mario, Franci, Gianluigi, and Boccia, Giovanni
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COVID-19 pandemic ,CEFTAZIDIME ,AMIKACIN ,DRUG resistance in microorganisms ,PSEUDOMONAS aeruginosa ,MICROBIAL sensitivity tests ,EXOTOXIN ,IMIPENEM - Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a major Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen causing several serious acute and chronic infections in the nosocomial and community settings. PA eradication has become increasingly difficult due to its remarkable ability to evade antibiotics. Therefore, epidemiological studies are needed to limit the infection and aim for the correct treatment. The present retrospective study focused on PA presence among samples collected at the San Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi D'Aragona University Hospital in Salerno, Italy; its resistance profile and relative variations over the eight years were analyzed. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by VITEK
® 2. In the 2015–2019 and 2020–2022 timeframes, respectively, 1739 and 1307 isolates of PA were obtained from respiratory samples, wound swabs, urine cultures, cultural swabs, blood, liquor, catheter cultures, vaginal swabs, and others. During 2015–2019, PA strains exhibited low resistance against amikacin (17.2%), gentamicin (25.2%), and cefepime (28.3%); moderate resistance against ceftazidime (34.4%), imipenem (34.6%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (37.7%); and high resistance against ciprofloxacin (42.4%) and levofloxacin (50.6%). Conversely, during the 2020–2022 era, PA showed 11.7, 21.1, 26.9, 32.6, 33.1, 38.7, and 39.8% resistance to amikacin, tobramycin, cefepime, imipenem, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam, respectively. An overall resistance-decreasing trend was observed for imipenem and gentamicin during 2015–2019. Instead, a significant increase in resistance was recorded for cefepime, ceftazidime, and imipenem in the second set of years investigated. Monitoring sentinel germs represents a key factor in optimizing empirical therapy to minimize the spread of antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
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13. Idiopathic pleural panniculitis with recurrent pleural effusion not associated with Weber-Christian disease
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Laperuta Paolo, Napolitano Filomena, Di Crescenzo Rosa Maria, Zeppa Pio, Galderisi Antonio, Selleri Carmine, Vatrella Alessandro, Capunzo Mario, and Di Crescenzo Vincenzo Giuseppe
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panniculitis ,thoracoscopy ,exploratory excision ,weber-christian disease ,Medicine - Abstract
A 82-year-old patient with dyspnea and a recurrent history of pleural effusion was admitted into our unit. He performed a Chest computed tomography showing right pleural effusion. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) exploratory showed parietal pleural thickening of adipose tissue. The surgical procedure consisted, therefore, in the execution of multiple biopsies of the parietal pleura which appeared covered, on the whole surface, by islands of adipose tissue, without macroscopic pathological aspects. After the procedure was performed pleurodesis with talc. The definitive histological examination consisted of normal mesothelial cells surrounded by fatty tissue infiltrated by small lymphocytes in a patient without skin lesions or visceral or systemic signs of inflammatory involvement of the adipose tissue. We reported a rare case of idiopathic pleural panniculitis with recurrent pleural effusion not associated with Weber-Christian disease.
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- 2016
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14. BAG3 is involved in neuronal differentiation and migration
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Santoro, Antonietta, Nicolin, Vanessa, Florenzano, Fulvio, Rosati, Alessandra, Capunzo, Mario, and Nori, Stefania L.
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- 2017
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15. Individual and Contextual Determinants of Flu Vaccination Adherence: A University Nudge Intervention.
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Pecoraro, Nadia, Malatesta, Francesca, Carpinelli, Luna, Fornino, Domenico, Giordano, Claudio, Moccia, Giuseppina, Perillo, Matilde, Capunzo, Mario, Savarese, Giulia, and De Caro, Francesco
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- 2023
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16. LAV-BPIFB4 isoform modulates eNOS signalling through Ca2+/PKC-alpha-dependent mechanism
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Spinelli, Chiara Carmela, Carrizzo, Albino, Ferrario, Anna, Villa, Francesco, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, Madonna, Michele, Frati, Giacomo, Fucile, Sergio, Sciaccaluga, Miriam, Capunzo, Mario, Calì, Gaetano, Milanesi, Luciano, Maciag, Anna, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, and Vecchione, Carmine
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- 2017
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17. SARS-CoV-2 Lysate Stimulation Impairs the Release of Platelet-like Particles and Megakaryopoiesis in the MEG-01 Cell Line.
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Lopardo, Valentina, Montella, Francesco, Esposito, Roberta Maria, Zannella, Carla, Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Capunzo, Mario, Franci, Gianluigi, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, and Ciaglia, Elena
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SARS-CoV-2 ,CELL lines ,COVID-19 ,THROMBOPOIETIN receptors ,AMP-activated protein kinases ,BLOOD platelet activation - Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a considerable inflammatory response coupled with impaired platelet reactivity, which can lead to platelet disorders recognized as negative prognostic factors in COVID-19 patients. The virus may cause thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis during the different disease stages by destroying or activating platelets and influencing platelet production. While it is known that several viruses can impair megakaryopoiesis by generating an improper production and activation of platelets, the potential involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting megakaryopoiesis is poorly understood. To this purpose, we explored, in vitro, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 stimulation in the MEG-01 cell line, a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line, considering its spontaneous capacity of releasing platelet-like particles (PLPs). We interrogated the effect of heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 lysate in the release of PLPs and activation from MEG-01, the signaling pathway influenced by SARS-CoV-2, and the functional effect on macrophagic skewing. The results highlight the potential influence of SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of megakaryopoiesis by enhancing the production and activation of platelets, very likely due to the impairment of STATs signaling and AMPK activity. Overall, these findings provide new insight into the role of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting megakaryocyte–platelet compartment, possibly unlocking another avenue by which SARS-CoV-2 moves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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18. Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy and the Association of Lifespan with the Level of Some Physicochemical Elements in Tap Drinking Water.
