185 results on '"De Giorgio, F."'
Search Results
2. Mitochondrial metabolism in neural stem cells and implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases
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Garone, C., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, and Carli, S., additional
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- 2024
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3. MT76 DiMe Library of Digital Endpoints: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Pathways for Improvement in Digital Health Research
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Alves Favaro, M., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, Brooks, T., additional, and Bothorel, S., additional
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- 2023
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4. Anti-COVID19 Vaccine among Workers at the Local Health Authority of Rieti (Italy). Study on the Vaccine Efficacy and Seroprevalence Post-Vaccination
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G Banchieri, O Giancola, De Luca A, L Provvidenti, B Sed, De Giorgio F, S Venarubea, M Angelucci, and M D’Innocenzo
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Objectives Our study aims to determine the trend of the antibody titer and assess the efficacy of the vaccine. Methods It was conducted on 983 healthcare professionals between 27 February 2020 and 22 October 2021 at the Local Health Authority (ASL) of Rieti. Workers voluntarily underwent serological testing before vaccination (T1), at least 15 days after vaccination (T2), and at least 150 days after vaccination (T3). We picked individuals who had received two doses of the vaccine. As for positivity, we assessed incidence – and therefore symptomatology – in three time intervals. We used a contingency tables for the analysis and tested the relation to the chi-square test and ANOVA test. Regarding differentials in terms of antibody capacity, we considered different time intervals: the methodological approach was the same. Results The average value of the dimeric serological testing at T1 was equal to 28.80 AU/mL, which increased to 220.55 AU/mL at T2, and then decreased to 143.62 AU/mL at T3 (P = 0.000). At T2, the number of people with a protective titer was equal to 95.96% of the total; at T3, it was equal to 96.39% (P = 0.019). Before the vaccination campaign, 75 workers tested positive (25 paucisymptoms, 4 severe symptoms). After vaccination, 14 workers tested positive: almost all were asymptomatic. Conclusion Vaccination determines a statistically significant variation of the average value of antibody titer, a statistically significant reduction of positive swab tests and a better prognosis.
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- 2022
5. Flexible, ionic liquid-based micro-supercapacitor produced by supersonic cluster beam deposition
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Bettini, L.G., Piseri, P., De Giorgio, F., Arbizzani, C., Milani, P., and Soavi, F.
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- 2015
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6. Electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 composite electrodes featuring carbons and reduced graphene oxide
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Monaco, S., De Giorgio, F., Da Col, L., Riché, M., Arbizzani, C., and Mastragostino, M.
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- 2015
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7. COVID-19 pandemic and days of absence from work in workers with flu-like symptoms in the City of Rome, Italy
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de Giorgio, F., Ricci, E., Arena, E., Greco, A., and Ralli, M.
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Settore MED/44 - MEDICINA DEL LAVORO ,Italy ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Rome ,COVID-19 ,Humans ,flu symptoms ,occupational medicine ,humans ,pandemics ,Occupational medicine ,Flu symptoms ,Pandemics - Abstract
COVID-19 has dramatically affected working forces. We aim to report our occupational medicine service's experience in managing suspected COVID-19 cases during the pandemic through a retrospec-tive observational study. We compared the number of days employees were absent from work due to flu-like symptoms from March 2020 to February 2021 to the same period the previous year (2019-2020). Two hundred thirty-four patients (+47.2% compared to the previous year) who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 reported flu-like symp-toms; the number of days of absence from work was 2812 (+190.2% compared to the previous year). On average, employees with flu-like symptoms lost 12.07 working days compared to 6.12 in the previous year (p0.0001). In conclusion, in our sample COVID-19 has increased the number of working day loss. However, our approach proved to be important, especially during the first months of the pandemic, to limit SARS-CoV-2 spread in workplaces.
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- 2022
8. DESIGN AND TESTING OF AN ACTIVE VIBRATION ABSORBER FOR A HELICOPTER ROTOR
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Bianchi, G., Zilletti, M., De Giorgio, F., Cinquemani, S., Cazzulani, G., Fosco, E., Bottasso, L., and Braghin, F.
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- 2022
9. SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in people experiencing homelessness
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Ralli, M, De-Giorgio, F, Pimpinelli, F, Cedola, C, Shkodina, N, Morrone, A, Arcangeli, A, and Ercoli, L
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Adult ,Aged, 80 and over ,Male ,Adolescent ,SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,Infant ,Middle Aged ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,Settore MED/17 ,Young Adult ,Child, Preschool ,Ill-Housed Persons ,Humans ,Female ,Child ,Aged - Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have peculiar characteristics that make them more vulnerable to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission and to more serious forms of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the homeless population assisted by the primary care services of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica, Vatican City.Persons experiencing homelessness and the volunteers assisting them were tested for COVID-19 through PCR and antigen rapid test between October 1st, 2020, and June 5th, 2021, in the clinical facilities of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica.A total of 1665 subjects from 96 different countries in five continents were included in the study; age range was 1-90 years. Overall, 2315 COVID-19 tests through nasopharyngeal swab were performed; 1052 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and 1263 antigen rapid tests. Nearly 40% of the subjects underwent both tests (n=650, 39.04%), 402 were tested with PCR test only (24.14%) and 613 with antigen test only (36.8%). PCR tests were negative in 966 cases and positive in 86 (8.17%), while antigen tests were negative in 1205 cases and positive in 58 (4.59%). The number of positive cases varied over time, with a drastic increase during the winter months of 2020 and a progressive decrease over 2021. Among positive cases, 24.41% were symptomatic; symptoms included fever, breathing difficulties, anosmia/hyposmia, cough, headache, and diarrhea.This study reported an overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in our sample slightly above 8%. Additional data on viral genome through sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in positive cases are of utmost importance to help identify variants and implement specific infection control measures.
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- 2021
10. Battery parameters for hybrid electric vehicles
- Author
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Arbizzani, C., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, and Mastragostino, M., additional
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- 2015
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11. List of contributors
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Arbizzani, C., primary, Castillo, E. Cabrera, additional, Danzer, M.A., additional, De Giorgio, F., additional, Fetcenko, M., additional, Garche, J., additional, Goldbach, T., additional, Grazioli, D., additional, Hauser, A., additional, Helms, H., additional, Herrmann, F., additional, Huber, C., additional, Kämper, C., additional, Karden, E., additional, Kim, H., additional, Kintner-Meyer, M.C., additional, Koch, J., additional, Kuhn, R., additional, Kurzweil, P., additional, Lambrecht, U., additional, Liebau, V., additional, Linse, C., additional, Lunz, B., additional, Maglia, F., additional, Mastragostino, M., additional, Moseley, P.T., additional, Müller, M., additional, Oh, S.-M., additional, Perner, A., additional, Püttner, A., additional, Rothfuss, F., additional, Salvadori, A., additional, Sauer, D.U., additional, Schott, B., additional, Scrosati, B., additional, Sun, Y.-K., additional, Vetter, J., additional, Viswanathan, V.V., additional, and Zelinsky, M., additional
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- 2015
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12. Evaluation of dental demands and needs of people experiencing homelessness in the city of Rome, Italy.
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PALAIA, G., SEMPRINI, F., DE-GIORGIO, F., RALLI, M., BOSSÙ, M., ARCANGELI, A., ERCOLI, L., and POLIMENI, A.
