46 results on '"De Giorgio, F."'
Search Results
2. Mitochondrial metabolism in neural stem cells and implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases
- Author
-
Garone, C., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, and Carli, S., additional
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. MT76 DiMe Library of Digital Endpoints: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Pathways for Improvement in Digital Health Research
- Author
-
Alves Favaro, M., primary, De Giorgio, F., additional, Brooks, T., additional, and Bothorel, S., additional
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Anti-COVID19 Vaccine among Workers at the Local Health Authority of Rieti (Italy). Study on the Vaccine Efficacy and Seroprevalence Post-Vaccination
- Author
-
G Banchieri, O Giancola, De Luca A, L Provvidenti, B Sed, De Giorgio F, S Venarubea, M Angelucci, and M D’Innocenzo
- Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2022
5. COVID-19 pandemic and days of absence from work in workers with flu-like symptoms in the City of Rome, Italy
- Author
-
de Giorgio, F., Ricci, E., Arena, E., Greco, A., and Ralli, M.
- Subjects
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.
- Published
- 2022
6. DESIGN AND TESTING OF AN ACTIVE VIBRATION ABSORBER FOR A HELICOPTER ROTOR
- Author
-
Bianchi, G., Zilletti, M., De Giorgio, F., Cinquemani, S., Cazzulani, G., Fosco, E., Bottasso, L., and Braghin, F.
- Published
- 2022
7. SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in people experiencing homelessness
- Author
-
Ralli, M, De-Giorgio, F, Pimpinelli, F, Cedola, C, Shkodina, N, Morrone, A, Arcangeli, A, and Ercoli, L
- Subjects
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.
- Published
- 2021
8. Evaluation of dental demands and needs of people experiencing homelessness in the city of Rome, Italy.
- Author
-
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]
- Published
- 2022
9. Bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts from biomass and waste polysaccharides for the conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates
- Author
-
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
- Subjects
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
10. Deciphering the Interplay between Binders and Electrolytes on the Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries
- Author
-
Francesca De Giorgio, Mattia Gaboardi, Lara Gigli, Sergio Brutti, Catia Arbizzani, De Giorgio, F, Gaboardi, M, Gigli, L, Brutti, S, and Arbizzani, C
- Subjects
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.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Dysregulation of FLVCR1a-dependent mitochondrial calcium handling in neural progenitors causes congenital hydrocephalus.
- Author
-
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
12. Sex-specific behavioural, metabolic, and immunohistochemical changes after repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 in mice.
- Author
-
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
13. Immunohistochemical expression of HMGB1 and related proteins in the skin as a possible tool for determining post-mortem interval: a preclinical study.
- Author
-
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
14. FLVCR1a Controls Cellular Cholesterol Levels through the Regulation of Heme Biosynthesis and Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Flux in Endothelial Cells.
- Author
-
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
15. Enhancing the interpretation of genetic observations in KCNQ1 in unselected populations: relevance to secondary findings.
- Author
-
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
- View/download PDF
16. 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
-
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
- View/download PDF
17. Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid.
- Author
-
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
18. Effect of Repeated Administration of ɣ-Valerolactone (GVL) and GHB in the Mouse: Neuroadaptive Changes of the GHB and GABAergic System.
- Author
-
Frisoni P, Corli G, Bilel S, Tirri M, Gasparini LC, Alfieri L, Neri M, De-Giorgio F, and Marti M
- Abstract
Background: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) at low dosages has anxiolytic effects and promotes REM sleep and low-wave deep sleep. In the U.S., the legal form of GHB is prescribed to adults suffering from narcolepsy-associated cataplexy; the sodium salt of GHB is reserved for alcohol-addiction treatment. GHB is also a molecule of abuse and recreational use, it is a controlled substance in several countries, so gamma-valerolactone (GVL) has frequently been used as a legal substitute for it. GHB's abuse profile is most likely attributable to its anxiolytic, hypnotic, and euphoric properties, as well as its widespread availability and inexpensive/low cost on the illicit market., Methods: Our study is focused on evaluating the potential effects on the mouse brain after repeated/prolonged administration of GHB and GVL at a pharmacologically active dose (100 mg/kg) through behavioral study and immunohistochemical analysis using the markers tetraspanin 17 (TSPAN17), aldehyde dehydrogenase 5 (ALDH5A1), Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA-A), and Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABA-B)., Results: Our findings revealed that prolonged administration of GHB and GVL at a pharmacologically active dose (100 mg/kg) can have effects on a component of the mouse brain, the intensity of which can be assessed using immunohistochemistry. The findings revealed that long-term GHB administration causes a significant plastic alteration of the GHB signaling system, with downregulation of the putative binding site (TSPAN17) and overexpression of ALDH5A1, especially in hippocampal neurons. Our findings further revealed that GABA-A and GABA-B receptors are downregulated in these brain locations, resulting in a greater decrease in GABA-B expression., Conclusions: The goal of this study, from the point of view of forensic pathology, is to provide a new methodological strategy for better understanding the properties of this controversial substance, which could help us better grasp the unknown mechanism underlying its abuse profile.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Comparative Impact Analysis of Low-Deductible Insurance Versus In-house Hospital Assumption of Risk and Management on Medical Malpractice Claims.