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Funk, Richard H. W., Ciaglia, Elena, Gonnella, Joseph, Giudice, Aldo, Vecchione, Carmine, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, and Capunzo, Mario
- Abstract
Longevity, as a complex life-history trait, shares an ontogenetic relationship with other quantitative traits, such as epigenetic and environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to identify environmental factors that may modify the epigenome to establish healthy aging. This study explored the association between tap drinking water and longevity in Cilento, Italy, to understand whether trace elements in local drinking water may have an influence on old, nonagenarian, and centenarian people and promote their health and longevity. Data on population and water sources were collected through the National Demographic Statistics, the Cilento Municipal Archives, and the Cilento Integrated Water Service. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a geographically weight regression (GWR) model were used to study the spatial relationship between the explanatory and outcome variables of longevity. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of longevity is concentrated in the central, northern and southeastern areas of the territory and that some trace elements present in tap water may contribute to local longevity in Cilento. Specifically, all Cilento municipalities had alkaline tap water, and the municipalities with the highest longevity concentrations had higher alkalinity levels than the other municipalities, soft to medium-hard water hardness, an amount of total dissolved solids equivalent to the level of excellent water, lower amounts of sodium, adequate iron concentration, and adequate dietary intake of manganese per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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19. Clinical Status, Nutritional Behavior, and Lifestyle, and Determinants of Community Well-Being of Patients from the Perspective of Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study of Young Older Adults, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Salerno and Province, Italy.
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Funk, Richard H. W., Schiavo, Luigi, Giudice, Aldo, Ciaglia, Elena, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, Gonnella, Joseph, and Capunzo, Mario
- Abstract
Longevity is rightly considered one of the greatest achievements of modern society. Biomedical research has shown that aging is the major risk factor for many diseases, so to find the right answers to aging it is necessary to identify factors that can positively influence longevity. This study investigated the clinical status, nutritional behavior, lifestyle, and social and community determinants of the well-being of young older adults and nonagenarians/centenarians in Salerno and province through the judgment of their physicians. Data were collected through an online survey. Multivariate Poisson and logistic regression models were used to calculate significant predictors of the outcomes of interest. The interesting finding was that cardiovascular disease was a risk factor for young older adults, while it was a protective factor for nonagenarians/centenarians, meaning that as age increased, heart problems tended to decrease. Certain foods were found to be a significant protective factor for both young older adult and nonagenarian–centenarian patients. In addition, psychosomatic disorders were found to be determinant for the young older adults, while depression was a risk factor for the nonagenarians/centenarians because they were not always gratified by their long lives and often felt like a burden on the family. The protective significant variable among the determinants of community well-being for both young older adults and nonagenarians/centenarians was the retention of honorary achievement. Based on our results, we are able to support the hypothesis of a difference between the young older adults and the nonagenarians/centenarians in clinical status, nutritional behaviors, lifestyle, and determinants of community well-being. However, societies need more social and educational programs that are able to build "a new idea of old age" by improving and supporting the young older adults and the nonagenarians/centenarians, with the goal of intergenerational solidarity, well-being, and social inclusion, as well as preventive interventions on lifestyles and nutrition, which will allow us to provide a new key to understanding aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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20. Ist die Corona-Krise eine Lehrmeisterin für die Zukunft? Italienische Erfahrungen im Rahmen weltweiter Diskurse
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, De Caro, Francesco, Boccia, Giovanni, and Capunzo, Mario
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- 2020
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21. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Campaign: Risk Perception, Emotional States, and Vaccine Hesitancy in a Sample of Adolescents' Vaccinated Parents in Southern Italy.
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Savarese, Giulia, Carpinelli, Luna, De Chiara, Anna, Giordano, Claudio, Perillo, Matilde, Fornino, Domenico, De Caro, Francesco, Capunzo, Mario, and Moccia, Giuseppina
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VACCINE hesitancy ,RISK perception ,EMOTIONAL state ,VACCINATION ,VACCINATION of children - Abstract
Background: The international strategic plan for COVID-19 vaccines remains the practical option for the protection of health. However, vaccine hesitancy remains an obstacle to full population vaccination, with rapid developments in COVID-19 vaccines and concerns about efficacy acting as influencing factors. Aim: The present study investigated the perception of vaccine hesitancy among parents of adolescents in order to explore the reasons and related emotional states. Methods: In January–March 2022, an online questionnaire was administered to a sample of parents who brought their children to the vaccine center of a local health unit, ASL Salerno (Campania, Italy). Results: The participants were 1105 parents (F = 64.6%; mean age = 47.37 years, SD = 7.52) of adolescents (F = 47.6%; mean age = 14.83 years, SD = 1.72). All parents had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding the vaccination schedule, 46.8% believed that children receive more vaccinations than they should; 25.1% believed that it is better to develop immunity rather than get vaccinated; 41.2% believed that their child could have side effects; 29.6% were very concerned that vaccines were unsafe, while 35.3% believed vaccines do not prevent disease; 21.5% were very reluctant about pediatric vaccines; and 23.8% did not trust the information received. Conclusions: In order to increase vaccination and reduce the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy, it is essential to support the value of vaccination among all parents and make information more accessible and usable through competent pediatricians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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22. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Causative Agents to Ocular Infections.