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Poor oral health and oral diseases are common among people experiencing homelessness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental demands and needs of a population of homeless persons in the city of Rome, Italy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 165 homeless patients admitted between October 2020 and October 2021 to the dental service of the Primary Care Services of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica, Vatican City, were retrospectively reviewed. The service employed dentists to evaluate dental needs and oral conditions in patients experiencing homelessness. The main dental and oral pathological conditions were noted. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five records of homeless patients were included in the study. The sample consisted in 138 males (76.97%) and 27 females (23.03%) with a mean age of 46.9 years (range 7-85 years). Acute tooth pain was reported by 132 (80%) patients, 42 (25.45%) had edentulism or missing teeth and 18 (10.91%) patients had oral lesions. Both dental and oral pathologies were intercepted and managed in secondary healthcare facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Given the specific peculiarities of this vulnerable population, it is important to implement strategies that facilitate the access of persons experiencing homelessness to dental evaluation with a preventive and curative perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
13. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the synthetic opioid MT-45
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Bilel, S, primary, Azevedo, NJ, additional, Arfè, R, additional, Tirri, M, additional, Gregori, A, additional, Serpelloni, G, additional, De-Giorgio, F, additional, Frisoni, P, additional, Neri, M, additional, Calò, G, additional, and Marti, M, additional
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- 2020
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14. SHOULD MEASLES VACCINATION BE COMPULSORY? Compulsory vaccination would exacerbate resistance
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Vetrugno, Giuseppe, Cicconi, M, Foti, F, Spagnolo, Antonio Gioacchino, and De-Giorgio, F
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N/A ,Settore MED/43 - MEDICINA LEGALE - Published
- 2019
15. ABANDON THE TERM 'SECOND VICTIM' Everyone is affected, everyone a victim
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Vetrugno, Giuseppe, De-Giorgio, F., and Foti, F.
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N/A ,Settore MED/43 - MEDICINA LEGALE - Published
- 2019
16. SENSORS ON HOSPITAL BEDS AND CHAIRS Costs of hospital bed and chair sensors include the time of healthcare workers monitoring them
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Vetrugno, Giuseppe, Spagnolo, Antonio Gioacchino, and De-Giorgio, F
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N/A ,Settore MED/43 - MEDICINA LEGALE - Published
- 2018
17. Gemelli decision tree Algorithm to Predict the need for home monitoring or hospitalization of confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19 patients (GAP-Covid19): preliminary results from a retrospective cohort study.
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VETRUGNO, G., LAURENTI, P., FRANCESCHI, F., FOTI, F., D'AMBROSIO, F., CICCONI, M., LA MILIA, D. I., DI PUMPO, M., CARINI, E., PASCUCCI, D., BOCCIA, S., PASTORINO, R., DAMIANI, G., DE-GIORGIO, F., OLIVA, A., NICOLOTTI, N., CAMBIERI, A., GHISELLINI, R., MURRI, R., and SABATELLI, G.
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop a deep learning-based decision tree for the primary care setting, to stratify adult patients with confirmed and unconfirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to predict the need for hospitalization or home monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on data from patients admitted to a COVID hospital in Rome, Italy, between 5 March 2020 and 5 June 2020. A confirmed case was defined as a patient with a positive nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test result, while an unconfirmed case had negative results on repeated swabs. Patients' medical history and clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were collected, and the dataset was used to train a predictive model for COVID-19 severity. RESULTS: Data of 198 patients were included in the study. Twenty-eight (14.14%) had mild disease, 62 (31.31%) had moderate disease, 64 (32.32%) had severe disease, and 44 (22.22%) had critical disease. The G2 value assessed the contribution of each collected value to decision tree building. On this basis, SpO2 (%) with a cut point at 92 was chosen for the optimal first split. Therefore, the decision tree was built using values maximizing G2 and LogWorth. After the tree was built, the correspondence between inputs and outcomes was validated. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a machine learning-based tool that is easy to understand and apply. It provides good discrimination in stratifying confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19 patients with different prognoses in every context. Our tool might allow general practitioners visiting patients at home to decide whether the patient needs to be hospitalized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
18. Metabolomics profiling reveals different patterns in an animal model of asphyxial and dysrhythmic cardiac arrest
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Varvarousis, D. Xanthos, T. Ferino, G. Noto, A. Iacovidou, N. Mura, M. Scano, P. Chalkias, A. Papalois, A. De-Giorgio, F. Baldi, A. Mura, P. Staikou, C. Stocchero, M. Finco, G. D'Aloja, E. Locci, E.
- Abstract
Cardiac arrest (CA) is not a uniform condition and its pathophysiology strongly depends on its cause. In this work we have used a metabolomics approach to study the dynamic metabolic changes occurring in the plasma samples of a swine model following two different causes of CA, namely asphyxia (ACA) and ventricular fibrillation (VFCA). Plasma samples were collected at baseline and every minute during the experimental phases. In order to identify the metabolomics profiles characterizing the two pathological entities, all samples were analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS spectrometry.The metabolomics fingerprints of ACA and VFCA significantly differed during the peri-arrest period and the resuscitation phase. Major alterations were observed in plasma concentrations of metabolites related to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, urea cycle, and anaplerotic replenishing of TCA. ACA animals showed significant metabolic disturbances during the asphyxial and CA phases, while for VFCA animals this phenomenon resulted shifted at the resuscitation phase. Interestingly, starting from the asphyxial phase, the ACA animals were stratified in two groups based on their metabolomics profiles that resulted to be correlated with the clinical outcome. Succinate overproduction was observed in the animals with the worse outcome, suggesting a potential prognostic role for this metabolite. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Published
- 2017
19. 4 - Battery parameters for hybrid electric vehicles
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Arbizzani, C., De Giorgio, F., and Mastragostino, M.
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- 2015
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20. Polyvinylidene Difluoride–Polyethyleneoxide Blends for Electrospun Separators in Li-Ion Batteries
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La Monaca, A., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, Focarete, M. L., additional, Fabiani, D., additional, Zaccaria, M., additional, and Arbizzani, C., additional
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- 2017
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21. Characterization tests for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle application of graphite/LiNi0.4Mn1.6O4 cells with two different separators and electrolytes
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Arbizzani, C., De Giorgio, F., and Mastragostino, M.
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- 2014
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22. 25. Animal subjectivity: evolving ethics in animal studies
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de Giorgio, F., primary
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- 2016
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23. Reduced Graphene Oxide in Cathode Formulations Based on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4
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Arbizzani, C., primary, Da Col, L., additional, De Giorgio, F., additional, Mastragostino, M., additional, and Soavi, F., additional
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- 2015
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24. Effect of Silica and Tin Oxide Nanoparticles on Properties of Nanofibrous Electrospun Separators
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Zaccaria, M., primary, Fabiani, D., additional, Cannucciari, G., additional, Gualandi, C., additional, Focarete, M. L., additional, Arbizzani, C., additional, De Giorgio, F., additional, and Mastragostino, M., additional
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- 2015
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25. Polyvinylidene Difluoride-Polyethyleneoxide Blends for Electrospun Separators in Li-Ion Batteries.
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Monaca, A. La, De Giorgio, F., Focarete, M. L., Fabiani, D., Zaccaria, M., and Arbizzani, C.
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LITHIUM-ion batteries ,POLYVINYLIDENE fluoride - Abstract
Polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVdF) and polyethyleneoxide (PEO) are blended and electrospun in order to obtain membranes suitable as Li-ion battery separators. The separators are characterized, and their properties investigated and compared with those of PVdF and commercial separators. The PVdF-PEO based separators ensure increased conductivities, greater electrolyte uptake and higher porosities than commercial polyolefines, all factors that improve cell performance. They are also safer than PVdF separators thanks to lower shutdown temperature, even if their mechanical properties are not yet comparable with those of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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26. Reduced Graphene Oxide in Cathode Formulations Based on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4.
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Arbizzani, C., Da Col, L., De Giorgio, F., Mastragostino, M., and Soavi, F.