- Author
-
Vetrugno G, Grassi S, Foti F, Siodambro C, Grassi VM, Conte C, Ghisellini R, De-Giorgio F, Ausania F, Cittadini F, Rossi R, Morte GD, Caputo M, Pascali VL, Ozonoff A, and Oliva A
- Subjects
- Humans, Retrospective Studies, Deductibles and Coinsurance, Hospitals, Malpractice, Insurance
- Abstract
Objectives: Claims management is critical to ensure the safe and high-quality medical care for which liability insurers and/or hospitals are responsible. The aim of this research is to determine whether increasing hospital malpractice risk exposure, with increasing deductibles, has an impact on malpractice claims and payouts., Methods: The study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital, the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. Payouts on closed reported and registered claims were analyzed during 4-study periods, which ranged from 1.5 million euro annual aggregate deductibles entirely managed by the insurance company to 5 million euro annual aggregate deductibles entirely managed by the hospital. We retrospectively analyzed 2034 medical malpractice claims submitted between January 1, 2007, and August 31, 2021. Four periods were examined depending on the claims management model adopted, ranging from total outsourcing to the insurer (period A) to an almost total hospital assumption of risk method (period D)., Results: We found that progressive hospital assumption of risk is associated with a decrease in the incidence of medical malpractice claims (average variation per year: -3.7%; P = 0.0029 if the 2 initial periods and the 2 last periods-characterized by the highest risk retention-are respectively aggregated and compared), an initial decrease in the mean claims cost followed by an increase that is still lower than the national increase (-5.4% on average), and an increase in the total claims cost (when compared with the period where the insurer solely managed claims). We also found that the rate of increase in payouts was less than the national average., Conclusions: The assumption of more malpractice risk by the hospital was associated with the adoption of numerous patient safety and risk management initiatives. The decrease in claims incidence could be due to the implementation of patient safety policies, while the cost increase could be attributed to inflation and rising costs of healthcare services and claims. Notably, only the hospital assumption of risk model with a high-deductible insurance coverage is sustainable for the studied hospital, while also being profitable for the insurer. In conclusion, as hospitals progressively assumed more risk and management responsibility of malpractice claims, there was a progressive decrease in the total number of claims, and a less rapid rise in claim payouts as compared with the national average. Even a small assumption of risk appeared to elicit meaningful changes in claim filings and payouts., Competing Interests: The authors disclose no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Medical Professional Liability in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Pilot Study of Criminal Proceedings in the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Rome.
- Author
-
Bergamin E, Fiorillo A, Grassi VM, Lodise M, Vetrugno G, and De-Giorgio F
- Abstract
Criminal trials and claims against physicians for malpractice-related damages have increased dramatically in recent years, and, with Obstetrics and Gynecology being one of the medical specialties that is at the highest risk, we carried out a retrospective analysis aimed at examining all Obstetrics- and Gynecology-related medical professional liability prosecutions within the General Register of Criminal Records of the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office between the years 2000 and 2014. The number of prosecutions increased steadily in the years 2000-2005, with varying trends in the following years. A total of 727 healthcare professionals were involved in criminal charges, and most prosecuted crimes were related to Articles 590 and 589 of the Italian Penal Code, followed by violations of Article 17 of Law 194/78. In most cases, filing was requested and granted without opposition. In 95 cases, an expert witness was appointed by the Court, and in 68 cases, the technical consultants of the State Prosecutor found culpable conduct. Public hospitals, private nursing homes and outpatient clinics, or private practices were mostly involved; in 45% of the cases, the physicians were hospital employees. In this setting, Italy is prepared to introduce new measures and regulations to address the issues posed by defensive medicine and charges of professional liability for healthcare providers.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. PMI estimation through metabolomics and potassium analysis on animal vitreous humour.
- Author
-
Locci E, Stocchero M, Gottardo R, Chighine A, De-Giorgio F, Ferino G, Nioi M, Demontis R, Tagliaro F, and d'Aloja E
- Subjects
- Sheep, Animals, Vitreous Body chemistry, Reproducibility of Results, Metabolomics, Potassium analysis, Postmortem Changes
- Abstract
Introduction: The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a major challenge in forensic science. Most of the proposed approaches lack the reliability required to meet the rigorous forensic standards., Objectives: We applied
1 H NMR metabolomics to estimate PMI on ovine vitreous humour comparing the results with the actual scientific gold standard, namely vitreous potassium concentrations., Methods: Vitreous humour samples were collected in a time frame ranging from 6 to 86 h after death. Experiments were performed by using1 H NMR metabolomics and ion capillary analysis. Data were submitted to multivariate statistical data analysis., Results: A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI based on 47 vitreous humour samples. The model was validated with an independent test set of 24 samples, obtaining a prediction error on the entire range of 6.9 h for PMI < 24 h, 7.4 h for PMI between 24 and 48 h, and 10.3 h for PMI > 48 h. Time-related modifications of the1 H NMR vitreous metabolomic profile could predict PMI better than potassium up to 48 h after death, whilst a combination of the two is better than the single approach for higher PMI estimation., Conclusion: The present study, although in a proof-of-concept animal model, shows that vitreous metabolomics can be a powerful tool to predict PMI providing a more accurate estimation compared to the widely studied approach based on vitreous potassium concentrations., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Acute Cardiovascular and Cardiorespiratory Effects of JWH-018 in Awake and Freely Moving Mice: Mechanism of Action and Possible Antidotal Interventions?