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Manente, Roberta, Santella, Biagio, Pagliano, Pasquale, Santoro, Emanuela, Casolaro, Vincenzo, Borrelli, Anna, Capunzo, Mario, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Franci, Gianluigi, and Boccia, Giovanni
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DRUG resistance in microorganisms ,MICROCOCCACEAE ,MICROBIAL sensitivity tests ,GRAM-positive bacteria ,GRAM-negative bacteria ,TEICOPLANIN ,TIGECYCLINE - Abstract
Bacterial ocular infections are a worldwide health problem and, if untreated, can damage the structure of the eye and contribute to permanent disability. Knowledge of the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the main causative agents involved in ocular infections is necessary for defining an optimal antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to analyse bacterial species involved in ocular infections and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Conjunctival swab samples were collected from patients with bacterial conjunctivitis at the University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona between January 2015 and December 2019. The identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed using the VITEK 2 system. A total of 281 causative agents of ocular infections were isolated, 81.8% of which were Gram-positive bacteria. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most commonly isolated species among Gram-positive bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli were the main species isolated among Gram-negative bacteria (18.2%). Overall, linezolid, teicoplanin, tigecycline and vancomycin were the most effective antimicrobials. Analysis of resistance rates over time highlighted increasing resistance for azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin among CoNS, and clindamycin and erythromycin among Staphylococcus aureus. This study has identified the profiles of the major pathogens involved in ocular infection and their susceptibility patterns, which will help improve the treatments and the choice of antibiotics in ocular infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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23. Network analysis of drug prescriptions
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Cavallo, Pierpaolo, Pagano, Sergio, Boccia, Giovanni, De Caro, Francesco, De Santis, Mario, and Capunzo, Mario
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- 2013
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24. Gender and AB0 Blood Type Differences in a Unicentric Group of University Professors in Southern Italy Who Received the Vaxzevria COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vaccine Side Effects, Attitudes, and Hesitation.
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, Schiavo, Luigi, Boccia, Giovanni, Santoro, Emanuela, Franci, Gianluigi, Ruggiero, Alessandro, De Caro, Francesco, and Capunzo, Mario
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VACCINATION complications ,BLOOD groups ,COVID-19 vaccines ,GENDER ,HEALTH attitudes - Abstract
Vaccination has been a key protective behavior for COVID-19. This study investigated the clinical status of university professors administered the Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine, to monitor for any adverse reaction, and to understand attitude and hesitancy to vaccination. Data were collected through an online survey. The study received approval from the relevant ethics committee "Comitato Etico Campania Sud". Multivariate logistic regressions were used to calculate significant predictors of the outcomes of interest. A gender and AB0 blood type difference in adverse vaccine reactions was found. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female gender, city residence, blood type A+ and B−, and chronic underlying medical conditions or comorbidities were more strongly implicated in the occurrence of adverse reactions, whereas blood type 0 Rh+ or blood type A Rh− were protective factors of adverse reactions to the Vaxzevria vaccine. Both genders did not show serious adverse reactions to the Vaxzevria vaccine. Based on our results, we are able to support the hypothesis that AB0 blood type and gender difference appear as predictors of Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine reactogenicity. Furthermore, in the study population, the degree of concern and hesitation to undergo vaccination was minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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- View/download PDF
25. BAG3 induces α‐SMA expression in human fibroblasts and its over‐expression correlates with poorer survival in fibrotic cancer patients.
- Author
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De Marco, Margot, Del Papa, Nicoletta, Reppucci, Francesca, Iorio, Vittoria, Basile, Anna, Falco, Antonia, Iaccarino, Roberta, Brongo, Sergio, De Caro, Francesco, Capunzo, Mario, Turco, Maria Caterina, Rosati, Alessandra, and Marzullo, Liberato
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. The influence of microclimate conditions on ozone disinfection efficacy in working places.
- Author
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Pironti, Concetta, Moccia, Giuseppina, Motta, Oriana, Boccia, Giovanni, Franci, Gianluigi, Santoro, Emanuela, Capunzo, Mario, and De Caro, Francesco
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL security ,HUMIDITY ,OZONE ,HOSPITALS - Abstract
In recent years, the sanitization of environments, devices, and objects has become mandatory to improve human and environmental safety, in addition to individual protection and prevention measures. International studies considered ozone one of the most useful and easy sanitization methods for indoor environments, especially hospital environments that require adequate levels of disinfection. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microclimate influence on sanitizing procedure for indoor settings with ozone, to prevent infections and ensure the safe use of the environments. The concentration of ozone was measured during sanitization treatment and estimation of microorganisms' survival on the air and different contaminated plates after the sanitization operations were performed. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the microbial count that always fell below the threshold value in different conditions of distance, temperature, and relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Trend of Bacterial Uropathogens and Their Susceptibility Pattern: Study of Single Academic High-Volume Center in Italy (2015–2019).