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GRAPHENE oxide ,CATHODES ,CARBON-black ,ETHYLENE carbonates ,ELECTRODES - Abstract
We investigated the electrochemical properties of composite cathodes obtained by mixing LiNi
0.5 Mn1.5 O4 (LNMO), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon black (C65). Electrochemical electrode characterization was carried out in ethylene carbonate: dimethyl carbonate and 1 M LiPF6 by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles up to 4.8 V vs. Li+ /Li and impedance spectroscopy. We demonstrate that RGO improves the electrode/electrolyte interface stability at high potentials and, consequently, the cycling stability of LNMO cathodes in the presence of C65 with 92% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 1 C. The reciprocal effect of RGO and C65 is also beneficial for rate capability, which retained a specific capacity of 75 mAh g-1 at 10 C. The electric contact between particles is promoted by C65's conductive percolating network; RGO enhances the electrical conductivity of the composite electrode and hinders undesirable reactions between LNMO and the electrolyte. Despite RGO's lower electronic resistivity with respect to C65, the addition of RGO alone to LNMO is not sufficient to assure good performance. The mixing procedure without C65 promotes the agglomeration of graphene nanosheets rather than their distribution among LNMO particles and aggregates, limiting the electron and Li+ transport in the cathode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2015
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27. Reduced Graphene Oxide in Cathode Formulations Based on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4.
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Arbizzani, C., Da Col, L., De Giorgio, F., Mastragostino, M., and Soavi, F.
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- 2015
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28. Bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts from biomass and waste polysaccharides for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
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Adriano Parodi, Martina Vagnoni, Lucia Frontali, Cristiano Albonetti, Francesca De Giorgio, Alessio Mezzi, Elisabetta Petri, Chiara Samorì, Francesca Soavi, Giampiero Ruani, Paola Galletti, Parodi, A, Vagnoni, M, Frontali, L, Albonetti, C, De Giorgio, F, Mezzi, A, Petri, E, Samori', C, Soavi, F, Ruani, G, and Galletti, P
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cyclic carbonate ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,heterogeneous catalyst ,General Materials Science ,General Chemistry ,pyrolysi ,lignocellulosic waste - Abstract
A four-step methodology for the valorization of polysaccharide-based materials into bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts, active in the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates, is presented. The synthesis protocol consists of (i) pyrolysis of the starting material to produce biochar; (ii) oxidation to increase the number of -OH and -COOH functionalities; (iii) anchoring of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) on the surface of the oxidized biochar; (iv) quaternarization of the amine groups into alkylammonium iodide salts. The versatility of the method was demonstrated by applying the same protocol to six different polysaccharidic materials and wastes: six catalysts with no appreciable differences in terms of chemical composition and catalytic activity were obtained. The bifunctionality given by -OH and ammonium iodide groups was confirmed by several analyses performed on the catalysts. An extensive characterization (elemental analysis composition, FTIR, Raman, SEM, XPS and porosimetry) was done on all the functionalized biochars for every synthetic step. The catalysts were widely investigated in their activity for the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates, demonstrating to be effective under mild conditions (3 bar of CO2; 70 degrees C; 7 h). TONs and TOFs were calculated for each catalyst and condition. Yields up to 96%, with >99% selectivity, were obtained for terminal epoxides. The recyclability of the bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts was also confirmed over five cycles.
- Published
- 2023
29. Deciphering the Interplay between Binders and Electrolytes on the Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries
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Francesca De Giorgio, Mattia Gaboardi, Lara Gigli, Sergio Brutti, Catia Arbizzani, De Giorgio, F, Gaboardi, M, Gigli, L, Brutti, S, and Arbizzani, C
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Control and Optimization ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Li4Ti5O12 ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,tetraglyme-based electrolyte ,Building and Construction ,sodium alginate binder ,LTO ,synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,tetraglymebased electrolyte ,Engineering (miscellaneous) ,Energy (miscellaneous) - Abstract
Lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12, LTO) is an attractive negative electrode for the development of safe—next-generation—lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). LTO can find specific applications complementary to existing alternatives for LIBs thanks to its good rate capability at high C-rates, fast lithium intercalation, and high cycling stability. Furthermore, LIBs featuring LTO electrodes are inherently safer owing to the LTO’s operating potential of 1.55 V vs. Li+/Li where the commonly used organic-based electrolytes are thermodynamically stable. Herein, we report the combined use of water-soluble sodium alginate (SA) binder and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)-tetraglyme (1m-T) electrolyte and we demonstrate the improvement of the electrochemical performance of LTO-based electrodes with respect to those operating in conventional electrolyte 1M LiPF6-ethylene carbonate: dimethyl carbonate (LP30). We also tackle the analysis of the impact of combining the binder/electrolyte on the long-term cycling performance of LTO electrodes featuring SA or conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) as binders. Therefore, to assess the impact of the combination of binder/electrolyte on performance, we performed post-mortem characterization by ex situ synchrotron diffraction experiments of LTO electrodes after cycling in LP30 and 1m-T electrolytes.
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- 2022
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30. Correlating Structure and Properties of Super‐Concentrated Electrolyte Solutions: 17 O NMR and Electrochemical Characterization
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Francesca De Giorgio, Irene Ruggeri, Andrea La Monaca, Vittorio Berbenni, Chiara Ferrara, Catia Arbizzani, Piercarlo Mustarelli, Francesca Soavi, Ruggeri, I, La Monaca, A, De Giorgio, F, Soavi, F, Arbizzani, C, Berbenni, V, Ferrara, C, Mustarelli, P, and Irene Ruggeri, Andrea La Monaca, Francesca De Giorgio, Francesca Soavi, Catia Arbizzani, Vittorio Berbenni, Chiara Ferrara, Piercarlo Mustarelli
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Materials science ,solvent in salt solution ,Li NMR ,solvent in salt solutions (SIS) ,Electrolyte ,Electrochemistry ,7Li NMR ,O NMR ,Catalysis ,glyme ,Characterization (materials science) ,Chemical engineering ,17O NMR ,solvent in salt solutions ,⁷Li NMR ,¹⁷O NMR - Abstract
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Correlating Structure and Properties of Super-concentrated Electrolyte Solutions: 17O NMR and Electrochemical Characterization, Irene Ruggeri, Andrea La Monaca, Francesca De Giorgio, Francesca Soavi, Catia Arbizzani, Vittorio Berbenni, Chiara Ferrara, Piercarlo Mustarelli, ChemElectroChem 2019, 6, 4002–4009, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.201900829. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.  
- Published
- 2019
31. Overview and Comparison of Infectious Endocarditis and Non-infectious Endocarditis: A Review of 814 Autoptic Cases
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Rossana Bussani, Gianfranco Sinagra, Simone Grassi, Fabio De-Giorgio, Giuliano Pesel, Alfonso Baldi, Lorenzo Zandonà, Antonio Abbate, Furio Silvestri, Bussani, R., De-Giorgio, F., Pesel, G., Zandona, L., Sinagra, G., Grassi, S., Baldi, A., Abbate, A., and Silvestri, F.