- Author
-
Marchetti B, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Roda E, Locatelli CA, Cavarretta E, De-Giorgio F, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Animals, Mice, Wakefulness, Tachycardia chemically induced, Tachycardia drug therapy, Atropine Derivatives, Antidotes pharmacology, Antidotes therapeutic use, Cannabinoids pharmacology
- Abstract
JWH-018 is the most known compound among synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) used for their psychoactive effects. SCs-based products are responsible for several intoxications in humans. Cardiac toxicity is among the main side effects observed in emergency departments: SCs intake induces harmful effects such as hypertension, tachycardia, chest pain, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, breathing impairment, and dyspnea. This study aims to investigate how cardio-respiratory and vascular JWH-018 (6 mg/kg) responses can be modulated by antidotes already in clinical use. The tested antidotes are amiodarone (5 mg/kg), atropine (5 mg/kg), nifedipine (1 mg/kg), and propranolol (2 mg/kg). The detection of heart rate, breath rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and pulse distention are provided by a non-invasive apparatus (Mouse Ox Plus) in awake and freely moving CD-1 male mice. Tachyarrhythmia events are also evaluated. Results show that while all tested antidotes reduce tachycardia and tachyarrhythmic events and improve breathing functions, only atropine completely reverts the heart rate and pulse distension. These data may suggest that cardiorespiratory mechanisms of JWH-018-induced tachyarrhythmia involve sympathetic, cholinergic, and ion channel modulation. Current findings also provide valuable impetus to identify potential antidotal intervention to support physicians in the treatment of intoxicated patients in emergency clinical settings.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. A Fifteen-Year Survey for Orthopedic Malpractice Claims in the Criminal Court of Rome.
- Author
-
Bernardinangeli C, Giannace C, Cerciello S, Grassi VM, Lodise M, Vetrugno G, and De-Giorgio F
- Abstract
The number of legal disputes in the field of medical liability has increased exponentially in the last decades. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of criminal cases against healthcare professionals in Italian criminal courts. The hypothesis is that the majority of cases are dismissed and/or most professionals in these cases are acquitted. This retrospective analysis considers criminal proceedings related to medical professional liability registered with the general register of crime reports of the Public Prosecutor's Office of Rome in the time interval between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015. A total of 4793 criminal proceedings were ultimately identified. Proceedings related to the field of orthopedic trauma were then examined and identified. A complete analysis of 132 of the identified files (76.7%) was carried out. The field with the highest risk of disputes was determined to be the field of trauma. The most frequent complaint was found to arise from unsatisfactory surgical outcomes following elective surgery. The most affected anatomical district is the lower limb in both elective and trauma cases, followed by the upper limb in traumatology and spine cases. The surgeon is the most frequently quoted role of the professional involved. The number of physicians actually convicted (3.93%) and for whom liability was thus recognized, i.e., the existence of a causal link between their conduct and the event that took place was established, appears to be extremely small when compared with the far more significant values related to dismissals (53%) and acquittals (14.2%). Adequate legal reform aiming to reduce this disproportion is necessary to ensure physicians experience a more relaxed daily profession and to restore the original connotations of the doctor-patient relationship with the abolition of defensive medicine.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. The Old and the New: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alterations Induced by Acute JWH-018 Administration Compared to Δ 9 -THC-A Preclinical Study in Mice.
- Author
-
Marchetti B, Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Corli G, Roda E, Locatelli CA, Cavarretta E, De Giorgio F, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Animals, Male, Mice, Bradycardia chemically induced, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Cannabinoids pharmacology, Dronabinol pharmacology, Hypertension
- Abstract
Several new psychoactive substances (NPS) are responsible for intoxication involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Among NPS, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) provoked side effects in humans characterized by tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension, breathing difficulty, apnoea, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, the present study investigated the cardio-respiratory (MouseOx Plus; EMKA electrocardiogram (ECG) and plethysmography TUNNEL systems) and vascular (BP-2000 systems) effects induced by 1-naphthalenyl (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methanone (JWH-018; 0.3-3-6 mg/kg) and Δ
9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC; 0.3-3-6 mg/kg), administered in awake CD-1 male mice. The results showed that higher doses of JWH-018 (3-6 mg/kg) induced deep and long-lasting bradycardia, alternated with bradyarrhythmia, spaced out by sudden episodes of tachyarrhythmias (6 mg/kg), and characterized by ECG electrical parameters changes, sustained bradypnea, and systolic and transient diastolic hypertension. Otherwise, Δ9 -THC provoked delayed bradycardia (minor intensity tachyarrhythmias episodes) and bradypnea, also causing a transient and mild hypertensive effect at the tested dose range. These effects were prevented by both treatment with selective CB1 (AM 251, 6 mg/kg) and CB2 (AM 630, 6 mg/kg) receptor antagonists and with the mixture of the antagonists AM 251 and AM 630, even if in a different manner. Cardio-respiratory and vascular symptoms could be induced by peripheral and central CB1 and CB2 receptors stimulation, which could lead to both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems activation. These findings may represent a starting point for necessary future studies aimed at exploring the proper antidotal therapy to be used in SCs-intoxicated patient management.- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Main Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake among Italian Healthcare Workers in Relation to Variable Degrees of Hesitancy: Result from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey.
