195 results on '"Bonvicini, Francesca"'
Search Results
152. Functional analysis and quantitative determination of the expression profile of human parvovirus B19
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Filippone, Claudia, additional, Manaresi, Elisabetta, additional, Zerbini, Marialuisa, additional, Musiani, Monica, additional, and Gallinella, Giorgio, additional
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
153. The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Vinceti, Marco, additional, Marcello, Norina, additional, Rodolfi, Rossella, additional, and Rinaldi, Manuela, additional
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
154. Case-control study of toenail cadmium and prostate cancer risk in Italy
- Author
-
Vinceti, Marco, primary, Venturelli, Marianna, additional, Sighinolfi, Chiara, additional, Trerotoli, Paolo, additional, Bonvicini, Francesca, additional, Ferrari, Angela, additional, Bianchi, Giampaolo, additional, Serio, Gabriella, additional, Bergomi, Margherita, additional, and Vivoli, Gianfranco, additional
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
155. PNA-based probe for quantitative chemiluminescent in situ hybridisation imaging of cellular parvovirus B19 replication kinetics
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Mirasoli, Mara, additional, Gallinella, Giorgio, additional, Zerbini, Marialuisa, additional, Musiani, Monica, additional, and Roda, Aldo, additional
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
156. Peptide Nucleic Acid–Based In Situ Hybridization Assay for Detection of Parvovirus B19 Nucleic Acids
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Filippone, Claudia, primary, Manaresi, Elisabetta, primary, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, primary, Zerbini, Marialuisa, primary, Musiani, Monica, primary, and Gallinella, Giorgio, primary
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
157. Parvovirus B19 genome as a single, two-state replicative and transcriptional unit
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Filippone, Claudia, additional, Delbarba, Stefania, additional, Manaresi, Elisabetta, additional, Zerbini, Marialuisa, additional, Musiani, Monica, additional, and Gallinella, Giorgio, additional
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
158. Calibrated Real-Time PCR for Evaluation of Parvovirus B19 Viral Load
- Author
-
Gallinella, Giorgio, primary, Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Filippone, Claudia, primary, Delbarba, Stefania, primary, Manaresi, Elisabetta, primary, Zerbini, Marialuisa, primary, and Musiani, Monica, primary
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
159. Microtiter Format for Simultaneous Multianalyte Detection and Development of a PCR-Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay for Typing Human Papillomavirus DNAs
- Author
-
Roda, Aldo, primary, Mirasoli, Mara, primary, Venturoli, Simona, primary, Cricca, Monica, primary, Bonvicini, Francesca, primary, Baraldini, Mario, primary, Pasini, Patrizia, primary, Zerbini, Marialuisa, primary, and Musiani, Monica, primary
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
160. Diagnosis and quantitative evaluation of parvovirus B19 infections by real-time PCR in the clinical laboratory
- Author
-
Manaresi, Elisabetta, primary, Gallinella, Giorgio, additional, Zuffi, Elisa, additional, Bonvicini, Francesca, additional, Zerbini, Marialuisa, additional, and Musiani, Monica, additional
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
161. A system to enhance the sensitivity of digoxigenin-labelled probe: detection of B19 DNA in serum samples
- Author
-
Zerbini, Marialuisa, primary, Gentilomi, Giovanna, additional, Cricca, Monica, additional, Manaresi, Elisabetta, additional, Bonvicini, Francesca, additional, and Musiani, Monica, additional
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
162. Ethanolic extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Alstonia scholaris show antimicrobial activity towards clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant and carbapenemase-producing bacteria.
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, Mandrone, Manuela, Antognoni, Fabiana, Poli, Ferruccio, and Angela Gentilomi, Giovanna
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of three plants from Ayurveda tradition (Tinospora cordifolia, Alstonia scholaris, Crataeva nurvala) against reference microbial strains and clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. IC
50 values were obtained by micro-dilution methods meeting the requirements of the NCCLS standard. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was also investigated on a mammalian cell line. Extracts displayed a variable degree of antimicrobial activity and did not interfere with mammalian cell proliferation. T. cordifolia and A. scholaris exhibited a higher inhibitory activity against clinical isolates of MRSA and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae compared with reference strains, while C. nurvala exhibited a different behaviour. An antifungal activity towards Candida albicans was observed for A. scholaris extract. Results indicate that constituents from T. cordifolia and A. scholaris may be a potential source of new therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
163. Chemical composition, and in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of an alkaloid extract from Crinum angustum Steud.
- Author
-
Iannello, Carmelina, Bastida, Jaume, Bonvicini, Francesca, Antognoni, Fabiana, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, and Poli, Ferruccio
- Abstract
In the search for novel antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria, an alkaloid extract obtained from whole plants of Crinum angustum Steud., containing six different groups of alkaloids, was analysed by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and its in vitro activity against American Type Culture Collection bacterial strains and clinical isolates was evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was tested against nine standard strains of microorganisms and two drug-resistant clinical isolates, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. The extract exhibited a significant activity against six of the examined strains of microorganisms. Antibacterial activity was more pronounced on Gram-positive bacteria than on Gram-negative bacteria, and IC
50 values ranged from 156 to 625 μg/mL. Mycostatic activity against Candida albicans was also found, with an IC50 of 78 μg/mL after 48 h of incubation. Promising results were also obtained from tests carried out on both clinical isolates investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
164. 841: Parvovirus B19 in pregnancy: possible conseguence of vertical transmission
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, Zerbini, Marialuisa, Puccetti, Chiara, Contoli, Margherita, Simonazzi, Giuliana, Cervi, Francesca, Murano, Paola, Guerra, Brunella, and Rizzo, Nicola