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Male ,Cancer Research ,Infective endocarditi ,Autopsy ,Non-infective endocarditis ,0302 clinical medicine ,Diagnosis ,80 and over ,Non-Infective ,Endocarditi ,Aged, 80 and over ,Endocarditis ,Sudden death ,Bacterial ,Middle Aged ,Endocarditis, Non-Infective ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Infective endocarditis ,Female ,Human ,Research Article ,medicine.medical_specialty ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Diagnosis, Differential ,Non-infective endocarditi ,03 medical and health sciences ,Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditi ,medicine ,Humans ,General hospital ,Pathological ,Aged ,Retrospective Studies ,Pharmacology ,business.industry ,Forensic science ,Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis ,Post mortem ,Endocarditis, Bacterial ,General surgery ,medicine.disease ,Time of death ,Differential ,business ,Non infectious - Abstract
Aim: We examined evidence on infective and non-infective endocarditis obtained from a database of 50,403 clinical autopsies performed at an Italian general hospital between January 1983 and December 2006. Materials and Methods: Out of 814 endocarditis cases, 409 were of infective endocarditis (IE) and 405 non-infective (NIE). The median age at the time of death was 78 years for those with IE and 83 for those with NIE. Data were collected on gender, clinical history, comorbidities, kind of affected valve (non-prosthetic/mechanical/biological), pathological features of endocarditis, endocarditis complications and microbiological agents. Results: The diagnosis of IE was frequently missed and these conditions were often complicated by cardiovascular events. IE was more common among patients with prior valve infection or cardiovascular surgery, while malignancies were frequent comorbidities of NIE. Conclusion: In general, we found several data that differ from those generally present in the scientific literature, and this could be explained by the fact that data on IE and NIE are generally obtained from surgical and clinical databases, while we analysed only autoptic cases.
- Published
- 2019
32. The Transcriptome of SH-SY5Y at Single-Cell Resolution: A CITE-Seq Data Analysis Workflow
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Caterina Garone, Francesca De Giorgio, Nicola Balboni, Emanuela Aleo, Daniele Mercatelli, Federico M. Giorgi, Mercatelli D., Balboni N., De Giorgio F., Aleo E., Garone C., and Giorgi F.M.
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Computer science ,QH301-705.5 ,genetic processes ,Gene regulatory network ,Computational biology ,Barcode ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous) ,Unsupervised learning ,Article ,law.invention ,Transcriptome ,03 medical and health sciences ,transcriptomics ,Neuroblastoma ,0302 clinical medicine ,Single-cell analysis ,Structural Biology ,law ,natural sciences ,Biology (General) ,Gene ,gene regulatory networks ,030304 developmental biology ,0303 health sciences ,Single-cell ,Cell sorting ,Housekeeping gene ,Workflow ,CITE-seq ,Transcriptomic ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) is a recently established multimodal single cell analysis technique combining the immunophenotyping capabilities of antibody labeling and cell sorting with the resolution of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). By simply adding a 12-bp nucleotide barcode to antibodies (cell hashing), CITE-seq can be used to sequence antibody-bound tags alongside the cellular mRNA, thus reducing costs of scRNA-seq by performing it at the same time on multiple barcoded samples in a single run. Here, we illustrate an ideal CITE-seq data analysis workflow by characterizing the transcriptome of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, a widely used model to study neuronal function and differentiation. We obtained transcriptomes from a total of 2879 single cells, measuring an average of 1600 genes/cell. Along with standard scRNA-seq data handling procedures, such as quality checks and cell filtering procedures, we performed exploratory analyses to identify most stable genes to be possibly used as reference housekeeping genes in qPCR experiments. We also illustrate how to use some popular R packages to investigate cell heterogeneity in scRNA-seq data, namely Seurat, Monocle, and slalom. Both the CITE-seq dataset and the code used to analyze it are freely shared and fully reusable for future research.
- Published
- 2021
33. Improved adhesion of Nafion™-coated separator to water-processable LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 electrodes
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Antonio Terella, Laura Malavolta, Francesca De Giorgio, Catia Arbizzani, Malavolta L., Terella A., De Giorgio F., and Arbizzani C.
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Materials science ,modified separators ,Thin layer ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,Separator (oil production) ,Electrochemistry ,Modified separator ,Nafion™ layer ,LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 ,Mn ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Nafion ,lcsh:TK1001-1841 ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Aqueous binder ,0.5 ,1.5 ,Polyolefin ,lcsh:Production of electric energy or power. Powerplants. Central stations ,lcsh:Industrial electrochemistry ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,Electrode ,LiNi ,lcsh:TP250-261 - Abstract
The adhesion between electrode and separator is a key feature in cell assembly. Nafion&trade, coated separators for water-processed LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) electrodes are here proposed as an alternative to the polyolefin separators. Specifically, polyolefin separators are modified with Nafion&trade, solutions and their adhesion to high-potential LNMO electrodes is investigated. The physicochemical properties of the Nafion&trade, coated separator and its electrochemical performance in Li/LNMO cells are discussed and compared to those obtained with polyolefin Celgard®, (Charlotte, NC, USA) PP2075 separator. Improved adhesion and cycling stability, which could be further enhanced by a mild lamination process, were demonstrated with a thin layer of Nafion&trade, (0.1 mg cm&minus, 2).
- Published
- 2020
34. Functional separators for the batteries of the future
- Author
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Catia Arbizzani, Maria Letizia Focarete, Elena Paolasini, Laura Malavolta, Morteza Rahmanipour, Francesca De Giorgio, Antonio Terella, Davide Fabiani, Terella A., De Giorgio F., Rahmanipour M., Malavolta L., Paolasini E., Fabiani D., Focarete M.L., and Arbizzani C.
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Materials science ,Composite number ,Oxide ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,Separator (oil production) ,02 engineering and technology ,Lithium ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,law ,Functional separator ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Interphase ,PVdF/GO ,Electrospinning ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Graphene ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Cathode ,0104 chemical sciences ,Anode ,Polyolefin ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Lithium/sulfur batteries are one of the most promising technologies for the next-generation batteries. However, this technology suffers from several problems mainly related to the instability of metallic lithium and to the polysulfides (PS) shuttle. An approach to address such issues is the design of new separators or the modification of existing commercial ones. The use of hybrid membranes is here proposed to improve the performance of Li metal anode and sulfur cathode. Composite separators are obtained by electrospinning or drop-casting a polymer solution of polyvinylidenefluoride (PVdF) containing graphene oxide (GO) on a polyolefin commercial Celgard 2300 separator. This is the first time that a thin layer of electrospun PVdF/GO composite is applied to a polyolefin separator for the use in Li metal-based batteries. We demonstrate that electrospinning is an effective method to obtain a thin polymer layer of PVdF/GO. The electrospun layer improves the wettability of the separator; it is beneficial to the growth of “soft” dendrite on Li anode and has a positive effect on the PS shuttle process. The casted layer featuring a higher GO content is also effective in increasing the separator wettability, although with a minor effect on Li interphase.
- Published
- 2019
35. Phenotypic effects of chronic and acute use of methiopropamine in a mouse model
- Author
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Federica Foti, Fabio De-Giorgio, Bruna Cerbelli, Andrea Ossato, Sabrine Bilel, Francesco Botrè, Eugenio Sangiorgi, Matteo Marti, Alfonso Baldi, Foti, F, Marti, M, Ossato, A, Bilel, S, Sangiorgi, E, Botrè, F, Cerbelli, B, Baldi, A, and De-Giorgio, F
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Ischemia ,Physiology ,Socio-culturale ,Thiophenes ,Kidney ,Sudden death ,Methamphetamine ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,Death, Sudden ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,Gastrointestinal tract ,Heart Rate ,Methiopropamine ,Novel psychoactive substances ,kidney ,methiopropamine ,mice ,myocardium ,novel psychoactive substances ,animals ,death, sudden ,heart rate ,intestines ,ischemia ,male ,methamphetamine ,mice, inbred ICR ,models, animal ,psychotropic drugs ,street drugs ,thiophenes ,vasoconstriction ,Heart rate ,medicine ,Animals ,Myocardium ,Mice, Inbred ICR ,Psychotropic Drugs ,Illicit Drugs ,business.industry ,Novel psychoactive substance ,Settore MED/43 - MEDICINA LEGALE ,Thermoregulation ,medicine.disease ,Intestines ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,Vasoconstriction ,Models, Animal ,medicine.symptom ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Methiopropamine (MPA) is a structural analogue of methamphetamine and belongs to the category of the novel psychoactive substances. To the best of our knowledge, no experimental study has been performed to evaluate the organ damage evoked by MPA administration in an animal model. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to investigate the histological changes in CD-1 male mice following the chronic administration of MPA. MPA-chronically treated mice showed myocardial damage with features consistent with repeated episodes of ischemia and a pattern of kidney damage and gastrointestinal ischemia, with ischemic-necrotic lesions of variable extent. In agreement with the analogies between MPA and methamphetamine, we link organ damage secondary to MPA administration to the vasoconstrictive effect exhibited by both compounds. Chronically MPA-treated mice did not show changes in body weight, food intake, thermoregulation, muscular strength and motor coordination in the accelerod test. However, acute MPA administration significantly increased their heart rate and promoted vasoconstriction, which were associated with the sudden death of a subset of animals (40% of all chronically treated mice). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that MPA consumption could induce health hazards, highlighting the risk of sudden catastrophic events; therefore, clinicians should be aware of these data and consider MPA screening when no other drug is identified by a urine drug screen.