- Author
-
Trabucco Aurilio M, Mennini FS, Ferrari C, Somma G, Di Giampaolo L, Bolcato M, De-Giorgio F, Muscatello R, Magrini A, and Coppeta L
- Abstract
Background: Hesitancy remains one of the major hurdles to vaccination, regardless of the fact that vaccines are indisputable preventive measures against many infectious diseases. Nevertheless, vaccine hesitancy or refusal is a growing phenomenon in the general population as well as among healthcare workers (HCWs). Many different factors can contribute to hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination in the HCWs population, including socio-demographic characteristics (female gender, low socio-economical status, lower age), individual beliefs regarding vaccine efficacy and safety, as well as other factors (occupation, knowledge about COVID-19, etc.). Understanding the determinants of accepting or refusing the COVID-19 vaccination is crucial to plan specific interventions in order to increase the rate of vaccine coverage among health care workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey on HCWs in seventeen Italian regions, between 30 June and 4 July 2021, in order to collect information about potential factors related to vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. Results: We found an overall vaccine uptake rate of 96.4% in our sample. Acceptance was significantly related to job task, with physicians showing the highest rate of uptake compared to other occupations. At univariate analysis, the HCWs population’s vaccine hesitancy was significantly positively associated with fear of vaccination side effects (p < 0.01), and negatively related to confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (p < 0.01). Through multivariate analysis, we found that only the fear of possible vaccination side effects (OR: 4.631, p < 0.01) and the confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness (OR: 0.35 p < 0.05) remained significantly associated with hesitancy. Conclusion: Action to improve operator confidence in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine should improve the acceptance rate among operators.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Malpractice Claims and Incident Reporting: Two Faces of the Same Coin?
- Author
-
Vetrugno G, Foti F, Grassi VM, De-Giorgio F, Cambieri A, Ghisellini R, Clemente F, Marchese L, Sabatelli G, Delogu G, Frati P, and Fineschi V
- Subjects
- Humans, Risk Management, Insurance Claim Review, Databases, Factual, Malpractice
- Abstract
Incident reporting is an important method to identify risks because learning from the reports is crucial in developing and implementing effective improvements. A medical malpractice claims analysis is an important tool in any case. Both incident reports and claims show cases of damage caused to patients, despite incident reporting comprising near misses, cases where no event occurred and no-harm events. We therefore compare the two worlds to assess whether they are similar or definitively different. From 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2021, the claims database of Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS collected 843 claims. From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, the incident-reporting database collected 1919 events. In order to compare the two, we used IBNR calculation, usually adopted by the insurance industry to determine loss to a company and to evaluate the real number of adverse events that occurred. Indeed, the number of reported adverse events almost overlapped with the total number of events, which is indicative that incurred-but-not-reported events are practically irrelevant. The distribution of damage events reported as claims in the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 and related to incidents that occurred in the months of the same period, grouped by quarter, was then compared with the distribution of damage events reported as adverse events and sentinel events in the same period, grouped by quarter. The analysis of the claims database showed that the claims trend is slightly decreasing. However, the analysis of the reports database showed that, in the period 2020-2021, the reports trend was increasing. In our study, the comparison of the two, malpractice claims and incident reporting, documented many differences and weak areas of overlap. Nevertheless, this contribution represents the first attempt to compare the two and new studies focusing on single types of adverse events are, therefore, desirable.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Effect of Lockdowns on Hospital Staff in a COVID Center: A Retrospective Observational Study.
- Author
-
Vetrugno G, Sanguinetti M, Murri R, Sali M, Marchetti S, Santangelo R, Fantoni M, Cingolani A, Scoppettuolo G, Di Donato M, Grassi VM, Foti F, Marchese L, De-Giorgio F, Oliva A, Staiti D, De Simone FM, Pascucci D, Cascini F, Pastorino R, Pires-Marafon D, Cambieri A, Laurenti P, Boccia S, Ricciardi W, Franceschi F, and On Behalf Of Gemelli-Against-Covid
- Abstract
At the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, individual and social measures were strengthened through restrictive non-pharmaceutical interventions, labelled with the term “lockdown”. In Italy, there were two lockdowns (9 March 2020−3 May 2020 and 3 November 2020−27 March 2021). As part of preventive measures, healthcare workers and the administrative staff population of Policlinico A. Gemelli underwent nasopharyngeal swab tests from 1 March 2020 to 9 February 2022, a long time interval that includes the two aforementioned lockdowns. The population included 8958 people from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2020; 8981 people from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021; and 8981 people from 1 January 2022 to 9 February 2022. We then analysed pseudo-anonymized data, using a retrospective observational approach to evaluate the impact of the lockdown on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the population. Given the 14 day contagious period, the swab positivity rate (SPR) among the staff decreased significantly at the end of the first lockdown, every day prior to 18 May 2020, by 0.093 (p < 0.0001, CI = (−0.138−−0.047)). After the fourteenth day post the end of the first lockdown (18 May 2020), the SPR increased daily at a rate of 0.024 (p < 0.0001, 95% CI = (0.013−0.034)). In addition, the SPR appeared to increase significantly every day prior to 17 November 2020 by 0.024 (p < 0.0001, CI = (0.013−0.034)). After the fourteenth day post the start of the second lockdown (17 November 2020), the SPR decreased daily at a rate of 0.039 (p < 0.0001, 95% CI = (−0.050−−0.027)). These data demonstrate that, in our Institution, the lockdowns helped to both protect healthcare workers and maintain adequate standards of care for COVID and non-COVID patients for the duration of the state of emergency in Italy.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Atlantoaxial Joint Distraction and Fusion with DTRAX Intra-Articular Cages: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Review of the Pertinent Literature.