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
165. Compliance with Tuberculosis Screening in Irregular Immigrants.
- Author
-
Bonvicini, Francesca, Cilloni, Silvia, Fornaciari, Rossano, Casoni, Carmen, Marchesi, Cristina, Greci, Marina, Monici, Lucia, Nicolini, Fausto, and Vinceti, Marco
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
166. Synthesis Monitoring, Characterization and Cleanup of Ag-Polydopamine Nanoparticles Used as Antibacterial Agents with Field-Flow Fractionation
- Author
-
Valentina Marassi, Sonia Casolari, Silvia Panzavolta, Francesca Bonvicini, Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Stefano Giordani, Andrea Zattoni, Pierluigi Reschiglian, Barbara Roda, Marassi, Valentina, Casolari, Sonia, Panzavolta, Silvia, Bonvicini, Francesca, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, Giordani, Stefano, Zattoni, Andrea, Reschiglian, Pierluigi, and Roda, Barbara
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,separation ,synthesis monitoring ,online characterization and purification ,Biochemistry ,Microbiology ,silver polydopamine nanoparticle ,Infectious Diseases ,antimicrobials ,flow-field flow fractionation multidetection ,silver polydopamine nanoparticles ,cleanup ,antimicrobial ,Pharmacology (medical) ,General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics - Abstract
Advances in nanotechnology have opened up new horizons in nanomedicine through the synthesis of new composite nanomaterials able to tackle the growing drug resistance in bacterial strains. Among these, nanosilver antimicrobials sow promise for use in the treatment of bacterial infections. The use of polydopamine (PDA) as a biocompatible carrier for nanosilver is appealing; however, the synthesis and functionalization steps used to obtain Ag-PDA nanoparticles (NPs) are complex and require time-consuming cleanup processes. Post-synthesis treatment can also hinder the stability and applicability of the material, and dry, offline characterization is time-consuming and unrepresentative of real conditions. The optimization of Ag-PDA preparation and purification together with well-defined characterization are fundamental goals for the safe development of these new nanomaterials. In this paper, we show the use of field-flow fractionation with multi-angle light scattering and spectrophotometric detection to improve the synthesis and quality control of the production of Ag-PDA NPs. An ad hoc method was able to monitor particle growth in a TLC-like fashion; characterize the species obtained; and provide purified, isolated Ag-PDA nanoparticles, which proved to be biologically active as antibacterial agents, while achieving a short analysis time and being based on the use of green, cost-effective carriers such as water.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
167. Peptides from Cauliflower By-Products, Obtained by an Efficient, Ecosustainable, and Semi-Industrial Method, Exert Protective Effects on Endothelial Function
- Author
-
Patrizia Simoni, R. Zenezini Chiozzi, Carmela Maria Montone, Mara Mirasoli, Susy Piovesana, Francesca Bonvicini, Donato Calabria, Cristiana Caliceti, Aldo Laganà, Martina Zangheri, Aldo Roda, Anna Laura Capriotti, and Caliceti Cristiana, Capriotti Anna Laura, Calabria Donato, Bonvicini Francesca, Zenezini Chiozzi Riccardo, Montone Carmela Maria, Piovesana Susi, Zangheri Martina, Mirasoli Mara, Simoni Patrizia, Laganà Aldo, Roda Aldo
- Subjects
Xanthine Oxidase ,Aging ,Antioxidant ,Article Subject ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Peptide ,Brassica ,Biochemistry ,Superoxide dismutase ,medicine ,Humans ,lcsh:QH573-671 ,Endothelial dysfunction ,brassica ,endothelial cells ,humans ,peptides ,xanthine oxidase ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,lcsh:Cytology ,Endothelial Cells ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,bioactive peptides, peptidomics, integrated bioanalytical approach, endothelial dysfunction, human cell-based bioassays ,Enzyme ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Tumor necrosis factor alpha ,Peptides ,Function (biology) ,Intracellular ,Research Article - Abstract
The large amount of cauliflower industry waste represents an unexplored source of bioactive compounds. In this work, peptide hydrolysates from cauliflower leaves were characterized by combined bioanalytical approaches. Twelve peptide fractions were studied to evaluate unexplored biological activities by effect-based cellular bioassays. A potent inhibition of intracellular xanthine oxidase activity was observed in human vascular endothelial cells treated with one fraction, with an IC50 = 8.3±0.6 μg/ml. A different fraction significantly induced the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 and decreased the tumor necrosis factorα-induced VCAM-1 expression, thus leading to a significant improvement in the viability of human vascular endothelial cells. Shotgun peptidomics and bioinformatics were used to retrieve the most probable bioactive peptide sequences. Our study shows that peptides from cauliflower waste should be recycled for producing valuable products useful for the prevention of endothelial dysfunction linked to atherogenesis progression.
- Published
- 2019
168. Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermented Broths Enriched with Eruca sativa Seed Extracts on Intestinal Barrier and Inflammation in a Co-Culture System of an Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Human Intestinal Cells
- Author
-
Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Aldo Roda, Donato Calabria, Luisa Ugolini, Cristiana Caliceti, Eleonora Pagnotta, Francesca Bonvicini, Patrizia Simoni, Nadia Passerini, Angela Punzo, Luca Lazzeri, Mara Mirasoli, Serena Bertoni, Bonvicini, Francesca, Pagnotta, Eleonora, Punzo, Angela, Calabria, Donato, Simoni, Patrizia, Mirasoli, Mara, Passerini, Nadia, Bertoni, Serena, Ugolini, Luisa, Lazzeri, Luca, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, Caliceti, Cristiana, and Roda, Aldo
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.disease_cause ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Lactobacillus acidophilus ,enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli ,intestinal inflammation ,Electric Impedance ,Intestinal Mucosa ,glucosinolates ,fermentation ,Escherichia coli Infections ,Nutrition and Dietetics ,biology ,food and beverages ,glucosinolate ,Lactic acid ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Gastroenteritis ,Seeds ,medicine.symptom ,lcsh:Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,Cell Survival ,lcsh:TX341-641 ,Inflammation ,Escherichia coli O157 ,Article ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Drug Resistance, Bacterial ,medicine ,Humans ,Interleukin 8 ,Escherichia coli ,030109 nutrition & dietetics ,gut barrier ,Plant Extracts ,Probiotics ,Interleukin-8 ,biology.organism_classification ,In vitro ,Coculture Techniques ,lactic acid bacteria ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Barbarea ,Brassicaceae ,Fermentation ,Caco-2 Cells ,Bacteria ,Food Science ,Phytotherapy - Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) &ldquo, fermentates&rdquo, confer a beneficial effect on intestinal function. However, the ability of new fermentations to improve LAB broth activity in preventing pathogen-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction has not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to determine if broths of LAB fermented with Eruca sativa or Barbarea verna seed extracts prevent gut barrier dysfunction and interleukin-8 (CXCL8) release in vitro in human intestinal Caco-2 cells infected with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7. LAB broths were assayed for their effects on EHEC growth and on Caco-2 viability, thereafter, their biological properties were analysed in a co-culture system consisting of EHEC and Caco-2 cells. Caco-2 cells infected with EHEC significantly increased CXCL8 release, and decreased Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER), a barrier-integrity marker. Notably, when Caco-2 cells were treated with LAB broth enriched with E. sativa seed extract and thereafter infected, both CXCL8 expression and epithelial dysfunction reduced compared to in untreated cells. These results underline the beneficial effect of broths from LAB fermented with E. sativa seed extracts in gut barrier and inflammation after EHEC infection and reveal that these LAB broths can be used as functional bioactive compounds to regulate intestinal function.
- Published
- 2020
169. Biomimetic fabrication of antibacterial calcium phosphates mediated by polydopamine
- Author
-
Gigliola Lusvardi, Lucia Forte, Milena Fini, Elisa Boanini, Elena Della Bella, Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Francesca Bonvicini, Adriana Bigi, Paola Torricelli, Edoardo Vecchio Nepita, Forte, Lucia, Torricelli, Paola, Bonvicini, Francesca, Boanini, Elisa, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, Lusvardi, Gigliola, Della Bella, Elena, Fini, Milena, Vecchio Nepita, Edoardo, and Bigi, Adriana
- Subjects
Biocompatible ,Calcium Phosphates ,Polydopamine ,Indoles ,Silver ,Tricalcium phosphate ,Cell Survival ,Polymers ,Surface Properties ,Silver nanoparticle ,Inorganic chemistry ,Nanoparticle ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Octacalcium phosphate ,Multi-drug resistant bacteria ,02 engineering and technology ,Calcium ,010402 general chemistry ,Polymerase Chain Reaction ,01 natural sciences ,Biochemistry ,Cell Line ,Inorganic Chemistry ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Coated Materials, Biocompatible ,Biomimetics ,Humans ,Osteoblasts ,Osteoblast ,Silver nanoparticles ,α-Tricalcium phosphate ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Nanoparticles ,Coated Materials ,Substrate (chemistry) ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Phosphate ,0104 chemical sciences ,Silver nitrate ,chemistry ,Surface modification ,0210 nano-technology ,Nuclear chemistry - Abstract
In this work we developed new antibacterial composite materials using polydopamine (PDA) to trigger the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto calcium phosphates, namely octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and Alpha-tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Functionalization of OCP and TCP with a self-polymerized polydopamine layer was obtained by soaking the calcium phosphates in dopamine solution. The PDA surface of functionalized calcium phosphates (OCPd and TCPd) promoted the deposition of AgNPs by reducing silver ions when soaked in a silver nitrate solution. The amount of deposited AgNPs can be modulated by varying the concentration of silver nitrate solution and the type of substrate. The results of in vitro tests carried out with osteoblast-like MG63 cells indicate that the combination of AgNPs with OCP provides more biocompatible materials than those obtained using TCP as substrate. In particular, the study of osteoblast activity and differentiation was focused on the samples OCPdAg5 (silver content = 8.2 wt%) and TCPdAg5 (silver content = 4.7 wt%), which did not show any cytotoxicity, and compared with those obtained on pure OCP and TCP. The results demonstrate that the AgNPs loaded materials support osteoblast viability and differentiation, whereas they significantly inhibit the growth of relevant antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.