- Published
- 2018
36. The Role of Modified Graphene in Cathode Formulations for Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Author
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Luca Da Col, Francesca Soavi, Francesca De Giorgio, Marina Mastragostino, Catia Arbizzani, Arbizzani, C., Da Col, L., De Giorgio, F., Mastragostino, M., and Soavi, F.
- Subjects
Materials science ,Graphene ,High voltage cathode ,Oxide ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Nanotechnology ,Carbon black ,Electrolyte ,Cathode ,law.invention ,Ion ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Chemical engineering ,law ,RGO ,Electrode ,LNMO ,Lithium - Abstract
One of the main challenges in the development of lithium-ion batteries is to increase their specific energy by the use of high-voltage and high-capacity cathode materials. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is one of the most promising materials with a theoretical specific capacity of 147 mAh/g and a Li+ deinsertion/insertion potential of 4.7-4.8 V vs Li+/Li. However, the use of LNMO raises the question of electrolyte decomposition at such a high potential with the consequent formation of a surface layer that affects the cathode and, hence, the cell performance. Interface stability issues are overcome by LiMxM1-xPO4 (LMP, with M=Fe, Mn) and Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) olivines, with Li+ deinsertion/insertion at potential ranging from 3.4 V to 4.5 V vs Li+/Li, that are widely investigated for their high specific capacity, near 170 mAh/g, and their intrinsic safety and environmental compatibility. However, the electronic and ionic conductivity of olivines need improvements. We explored the effect of partially reduced graphene oxide on LNMO performance in conventional electrolyte [1] and here we investigate the role of modified graphene in LNMO- and LMP/LVP-composite materials. Morphological and structural characterization of the cathode materials and electrochemical tests of the corresponding electrodes will be reported and discussed. [1] S. Monaco, F. De Giorgio, L. Da Col, M. Riché, C. Arbizzani, M. Mastragostino, J. Power Sources, submitted Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank ENEA and Italy’s Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico for financial support under the Program 2013 “Ricerca di sistema elettrico, Materiali catodici per batterie litio ione ad elevata energia”.
- Published
- 2015
37. Polyvinylidene difluoride-polyethyleneoxide blends for electrospun separators in Li-Ion batteries
- Author
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Maria Letizia Focarete, Davide Fabiani, A. La Monaca, Catia Arbizzani, Marco Zaccaria, F. De Giorgio, La Monaca, A., De Giorgio, F., Focarete, M.L., Fabiani, D., Zaccaria, M., and Arbizzani, C
- Subjects
Materials Chemistry2506 Metals and Alloy ,Materials science ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Material ,Polyvinylidene difluoride ,technology, industry, and agriculture ,Surfaces, Coatings and Film ,02 engineering and technology ,Condensed Matter Physic ,010402 general chemistry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Electrochemistry ,01 natural sciences ,0104 chemical sciences ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Ion ,Chemical engineering ,Materials Chemistry ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
Polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVdF) and polyethyleneoxide (PEO) are blended and electrospun in order to obtain membranes suitable as Li-ion battery separators. The separators are characterized, and their properties investigated and compared with those of PVdF and commercial separators. The PVdF-PEO based separators ensure increased conductivities, greater electrolyte uptake and higher porosities than commercial polyolefines, all factors that improve cell performance. They are also safer than PVdF separators thanks to lower shutdown temperature, even if their mechanical properties are not yet comparable with those of the latter.
- Published
- 2017
38. Can Urine Metabolomics Be Helpful in Differentiating Neuropathic and Nociceptive Pain? A Proof-of-Concept Study
- Author
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Maurizio Evangelista, Emanuela Locci, Paola Scano, Fabio De-Giorgio, Gabriele Finco, Giovanni Landoni, Antonio Noto, Mario Musu, R Massa, Ernesto D'Aloja, Paolo Mura, Finco, G, Locci, E, Mura, P, Massa, R, Noto, A, Musu, M, Landoni, Giovanni, D'Aloja, E, De Giorgio, F, Scano, P, and Evangelista, M.
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ,Multivariate analysis ,Physiology ,Sensory Physiology ,lcsh:Medicine ,Proof-of-Concept Study ,Urine ,Urine Metabolomics ,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine ,Spectrum analysis techniques ,Bioinformatics ,Biochemistry ,Nociceptive Pain ,0302 clinical medicine ,Drug Metabolism ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,Metabolites ,Medicine ,Differentiating Neuropathic and Nociceptive Pain ,Prospective Studies ,lcsh:Science ,Prospective cohort study ,Aged, 80 and over ,Multidisciplinary ,Chronic pain ,Discriminant Analysis ,Middle Aged ,Sensory Systems ,Body Fluids ,Settore MED/26 - NEUROLOGIA ,Nociception ,Somatosensory System ,Anesthesia ,Physical Sciences ,Neuropathic pain ,Female ,Anatomy ,Statistics (Mathematics) ,Research Article ,Adult ,Pain ,03 medical and health sciences ,Signs and Symptoms ,NMR spectroscopy ,Pain Nature ,Settore MED/41 - ANESTESIOLOGIA ,Humans ,Metabolomics ,Pharmacokinetics ,Aged ,Neuropathic Pain ,Pharmacology ,business.industry ,Contingency Tables ,lcsh:R ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Pain Sensation ,medicine.disease ,Research and analysis methods ,Metabolism ,030104 developmental biology ,Multivariate Analysis ,Neuralgia ,lcsh:Q ,business ,Mathematics ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Neuroscience - Abstract
The diagnosis of pain nature is a troublesome task and a wrong attribution often leads to an increase of costs and to avoidable pharmaceutical adverse reactions. An objective and specific approach to achieve this diagnosis is highly desirable. The aim of this work was to investigate urine samples collected from patients suffering from pain of different nature by a metabolomics approach based on (1)H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis. We performed a prospective study on 74 subjects: 37 suffering from pain (12 with nociceptive and 25 with neuropathic pain), and 37 controls not suffering from any kind of chronic pain. The application of discriminant analysis on the urine spectral profiles allowed us to classify these two types of pain with high sensibility and specificity. Although the classification relies on the global urine metabolic profile, the individual contribution in discriminating neuropathic pain patients of metabolites such as choline and phosphocholine, taurine and alanine, suggests potential lesions to the nervous system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a urine metabolomics profile is used to classify these two kinds of pain. This methodology, although based on a limited sample, may constitute the basis for a new helpful tool in the clinical diagnosis.
- Published
- 2016
39. New formulations of high-voltage cathodes for Li-ion batteries with water-processable binders
- Author
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Francesca Soavi, Francesca De Giorgio, Francesca Bigoni, Catia Arbizzani, Bigoni, F., De Giorgio, F., Soavi, F., and Arbizzani, C.