- Author
-
Rapisarda A, Pennisi G, Montano N, Della Pepa GM, Ricciardi L, De-Giorgio F, Visocchi M, Olivi A, and Polli FM
- Subjects
- Adult, Cadaver, Cervical Vertebrae surgery, Feasibility Studies, Humans, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Atlanto-Axial Joint physiology, Atlanto-Axial Joint surgery, Platybasia, Spinal Fusion methods
- Abstract
Purpose: Atlantoaxial joint distraction is a key procedure for the treatment of selected patients affected by basilar invagination (BI). In recent years, several authors have reported various techniques of distraction and fixation of the C1-C2 joint using different types of intra-articular spacers, with or without posterior fixation. We review the pertinent literature and propose a feasibility study on the use of a new device for the distraction of the C1-C2 joint aimed to the descent of the dens out of the foramen magnum suggesting its application on selected cases of BI., Methods: The GL-DTRAX Cervical Cage-SE is a cage approved by the Food and Drug Administration for distraction and fixation of subaxial cervical spine. Five adult cadaveric specimens were dissected surgically to evaluate the feasibility of DTRAX insertion inside the C1-C2 joint through a posterior approach., Results: The cages were uneventfully set into the C1-C2 intra-articular space of all samples without the need to sacrifice C2 nerve roots and ganglia. Postoperative cervical computed tomography scanning confirmed the correct fitting of the devices in every sample., Conclusions: This cadaveric study highlights the feasibility of the DTRAX cage as a C1-C2 intra-articular device producing a substantial distraction of atlantoaxial complex and suggesting a possible therapeutic role in selected cases of BI., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. The Influence of Eyelid Position and Environmental Conditions on the Corneal Changes in Early Postmortem Interval: A Prospective, Multicentric OCT Study.
- Author
-
Nioi M, Napoli PE, Demontis R, Chighine A, De-Giorgio F, Grassi S, Scorcia V, Fossarello M, and d'Aloja E
- Abstract
In the current study, using portable optical coherence tomography, we evaluated 46 corneas of 23 individuals in a multicenter setting during the first 17 h after death. Twenty-three eyes were kept open, and twenty three were kept closed. Furthermore, the experiment was carried out for 12 samples in summer and 11 in winter. Our data show that postmortem corneal alterations largely depend on the phenomena of dehydration (in particular in open eyes) and swelling of the stroma in closed eyes, probably due in the first phase to hypoxia/anoxia and subsequently to the passage by osmosis of the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the corneal tissue. Our findings could have significant repercussions in forensic pathology for estimating the postmortem interval and transplantation to optimize the conservation of the tissue before the explant.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. In Vivo Bio-Activation of JWH-175 to JWH-018: Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Studies in Mice.
- Author
-
Tirri M, Arfè R, Bilel S, Corli G, Marchetti B, Fantinati A, Vincenzi F, De-Giorgio F, Camuto C, Mazzarino M, Barbieri M, Gaudio RM, Varani K, Borea PA, Botrè F, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Animals, Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists pharmacology, Humans, Indoles chemistry, Male, Mice, Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1, Cannabinoids chemistry, Cannabinoids pharmacology, Naphthalenes chemistry
- Abstract
3-(1-Naphthalenylmethyl)-1-pentyl-1H-indole (JWH-175) is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally marketed for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects. This study aimed to investigate and compare in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic activity of JWH-175 with that of 1-naphthalenyl (1-pentyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methanone (JWH-018), as well as evaluate the in vitro (human liver microsomes) and in vivo (urine and plasma of CD-1 male mice) metabolic profile of JWH-175. In vitro binding studies showed that JWH-175 is a cannabinoid receptor agonist less potent than JWH-018 on mouse and human CB1 and CB2 receptors. In agreement with in vitro data, JWH-175 reduced the fESPS in brain hippocampal slices of mice less effectively than JWH-018. Similarly, in vivo behavioral studies showed that JWH-175 impaired sensorimotor responses, reduced breath rate and motor activity, and increased pain threshold to mechanical stimuli less potently than JWH-018. Metabolic studies demonstrated that JWH-175 is rapidly bioactivated to JWH-018 in mice blood, suggesting that in vivo effects of JWH-175 are also due to JWH-018 formation. The pharmaco-toxicological profile of JWH-175 was characterized for the first time, proving its in vivo bio-activation to the more potent agonist JWH-018. Thus, it highlighted the great importance of investigating the in vivo metabolism of synthetic cannabinoids for both clinical toxicology and forensic purposes.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Epigenetic Studies for Evaluation of NPS Toxicity: Focus on Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cathinones.
- Author
-
Mazdai L, Fabbri M, Tirri M, Corli G, Arfè R, Marchetti B, Bilel S, Bergamin E, Gaudio RM, Rubini M, De-Giorgio F, and Marti M
- Abstract
In the recent decade, numerous new psychoactive substances (NPSs) have been added to the illicit drug market. These are synthetized to mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse (i.e., cannabis, cocaine, etc.), with the purpose of bypassing substance legislations and increasing the pharmacotoxicological effects. To date, research into the acute pharmacological effects of new NPSs is ongoing and necessary in order to provide an appropriate contribution to public health. In fact, multiple examples of NPS-related acute intoxication and mortality have been recorded in the literature. Accordingly, several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the pharmacotoxicological profiles of these compounds, revealing that they can cause adverse effects involving various organ systems (i.e., cardiovascular, respiratory effects) and highlighting their potential increased consumption risks. In this sense, NPSs should be regarded as a complex issue that requires continuous monitoring. Moreover, knowledge of long-term NPS effects is lacking. Because genetic and environmental variables may impact NPS responses, epigenetics may aid in understanding the processes behind the harmful events induced by long-term NPS usage. Taken together, "pharmacoepigenomics" may provide a new field of combined study on genetic differences and epigenetic changes in drug reactions that might be predictive in forensic implications.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Author Correction: Regarding "Fatal adrenal crisis due to Addison's disease arising in the context of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1".
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Foti F, Bergamin E, Sorice GP, and Vetrugno G
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Prevalence of Otolaryngology Diseases in an Urban Homeless Population.