- Published
- 2018
170. Antiviral activity of brincidofovir on parvovirus B19
- Author
-
Giorgio Gallinella, Francesca Bonvicini, Elisabetta Manaresi, Phiroze Sethna, Scott Foster, Ilaria Conti, Gloria Bua, Bua, Gloria, Conti, Ilaria, Manaresi, Elisabetta, Sethna, Phiroze, Foster, Scott, Bonvicini, Francesca, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Erythroid progenitor cells ,animal diseases ,viruses ,030106 microbiology ,Organophosphonates ,Brincidofovir ,Parvovirus B19 ,Virus Replication ,Antiviral Agents ,Virus ,NO ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Cytosine ,Virology ,medicine ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,Humans ,Viability assay ,Cells, Cultured ,Pharmacology ,Erythroid Precursor Cells ,Erythroid progenitor cell ,biology ,Chemistry ,Cell growth ,Parvovirus ,UT7/EpoS1 cells ,virus diseases ,DNA virus ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,Viral replication ,Parvovirus B19, Brincidofovir, Replication inhibition, Erythroid progenitor cells, UT7/EpoS1 cells ,Replication inhibition ,medicine.drug ,Cidofovir - Abstract
Parvovirus B19 (B19V), a single-stranded DNA virus in the family Parvoviridae, is a human pathogenic virus responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations. Currently there is no approved antiviral therapy for parvovirus infection. The acyclic nucleoside phosphonate cidofovir (CDV) has been demonstrated to inhibit replication of B19V in vitro. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether brincidofovir (BCV), a novel lipid conjugate of CDV, could also inhibit B19V replication. Experiments were carried out in erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) and UT7/EpoS1 cells, infected with B19V and cultured in the presence of different concentrations of BCV and CDV for comparison. The dynamics of viral replication was evaluated by a qPCR-based assay and the extent of inhibition of viral replication exerted by the compounds determined, along with the effect of the compounds on cell viability and cell proliferation rates. Results confirmed that BCV showed significantly higher antiviral activity against B19V compared to CDV in both cell-based systems. For BCV, the calculated EC50 values were in the range 6.6–14.3 μM in EPCs and 0.22–0.63 μM in UT7/EpoS1 cells. In comparison, the EC50 values for CDV were >300 μM in EPCs and 16.1 μM in UT7/EpoS1 cells. Concurrently, the effects on cell viability were observed at a much higher concentration of BCV, with calculated CC50 values in the range 93.4–102.9 μM in EPCs and 59.9–66.8 μM in UT7/Epos1. The antiviral activity was observed specifically with the metabolically active stereoisomer of BCV suggesting that CDV-diphosphate, the metabolite of both BCV and CDV, was the active antiviral. Our results support a selective role for BCV in the inhibition of B19 viral replication.
- Published
- 2019
171. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. extract inhibits the early step of herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 replication
- Author
-
Bonvicini, F., Lianza, M., Mandrone, M., Poli, F., Gentilomi, G. A., FABIANA ANTOGNONI, Bonvicini, Francesca, Lianza, Mariacaterina, Mandrone, Manuela, Poli, Ferruccio, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, and Antognoni, Fabiana
- Subjects
Hemidesmus ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,α-glucosidase activity ,Cell Survival ,Plant Extracts ,Herpesvirus 2, Human ,viruses ,Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br ,alpha-Glucosidases ,Herpesvirus 1, Human ,Mechanism of action ,Virus Replication ,Antiviral Agents ,Virus attachment prevention ,Chlorocebus aethiops ,Animals ,Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors ,Herpes simplex viru ,Antiviral activity ,Vero Cells - Abstract
Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) cause several clinically relevant syndromes in both adults and neonates. Despite the availability of efficient anti-HSV agents, the search for new therapeutic approaches is highly encouraged due to the increasing drug resistance of virus strains. Medicinal plants represent a source of potential bioactive compounds. In this context we evaluated the anti-herpetic activity of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., a plant widely used in traditional Indian medicine. The hydroalcoholic extract prepared from roots was characterized by NMR and HPLC analysis and assayed in vitro by CPE reduction and virus infectivity assays to define its anti-viral effect. The extract's mechanism of action was investigated by virucidal and time-of-addition assays and by in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The extract exhibited a remarkable anti-herpetic activity at 100 mg/mL, at non-cytotoxic concentration, through multiple mechanisms: it reduced the infectivity of viral particles released from infected cells possibly through its anti-ER α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and it inhibited the beginning stage of HSV infection acting as a virucide agent and/or preventing virus attachment to the host cell surface.
- Published
- 2018
172. A new multifunctionalized material against multi-drug resistant bacteria and abnormal osteoclast activity
- Author
-
Milena Fini, Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Maria Cristina Cassani, Paola Torricelli, Francesca Bonvicini, Elisa Boanini, Adriana Bigi, Boanini, Elisa, Torricelli, Paola, Bonvicini, Francesca, Cassani, Maria Cristina, Fini, Milena, Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, and Bigi, Adriana
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Gram-negative bacteria ,Silver ,Multi drug resistant bacteria ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Silver nanoparticle ,Pharmaceutical Science ,Metal Nanoparticles ,Osteoclasts ,Biocompatible Materials ,Multi-drug resistant bacteria ,02 engineering and technology ,Microbial Sensitivity Tests ,Pharmacology ,Zoledronic Acid ,Hydroxyapatite ,Cell Line ,03 medical and health sciences ,Osteoclast ,Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ,Gram-Negative Bacteria ,medicine ,Bisphosphonate ,Humans ,Osteoblast/osteoclast co-culture ,Osteoblasts ,biology ,Diphosphonates ,Chemistry ,Osteoporosi ,Imidazoles ,Osteoblast ,Cell Differentiation ,General Medicine ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,biology.organism_classification ,Antimicrobial ,Zoledronate ,Resorption ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,0210 nano-technology ,Bacteria ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The development of new biomaterials able to favor bone formation and to inhibit bone abnormal resorption is mandatory to face the increasing number of age-related musculo-skeletal disorders. Moreover, the increasing antibiotic resistance of clinically important bacteria, which is among the main causes of implant failure, requires new antimicrobial systems. In this study, we prepared multifunctional materials consisting of hydroxyapatite-zoledronate composite crystals decorated with Ag Nanoparticles (AgNPs). Zoledronate, a potent bisphosphonate widely applied for the treatment of pathologies associated to abnormal bone loss, was incorporated into hydroxyapatite up to about 8 wt%. Loading of poly(ethylenimine) – stabilized AgNPs onto the crystals was promoted by zoledronate functionalization and provoked a significant variation of the values of zeta potential. The results of in vitro tests demonstrate that the multifunctional materials combine the beneficial actions of zoledronate and AgNPs. In fact, they improve osteoblast differentiation and activity, whereas they inhibit osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast differentiation, and significantly hinder the growth of multi-drug resistant Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. As a consequence, they can be exploited both as antiresorptive agents and as antimicrobial materials able to prevent the development of bone-associated infections.
- Published
- 2017
173. Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy-awareness and opportunities
- Author
-
Francesca Bonvicini, Giorgio Gallinella, Gloria Bua, Bonvicini, Francesca, Bua, Gloria, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Hydrops Fetalis ,030106 microbiology ,Virus ,Parvoviridae Infections ,03 medical and health sciences ,Pregnancy ,Virology ,Prenatal Diagnosis ,medicine ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,Humans ,Erythroid Progenitor Cells ,Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ,Intensive care medicine ,Fetal Death ,Fetus ,biology ,business.industry ,Parvovirus ,Disease Management ,Anemia ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Teratology ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Immunology ,Erythropoiesis ,Female ,Bone marrow ,business - Abstract
Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogenic virus associated with a wide range of clinical conditions. In pregnancy, B19V poses a potential hazard to the fetus as crossing the placental barrier and infecting erythroid progenitor cells in bone marrow and liver, it blocks fetal erythropoiesis leading to profound anemia, hydrops and/or fetal death. The virus is not regarded as a teratogen, however more scientific awareness is emerging on mechanisms and consequences of intrauterine infection and possible sequelae in the neonatal development. Reliable diagnostic procedures and fetal management strategies, including intrauterine transfusion, are established. In spite of being a recognized fetotropic agent possibly leading to fetal loss, testing for B19V is not routinely included in preconception or antenatal screenings, possibly delaying the management of B19V-complicated pregnancies. Continuous advances in B19V research will provide for better diagnostic methods and algorithms, as well as for the development of effective prophylactic interventions and novel therapeutic options.