- Author
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Serretiello, Enrica, Folliero, Veronica, Santella, Biagio, Giordano, Giuseppina, Santoro, E., De Caro, Francesco, Pagliano, Pasquale, Ferro, Matteo, Aliberti, Silvana M., Capunzo, Mario, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Franci, Gianluigi, and Boccia, Giovanni
- Subjects
ENTEROCOCCUS ,URINARY tract infections ,ENTEROCOCCUS faecium ,GRAM-negative bacteria ,GRAM-positive bacteria ,MICROBIAL growth - Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very widespread infection that can occur in disparate age range, in both sexes and in pregnancy/menopause state. Treatment of UTIs is difficult due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. The present study shows five years of data collected on patients admitted at the University Hospital "San Giovann di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno, Italy. The investigation exhibits the incidence of the infection, of the gender, and of the age group affected, identifying the most representative bacteria involved, drawing their profile of antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 system. Among the 46382 studied patients, 9896 (21.34%) and 36486 (78.66%) were positive and negative for microorganism growth, respectively. Of 9896 positive patients, 6158 (62.23%) females and 3738 (37.77%) males were identified. The highest incidence of positive subjects (56.66%) was recorded in the elderly (>61 years). 8431 (85.20%) uropathogens were Gram-negative, 1367 (13.81%) were Gram-positive, and 98 (0.99%) were Candida species (Candida spp.). Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) were the most representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, respectively. The Gram-negative bacteria most representative were highly resistant to ampicillin, whereas among the Gram-positive bacteria, E. faecalis was highly resistant to gentamicin and streptomycin high level synergy, and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and imipenem. This retrospective work investigates the local epidemiological trend in our university hospital in order to induce an increasingly targeted empirical therapeutic approach for the treatment of UTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Environmental and biological monitoring of formaldehyde inside a hospital setting: A combined approach to manage chemical risk in workplaces.
- Author
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Motta, Oriana, Charlier, Bruno, Caro, Francesco De, Coglianese, Albino, Rosa, Federica De, Moccia, Giuseppina, Pironti, Concetta, Capunzo, Mario, Borrelli, Anna, Filippelli, Amelia, and Izzo, Viviana
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BIOLOGICAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,MEDICAL personnel ,FORMALDEHYDE ,OCCUPATIONAL exposure - Abstract
Background: The safety of healthcare workers exposed to formaldehyde remains a great matter of concern for healthcare management units. This work aimed at describing the results of a combined monitoring approach (environmental and biological) to manage occupational exposure to formaldehyde in a hospital setting. Design and Methods: Environmental monitoring of working spaces and biological monitoring of urinary formaldehyde in 16 exposed healthcare workers of the Anatomic Pathology Unit of a University Hospital in Southern Italy was performed on a fouryear timescale (2016-2019). Results: Values of aero-dispersed formaldehyde identified were on average low; although workers’ urinary formaldehyde levels were also minimal, the statistical analysis highlighted a slight weekly accumulation. Conclusions: Our data confirm that both environmental and biological monitoring are important to identify risk situations, in particular when values of hazardous compounds are below the accepted occupational exposure levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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- View/download PDF
29. Chemical risk in hospital settings: Overview on monitoring strategies and international regulatory aspects.
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Charlier, Bruno, Coglianese, Albino, Rosa, Federica De, Caro, Francesco De, Piazza, Ornella, Motta, Oriana, Borrelli, Anna, Capunzo, Mario, Filippelli, Amelia, and Izzo, Viviana
- Subjects
MEDICAL personnel ,ALLIED health personnel ,POLLUTANTS ,BIOLOGICAL monitoring ,INHALATION anesthetics - Abstract
Chemical risk in hospital settings is a growing concern that health professionals and supervisory authorities must deal with daily. Exposure to chemical risk is quite different depending on the hospital department involved and might origin from multiple sources, such as the use of sterilizing agents, disinfectants, detergents, solvents, heavy metals, dangerous drugs, and anesthetic gases. Improving prevention procedures and constantly monitoring the presence and level of potentially toxic substances, both in workers (biological monitoring) and in working environments (environmental monitoring), might significantly reduce the risk of exposure and contaminations. The purpose of this article is to present an overview on this subject, which includes the current international regulations, the chemical pollutants to which medical and paramedical personnel are mainly exposed, and the strategies developed to improve safety conditions for all healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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- View/download PDF
30. Dissecting the prevention of estrogen-dependent breast carcinogenesis through Nrf2-dependent and independent mechanisms.
- Author
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Giudice, Aldo, Barbieri, Antonio, Bimonte, Sabrina, Cascella, Marco, Cuomo, Arturo, Crispo, Anna, D'Arena, Giovanni, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Pepa, Maria Elena Della, Botti, Gerardo, Caraglia, Michele, Capunzo, Mario, Arra, Claudio, and Montella, Maurizio
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DNA adducts ,ESTROGEN ,REACTIVE oxygen species ,BREAST ,CARCINOGENESIS ,BREAST cancer ,DIETARY supplements - Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Various studies indicate that prolonged exposure to elevated levels of estrogens is associated with development of breast cancer. Both estrogen receptor-dependent and independent mechanisms can contribute to the carcinogenic effects of estrogens. Among them, the oxidative metabolism of estrogens plays a key role in the initiation of estradiol-induced breast cancer by generation of reactive estrogen quinones as well as the associated formation of oxygen free radicals. These genotoxic metabolites can react with DNA to form unstable DNA adducts which generate mutations leading to the initiation of breast cancer. A variety of endogenous and exogenous factors can alter estrogen homeostasis and generate genotoxic metabolites. The use of specific phytochemicals and dietary supplements can inhibit the risk of breast cancer not only by the modulation of several estrogen-activating enzymes (CYP19, CYP1B1) but also through the induction of various cytoprotective enzymes (eg, SOD3, NQO1, glutathione S-transferases, OGG-1, catechol-O-methyltransferases, CYP1B1A, etc.) that reestablish the homeostatic balance of estrogen metabolism via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent and independent mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
