358 results on '"Antonio Leo"'
Search Results
2. Sex Differences in Hepatic Inflammation, Lipid Metabolism, and Mitochondrial Function Following Early Lipopolysaccharide Exposure in Epileptic WAG/Rij Rats
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Stefania Melini, Giovanna Trinchese, Adriano Lama, Fabiano Cimmino, Filomena Del Piano, Federica Comella, Nicola Opallo, Antonio Leo, Rita Citraro, Luigia Trabace, Giuseppina Mattace Raso, Claudio Pirozzi, Maria Pina Mollica, and Rosaria Meli
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genetic animal model ,epilepsy ,mitochondrial bioenergetics ,oxidative damage ,sex-dependent alterations ,neonatal infections ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Among the non-communicable neurological diseases, epilepsy is characterized by abnormal brain activity with several peripheral implications. The role of peripheral inflammation in the relationship between seizure development and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on sex difference remains still overlooked. Severe early-life infections lead to increased inflammation that can aggravate epilepsy and hepatic damage progression, both related to increased odds of hospitalization for epileptic patients with liver diseases. Here, we induced a post-natal-day 3 (PND3) infection by LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) to determine the hepatic damage in a genetic model of young epileptic WAG/Rij rats (PND45). We evaluated intra- and inter-gender differences in systemic and liver inflammation, hepatic lipid dysmetabolism, and oxidative damage related to mitochondrial functional impairment. First, epileptic rats exposed to LPS, regardless of gender, displayed increased serum hepatic enzymes and altered lipid profile. Endotoxin challenge triggered a more severe inflammatory and immune response in male epileptic rats, compared to females in both serum and liver, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepatic immune cell recruitment. Conversely, LPS-treated female rats showed significant alterations in systemic and hepatic lipid profiles and reduced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. The two different sex-dependent mechanisms of LPS-induced liver injury converge in increased ROS production and related mitochondrial oxidative damage in both sexes. Notably, a compensatory increase in antioxidant defense was evidenced only in female rats. Our study with a translational potential demonstrates, for the first time, that early post-natal infections in epileptic rats induced or worsened hepatic disorders in a sex-dependent manner, amplifying inflammation, lipid dysmetabolism, and mitochondrial impairment.
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- 2024
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3. Unveiling intrinsic material and extrinsic pinning dimensionality in superconductors: Why Fe(Se,Te) is able to mimic YBCO
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Gaia Grimaldi, Masood R. Khan, Antonio Leo, Mario Scuderi, Francesco Rizzo, Andrea Augieri, Giuseppe Celentano, Armando Galluzzi, Michela Iebole, Massimiliano Polichetti, Angela Nigro, and Valeria Braccini
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Physics ,Condensed matter physics ,Superconductivity ,Science - Abstract
Summary: Discovery of iron-based superconductors paved the way to a competitor of high-temperature superconductors, easier to produce, better performing in high fields, and promising to be less expensive. Critical parameters are investigated by resistivity measurements as a function of temperature, field, and angle R(T,H,θ). This work presents a deep analysis of H-θ phase diagram of PLD-processed Fe(Se,Te) superconducting films, thus revealing material and pinning anisotropy at once. By selecting different thresholds along the R(T,H,θ) curves, all possible regimes emerge. Surprisingly, anisotropy arises moving from the upper critical field toward the irreversibility line: gradually a non-monotonous transition from 3D to 2D, and backward to 3D occurs. Although Fe(Se,Te) appears as a 3D superconductor, its anisotropic pinning landscape shows up similarities with an intrinsic layered superconductor and Fe(Se,Te) definitively mimics YBCO. We propose a general method to disentangle, in any other superconductor, material dimensionality and pinning anisotropy that are key constraints for applications.
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- 2024
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4. Attitudes, Knowledge and Clinical Practice of Health Professionals towards Psychological Disorders in Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
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Maria Chiara Carriero, Antonio Leo, Alessia Lezzi, Roberto Lupo, Luana Conte, Annarita Fanizzi, Raffaella Massafra, Elsa Vitale, and Antonio Carriero
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depression ,demoralization ,oncology ,psychology ,mental health ,Medicine - Abstract
Background: The suffering associated with a cancer diagnosis can find different channels to express itself: sleep disorders, psychiatric disorders, sexuality. These are not always analyzed by health professionals, but they have an impact on the patient’s quality of life and on the outcome of the disease. Methods: An observational study was conducted in order to investigate attitudes, knowledge and clinical practice towards psychological symptoms in cancer patients. Results: A total of 132 clinicians from all Italian regions responded. In total, 99.2% (n = 131) considered the figure of the psychologist useful in the oncology field and recommended him/her in clinical practice (n = 115; 87.7%), especially in the terminal phase of the illness (58.6%; n = 99). Despite the importance given to the figure of the psychologist, psychiatric disorders are not diagnosed. Only 20.0% (n = 26) identified depressive disorder as accurate and only 33.9% (n = 43) identified demoralization syndrome as accurate. Conclusions: Results prove the need for training on psychological disorders in oncology and the emotional repercussions of cancer illness.