- Published
- 2017
174. Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of leaf extracts from Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels
- Author
-
Fabiana Antognoni, Michele Protti, Ferruccio Poli, Laura Mercolini, Mariacaterina Lianza, Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Manuela Mandrone, Francesca Bonvicini, Bonvicini, Francesca, Antognoni, Fabiana, Mandrone, Manuela, Protti, Michele, Mercolini, Laura, Lianza, M., Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela, and Poli, Ferruccio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,030106 microbiology ,Plant Science ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Plant science ,Flavonols ,medicine ,pentacyclic terpenoid ,antibiotic-resistant clinical isolate ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,antimicrobial activity ,Traditional medicine ,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureu ,biology.organism_classification ,Sapotaceae ,Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ,Terpenoid ,030104 developmental biology ,Phytochemical ,chemistry ,Staphylococcus aureus ,Argania spinosa (L.) Skeel ,Antibacterial activity - Abstract
Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic Moroccan species belonging to Sapotaceae family. In this work, lipophilic and aqueous extracts were obtained from leaves and subjected to a chemical profiling by MS and LC-MS/MS. Pentacyclic terpenoids were identified and quantified in the lipophilic fraction, while phenolic compounds (mainly belonging to flavonols and flavan-3-ols) were identified in the aqueous fraction. The antibacterial activities of fractions were evaluated in vitro against both reference Gram-positive and -negative bacterial strains and clinical isolates of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA); in addition, the compounds quantified as main components in each extract were assayed against reference strains. A relevant antibacterial activity was observed against reference MSSA and MRSA strains of S. aureus: for the lipophilic fraction, MIC50 values obtained were 177.8 and 170.6 μg/mL for the former and the latter, respectively, while for the aqueous fraction were 215.5 and 233.3 μg/mL. These inhibitory activities could be mainly ascribed to ursolic and oleanolic acids, among pentacyclic terpenoids, and to quercetin concerning phenolic compounds. A remarkable antibacterial activity was also observed against clinical isolates, thus argan leaves can be considered of interest in the chemotherapy of human infections.
- Published
- 2017
175. Hydroxyurea inhibits parvovirus B19 replication in erythroid progenitor cells
- Author
-
Giorgio Gallinella, Ilaria Conti, Francesca Bonvicini, Elisabetta Manaresi, Gloria Bua, DIPARTIMENTO DI FARMACIA E BIOTECNOLOGIE, Facolta' di FARMACIA, AREA MIN. 06 - Scienze mediche, Da definire, Bonvicini, Francesca, Bua, Gloria, Conti, Ilaria, Manaresi, Elisabetta, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Erythroid progenitor cells ,Hydroxyurea ,Parvovirus B19 ,Sickle cell disease ,Viral inhibition ,Biochemistry ,Pharmacology ,030106 microbiology ,Virus Replication ,Antiviral Agents ,Virus ,NO ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immune system ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,Humans ,Cells, Cultured ,Erythroid Precursor Cells ,Cell Proliferation ,Erythroid progenitor cell ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,biology ,Parvovirus ,Cell growth ,biology.organism_classification ,Drug repositioning ,030104 developmental biology ,Viral replication ,Immunology ,Leukocytes, Mononuclear ,Erythropoiesis - Abstract
none 5 no Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is restricted to erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) of the human bone marrow, leading to transient arrest of erythropoiesis and severe complications mainly in subjects with underlying hematological disorders or with immune system deficits. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs for B19V treatment, but identification of compounds inhibiting B19V replication can be pursued by a drug repositioning strategy. In this frame, the present study investigates the activity of hydroxyurea (HU), the only disease-modifying therapy approved for sickle cell disease (SCD), towards B19V replication in the two relevant cellular systems, the UT7/EpoS1 cell line and EPCs. Results demonstrate that HU inhibits B19V replication with EC50 values of 96.2μM and 147.1μM in UT7/EpoS1 and EPCs, respectively, providing experimental evidence of the antiviral activity of HU towards B19V replication, and confirming the efficacy of a drug discovery process by drug repositioning strategy. The antiviral activity occurs in vitro at concentrations lower than those affecting cellular DNA replication and viability, and at levels measured in plasma samples of SCD patients undergoing HU therapy. HU might determine a dual beneficial effect on SCD patients, not only for the treatment of the disease but also towards a virus responsible for severe complications. Bonvicini, Francesca; Bua, Gloria; Conti, Ilaria; Manaresi, Elisabetta; Gallinella, Giorgio Bonvicini, Francesca; Bua, Gloria; Conti, Ilaria; Manaresi, Elisabetta; Gallinella, Giorgio
- Published
- 2017
176. A Parvovirus B19 synthetic genome: sequence features and functional competence
- Author
-
Giorgio Gallinella, Francesca Bonvicini, Gloria Bua, Elisabetta Manaresi, Ilaria Conti, Manaresi, Elisabetta, Conti, Ilaria, Bua, Gloria, Bonvicini, Francesca, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Infectious clone ,viruses ,Genome, Viral ,Consensus sequence ,Genomic clone ,Parvovirus B19 ,Synthetic genome ,Molecular cloning ,Virus Replication ,Genome ,Virus ,NO ,Parvoviridae Infections ,03 medical and health sciences ,Virology ,Genes, Synthetic ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,Humans ,Sequence (medicine) ,Whole genome sequencing ,Genetics ,biology ,Parvovirus ,Transfection ,biology.organism_classification ,030104 developmental biology ,RNA, Viral - Abstract
Central to genetic studies for Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is the availability of genomic clones that may possess functional competence and ability to generate infectious virus. In our study, we established a new model genetic system for Parvovirus B19. A synthetic approach was followed, by design of a reference genome sequence, by generation of a corresponding artificial construct and its molecular cloning in a complete and functional form, and by setup of an efficient strategy to generate infectious virus, via transfection in UT7/EpoS1 cells and amplification in erythroid progenitor cells. The synthetic genome was able to generate virus with biological properties paralleling those of native virus, its infectious activity being dependent on the preservation of self-complementarity and sequence heterogeneity within the terminal regions. A virus of defined genome sequence, obtained from controlled cell culture conditions, can constitute a reference tool for investigation of the structural and functional characteristics of the virus.