31. Oxidative stress in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: still a matter of debate.
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D'Arena, Giovanni, Seneca, Elisa, Migliaccio, Ilaria, De Feo, Vincenzo, Giudice, Aldo, La Rocca, Francesco, Capunzo, Mario, Calapai, Gioacchino, Festa, Agostino, Caraglia, Michele, Musto, Pellegrino, Iorio, Eugenio Luigi, and Ruggieri, Vitalba
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CHRONIC lymphocytic leukemia ,OXIDATIVE stress ,CARCINOGENESIS ,REACTIVE oxygen species ,DEBATE - Abstract
There is a large body of evidence showing a strong correlation between carcinogenesis of several types of human tumors, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and oxidative stress (OS). The mechanisms by which OS may promote cancer pathogenesis have not been completely deciphered yet and, in CLL, as in other neoplasms, whether OS is a primary cause or simply a downstream effect of the disease is still an open question. It has been demonstrated that, in CLL, OS concomitantly results from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mainly ascribable to CLL cells mitochondrial activity, and impaired antioxidant defenses. Interestingly, OS evaluation in CLL patients, at diagnosis, seems to have a prognostic significance, thus getting new insights in the biological comprehension of the disease with potential therapeutic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
32. Novel Potent Decameric Peptide of Spirulina platensis Reduces Blood Pressure Levels Through a PI3K/AKT/eNOS-Dependent Mechanism.
- Author
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Carrizzo, Albino, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, De Lucia, Massimiliano, Madonna, Michele, Campiglia, Pietro, Vecchione, Carmine, Sciarretta, Sebastiano, Frati, Giacomo, Sommella, Eduardo, Sala, Marina, Scala, Maria Carmina, Aquino, Rita Patrizia, Sansone, Francesca, Conte, Giulio Maria, Ostacolo, Carmine, Capunzo, Mario, and Migliarino, Serena
- Abstract
Considered as a superfood of the future, Spirulina platensis matrix has been extensively used because of its beneficial effect on the management of cardiovascular diseases. However, its nutraceutical properties, bioactive compounds, and molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that S platensis matrix processed in vitro by simulated gastrointestinal digestion induces direct endothelial nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation of resistance vessels in mice. To gain insight into the bioactive compounds responsible for this effect, we used a complex multistep peptidomic approach to fractionate the crude digest: of the 5 peptide fractions identified (A-E), only fraction E evoked vasorelaxation. High-resolution mass spectrometry-based screening revealed in E the presence of 4 main peptides (SP3-SP6 [spirulina peptides]), of which only SP6 (GIVAGDVTPI) exerted direct endothelium-dependent vasodilation of ex vivo vessels, an effect occurring via a PI3K (phosphoinositide-3-kinase)/AKT (serine/threonine kinase Akt) pathway converging on NO release. In vivo, administration of SP6 evoked a significant hemodynamic effect, reducing blood pressure, an action absent in eNOS (endothelial NO synthase)-deficient mice. Of note, although lower doses of SP6 had no hemodynamic effects, it still enhanced endothelial NO vasorelaxation. Finally, in an experimental model of arterial hypertension, SP6 exerted an antihypertensive effect, improving endothelial vasorelaxation associated with enhanced serum nitrite levels. Based on our results, this novel decameric peptide may extend the possible fields of application for spirulina-derived peptides and could be developed into a promising nonpharmacological approach for the containment of pathologies associated with vascular NO misregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
33. A new strategy to control the proliferation of microorganisms in solid hospital waste and the diffusion of nosocomial infections.
- Author
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Motta, Oriana, Zarrella, Ilaria, Cucciniello, Raffaele, Capunzo, Mario, and De Caro, Francesco
- Published
- 2018
34. Innate immunity and cellular senescence: The good and the bad in the developmental and aged brain.
- Author
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Santoro, Antonietta, Spinelli, Chiara Carmela, Martucciello, Stefania, Nori, Stefania Lucia, Capunzo, Mario, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, and Ciaglia, Elena
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CELLULAR aging ,BRAIN ,NATURAL immunity ,OLD age ,CELLULAR immunity ,ONTOGENY - Abstract
Abstract: Ongoing studies evidence cellular senescence in undifferentiated and specialized cells from tissues of all ages. Although it is believed that senescence plays a wider role in several stress responses in the mature age, its participation in certain physiological and pathological processes throughout life is coming to light. The “senescence machinery” has been observed in all brain cell populations, including components of innate immunity (e.g., microglia and astrocytes). As the beneficial versus detrimental implications of senescence is an open question, we aimed to analyze the contribution of immune responses in regulatory mechanisms governing its distinct functions in healthy (development, organogenesis, danger patrolling events) and diseased brain (glioma, neuroinflammation, neurodeneration), and the putative connection between cellular and molecular events governing the 2 states. Particularly this review offers new insights into the complex roles of senescence both as a chronological event as age advances, and as a molecular mechanism of brain homeostasis through the important contribution of innate immune responses and their crosstalk with neighboring cells in brain parenchyma. We also highlight the impact of the recently described glymphatic system and brain lymphatic vasculature in the interplay between peripheral and central immune surveillance and its potential implication during aging. This will open new ways to understand brain development, its deterioration during aging, and the occurrence of several oncological and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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- View/download PDF