- Subjects
Materials science ,Chemical engineering ,law ,water-processable binder, sodium alginate, polyvinylacetate, Li-ion battery, high-potential cathode, LNMO ,High voltage ,Cathode ,law.invention ,Sodium alginate ,Ion - Abstract
While not electrochemically active, the binder still remains a component of great importance in the electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, as it has a strong influence on their performance. Polyvinilydene fluoride (PVdF) is the most employed binder, thanks to its electrochemical stability and good adhesive properties. However, PVdF is expensive, not readily disposable, and requires the use of organic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which is also very expensive as well as harmful to health and environment [1]. The use of water-soluble binders could lower production costs and grant an easier and more environment-friendly processing. Although carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) is the most investigated aqueous binder for lithium-ion batteries, many other promising materials are under study [2]. This work investigates the use of two water-soluble binders, namely poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) and sodium alginate, for high-voltage cathode electrodes in Li-ion batteries. PVAc, commercially available under the Vinavil trademark, is an inexpensive synthetic polymer, employed in a wide variety of industrial applications [3]; it was previously investigated by P. Prosini et al. as binder for Li-ion batteries [4, 5], and the published results encouraged further studies. Sodium alginate is a high-modulus, natural polysaccharide commonly extracted from brown algae. It has a peculiar composition since it contains carboxylic groups in each polymer’s monomeric unit. It was also extensively studied as binder for both anodes and cathodes with very promising results [6, 7]. We focused our work on the use of sustainable binders for cathodes based on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO), a commercially available material with a very high Li+ deinsertion/insertion potential of 4.7-4.75 V versus Li+/Li and a theoretical specific capacity of 147 mAh/g. These properties account for the highest energy density of any material currently available on the market [8]. The present study reports the morphological and structural characterizations carried out on the LNMO-based composite materials and the electrochemical tests at 30°C on the corresponding electrodes assembled in half-cells versus Li/Li+ in conventional electrolyte (EC/DMC – LiPF6). The electrochemical performance of cathodes with PVAc and alginate binders are compared with those obtained with PVdF-based electrodes. While the results obtained for PVAc-based composite material should be improved, the alginate-based material shows very promising electrochemical results, comparable or even better than those of PVdF-based materials. Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank ENEA and Italy’s Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico for financial support under the Program “Electric System Research”, Cathode Materials for High Energy Lithium Ion Batteries. References [1] G.T. Kim, S.S. Jeong, M. Joost, E. Rocca, M. Winter, S. Passerini and A. Balducci, J. Power Sources 2011, 196, 2187–2194. [2] S.-L. Chou, Y. Pan, J.-Z. Wang, H.-K. Liu and S.-X. Dou, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2014, 16, 20347–20359. [3] F. Abbà, M. Cerra, F. Chiozza, I. Fuso Nerini, T. Zanetta and F. Pignataro, La Chimica e l’Industria 2015, 97 48-51. [4] P.P. Prosini, M. Carewska, C. Cento and A. Masci, Electrochimica Acta 2014, 150, 129–135. [5] P.P. Prosini, M. Carewska and A. Masci Solid State Ionics, 2015, 274, 88–93. [6] I. Kovalenko, B. Zdyrko, A. Magasinski, B. Hertzberg, Z. Milicev, R. Burtovyy, I. Luzinov, G. Yushin, Science 2011, 334, 75–79. [7] J. Xu, S.-L. Chou, Q.-f. Gu, H.-K. Liu and S.-X. Dou, J. Power Sources 2013, 225, 172–178. [8] C. M. Julien and A. Mauger, Ionics 2013, 19, 951–988.
- Published
- 2016
40. Flexible, ionic liquid-based micro-supercapacitor produced by supersonic cluster beam deposition
- Author
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Catia Arbizzani, Paolo Piseri, Francesca Soavi, Luca Giacomo Bettini, Paolo Milani, F. De Giorgio, Bettini, L.G., Piseri, P., De Giorgio, F., Arbizzani, C., Milani, P., and Soavi, F.
- Subjects
Supercapacitor ,Materials science ,business.industry ,General Chemical Engineering ,micro-supercapacitor ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Nanotechnology ,Electrolyte ,Capacitance ,flexible supercapacitor ,Energy storage ,supersonic cluster beam deposition ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,porous carbon ,Electrode ,Ionic liquid ,Electrochemistry ,Specific energy ,Optoelectronics ,micro-supercapacitors, flexible supercapacitor, supersonic cluster beam deposition, porous carbon electrodes, ionic liquid ,business ,Carbon ,ionic liquid - Abstract
Power generation and storage in electronics require flexible, thin micro-electrochemical energy storage/conversion systems. Micro-supercapacitors (μSCs) with double-layer capacitance carbon electrodes are attracting much attention for their capability of delivering short power pulses with high stability over repeated charge/discharge cycling. Supersonic Cluster Beam Deposition (SCBD) is an effective strategy for the development of nanostructured, binder-free porous carbon electrodes on temperature sensitive substrates including polymers. We exploited SCBD for the development of a flexible, planar μSC featuring nanostructured carbon (ns-C) electrodes deposited on a plastic Mylar substrate and N-trimethyl-N-propyl-ammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (N 1113 TFSI) ionic liquid electrolyte. The electrochemical performance at different temperatures of the μSC which operates at 3 V above RT up to 80 °C with a capacitance density approaching 10 F cm −3 and delivering maximum specific energy and power densities of 10 mWh cm −3 and 8-10 W cm −3 with long cycling stability over 2 × 10 4 cycles is here reported and discussed.
- Published
- 2015
41. Electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 composite electrodes featuring carbons and reduced graphene oxide
- Author
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M. Riché, Catia Arbizzani, L. Da Col, Simone Monaco, F. De Giorgio, Marina Mastragostino, Monaco, S, De Giorgio, F., Da Col, L., Riché, M., Arbizzani, C., and Mastragostino, M.
- Subjects
Materials science ,Graphene ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Inorganic chemistry ,Oxide ,High-voltage lithium-ion battery ,LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Energy Engineering and Power Technology ,Electrochemistry ,law.invention ,Dielectric spectroscopy ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,law ,Electrode ,LNMO ,Lithium ,Reduced graphene oxide ,Cyclic voltammetry ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Graphene oxide paper ,Lithium diffusion coefficient - Abstract
LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) composite electrodes having the same formulation as to percentage of active material mass, binder and carbons, including reduced graphene oxide, were characterized in EC: DMC – 1M LiPF 6 by cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge cycles and impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate the beneficial effect on the electrode cycling stability in increasing C-rate to 1C, in limiting the charge voltage at 4.8 V and in covering the LNMO by partially reduced graphene oxide. The paper also discusses the evaluation of lithium diffusion coefficient in LNMO from cyclic voltammetry data in regard to the discrepancies reported in literature on this matter.
- Published
- 2015
42. Battery parameters for hybrid electric vehicles
- Author
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F. De Giorgio, Catia Arbizzani, Marina Mastragostino, B. Scrosati, J. Garche, W. Tillmetz, Arbizzani, C, De Giorgio, F, and Mastragostino, M
- Subjects
High voltage cathode ,Supercapacitor ,Battery (electricity) ,Engineering ,business.product_category ,business.industry ,Electrical engineering ,Automotive engineering ,HEV ,Hardware_GENERAL ,Electric vehicle ,battery ,Fuel cells ,high voltage cathode ,business - Abstract
This chapter discusses the evaluation of the key parameters of lithium-ion batteries for power assist and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications on the basis of reference tests set up by the US Advanced Battery Consortium–Department of Energy; a battery case study is used to highlight the analysis procedure. The chapter then briefly summarizes the main characteristics of lithium-ion batteries already on the market and under development, with emphasis also given to the safety of each battery-chemistry. The use of supercapacitors (ultracapacitors) in parallel with the batteries to increase both performance and battery life is also discussed, and limits and future developments of lithium-ion batteries and of supercapacitors are included. Finally, a short discussion is provided about the on-road transportation of the future.