- Published
- 2017
177. Phytochemical profile and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Sardinian Hypericum scruglii and Hypericum hircinum
- Author
-
Antonio Fiorentino, Fabiana Antognoni, Monica Scognamiglio, Cinzia Sanna, Ferruccio Poli, Luca Cornioli, Manuela Mandrone, Francesca Bonvicini, Manuela, Mandrone, Monica, Scognamiglio, Antonio, Fiorentino, Cinzia, Sanna, Luca, Cornioli, Fabiana, Antognoni, Francesca, Bonvicini, Ferruccio, Poli, Mandrone, Manuela, Scognamiglio, Monica, Fiorentino, Antonio, Sanna, Cinzia, Cornioli, Luca, Antognoni, Fabiana, Bonvicini, Francesca, and Poli, Ferruccio
- Subjects
Antioxidant ,Fluoroglucinol ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Phytochemicals ,H NMR profile ,Decoction ,Hypericum hircinum ,Phloroglucinol ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Antioxidants ,Hypericum hircinum, Hypericum perforatum, Hypericum scruglii,1H NMR profile, Fluoroglucinols,α-glucosidase inhibition ,Hypericum scruglii ,Chlorocebus aethiops ,Drug Discovery ,Hypericum perforatum ,medicine ,Maceration (wine) ,Animals ,Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors ,Vero Cells ,IC50 ,Pharmacology ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Traditional medicine ,Plant Extracts ,010405 organic chemistry ,α-glucosidase inhibition ,General Medicine ,Plant Components, Aerial ,0104 chemical sciences ,010404 medicinal & biomolecular chemistry ,Enzyme ,Italy ,chemistry ,Phytochemical ,Quercetin ,Hypericum - Abstract
The phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Hypericum scruglii Bacchetta, Brullo et Salmeri and Hypericum hircinum L. were analyzed and compared to those of the best-known Hypericum perforatum L. Samples were prepared using three different extraction methods (maceration in 70% ethanol, extraction in MeOH/phosphate buffer and decoction), the influence of which on the metabolic profile and bioactivities are discussed. H. scruglii and H. hircinum extracted in 70% ethanol strongly inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 7.25 and 14.05 μg/ml, respectively), which is a valuable enzymatic target for treating metabolic disorders, while H. perforatum was found to be less powerful than the other two species in all the performed biological tests. The phytochemical profile was analyzed by NMR, HPLC-DAD and HPLC-FLD, revealing remarkable differences among the species. In particular, H. scruglii, which is a species endemic to Sardinia Island (Italy), was particularly enriched in two phloroglucinol-derivatives identified by means of 2D NMR and LC/MS/MS experiments as 3-geranyl-1-(2′-methylbutanoyl)-phloroglucinol and 3-geranyl-1-(2′-methylpropanoyl)-phloroglucinol.
- Published
- 2017
178. Enhanced inhibition of parvovirus B19 replication by cidofovir in extendedly exposed erythroid progenitor cells
- Author
-
Gloria Bua, Elisabetta Manaresi, Giorgio Gallinella, Francesca Bonvicini, Bonvicini, Francesca, Bua, Gloria, Manaresi, Elisabetta, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cancer Research ,viruses ,Primary Cell Culture ,Population ,Organophosphonates ,Infectious Disease ,Biology ,Virus Replication ,Antiviral Agents ,Virus ,Cytosine ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Immune system ,Virology ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,medicine ,Humans ,education ,Erythroid Precursor Cells ,education.field_of_study ,Parvovirus ,virus diseases ,biology.organism_classification ,In vitro ,QPCR ,030104 developmental biology ,Infectious Diseases ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,chemistry ,DNA, Viral ,Immunology ,Bone marrow ,Intracellular ,Cidofovir ,Human erythroid progenitor cell ,Human parvovirus B19 - Abstract
Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) commonly induces self-limiting infections but can also cause severe clinical manifestations in patients with underlying haematological disorders or with immune system deficits. Currently, therapeutic options for B19V entirely rely on symptomatic and supportive treatments since a specific antiviral therapy is not yet available. Recently a first step in the research for active compounds inhibiting B19V replication has allowed identifying the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate cidofovir (CDV). Herein, the effect of CDV against B19V replication was characterized in human erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) cultured and infected following different experimental approaches to replicate in vitro the infection of an expanding erythroid cell population in the bone marrow. B19V replication was selectively inhibited both in infected EPCs extendedly exposed to CDV 500 μM (viral inhibition 82%) and in serially infected EPCs cultures with passage of the virus progeny, constantly under drug exposure (viral inhibition 99%). In addition, a potent inhibitory effect against B19V (viral inhibition 92%) was assessed in a short-term infection of EPCs treated with CDV 500 μM 1 day before viral infection. In the evaluated experimental conditions, the enhanced effect of CDV against B19V might be ascribed both to the increased intracellular drug concentration achieved by extended exposure, and to a progressive reduction in efficiency of the replicative process within treated EPCs population.
- Published
- 2016
179. Parvovirus B19 Replication and Expression in Differentiating Erythroid Progenitor Cells
- Author
-
Elisabetta Manaresi, Francesca Bonvicini, Gloria Bua, Giorgio Gallinella, Bua, Gloria, Manaresi, Elisabetta, Bonvicini, Francesca, and Gallinella, Giorgio
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Transcription, Genetic ,Cellular differentiation ,lcsh:Medicine ,Virus Replication ,Biochemistry ,Transcription (biology) ,Animal Cells ,Parvovirus B19, Human ,lcsh:Science ,Erythroid Precursor Cells ,Virus Release ,Regulation of gene expression ,Viral Genomics ,Multidisciplinary ,biology ,Medicine (all) ,Messenger RNA ,Stem Cells ,Cell Differentiation ,Genomics ,Nucleic acids ,Phenotype ,Cellular Types ,Viral genome replication ,Research Article ,Gene Expression Regulation, Viral ,Microbial Genomics ,DNA replication ,Genome Complexity ,Models, Biological ,Microbiology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Virology ,Genetics ,Humans ,Viral Nucleic Acid ,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (all) ,Parvovirus ,lcsh:R ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Computational Biology ,DNA ,Cell Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Hematopoietic Stem Cells ,Molecular biology ,Viral Replication ,Introns ,030104 developmental biology ,Viral replication ,RNA ,lcsh:Q ,Biomarkers ,Developmental Biology - Abstract
The pathogenic Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is characterized by a strict adaptation to erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs), a heterogeneous population of differentiating cells with diverse phenotypic and functional properties. In our work, we studied the dynamics of B19V infection in EPCs in dependence on the cell differentiation stage, in terms of distribution of infected cells, synthesis of viral nucleic acids and production of infectious virus. EPCs at early differentiation stage led to an abortive infection, without viral genome replication and a very low transcriptional activity. EPCs at later stages were permissive, with highest levels of viral replicative activity at day 9 (+3.0 Log from 2 to 48 hpi) and lower levels at day 18 (+1.5 Log from 2 to 48 hpi). B19V DNA increment was in accordance with the percentage of cells positive to flow-FISH assay (41.4% at day 9, 1.1% at day 18). Quantitation of total RNA indicated a close association of genome replication and transcription with viral RNA accumulation within infected cells related to viral DNA increase during the course of infection. Analysis of the different classes of mRNAs revealed two distinct pattern of genome expression profile with a fine regulation in the frequency utilization of RNA processing signals: an early phase, when cleavage at the proximal site leading to a higher relative production of mRNA for NS protein, and a late phase, when cleavage at the distal site was more frequent leading to higher relative abundance of mRNA for VP and 11 kDA proteins. Infectious virus was released from cells at day 6-15, but not at day 18. Our results, providing a detailed description of B19V replication and expression profile in differentiating EPCs, highlight the very tight adaptation of B19V to a specific cellular target defined both by its erythroid lineage and its differentiation stage.