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- 2024
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5. Pinning Energy and Evidence of Granularity in the AC Susceptibility of an YBa2Cu3O7-x Superconducting Film
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Armando Galluzzi, Adrian Crisan, Alina Marinela Ionescu, Ion Ivan, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, and Massimiliano Polichetti
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AC susceptibility ,magnetic measurements and characterization ,pinning energy ,critical current density ,granularity ,inter-grain and intra-grain contributions ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The study of granularity in superconducting films by using AC susceptibility has a crucial role in the development of and improvement in the ReBCO-coated conductors, which are a constantly evolving reality in the modern power applications of superconductivity. Specifically, the study of the granularity is essential because the ReBCO superconducting wires and tapes are far from the regularity of a single crystal while they often present an inter- and intragranular contribution to the critical current density. On the other hand, the AC susceptibility is a key part of the characterization of a granular sample because this technique is very sensitive to the presence of granularity in the superconductors and, moreover, the study of its first harmonic allows for determining pivotal properties such as the pinning energy as well as the dissipation processes acting in the sample. The pinning energy values and the granularity of an YBCO thin film have been studied by means of AC susceptibility measurements as a function of the AC amplitude, temperature, and DC field. In particular, the first harmonic imaginary component of the AC susceptibility χ1″ related to the dissipation processes of the sample has been studied. First, starting from the Brandt approach, the critical current density Jc and the pinning energy U of the sample have been extracted at 77 K by using the χ1″ measurements as a function of the AC amplitude at different AC frequencies and DC fields. From these measurements, a first signal of granularity appears. In order to confirm it, the temperature dependence of the χ1″ at different DC fields has been studied and a contribution deriving from the inter- and intragranular part of the sample has emerged. By taking the temperature corresponding to the crossover between the two contributions at the different DC fields, the intergranular and intragranular response has been separated. Successively, the temperature has been fixed to 77 K, together with an AC frequency equal to 1597.9 Hz, and the χ1″ as a function of the DC field at different AC amplitudes has been analyzed showing a clear presence of granularity in all the curves. By drawing the contour plot of the χ1″ with the DC and AC values, it was possible to determine the best parameters to put at 77 K in order to exploit the material for applications.
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- 2024
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6. Circulating miRNAs as Novel Clinical Biomarkers in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
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Lorenza Guarnieri, Nicola Amodio, Francesca Bosco, Sara Carpi, Martina Tallarico, Luca Gallelli, Vincenzo Rania, Rita Citraro, Antonio Leo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
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drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) ,antiseizure medications (ASMs) ,circulating microRNA (c-miRNA) ,biomarkers ,temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) represents the most common form of refractory focal epilepsy. The identification of innovative clinical biomarkers capable of categorizing patients with TLE, allowing for improved treatment and outcomes, still represents an unmet need. Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs detectable in body fluids, which play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. Their characteristics, including extracellular stability, detectability through non-invasive methods, and responsiveness to pathological changes and/or therapeutic interventions, make them promising candidate biomarkers in various disease settings. Recent research has investigated c-miRNAs in various bodily fluids, including serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid, of TLE patients. Despite some discrepancies in methodologies, cohort composition, and normalization strategies, a common dysregulated signature of c-miRNAs has emerged across different studies, providing the basis for using c-miRNAs as novel biomarkers for TLE patient management.
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- 2024
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7. Audiogenic epileptic DBA/2 mice strain as a model of genetic reflex seizures and SUDEP
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Francesca Bosco, Lorenza Guarnieri, Antonio Leo, Martina Tallarico, Luca Gallelli, Vincenzo Rania, Rita Citraro, and Giovambattista De Sarro
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generalized tonic–clonic seizure ,sudden unexpected death in epilepsy ,adenosine and serotonin neurotransmission ,audiogenic seizures ,DBA/2 mice ,cardiorespiratory dysfunction ,Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,RC346-429 - Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by abnormal brain activity, which results in repeated spontaneous seizures. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of seizure-related premature death, particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. The etiology of SUDEP is a structural injury to the brain that is not fully understood, but it is frequently associated with poorly controlled and repeated generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCSs) that cause cardiorespiratory and autonomic dysfunctions, indicating the involvement of the brainstem. Both respiratory and cardiac abnormalities have been observed in SUDEP, but not much progress has been made in their prevention. Owing to the complexity of SUDEP, experimental animal models have been used to investigate cardiac and/or respiratory dysregulation due to or associated with epileptic seizures that may contribute to death in humans. Numerous rodent models, especially mouse models, have been developed to better understand epilepsy and SUDEP physiopathology. This review synthesizes the current knowledge about dilute brown agouti coat color (DBA/2) mice as a possible SUDEP model because respiratory arrest (RA) and sudden death induced by audiogenic generalized seizures (AGSs) have been observed in these animals. Respiratory/cardiac dysfunction, brainstem arousal system dysfunction, and alteration of the neurotransmitter systems, which are observed in human SUDEP, have also been observed in these mice. In particular, serotonin (5-HT) alteration and adenosine neurotransmission appear to contribute to not only the pathophysiological mechanisms of medication but also seizure-related respiratory dysfunctions in this animal model. These neurotransmitter systems could be the relevant targets for medication development for chronic epilepsy and SUDEP prevention. We reviewed data on AGSs in DBA/2 mice and the relevance of this model of generalized tonic–clonic epilepsy to human SUDEP. Furthermore, the advantages of using this strain prone to AGSs for the identification of possible new therapeutic targets and treatment options have also been assessed.