- Published
- 2015
43. Effect of silica and tin oxide nanoparticles on properties of nanofibrous electrospun separators
- Author
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G. Cannucciari, Maria Letizia Focarete, Marina Mastragostino, F. De Giorgio, Catia Arbizzani, Davide Fabiani, Chiara Gualandi, Marco Zaccaria, Zaccaria, M., Fabiani, D., Cannucciari, G., Gualandi, C., Focarete, M.L., Arbizzani, C., De Giorgio, F., and Mastragostino, M.
- Subjects
Materials science ,Oxide ,Nanoparticle ,Electrolyte ,Electrochemical cell ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,NONWOVEN SEPARATORS ,Materials Chemistry ,Electrochemistry ,Silicon oxide ,LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES ,PROGRESS ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,PVDF ,technology, industry, and agriculture ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Tin oxide ,Electrospinning ,Surfaces, Coatings and Films ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Membrane ,Chemical engineering ,chemistry ,CELLS ,POLYMER ELECTROLYTES ,ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES ,STORAGE - Abstract
Innovative separators able to improve the performance and safety of Li-ion batteries are under investigation to meet the growing demand for large-size and high energy density electrochemical cells. In this work, highly porous nanofibrous Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) separators loaded with oxide nanoparticles were produced by electrospinning. Silicon oxide and tin oxide nanoparticles were added to PVdF and membranes were characterized by SEM-EDS and TGA. The effect of nanoparticle addition on electrolyte uptake, mechanical properties and conductivity was investigated and such properties were compared to those of a commercial separator (Celgard 2400). Results showed that a small amount of additive can significantly improve the properties of PVdF electrospun membranes and that the different nanoparticles investigated in this work have different effect on membrane performances. In particular, the addition of SiO2 increases the rate of electrolyte uptake and the toughness of the electrospun membrane, while the addition of SnO2 decreases the rate of electrolyte uptake and increases the stiffness of the electrospun membrane. When loaded with nanoparticles, PVdF membranes maintain their insulating character also at high temperature. Preliminary electrochemical results on half-cell vs Li with LiFePO4 and electrospun separators showed good cycling performance, highlighting interesting features of this technology. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License (CC BY-NC-ND, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is not changed in any way and is properly cited. For permission for commercial reuse, please email: oa@electrochem.org. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0421506jes] All rights reserved.
- Published
- 2015
44. Dysregulation of FLVCR1a-dependent mitochondrial calcium handling in neural progenitors causes congenital hydrocephalus.
- Author
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Bertino F, Mukherjee D, Bonora M, Bagowski C, Nardelli J, Metani L, Zanin Venturini DI, Chianese D, Santander N, Salaroglio IC, Hentschel A, Quarta E, Genova T, McKinney AA, Allocco AL, Fiorito V, Petrillo S, Ammirata G, De Giorgio F, Dennis E, Allington G, Maier F, Shoukier M, Gloning KP, Munaron L, Mussano F, Salsano E, Pareyson D, di Rocco M, Altruda F, Panagiotakos G, Kahle KT, Gressens P, Riganti C, Pinton PP, Roos A, Arnold T, Tolosano E, and Chiabrando D
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Mice, Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors metabolism, Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors genetics, Neurogenesis genetics, Calcium metabolism, Hydrocephalus metabolism, Hydrocephalus genetics, Hydrocephalus pathology, Membrane Transport Proteins metabolism, Membrane Transport Proteins genetics, Mitochondria metabolism, Neural Stem Cells metabolism, Neural Stem Cells pathology, Receptors, Virus metabolism, Receptors, Virus genetics
- Abstract
Congenital hydrocephalus (CH), occurring in approximately 1/1,000 live births, represents an important clinical challenge due to the limited knowledge of underlying molecular mechanisms. The discovery of novel CH genes is thus essential to shed light on the intricate processes responsible for ventricular dilatation in CH. Here, we identify FLVCR1 (feline leukemia virus subgroup C receptor 1) as a gene responsible for a severe form of CH in humans and mice. Mechanistically, our data reveal that the full-length isoform encoded by the FLVCR1 gene, FLVCR1a, interacts with the IP3R3-VDAC complex located on mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) that controls mitochondrial calcium handling. Loss of Flvcr1a in mouse neural progenitor cells (NPCs) affects mitochondrial calcium levels and energy metabolism, leading to defective cortical neurogenesis and brain ventricle enlargement. These data point to defective NPCs calcium handling and metabolic activity as one of the pathogenetic mechanisms driving CH., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests E.T., V.F., D.Chiabrando, S.P., F.B., and A.L.A. are inventors in a patent filed by the University of Torino, not related to the research reported here., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Sex-specific behavioural, metabolic, and immunohistochemical changes after repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 in mice.
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Corli G, Roda E, Tirri M, Bilel S, De Luca F, Strano-Rossi S, Gaudio RM, De-Giorgio F, Fattore L, Locatelli CA, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Mice, Male, Female, Animals, Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists pharmacology, Receptors, Cannabinoid, Down-Regulation, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Cannabinoids pharmacology, Cannabis
- Abstract
Background and Purpose: AKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects that have been associated with acute intoxication and whose effects are poorly known., Experimental Approach: Using a behavioural, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical approach, we investigated the pharmaco-toxicological effects, pharmacokinetics, and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB
1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice., Key Results: The effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and treatment duration. The first injection impaired sensorimotor responses and reduced body temperature, analgesia, and breath rate to a greater extent in females than in males; the second injection induced stronger effects in males while the third injection of AKB48 induced weaker responses in both sexes, suggesting emergence of tolerance. The CB1 receptor antagonist NESS-0327 prevented the effects induced by repeated AKB48, confirming a CB1 receptor-mediated action. Blood AKB48 levels were higher in females than in males and repeated administration caused a progressive rise of AKB48 levels in both sexes, suggesting an inhibitory effect on cytochrome activity. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex of females, and a rapid CB1 receptor down-regulation in cerebellar and cortical areas following repeated AKB48 injections, with neuroadaptation occurring generally more rapidly in females than in males., Conclusion and Implications: We have shown for the first time that AKB48 effects significantly vary with prolonged use and that sex affects the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic responses to repeated administration, suggesting a sex-tailored approach in managing AKB48-induced intoxication., (© 2023 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.)- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Immunohistochemical expression of HMGB1 and related proteins in the skin as a possible tool for determining post-mortem interval: a preclinical study.
- Author
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De-Giorgio F, Bergamin E, Baldi A, Gatta R, and Pascali VL
- Subjects
- Male, Mice, Animals, Beclin-1, Autopsy, Time, Postmortem Changes, HMGB1 Protein metabolism
- Abstract
Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of forensic pathology's primary objectives and one of its most challenging tasks. Numerous studies have demonstrated the accuracy of histomorphology and immunohistochemical investigations in determining the time of death. Nevertheless, the skin, a robust and easy-to-remove tissue, has only been partially analyzed so far. By studying 20 adult male mice, we tried to determine whether post-mortem immunohistochemical detection in the skin of HMGB1 proteins and associated components (Beclin1 and RAGE) could be used for this purpose. We discovered that nuclear HMGB1 overexpression indicates that death occurred within the previous 12 h, nuclear HMGB1 negativization with high cytoplasmic HMGB1 intensity indicates that death occurred between 12 and 36 h earlier and cytoplasmic HMGB1 negativization indicates that more than 48 h have passed since death. RAGE and Beclin1 levels in the cytoplasm also decreased with time. The latter proteins' negativization might indicate that more than 24 and 36 h, respectively, have passed from the time of death. These indicators might potentially be helpful in forensic practice for determining the PMI using immunohistochemistry., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. FLVCR1a Controls Cellular Cholesterol Levels through the Regulation of Heme Biosynthesis and Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Flux in Endothelial Cells.