- Published
- 2015
180. Relevant and selective activity of Pancratium illyricum L. against Candida albicans clinical isolates: a combined effect on yeast growth and virulence
- Author
-
Fabiana Antognoni, Giovanna Angela Gentilomi, Andrea Maxia, Ferruccio Poli, Francesca Bonvicini, Carmelina Iannello, Bonvicini, Francesca, Antognoni, Fabiana, Iannello, Carmelina, Maxia, Andrea, Poli, Ferruccio, and Gentilomi, Giovanna Angela
- Subjects
Gram-negative bacteria ,Antifungal Agents ,Collagenase activity ,Candida albicans clinical isolates ,Microbial Sensitivity Tests ,Pancratium illyricum ,Microbiology ,Candida albicans clinical isolates, Plant-derived compounds, Antifungal activity, Collagenase activity, Pancratium illyricum L ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Alkaloids ,Candida albicans ,Liliaceae ,Humans ,Antifungal activity ,biology ,Virulence ,Plant Extracts ,Candidiasis ,General Medicine ,Antimicrobial ,biology.organism_classification ,Lycorine ,Yeast ,Bulb ,Plant Leaves ,chemistry ,Complementary and alternative medicine ,Plant-derived compounds ,Pancratium illyricum L ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Alkaloids present in plants of the Amaryllidaceae family are secondary metabolites of high biological interest, possessing a wide range of pharmacological activities. In the search for new plant-derived compounds with antimicrobial activities, two alkaloid extracts obtained from bulbs and leaves of Pancratium illyricum L., a plant of the Amarillydaceae family, were tested for their effect on bacterial and yeast growth. Methods The broth microdilution susceptibility test was applied to study the effect of plant extracts on the growth of reference bacterial strains and Candida albicans reference and clinical isolates strains. Extracts obtained from the different parts of the plant were tested and compared with the pure components identified in the extracts. Since matrix metalloproteinase enzymes play a role in the dissemination process of Candida albicans, the effect of the bulb extract and pure alkaloids on in vitro collagenase activity was tested. Cell viability test was carried out on human embryo lung fibroblasts (HEL 299). Results Whilst both extracts did not show any inhibitory activity against neither Gram positive nor Gram negative bacteria, a strong antifungal activity was detected, in particular for the bulb extract. All clinical isolates were susceptible to the growth inhibitory activity of the bulb extract, with endpoint IC50 values ranging from 1.22 to 78 μg/mL. The pure alkaloids lycorine and vittatine, identified as components of the extract, were also assayed for their capacity of inhibiting the yeast growth, and lycorine turned very active, with endpoint IC50 values ranging from 0.89 to 28.5 μg/mL. A potent inhibition of the in vitro collagenase activity was found in the presence of the bulb extract, and this effect was much higher than that exerted by the pure alkaloids. Viability of cell lines tested was not affected by the extract. Conclusions Taken together, results suggest that the extract of Pancratium illyricum may act as antifungal agent both directly on the yeast growth and by altering the tissue invasion process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-409) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
181. Multiple-Layer Chitosan-Based Patches Medicated With LTX-109 Antimicrobial Peptide for Modulated Local Therapy in the Management of Chronic Wounds.
- Author
-
Bernardoni S, Ferrazzano L, Palladino C, Artusi C, Bonvicini F, Campodoni E, Gentilomi GA, Tolomelli A, and Sandri M
- Abstract
In response to the critical issue of chronic wound management, this research explores the development of a multiple-layer biomaterial loaded with LTX-109 a novel broad-spectrum topical antimicrobial peptide currently investigated for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. The novel patch is conceived to load and preserve the function of LTX-109, release it on site in a progressive manner, and therefore make available a device for simultaneous wounds disinfection and tissues healing. Chitosan, tannic acid and glycerol along with the solvent casting process are selected for the development of a multilayer structure in which each single layer is designed by choosing a specific composition and stability to tune its behavior and function. On the top, a protective layer to protect the wound from external contaminations, in the middle a medicated layer loaded with LTX-109 and at the bottom a multifunctional layer to modulate the release of LTX-109. Extensive characterizations show that the patch meets the essential requirements for creating an effective wound healing environment, such as absorption of exudate, maintenance of good oxygen and moisture permeability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and sustained release of LTX-109 with fully retained antibacterial activity as demonstrated by MIC values obtained against reference bacteria., (© 2024 The Author(s). Macromolecular Bioscience published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
182. Widening the Therapeutic Perspectives of Clofazimine by Its Loading in Sulfobutylether β-Cyclodextrin Nanocarriers: Nanomolar IC 50 Values against MDR S. epidermidis.
- Author
-
Wankar J, Bonvicini F, Benkovics G, Marassi V, Malanga M, Fenyvesi E, Gentilomi GA, Reschiglian P, Roda B, and Manet I
- Subjects
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial, Molecular Weight, Clofazimine chemistry, Clofazimine pharmacology, Drug Carriers chemistry, Nanoparticles chemistry, Staphylococcus epidermidis drug effects, beta-Cyclodextrins chemistry
- Abstract
Clofazimine (CLZ) is an antibiotic with a promising behavior against Gram-positive bacteria; however, the drug is completely insoluble in water and accumulates in fat tissues. We explored nanocarriers, labeled and not labeled with rhodamine, consisting of negatively charged sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrins for CLZ loading. A new oligomeric carrier was obtained cross-linking βCyD with epichlorohydrin followed by sulfonation in a strongly alkaline aqueous medium. The oligomeric carrier has a MW of 53 kDa and forms small nanoparticles of a few tens of nm. With aqueous solutions containing a 25 mg/mL oligomeric carrier, we loaded up to 0.5 mg/mL of drug. The oligomers exhibited a 10-fold better loading capacity compared to monomers and formed nanoparticles with a size in the 20-60 nm range after drug loading. Circular dichroism confirmed encapsulation of the CLZ in the nanocarriers. All carriers with or without CLZ are not cytotoxic up to 1 μM, while CLZ alone is highly cytotoxic at the same concentration. The drug has IC
50 values below 100 nM against S. epidermidis. The same holds true also for clinical isolates of S. epidermidis, some displaying MDR. So, the selectivity index significantly increased for CLZ/carrier systems compared to the drug alone. Taken all together, our results open new avenues for the clinical application of this antibiotic.- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
183. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. extract inhibits the early step of herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 replication.
- Author
-
Bonvicini F, Lianza M, Mandrone M, Poli F, Gentilomi GA, and Antognoni F
- Subjects
- Animals, Antiviral Agents chemistry, Antiviral Agents pharmacology, Cell Survival, Chlorocebus aethiops, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors chemistry, Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors pharmacology, Herpesvirus 1, Human drug effects, Herpesvirus 2, Human drug effects, Plant Extracts administration & dosage, Plant Extracts chemistry, Vero Cells, alpha-Glucosidases metabolism, Hemidesmus chemistry, Herpesvirus 1, Human physiology, Herpesvirus 2, Human physiology, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Virus Replication drug effects
- Abstract
Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) cause several clinically relevant syndromes in both adults and neonates. Despite the availability of efficient anti-HSV agents, the search for new therapeutic approaches is highly encouraged due to the increasing drug resistance of virus strains. Medicinal plants represent a source of potential bioactive compounds. In this context we evaluated the anti-herpetic activity of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., a plant widely used in traditional Indian medicine. The hydroalcoholic extract prepared from roots was characterized by NMR and HPLC analysis and assayed in vitro by CPE reduction and virus infectivity assays to define its anti-viral effect. The extract's mechanism of action was investigated by virucidal and time-of-addition assays and by in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The extract exhibited a remarkable anti-herpetic activity at 100 mg/mL, at non-cytotoxic concentration, through multiple mechanisms: it reduced the infectivity of viral particles released from infected cells possibly through its anti-ER α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and it inhibited the beginning stage of HSV infection acting as a virucide agent and/or preventing virus attachment to the host cell surface.
- Published
- 2018
184. Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Emilia Romagna Region (Italy): A population based study.