- Author
-
Ralli M, Marinelli A, De-Giorgio F, Crescenzi D, Vincentiis M, Greco A, Arcangeli A, and Ercoli L
- Subjects
- Humans, Prevalence, Retrospective Studies, Ill-Housed Persons, Otolaryngology, Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: Otolaryngology diseases are common among people experiencing homelessness; however, they are seldom evaluated in a specialist setting, and investigations on their prevalence have rarely been conducted. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of otolaryngology conditions in an urban homeless population., Study Design: Retrospective study., Setting: Primary health care facility., Methods: The clinical records of patients referred to the medical facilities of the Primary Care Services of the Eleemosynaria Apostolica, Vatican City, between October 1, 2019, and July 31, 2021, were retrospectively reviewed; those reporting at least 1 otolaryngology disease were included in the study., Results: A total of 2516 records were retrospectively reviewed, and 484 (19.24%) were included in the study. The most common otolaryngology disease was pharyngotonsillitis (n = 118, 24.13%), followed by rhinitis with nasal obstruction (n = 107, 21.88%), hearing loss (n = 93, 19.01%), otitis (n = 81, 16.56%), abscess (n = 46, 9.40%), and sinusitis (n = 33, 6.74%). Head and neck cancer or precancerous lesions were reported in 34 subjects (7.02%). More than 1 simultaneous otolaryngology disorder was found in nearly 50% of our sample. A wide range of comorbidities was also reported., Conclusions: Our results confirm an elevated otolaryngology demand in the homeless population and encourage the development of more efficient and effective strategies for a population-tailored diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Regarding "Fatal adrenal crisis due to Addison's disease arising in the context of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1".
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Foti F, Bergamin E, Sorice GP, and Vetrugno G
- Subjects
- Humans, Addison Disease complications, Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune complications
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. In vitro and in vivo pharmaco-dynamic study of the novel fentanyl derivatives: Acrylfentanyl, Ocfentanyl and Furanylfentanyl.
- Author
-
Bilel S, Azevedo Neto J, Arfè R, Tirri M, Gaudio RM, Fantinati A, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Marchetti B, Corli G, Serpelloni G, De-Giorgio F, Malfacini D, Trapella C, Calo' G, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Analgesics, Opioid, Animals, Furans, Male, Mice, Pain drug therapy, Receptors, Opioid metabolism, beta-Arrestin 2 metabolism, Fentanyl analogs & derivatives, Fentanyl pharmacology, Receptors, Opioid, mu agonists
- Abstract
Fentanyl derivatives (FENS) belongs to the class of Novel Synthetic Opioids that emerged in the illegal drug market of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These substances have been implicated in many cases of intoxication and death with overdose worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the pharmaco-dynamic profiles of three fentanyl (FENT) analogues: Acrylfentanyl (ACRYLF), Ocfentanyl (OCF) and Furanylfentanyl (FUF). In vitro, we measured FENS opioid receptor efficacy, potency, and selectivity in calcium mobilization studies performed in cells coexpressing opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins and their capability to promote the interaction of the mu receptor with G protein and β-arrestin 2 in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) studies. In vivo, we investigated the acute effects of the systemic administration of ACRYLF, OCF and FUF (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) on mechanical and thermal analgesia, motor impairment, grip strength and cardiorespiratory changes in CD-1 male mice. Opioid receptor specificity was investigated in vivo using naloxone (NLX; 6 mg/kg i.p) pre-treatment. In vitro, the three FENS were able to activate the mu opioid receptor in a concentration dependent manner with following rank order potency: FUF > FENT=OCF > ACRYLF. All compounds were able to elicit maximal effects similar to that of dermorphin, with the exception of FUF which displayed lower maximal effects thus behaving as a partial agonist. In the BRET G-protein assay, all compounds behaved as partial agonists for the β-arrestin 2 pathway in comparison with dermorphin, whereas FUF did not promote β-arrestin 2 recruitment, behaving as an antagonist. In vivo, all the compounds increased mechanical and thermal analgesia with following rank order potency ACRYLF = FENT > FUF > OCF and impaired motor and cardiorespiratory parameters. Among the substances tested, FUF showed lower potency for cardiorespiratory and motor effects. These findings reveal the risks associated with the use of FENS and the importance of studying the pharmaco-dynamic properties of these drugs to better understand possible therapeutic interventions in the case of toxicity., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Letter to the Editor regarding the article 'ER stress-related protein, CHOP, may serve as a biomarker of mechanical asphyxia: a primary study' by Hu and colleagues.
- Author
-
Chighine A, Locci E, Ferino G, De-Giorgio F, and d'Aloja E
- Subjects
- Biomarkers, Humans, Asphyxia, Heat-Shock Proteins
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Post mortem computed tomography meets radiomics: a case series on fractal analysis of post mortem changes in the brain.
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Ciasca G, Fecondo G, Mazzini A, Di Santo R, De Spirito M, and Pascali VL
- Subjects
- Humans, Reproducibility of Results, Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods, Brain diagnostic imaging, Fractals, Postmortem Changes
- Abstract
Estimating the post-mortem interval is a fundamental, albeit challenging task in forensic sciences. To this aim, forensic practitioners need to assess post-mortem changes through a plethora of different methods, most of which are inherently qualitative, thus providing broad time intervals rather than precise determinations. This challenging problem is further complicated by the influence of environmental factors, which modify the temporal dynamics of post-mortem changes, sometimes in a rather unpredictable fashion. In this context, the search for quantitative and objective descriptors of post-mortem changes is highly demanded. In this study, we used computed tomography (CT) to assess the post-mortem anatomical modifications occurring in the time interval 0-4 days after death in the brain of four corpses. Our results show that fractal analysis of CT brain slices provides a set of quantitative descriptors able to map post-mortem changes over time throughout the whole brain. Although incapable of producing a direct estimation of the PMI, these descriptors could be used in combination with other more established methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of PMI determination., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Effect of -NBOMe Compounds on Sensorimotor, Motor, and Prepulse Inhibition Responses in Mice in Comparison With the 2C Analogs and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: From Preclinical Evidence to Forensic Implication in Driving Under the Influence of Drugs.