35. The Impact of Aging on Cardio and Cerebrovascular Diseases.
- Author
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Izzo, Carmine, Carrizzo, Albino, Alfano, Antonia, Virtuoso, Nicola, Capunzo, Mario, Calabrese, Mariaconsiglia, De Simone, Eros, Sciarretta, Sebastiano, Frati, Giacomo, Oliveti, Marco, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, De Caro, Francesco, Remondelli, Paolo, and Vecchione, Carmine
- Subjects
AGING ,AGE factors in cardiovascular disease ,CEREBROVASCULAR disease ,CLINICAL pharmacology ,HEART conduction system - Abstract
A growing number of evidences report that aging represents the major risk factor for the development of cardio and cerebrovascular diseases. Understanding Aging from a genetic, biochemical and physiological point of view could be helpful to design a better medical approach and to elaborate the best therapeutic strategy to adopt, without neglecting all the risk factors associated with advanced age. Of course, the better way should always be understanding risk-to-benefit ratio, maintenance of independence and reduction of symptoms. Although improvements in treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly population have increased the survival rate, several studies are needed to understand the best management option to improve therapeutic outcomes. The aim of this review is to give a 360° panorama on what goes on in the fragile ecosystem of elderly, why it happens and what we can do, right now, with the tools at our disposal to slow down aging, until new discoveries on aging, cardio and cerebrovascular diseases are at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. LAV-BPIFB4 isoform modulates eNOS signalling through Ca2+/PKC-alpha-dependent mechanism.
- Author
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Spinelli, Chiara Carmela, Carrizzo, Albino, Ferrario, Anna, Villa, Francesco, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, Madonna, Michele, Frati, Giacomo, Fucile, Sergio, Sciaccaluga, Miriam, Capunzo, Mario, Calì, Gaetano, Milanesi, Luciano, Maciag, Anna, Puca, Annibale Alessandro, and Vecchione, Carmine
- Subjects
PROTEIN kinases ,CARDIOVASCULAR diseases ,ENDOPLASMIC reticulum ,HEAT shock proteins ,ENDOTHELIAL cells ,GENE expression ,NITRIC-oxide synthases ,PSYCHOLOGICAL aspects of aging ,THERAPEUTICS - Abstract
Aims Ageing is associated with impairment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and progressive reduction in endothelial function. A genetic study on long-living individuals--who are characterized by delays in ageing and in the onset of cardiovascular disease--previously revealed I229V (rs2070325) in bactericidal/permeability-increasing fold-containing-family-B-member-4 (BPIFB4) as a longevity-associated variant (LAV); the LAV protein enhanced endothelial NO production and vasorelaxation through a protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/14-3-3/heat shock protein 90 signal. Here, we further characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying LAV-BPIFB4-dependent enhancement of vascular function. Methods and results LAV-BPIFB4 upregulated eNOS function via mobilization of Ca
2+ and activation of protein kinase C alpha (PKCα). Indeed, the overexpression of LAV-BPIFB4 in human endothelial cells enhanced ATP-induced Ca2+ mobilization and the translocation of PKCα to the plasma membrane. Coherently, pharmacological inhibition of PKCα blunted the positive effect of LAV-BPIFB4 on eNOS and endothelial function. In addition, although LAV-BPIFB4 lost the ability to activate PKCa and eNOS in ex vivo vessels studied in an external Ca2+ -free medium and in vessels from eNOS-/- mice, it still potentiated endothelial activity, recruiting an alternative mechanism dependent upon endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Conclusions We have identified novel molecular determinants of the beneficial effects of LAV-BPIFB4 on endothelial function, showing the roles of Ca2+ mobilization and PKCa in eNOS activation and of EDHF when eNOS is inhibited. These results highlight the role LAV-BPIFB4 can have in restoring signals that are lost during ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
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37. Role of Viral miRNAs and Epigenetic Modifications in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Carcinogenesis.
- Author
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Giudice, Aldo, D’Arena, Giovanni, Crispo, Anna, Tecce, Mario Felice, Nocerino, Flavia, Grimaldi, Maria, Rotondo, Emanuela, D’Ursi, Anna Maria, Scrima, Mario, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Ciliberto, Gennaro, Capunzo, Mario, Franci, Gianluigi, Barbieri, Antonio, Bimonte, Sabrina, and Montella, Maurizio
- Published
- 2016
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38. Inconsistency of Sentinel Events and No Gender Difference in the Measurement of Work-Related Stress.
- Author
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Andrisano-Ruggieri, Ruggero, Capunzo, Mario, Crescenzo, Pietro, Savastano, Riccardo, Truda, Giovanna, De Caro, Francesco, Pennisi, Manuela, and Boccia, Giovanni
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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39. Combined effect of anti-BAG3 and anti-PD-1 treatment on macrophage infiltrate, CD8+ T cell number and tumour growth in pancreatic cancer.