- Author
-
Mandrioli J, Biguzzi S, Guidi C, Venturini E, Sette E, Terlizzi E, Ravasio A, Casmiro M, Salvi F, Liguori R, Rizzi R, Pietrini V, Chierici E, Santangelo M, Granieri E, Mussuto V, Borghi A, Rinaldi R, Fini N, Georgoulopoulou E, De Pasqua S, Vinceti M, Bonvicini F, Ferro S, and D'Alessandro R
- Subjects
- Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Community Health Planning, Female, Humans, Incidence, Italy epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Registries, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis epidemiology
- Abstract
Our objective was to describe incidence and clinical features of ALS from a prospective population-based study in Emilia Romagna Region (ERR). From 2009 onwards, a prospective registry recorded all incident cases of ALS among residents in the ERR (population, 4.4 million inhabitants), involving 17 neurological departments. For each patient, detailed demographic and clinical information was collected by caring physicians. Results showed that from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011, 347 patients received a new diagnosis of ALS with a crude incidence rate of 2.63/100,000/year. There was micro-geographic heterogeneity throughout ERR, with higher incidence rates in the low density population (3.27/100,000) (p < 0.01). ALS patients have been more frequently employed in agriculture than the general ERR population (8.64% vs. 4.6%, p < 0.01). Clinical features were similar to those described in previous population based studies. In conclusion, we report incidence rates similar to those reported by European registries, reflecting good accuracy of our prospective study. We confirmed previous studies reporting higher incidence rates in rural areas and among agricultural workers. Although genetics has been gaining increasing importance in ALS aetiology, some epidemiological data are still unexplained. Identifying geographical areas or populations with high incidence rates can be a starting point for identifying environmental risk factors. Further studies having this specific aim can shed light on these topics.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
185. Development of chemiluminescent assays for the quantitative detection and imaging of 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine-labeled DNA in parvovirus B19-infected cells.
- Author
-
Bonvicini F, Mirasoli M, Manaresi E, Gentilomi GA, Roda A, and Gallinella G
- Subjects
- Bromodeoxyuridine chemistry, Cell Line, DNA, Viral genetics, Humans, Parvoviridae Infections diagnosis, Parvovirus B19, Human genetics, DNA, Viral analysis, Luminescent Measurements methods, Molecular Imaging methods, Parvoviridae Infections virology, Parvovirus B19, Human isolation & purification
- Abstract
Incorporation of exogenous analogues is a widely used method to evaluate DNA synthesis in cultured cells exposed to exogenous factors such as infectious agents. Herein, two new quantitative methodologies exploiting ultrasensitive chemiluminescence (CL) detection of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) have been developed: a CL microscope imaging assay to evaluate BrdU labelling at single-cell level and a CL dot-blot assay to measure the amounts of DNA produced in the course of an in vitro infection of proliferating cells. The assays have been optimized on UT7/EpoS1 cells cultured in presence of different concentrations of BrdU (from 3 to 100 μM) and used to monitor parvovirus B19 (B19) life cycle in infected cells. The CL microscope imaging assay provided a detailed localization of BrdU-labelled nuclei allowing to count positive cells and measure their related CL intensity signals. The CL dot-blot assay, coupled with a B19 capture procedure performed with a specific peptide nucleic acid probe, has been designed to discriminate and selectively quantify cellular and viral BrdU-labelled genomes. Quantitative evaluation of BrdU-labelled B19 DNA has been achieved by means of a CL calibration curve. The high detectability, down to 2 × 10(6) B19 genome copies, and the linear range extending up to 5 × 10(8) copies make the method suitable to evaluate the amounts of B19 DNA produced throughout a replicative viral cycle.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
186. Possible involvement of overexposure to environmental selenium in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a short review.
- Author
-
Vinceti M, Bonvicini F, Bergomi M, and Malagoli C
- Subjects
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis epidemiology, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Selenium toxicity, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis etiology, Environmental Exposure adverse effects, Selenium adverse effects
- Abstract
Excess exposure to the metalloid selenium (Se), a trace element with both toxicological and nutritional properties, has been implicated in the etiology of a human motor neuron disease of unknown origin and extremely severe prognosis, sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This relation has been suggested on the basis of two epidemiologic investigations which found an increased risk of ALS associated with residence in a seleniferous area or with consumption of drinking water with unusually high levels of inorganic hexavalent Se, in South Dakota and in northern Italy respectively. Biological plausibility to a Se-ALS relation is provided by veterinary medicine observations and toxicological studies, showing that Se, particularly the inorganic forms, has a selective toxicity to motor neurons in swine and in cattle. Neurotoxic effects of Se species have also been demonstrated in laboratory studies and, for the inorganic forms, even at very low concentrations. Selenium has also been shown to affect muscle function in experimental animal models. Overall, these findings from the epidemiologic and the toxicological literature indicate that environmental Se, particularly in its inorganic forms and at unexpectedly low levels of exposure, might be a risk factor for ALS, suggesting the opportunity to further investigate this issue.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
187. Exposure to pesticides and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based case-control study.
- Author
-
Bonvicini F, Marcello N, Mandrioli J, Pietrini V, and Vinceti M
- Subjects
- Age of Onset, Aged, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis epidemiology, Case-Control Studies, Female, Humans, Italy, Logistic Models, Male, Population, Risk Assessment, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis etiology, Occupational Exposure adverse effects, Pesticides adverse effects
- Abstract
A few epidemiologic studies have suggested an association of agricultural work and pesticides exposure with a severe degenerative disease of the motor neurons, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), though conflicting results have also been provided. We investigated through a population-based case-control study the possible relation between overall occupational exposure to pesticides and ALS risk in the northern Italy municipality of Reggio Emilia. By administering a questionnaire, we investigated occupational history and leisure-time habits of the 41 ALS patients diagnosed in the 1995-2006 period, and of 82 age- and sex-matched randomly sampled population controls. More cases than controls were found to have been exposed to pesticides for at least six months (31.7% vs 13.4%, respectively), in all cases within the occupational environment. In a conditional logistic regression model, we found an excess ALS risk associated with exposure to pesticides, with a relative risk of 3.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2-10.5). Such association persisted after inclusion in the statistical analysis of potential confounders. Despite the limited statistical stability of the risk estimates, these results appear to indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for ALS, suggesting the need to further investigate this issue.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
188. Placental endothelial cells can be productively infected by Parvovirus B19.
- Author
-
Pasquinelli G, Bonvicini F, Foroni L, Salfi N, and Gallinella G
- Subjects
- Adult, Animals, Cells, Cultured, DNA, Viral isolation & purification, Endothelial Cells ultrastructure, Erythroid Precursor Cells virology, Female, Humans, Placenta pathology, Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Pregnancy, Endothelial Cells virology, Parvoviridae Infections pathology, Parvoviridae Infections transmission, Parvovirus B19, Human growth & development, Placenta virology
- Abstract
Background: Parvovirus B19 vertical transmission occurs in about 30% of cases of maternal infection and may result in foetal hydrops or intrauterine foetal death. Details on the mechanism of transplacental transmission of B19 virus and subsequent foetal infection have not been elucidated., Objective: To investigate the extent and distribution of B19 virus infection in placental tissues., Study Design: Virological, histological, electron microscopy, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of placental tissues obtained from a case of intrauterine foetal death caused by B19 virus., Results: Real-time PCR analysis showed B19 virus DNA in placental samples. Histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrated the concomitant infection of both foetal erythroid precursors and placental endothelial cells. In situ hybridisation for B19 virus nucleic acids, immunohistochemistry for B19 virus proteins and double labelling immunofluorescence confirmed that endothelial cells were productively infected by B19 virus., Conclusion: Foetal capillary endothelium in placental villi can be an additional target of productive B19 virus infection. Infection of placental endothelial cells may lead to a structural and functional damage critical both for altering maternal-foetal blood exchanges and for spreading the infection to the foetus, possibly concurring to the development of foetal hydrops and intrauterine foetal death.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
189. Gastrointestinal lesions in parvovirus B19 infection.
- Author
-
Tassinari D, Gallinella G, Salfi NC, Elleri D, Forti S, Bonvicini F, and Bernardi F
- Abstract
A 13-year-old girl with persistent fever, pharyngitis, acute anaemia, peripheral blood and bone marrow positive for parvovirus B19 DNA.Microscopic findings of gastrointestinal biopsy showed diffuse vacuolar alteration of the cytoplasma of duodenal enterocytes and virological analysis demonstrated the presence of parvovirus in lymphocytes of the duodenal wall's epithelial layer.In unexplained gastrointestinal pathologies, the role of parvovirus B19 infection should be investigated.