- Author
-
Tirri M, Bilel S, Arfè R, Corli G, Marchetti B, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Serpelloni G, Botrè F, De-Giorgio F, Golembiowska K, and Marti M
- Abstract
In the last decade, the market for new psychoactive substances has been enriched by numerous psychedelic phenethylamines, which mimic the psychoactive effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In particular, the -NBOMe series, which are more potent than their 2C compounds analogs, are considered worthy substitutes for LSD by users. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 25 H -NBOMe and its halogenated derivatives (25 I -NBOMe and 25 B -NBOMe) in comparison to their 2C compounds analogs and LSD on the sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile), reaction time, spontaneous (total distance traveled) and stimulated (drag, accelerod test) motor activity, grip strength test, and prepulse inhibition (PPI) responses in mice. Systemic administration of -NBOMe, 2C compounds analogs, and LSD (0.001-10 mg/kg) differently impaired the sensorimotor, reaction time, motor, and PPI responses in mice. In particular, halogenated (25I and 25B)-NBOMe derivatives appear to be more effective than the entire class of 2C compounds analogs in altering visual and acoustic responses, affecting reaction time, and motor and sensory gating in PPI test. In fact, the specific rank order of compounds potency for nearly all of the experiments showed that (25I and 25B)-NBOMe were more potent than 2C compounds analogs and LSD. -NBOMe and 2C compounds analogs impaired not only the reception of incoming sensory stimuli (visual and acoustic), but their correct brain processing (PPI) in an equal and sometimes stronger way than LSD. This sensory impairment directly affected the spontaneous motor response and reaction time of mice, with no change in performance in stimulated motor activity tests. These aspects should be carefully considered to better understand the potential danger that psychedelic phenethylamines, in particular -NBOMe, may pose to public health, with particular reference to decreased performance in driving and hazardous works that require special sensorimotor skills., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Tirri, Bilel, Arfè, Corli, Marchetti, Bernardi, Boccuto, Serpelloni, Botrè, De-Giorgio, Golembiowska and Marti.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Erratum: Generation and analysis of innovative genomically humanized knockin SOD1 , TARDBP (TDP-43), and FUS mouse models.
- Author
-
Devoy A, Price G, De Giorgio F, Bunton-Stasyshyn R, Thompson D, Gasco S, Allan A, Codner GF, Nair RR, Tibbit C, McLeod R, Ali Z, Noda J, Marrero-Gagliardi A, Brito-Armas JM, Williams C, Öztürk MM, Simon M, O'Neill E, Bryce-Smith S, Harrison J, Atkins G, Corrochano S, Stewart M, Gilthorpe JD, Teboul L, Acevedo-Arozena A, Fisher EMC, and Cunningham TJ
- Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103463.]., (© 2022 The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Regarding "Post-mortem CT lung findings at a medicolegal institute in SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive cases with autopsy correlation".
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Bergamin E, Cittadini F, Cina A, and Vetrugno G
- Subjects
- Autopsy, Humans, Lung diagnostic imaging, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. In vitro metabolic profile of mexedrone, a mephedrone analog, studied by high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry.
- Author
-
Camuto C, Guglielmelli A, De-Giorgio F, de la Torre X, Mazzarino M, Marti M, and Botrè F
- Subjects
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Humans, Metabolome, Microsomes, Liver metabolism, Tandem Mass Spectrometry methods, Methamphetamine analogs & derivatives
- Abstract
Mexedrone is a synthetic cathinone structurally related to mephedrone, which belongs to the class of N-alkyl cathinone derivatives, whose metabolic profile has not been fully clarified yet. This study considers the in vitro phase I metabolism of mexedrone, to pre-select the most appropriate marker(s) of intake. Mexedrone was incubated in the presence of either human liver microsomes or single recombinant CYP450 isoforms. The metabolic profile was outlined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to both high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry. In detail, the phase I metabolic profile of mexedrone was initially defined by a time-of-flight analyzer, while the chemical structures of the detected metabolites and the potential presence of minor metabolites were subsequently studied by tandem mass spectrometry, using a triple quadrupole analyzer. The main phase I metabolic reactions were hydroxylation and N- and O-dealkylation. The CYP450 isoforms most involved were CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of both hydroxylated and dealkylated metabolites, followed by CYP2D6 and CYP1A2, involved in the hydroxylation reactions only. Finally, a significant fraction of mexedrone unchanged was also detected. Based on this evidence, the most appropriate markers of intake are mexedrone unchanged and the hydroxylated metabolites., (© 2021 The Authors. Drug Testing and Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Equal Incidence of COVID-19 among Homeless and Non-Homeless Emergency Department Patients.
- Author
-
Ralli M, De-Giorgio F, Arcangeli A, and Ercoli L
- Subjects
- Emergency Service, Hospital, Humans, Incidence, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Ill-Housed Persons
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Ethanol enhanced MDPV- and cocaine-induced aggressive behavior in mice: Forensic implications.