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Manco M, Ammirata G, Petrillo S, De Giorgio F, Fontana S, Riganti C, Provero P, Fagoonee S, Altruda F, and Tolosano E
- Subjects
- Mice, Animals, Membrane Transport Proteins metabolism, Cell Membrane metabolism, Mice, Knockout, Heme metabolism, Endothelial Cells metabolism, Citric Acid Cycle
- Abstract
Feline leukemia virus C receptor 1a (FLVCR1a), initially identified as a retroviral receptor and localized on the plasma membrane, has emerged as a crucial regulator of heme homeostasis. Functioning as a positive regulator of δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway, FLVCR1a influences TCA cycle cataplerosis, thus impacting TCA flux and interconnected metabolic pathways. This study reveals an unexplored link between FLVCR1a, heme synthesis, and cholesterol production in endothelial cells. Using cellular models with manipulated FLVCR1a expression and inducible endothelial-specific Flvcr1a -null mice, we demonstrate that FLVCR1a-mediated control of heme synthesis regulates citrate availability for cholesterol synthesis, thereby influencing cellular cholesterol levels. Moreover, alterations in FLVCR1a expression affect membrane cholesterol content and fluidity, supporting a role for FLVCR1a in the intricate regulation of processes crucial for vascular development and endothelial function. Our results underscore FLVCR1a as a positive regulator of heme synthesis, emphasizing its integration with metabolic pathways involved in cellular energy metabolism. Furthermore, this study suggests that the dysregulation of heme metabolism may have implications for modulating lipid metabolism. We discuss these findings in the context of FLVCR1a's potential heme-independent function as a choline importer, introducing additional complexity to the interplay between heme and lipid metabolism.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Enhancing the interpretation of genetic observations in KCNQ1 in unselected populations: relevance to secondary findings.
- Author
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Novelli V, Faultless T, Cerrone M, Care M, Manzoni M, Bober SL, Adler A, De-Giorgio F, Spears D, and Gollob MH
- Subjects
- Humans, Genetic Testing, Mutation, Missense, Phenotype, Mutation, KCNQ1 Potassium Channel genetics, Long QT Syndrome diagnosis, Long QT Syndrome genetics
- Abstract
Aims: Rare variants in the KCNQ1 gene are found in the healthy population to a much greater extent than the prevalence of Long QT Syndrome type 1 (LQTS1). This observation creates challenges in the interpretation of KCNQ1 rare variants that may be identified as secondary findings in whole exome sequencing.This study sought to identify missense variants within sub-domains of the KCNQ1-encoded Kv7.1 potassium channel that would be highly predictive of disease in the context of secondary findings., Methods and Results: We established a set of KCNQ1 variants reported in over 3700 patients with diagnosed or suspected LQTS sent for clinical genetic testing and compared the domain-specific location of identified variants to those observed in an unselected population of 140 000 individuals. We identified three regions that showed a significant enrichment of KCNQ1 variants associated with LQTS at an odds ratio (OR) >2: the pore region, and the adjacent 5th (S5) and 6th (S6) transmembrane (TM) regions. An additional segment within the carboxyl terminus of Kv7.1, conserved region 2 (CR2), also showed an increased OR of disease association. Furthermore, the TM spanning S5-Pore-S6 region correlated with a significant increase in cardiac events., Conclusion: Rare missense variants with a clear phenotype of LQTS have a high likelihood to be present within the pore and adjacent TM segments (S5-Pore-S6) and a greater tendency to be present within CR2. This data will enhance interpretation of secondary findings within the KCNQ1 gene. Further, our data support a more severe phenotype in LQTS patients with variants within the S5-Pore-S6 region., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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49. Comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of γ-valerolactone as compared to γ-hydroxybutyric acid: Insights from in vivo and in silico models.
- Author
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Arfè R, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Bergamin E, Serpelloni G, Bassi M, Borsari M, Boccuto F, Bernardi T, Caruso L, Alkilany AM, Rachid O, Botrè F, De-Giorgio F, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Male, Mice, Animals, Hydroxybutyrates, Computer Simulation, Sodium Oxybate
- Abstract
Γ-valerolactone (GVL), marketed online as "Tranquilli-G" and "excellent Valium", is used as a legal substitute for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB); however, until now, GVL has only been connected to one Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) case. Moreover, the pharmaco-toxicological effects of GVL are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the 1) in vivo effects of gavage administration of GVL (100-3000 mg/kg) on neurological (myoclonia, convulsions), sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, righting reflex, thermoregulation, motor activity (bar, drag, and accelerod test) and cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, breath rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse distension) in CD-1 male mice and the 2) in silico ADMET profile of GVL in comparison to GHB and the open active form γ-hydroxyvaleric acid (GHV). The present study demonstrates that GVL inhibits, in a dose-dependent manner, sensorimotor and motor responses and induces cardiorespiratory depression (at a dose of 3000 mg/kg) in mice. The determination of the ED
50 in sensorimotor and motor responses revealed that GVL is about 4-5 times less potent than GHB. In silico prediction of ADMET profiles revealed toxicokinetic similarities between GHB and GHV, and differences with GVL. These results suggest that GVL could be used as a substitute for GHB and should be added to forensic toxicology screenings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Declarations of interest: none., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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50. Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid.
- Author
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Chighine A, Stocchero M, Ferino G, De-Giorgio F, Conte C, Nioi M, d'Aloja E, and Locci E
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Middle Aged, Adult, Aged, Multivariate Analysis, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Aged, 80 and over, Pericardial Fluid chemistry, Pericardial Fluid metabolism, Metabolomics, Postmortem Changes
- Abstract
Introduction: Due to its peculiar anatomy and physiology, the pericardial fluid is a biological matrix of particular interest in the forensic field. Despite this, the available literature has mainly focused on post-mortem biochemistry and forensic toxicology, while to the best of authors' knowledge post-mortem metabolomics has never been applied. Similarly, estimation of the time since death or post-mortem interval based on pericardial fluids has still rarely been attempted., Objectives: We applied a metabolomic approach based on
1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ascertain the feasibility of monitoring post-mortem metabolite changes on human pericardial fluids with the aim of building a multivariate regression model for post-mortem interval estimation., Methods: Pericardial fluid samples were collected in 24 consecutive judicial autopsies, in a time frame ranging from 16 to 170 h after death. The only exclusion criterion was the quantitative and/or qualitative alteration of the sample. Two different extraction protocols were applied for low molecular weight metabolites selection, namely ultrafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction. Our metabolomic approach was based on the use of1 H nuclear magnetic resonance and multivariate statistical data analysis., Results: The pericardial fluid samples treated with the two experimental protocols did not show significant differences in the distribution of the metabolites detected. A post-mortem interval estimation model based on 18 pericardial fluid samples was validated with an independent set of 6 samples, giving a prediction error of 33-34 h depending on the experimental protocol used. By narrowing the window to post-mortem intervals below 100 h, the prediction power of the model was significantly improved with an error of 13-15 h depending on the extraction protocol. Choline, glycine, ethanolamine, and hypoxanthine were the most relevant metabolites in the prediction model., Conclusion: The present study, although preliminary, shows that PF samples collected from a real forensic scenario represent a biofluid of interest for post-mortem metabolomics, with particular regard to the estimation of the time since death., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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