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
190. Meningoencephalitis with persistent parvovirus B19 infection in an apparently healthy woman.
- Author
-
Bonvicini F, Marinacci G, Pajno MC, Gallinella G, Musiani M, and Zerbini M
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, Humans, Meningoencephalitis cerebrospinal fluid, Paresthesia virology, Parvoviridae Infections cerebrospinal fluid, Anemia virology, Meningoencephalitis diagnosis, Parvoviridae Infections diagnosis, Parvovirus B19, Human isolation & purification
- Abstract
A case of meningoencephalitis, associated with persistent parvovirus B19 infection, is described in a 36-year-old immunocompetent woman. Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in samples of cerebrospinal fluid and serum; no parvovirus B19-specific clinical symptoms were seen, but neurological episodes were observed in the presence of parvovirus B19 infection and despite the onset of a specific immune response.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
191. [The effect of a strategy to improve adherence of irregular non UE citizens to tuberculosis screening in a clinic of Reggio Emilia].
- Author
-
Leone N, Bonvicini F, Fornaciari R, Greci M, Manghi M, Vinceti M, and Mecugni D
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Italy, Male, Mass Screening, Time Factors, Tuberculin Test, Tuberculosis prevention & control, Emigrants and Immigrants, Nurse's Role, Patient Compliance, Tuberculosis diagnosis
- Abstract
Unlabelled: Latent tubercolar infection in irregular non EU-citizens in Italy is an important issue of public health. Aim of this paper is to describe the effects of a new organization of the Centre for the health of foreign families of Reggio Emilia., Method: A dedicated nurse, responsible of patients' screening and follow-up, in strict collaboration with a cultural interpreter were made available. Patients adherence to the screening was measured., Results: On 177 eligible patients, 12 (6.7%) refused the Mantoux text. Over the 165 screened patients, 147 (89%) returned to the clinic after 3-4 days. Only 16 (10.8%) needed a phone reminder. Adherence to the screening improved remarkably compared to the previous year (89% vs 68%)., Conclusions: A dedicated nurse and the improvement of communication may contribute to improve patients compliance.
- Published
- 2008
192. Prevention of iatrogenic transmission of B19 infection: different approaches to detect, remove or inactivate virus contamination.
- Author
-
Bonvicini F, Gallinella G, Gentilomi GA, Ambretti S, Musiani M, and Zerbini M
- Subjects
- Blood Component Transfusion adverse effects, Disinfection methods, Humans, Iatrogenic Disease prevention & control, Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques, Parvoviridae Infections transmission, Blood Component Transfusion standards, Parvoviridae Infections prevention & control, Parvovirus B19, Human classification, Parvovirus B19, Human isolation & purification
- Abstract
Parvovirus B19 is a frequent contaminant of human blood and plasma derivatives and iatrogenic transmission of B19 infection has been shown to occur through the administration of contaminated products. Manufacturing procedures, generally used for removal or inactivation of enveloped viruses (HIV, HCV and HBV) are not always effective in the elimination of B19 virus. A certain risk of contamination remains for some plasma derivatives due to the high-titer viral load in the starting blood donations and the extreme heat resistance and small size of the virus. This review provides an update on the different approaches currently available to detect, remove or inactivate B19 virus in order to enhance the safety margins of plasma products. Nucleic acid amplification techniques are the methods of choice for the detection of viruses, due to their high specificity and sensitivity. NAT assays are beneficial tools for the identification of contaminated mini-pools or plasma pools and the quantification of B19 contamination. They may also be valuable for testing the removal of B19 virus during manufacturing: since the virus may not be completely inactivated or removed by chemical or physical treatments, residual B19 contamination should always be checked. Solvent-detergent treatments fail to destroy B19 capsids because of the absence of a lipid-envelope, and heat treatments (pasteurization and dry-heat methods) cannot guarantee a complete viral inactivation because of the variable heat sensitivity of the virus.
- Published
- 2006
193. A population-based case-control study of diet and melanoma risk in northern Italy.
- Author
-
Vinceti M, Pellacani G, Malagoli C, Bassissi S, Sieri S, Bonvicini F, Krogh V, and Seidenari S
- Subjects
- Case-Control Studies, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated adverse effects, Female, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Linoleic Acid adverse effects, Male, Middle Aged, Multivariate Analysis, Odds Ratio, Risk Factors, Surveys and Questionnaires, Dietary Carbohydrates administration & dosage, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated administration & dosage, Linoleic Acid administration & dosage, Melanoma epidemiology, Skin Neoplasms epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: We aimed at examining the association between dietary constituents and risk of cutaneous melanoma., Design: In an area of northern Italy we recruited 59 newly diagnosed melanoma patients and 59 age- and sex-matched population controls, to whom we administered a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire., Results: We found an excess risk of melanoma in subjects with a higher energy-adjusted intake of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and, in particular, of linoleic acid (relative risk = 2.16 for intake in the highest tertile compared with the lowest tertile, P for linear trend = 0.061). Conversely, disease risk was inversely associated with the consumption of soluble carbohydrates (relative risk = 0.34 for intake in the upper vs. the lowest tertile adjusting for total energy intake, P for linear trend = 0.046). No other dietary factors, including alcohol, vitamins and trace elements, correlated with melanoma risk. The association of melanoma risk with linoleic acid and soluble carbohydrates intakes was further strengthened in multivariate analysis, and when analysis was limited to females., Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that an excess energy-adjusted intake of linoleic acid and a lower consumption of soluble carbohydrates may increase melanoma risk.
- Published
- 2005
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
194. Human papillomavirus DNA testing by PCR-ELISA and hybrid capture II from a single cytological specimen: concordance and correlation with cytological results.
- Author
-
Venturoli S, Cricca M, Bonvicini F, Giosa F, Pulvirenti FR, Galli C, Musiani M, and Zerbini M
- Subjects
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay methods, Female, Humans, Nucleic Acid Hybridization methods, Papillomavirus Infections virology, Sensitivity and Specificity, Tumor Virus Infections diagnosis, Tumor Virus Infections virology, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms diagnosis, Uterine Cervical Dysplasia diagnosis, DNA, Viral analysis, Papillomaviridae isolation & purification, Papillomavirus Infections diagnosis, Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms virology, Vaginal Smears methods, Uterine Cervical Dysplasia virology
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: A persistent infection by high-risk HPV is now considered as the major cause of cervical carcinoma. The use of a single cytological specimen for HPV DNA testing by two different molecular methods was analyzed and validated., Study Design: HPV DNA testing by PCR-ELISA and hybrid capture II HPV test (HC-II), was investigated on 317 cytological samples obtained from Italian women. Two hundred twenty-seven women were referred to virological lab for HPV DNA testing during cytological routine screening and 90 during a cytological and virological follow-up after a conization or hysterectomy., Results: Overall, the concordance between the two assays was high (K=0.87). Compared with PCR-ELISA, the HC-II showed a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 95.4%. Although the analytical sensitivity of the PCR-ELISA was higher, the performance of the two tests did not differ in recognizing HPV DNA positive patients with either low or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL or HSIL). HPV DNA positivity was directly correlated with the severity of cytological diagnosis (P<0.005)., Conclusions: In view of the comparable results obtained with the two assays and of the ease of use, and higher throughput of HC-II, it seems advisable, with a single cytological specimen, to employ the HC-II test as a first-line assay, either for screening or diagnosis, and to perform reflex PCR on positive samples, if typing of prevalent high risk HPVs is needed.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
195. Humoral immune response to parvovirus B19 and serological diagnosis of B19 infection.
- Author
-
Manaresi E, Gallinella G, Gentilomi G, Venturoli S, Zuffi E, Bonvicini F, Cricca M, Zerbini M, and Musiani M
- Subjects
- Humans, Parvovirus B19, Human chemistry, Parvovirus B19, Human immunology, Serologic Tests, Antibody Formation immunology, Parvoviridae Infections diagnosis, Parvoviridae Infections immunology
- Published
- 2002
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.