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Bergamin E, Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Marchetti B, Corli G, Serpelloni G, and Marti M
- Subjects
- Aggression, Animals, Benzodioxoles, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Ethanol, Male, Mice, Pyrrolidines, Cocaine
- Abstract
Background: Reports concerning the causal link between aggressive behavior and use and abuse of different substances (i.e., alcohol, MDPV) can be found in the literature. Nonetheless, the topic concerning the effects of acute ethanol administration on MDPV and cocaine induced aggressive behavior has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate such synergistic effects., Materials and Methods: A total of 360 male mice were employed in the study. Ethanol was diluted with saline solution and administered 10 min before MDPV or cocaine injection via oral gavage needles. Similarly, MDPV and cocaine were dissolved in saline solution and administered by intraperitoneal injection. Different associations of specific drug doses were then tested. To investigate the acute effects of MDPV and cocaine and their interaction with ethanol on aggression in mice, a resident-intruder test was used., Results: Ethanol alone was ineffective at dosages of 0.05 g/kg and 0.25 g/kg but increased the aggressiveness of the mice at 0.125 g/kg. Similarly, the injection of both cocaine alone and MDPV alone did not significantly increase the aggressiveness of the mice; conversely, the combination of ethanol and cocaine and ethanol and MDPV enhanced aggression at specific ethanol dosages (0.05 g/kg and 0.125 g/kg)., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that acute ethanol administration enhances MDPV- and cocaine-induced aggressive behavior in mice. This aggressive response is particularly enhanced when MDVP and cocaine are coupled with specific ethanol dosages, proving that psychostimulant drugs may act synergistically under certain conditions., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Generation and analysis of innovative genomically humanized knockin SOD1 , TARDBP (TDP-43), and FUS mouse models.
- Author
-
Devoy A, Price G, De Giorgio F, Bunton-Stasyshyn R, Thompson D, Gasco S, Allan A, Codner GF, Nair RR, Tibbit C, McLeod R, Ali Z, Noda J, Marrero-Gagliardi A, Brito-Armas JM, Williams C, Öztürk MM, Simon M, O'Neill E, Bryce-Smith S, Harrison J, Atkins G, Corrochano S, Stewart M, Gilthorpe JD, Teboul L, Acevedo-Arozena A, Fisher EMC, and Cunningham TJ
- Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, and continued innovation is needed for improved understanding and for developing therapeutics. We have created next-generation genomically humanized knockin mouse models, by replacing the mouse genomic region of Sod1 , Tardbp (TDP-43), and Fus , with their human orthologs, preserving human protein biochemistry and splicing with exons and introns intact. We establish a new standard of large knockin allele quality control, demonstrating the utility of indirect capture for enrichment of a genomic region of interest followed by Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Extensive analysis shows that homozygous humanized animals only express human protein at endogenous levels. Characterization of humanized FUS animals showed that they are phenotypically normal throughout their lifespan. These humanized strains are vital for preclinical assessment of interventions and serve as templates for the addition of coding or non-coding human ALS/FTD mutations to dissect disease pathomechanisms, in a physiological context., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2021 The Authors.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Estimation of the time of death by measuring the variation of lateral cerebral ventricle volume and cerebrospinal fluid radiodensity using postmortem computed tomography.
- Author
-
De-Giorgio F, Ciasca G, Fecondo G, Mazzini A, De Spirito M, and Pascali VL
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Linear Models, Male, Middle Aged, Postmortem Changes, Time Factors, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Cerebrospinal Fluid diagnostic imaging, Lateral Ventricles diagnostic imaging
- Abstract
Using postmortem CT (PMCT), changes in the volume of the lateral cerebral ventricles (LCVs) and modifications of the radiodensity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been examined to identify a possible relationship between these changes and the time of death. Subsequent periodical CT scans termed "sequential scans" for ten corpses at known time of death were obtained, and a 3D segmentation of the entire LCV was carried out to measure its volume and radiodensity over time from ~ 5.5- h up to 273-h postmortem. A linear decrease of the LCV volume for all the cases was observed in the investigated time range, together with an overall logarithmic increase of radiodensity. Although a larger sampling should be performed to improve the result reliability, our finding suggests that the postmortem variation of CSF radiodensity can be a potentially useful tool in determining postmortem interval, a finding that is worthy of further investigation., (© 2021. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Endothelial Heme Dynamics Drive Cancer Cell Metabolism by Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment.
- Author
-
Petrillo S, De Giorgio F, Kopecka J, Genova T, Fiorito V, Allocco AL, Bertino F, Chiabrando D, Mussano F, Altruda F, Munaron L, Riganti C, and Tolosano E
- Abstract
The crosstalk among cancer cells (CCs) and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a prominent role in cancer progression. The significance of endothelial cells (ECs) in this scenario relies on multiple vascular functions. By forming new blood vessels, ECs support tumor growth. In addition to their angiogenic properties, tumor-associated ECs (TECs) establish a unique vascular niche that actively modulates cancer development by shuttling a selected pattern of factors and metabolites to the CC. The profile of secreted metabolites is strictly dependent on the metabolic status of the cell, which is markedly perturbed in TECs. Recent evidence highlights the involvement of heme metabolism in the regulation of energy metabolism in TECs. The present study shows that interfering with endothelial heme metabolism by targeting the cell membrane heme exporter Feline Leukemia Virus subgroup C Receptor 1a (FLVCR1a) in TECs, resulted in enhanced fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Moreover, FAO-derived acetyl-CoA was partly consumed through ketogenesis, resulting in ketone bodies (KBs) accumulation in FLVCR1a-deficient TECs. Finally, the results from this study also demonstrate that TECs-derived KBs can be secreted in the extracellular environment, inducing a metabolic rewiring in the CC. Taken together, these data may contribute to finding new metabolic vulnerabilities for cancer therapy.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.