- Author
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Iorio, Vittoria, Rosati, Alessandra, D'Auria, Raffaella, De Marco, Margot, Marzullo, Liberato, Basile, Anna, Festa, Michelina, Pascale, Maria, Remondelli, Paolo, Capunzo, Mario, Sala, Gianluca, Damiani, Verena, Amodio, Giuseppina, Di Nicola, Marta, Lattanzio, Rossano, Turco, Maria Caterina, and De Laurenzi, Vincenzo
- Subjects
PANCREATIC cancer treatment ,PROGRAMMED cell death 1 receptors ,MACROPHAGES ,TUMOR growth ,T cells ,GENE expression ,BCL-2 proteins - Published
- 2018
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- View/download PDF
40. Role of Sex Hormones in the Development and Progression of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
- Author
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Montella, Maurizio, D’Arena, Giovanni, Crispo, Anna, Capunzo, Mario, Nocerino, Flavia, Grimaldi, Maria, Barbieri, Antonio, D’Ursi, Anna Maria, Tecce, Mario Felice, Amore, Alfonso, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Ciliberto, Gennaro, and Giudice, Aldo
- Subjects
SEX hormones ,HEPATITIS B virus ,LIVER cancer ,POSTMENOPAUSE ,CELLULAR signal transduction ,CYTOKINES - Abstract
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. Epidemiological reports indicate that the incidence of HBV-related HCC is higher in males and postmenopausal females than other females. Increasing evidence suggests that sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens play an important role in the progression of an HBV infection and in the development of HBV-related HCC. While androgen is supposed to stimulate the androgen signaling pathway and cooperate to the increased transcription and replication of HBV genes, estrogen may play a protecting role against the progression of HBV infections and in the development of HBV-related HCC through decreasing HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis by inducing epigenetic changes such as the regulation of mRNA levels by microRNAs (miRNAs), DNA methylation, and histone modification in liver tissue. This review describes the molecular mechanisms underlying the gender disparity in HBV-related HCC with the aim of improving the understanding of key factors underneath the sex disparity often observed in HBV infections. Furthermore, the review will propose more effective prevention strategies and treatments of HBV-derived diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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- View/download PDF
41. A multicenter study on the appropriateness of hospitalization in obstetric wards: application of Obstetric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (Obstetric AEP).
- Author
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Mannocci, Alice, Specchia, Maria Lucia, Poppa, Giuseppina, Boccia, Giovanni, Cavallo, Pierpaolo, De Caro, Francesco, Vetrano, Giuseppe, Aleandri, Vincenzo, Capunzo, Mario, Ricciardi, Walter, Boccia, Antonio, Firenze, Alberto, Malvasi, Antonio, and La Torre, Giuseppe
- Subjects
HOSPITAL care ,OBSTETRICS ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,MEDICAL records ,REGRESSION analysis - Abstract
The cross-sectional study has been based on the implementation of the Obstetric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (OAEP) in seven hospitals to determine inappropriate hospital admissions and days of stay. The outcomes were: inappropriateness of admission and “percentage of inappropriateness” for one hospitalization. A total number of 2196 clinical records were reviewed. The mean percentage of inappropriateness for hospitalization was 22%. The percentage of inappropriateness for the first 10 d of hospitalization peaked in correspondence of the fourth (42%). The logistic regression model on inappropriated admission reported that emergency admission was a protective factor (OR = 0.4) and to be hospitalized in wards with ≥30 beds risk factor (OR = 5.12). The second linear model on “percentage of inappropriateness” showed that inappropriated admission and wards with ≥30 beds increased the percentage (p < 0.001); whereas the admission in Teaching Hospitals was inversely associated (p < 0.001). The present study suggests that the percentage of inappropriate admission depends especially on the inappropriate admission and the large number of beds in obstetric wards. This probably indicates that management of big hospitals, which is very complex, needs improving the processes of support and coordination of health professionals. The OAEP tool seems to be an useful instrument for the decision-makers to monitor and manage the obstetric wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. HIV-1 Tat protein induces glial cell autophagy through enhancement of BAG3 protein levels.
- Author
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Bruno, Anna Paola, De Simone, Francesca Isabella, Iorio, Vittoria, De Marco, Margot, Khalili, Kamel, Sariyer, Ilker Kudret, Capunzo, Mario, Nori, Stefania Lucia, and Rosati, Alessandra
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Understanding the relationship between Sentinel Events and Sources of Work Related Stress for prevention programmes. An Italian survey.
- Author
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Andrisano-Ruggieri, Ruggero, Crescenzo, Pietro, Capunzo, Mario, De Caro, Francesco, Savastano, Riccardo, Pennisi, Manuela, and Boccia, Giovanni
- Subjects
SENTINEL health events ,JOB stress ,WORK-life balance ,EMPLOYEE psychology ,ORGANIZATIONAL behavior - Abstract
Copyright of Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia is the property of Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro ed Ergonomia Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2017
44. Adverse Events Associated with BNT162b2 and AZD1222 Vaccines in the Real World: Surveillance Report in a Single Italian Vaccine Center.
- Author
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Costantino, Maria, Sellitto, Carmine, Conti, Valeria, Corbi, Graziamaria, Marongiu, Francesco, Genovese, Giovanni, Moccia, Giuseppina, Capunzo, Mario, Borrelli, Anna, Pagliano, Pasquale, Farroni, Mario, Lombardi, Grazia Maria, Elberti, Maria Giovanna, Filippelli, Amelia, and De Caro, Francesco
- Subjects
COVID-19 vaccines ,VACCINES ,VACCINATION ,COVID-19 ,VACCINE safety - Abstract
Aim: Despite huge efforts in developing specific drugs, vaccination represents the only effective strategy against COVID-19. Efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines were established during clinical trials. Nonetheless, it is very important to perform continuous surveillance. This observational study aimed to report potential Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) following the first dose of two different COVID-19 vaccines, BNT162b2 and AZD1222. Methods and Results: Subjects who underwent vaccination at the vaccine center of the University Hospital of Salerno, Italy, were interviewed using an ad hoc questionnaire. AZD-vac group (n = 175) who received AZD1222 had a higher number of AEFI than the BNT-vac group (n = 1613) who received BNT162b2 (83% vs. 42%). The most frequent AEFI associated with AZD1222 and BNT162b2 were fever and pain at the injection site, respectively. The AZD-vac group used drugs to contrast AEFI more frequently than the BNT-vac group. In the BNT-vac group, there was a higher incidence of AEFI in women than in men (26.2% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.01), while no gender-related difference was observed in the AZD-vac group. Conclusions: AZD1222 and BNT162b2 vaccines show a good safety profile. Based on our results and literature data, there are no reasons to justify the reluctance that persists towards immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Burnout and Psychological Vulnerability in First Responders: Monitoring Depersonalization and Phobic Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Author
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Benincasa, Veronica, Passannante, Maria, Pierrini, Filippo, Carpinelli, Luna, Moccia, Giuseppina, Marinaci, Tiziana, Capunzo, Mario, Pironti, Concetta, Genovese, Armando, Savarese, Giulia, De Caro, Francesco, and Motta, Oriana
- Published
- 2022
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- View/download PDF
46. Extreme Longevity: Analysis of the Direct or Indirect Influence of Environmental Factors on Old, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians in Cilento, Italy.
- Author
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Aliberti, Silvana Mirella, De Caro, Francesco, Funk, Richard H. W., Schiavo, Luigi, Gonnella, Joseph, Boccia, Giovanni, and Capunzo, Mario
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Emotions and Motivations Underlying Adherence to the Anti-COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: A Survey on a Sample of Italians under 30 Years.
- Author
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Carpinelli, Luna, De Caro, Francesco, Savarese, Giulia, Capunzo, Mario, Mollo, Monica, and Moccia, Giuseppina
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. The prosurvival protein BAG3: a new participant in vascular homeostasis
- Author
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Carrizzo, Albino, Damato, Antonio, Ambrosio, Mariateresa, Falco, Antonia, Rosati, Alessandra, Capunzo, Mario, Madonna, Michele, Turco, Maria C, Januzzi, James L, De Laurenzi, Vincenzo, and Vecchione, Carmine
- Abstract
Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3), is constitutively expressed in a few normal cell types, including myocytes, peripheral nerves and in the brain, and is also expressed in certain tumors. To date, the main studies about the role of BAG3 are focused on its pro-survival effect in tumors through various mechanisms that vary according to cellular type. Recently, elevated concentrations of a soluble form of BAG3 were described in patients affected by advanced stage of heart failure (HF), identifying BAG3 as a potentially useful biomarker in monitoring HF progression. Despite the finding of high levels of BAG3 in the sera of HF patients, there are no data on its possible role on the modulation of vascular tone and blood pressure levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hemodynamic effects of BAG3 performing both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Through vascular reactivity studies, we demonstrate that BAG3 is capable of evoking dose-dependent vasorelaxation. Of note, BAG3 exerts its vasorelaxant effect on resistance vessels, typically involved in the blood pressure regulation. Our data further show that the molecular mechanism through which BAG3 exerts this effect is the activation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway leading to nitric oxide release by endothelial cells. Finally, we show that in vivo BAG3 administration is capable of regulating blood pressure and that this is dependent on eNOS regulation since this ability is lost in eNOS KO animals.
- Published
- 2016
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- View/download PDF
49. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterococcus Species: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Italy.
- Author
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Boccella, Mariarosaria, Santella, Biagio, Pagliano, Pasquale, De Filippis, Anna, Casolaro, Vincenzo, Galdiero, Massimiliano, Borrelli, Anna, Capunzo, Mario, Boccia, Giovanni, and Franci, Gianluigi
- Subjects
ENTEROCOCCUS ,DRUG resistance in microorganisms ,ENTEROCOCCUS faecium ,ENTEROCOCCUS faecalis ,NOSOCOMIAL infections ,COHORT analysis ,BACTERIOCINS ,BETA lactamases - Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the main threats to healthy ecosystems. In recent years, among the multidrug-resistant microorganisms responsible for nosocomial infections, the Enterococcus species have received much attention. Indeed, Enterococcus have peculiar skills in their ability to acquire resistance genes and to cause severe diseases, such as endocarditis. This study showed the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance rate of Enterococcus spp. isolated from clinical samples, from January 2015 to December 2019 at the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" in Salerno, Italy. A total of 3236 isolates of Enterococcus faecalis (82.2%) and Enterococcus faecium (17.8%) were collected from urine cultures, blood cultures, catheters, respiratory tract, and other samples. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed with VITEK 2. E. faecium showed a high resistance rate against ampicillin (84.5%), ampicillin/sulbactam (82.7%), and imipenem (86.7%), while E. faecalis showed the highest resistance rate against gentamicin and streptomycin high level, but both were highly sensitive to such antibiotics as tigecycline and vancomycin. Studies of surveillance are an important tool to detect changes in the resistance profiles of the main pathogens. These antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are necessary to improve the empirical treatment guideline of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Food hygiene on merchant ships: the importance of food handlers' training
- Author
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Capunzo, Mario, Cavallo, Pierpaolo, Boccia, Giovanni, Brunetti, Luigi, Buonomo, Rosanna, and Mazza, Giuliana
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FOOD handling , *HEALTH , *HYGIENE , *EDUCATION - Abstract
The effect of food handlers'' training on food hygiene has been evaluated on board 22 “ro–ro” merchant ships carrying wheeled vehicles, with small numbers of passengers. The level of application of HACCP rules was assessed by a microbiological evaluation at the beginning of the study, after a cycle of training of food handlers and after the crew change that periodically occurs on each vessel. The results showed a clear improvement of the food hygiene quality after the refresher course, and a worsening after the crew change. Continuous education is needed to assure constantly a good hygienic quality of food. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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