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- 2023
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8. Upper critical magnetic field in NbRe and NbReN micrometric strips
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Zahra Makhdoumi Kakhaki, Antonio Leo, Federico Chianese, Loredana Parlato, Giovanni Piero Pepe, Angela Nigro, Carla Cirillo, and Carmine Attanasio
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non-centrosymmetric superconductors ,pauli and orbital contribution ,upper critical fields ,werthamer–helfand–hohenberg theory ,Technology ,Chemical technology ,TP1-1185 ,Science ,Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
Non-centrosymmetric superconductors have recently received significant interest due to their intriguing physical properties such as multigap and nodal superconductivity, helical vortex states, as well as non-trivial topological effects. Moreover, large values of the upper critical magnetic field have been reported in these materials. Here, we focus on the study of the temperature dependence of the perpendicular magnetic field of NbRe and NbReN films patterned in micrometric strips. The experimental data are studied within the Werthamer–Helfand–Hohenberg theory, which considers both orbital and Zeeman pair breaking. The analysis of the results shows different behavior for the two materials with a Pauli contribution relevant only in the case of NbReN.
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- 2023
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9. Point-Contact Spectroscopy in Bulk Samples of Electron-Doped Cuprate Superconductors
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Angela Nigro, Anita Guarino, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Francesco Avitabile, and Paola Romano
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electron-doped cuprates ,point-contact spectroscopy ,tunneling ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
Point-contact spectroscopy was performed on bulk samples of electron-doped high temperature superconductor Nd2−xCexCuO4−δ. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy equipped with a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer and an electron backscatter diffraction detector. Samples with Ce content x = 0.15 showed the absence of spurious phases and randomly oriented grains, most of which had dimensions of approximately 220 µm2. The low-bias spectra in the tunneling regime, i.e., high-transparency interface, exhibited a gap feature at about ±5 meV and no zero-bias conductance, despite the random oriented grains investigated within our bulk samples, consistent with most of the literature data on oriented samples. High-bias conductance was also measured in order to obtain information on the properties of the barrier. A V-shape was observed in some cases, instead of the parabolic behavior expected for tunnel junctions.
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- 2023
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10. Seizure susceptibility to various convulsant stimuli in the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorders
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Martina Tallarico, Antonio Leo, Emilio Russo, Rita Citraro, Ernesto Palma, and Giovambattista De Sarro
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BTBR ,GABA ,glutamate ,epilepsy ,seizure ,neuropsychiatric comorbidities ,Therapeutics. Pharmacology ,RM1-950 - Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are one of the most severe chronic childhood disorders in terms of prevalence, morbidity, and impact on society. Interestingly, several systematic reviews and meta-analyses documented a bidirectional link between epilepsy and ASD, supporting the hypothesis that both disorders may have common neurobiological pathways. According to this hypothesis, an imbalance of the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio in several brain regions may represent a causal mechanism underpinning the co-occurrence of these neurological diseases.Methods: To investigate this bidirectional link, we first tested the seizure susceptibility to chemoconvulsants acting on GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in the BTBR mice, in which an imbalance between E/I has been previously demonstrated. Subsequently, we performed the PTZ kindling protocol to study the impact of seizures on autistic-like behavior and other neurological deficits in BTBR mice.Results: We found that BTBR mice have an increased susceptibility to seizures induced by chemoconvulsants impairing GABAA neurotransmission in comparison to C57BL/6J control mice, whereas no significant difference in seizure susceptibility was observed after administration of AMPA, NMDA, and Kainate. This data suggests that deficits in GABAergic neurotransmission can increase seizure susceptibility in this strain of mice. Interestingly, BTBR mice showed a longer latency in the development of kindling compared to control mice. Furthermore, PTZ-kindling did not influence autistic-like behavior in BTBR mice, whereas it was able to significantly increase anxiety and worsen cognitive performance in this strain of mice. Interestingly, C57BL/6J displayed reduced sociability after PTZ injections, supporting the hypothesis that a tight connection exists between ASD and epilepsy.Conclusion: BTBR mice can be considered a good model to study epilepsy and ASD contemporarily. However, future studies should shed light on the mechanisms underpinning the co-occurrence of these neurological disorders in the BTBR model.
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- 2023
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11. Corrigendum: Liver health and dementia in an Italian older population: Findings from the Salus in Apulia study
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Luisa Lampignano, Rossella Donghia, Chiara Griseta, Gianvito Lagravinese, Sabrina Sciarra, Roberta Zupo, Fabio Castellana, Ilaria Bortone, Vito Guerra, Sarah Tirelli, Sara De Nucci, Rossella Tatoli, Madia Lozupone, Giancarlo Sborgia, Antonio Leo, Giovanni De Pergola, Gianluigi Giannelli, Francesco Panza, and Rodolfo Sardone
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NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) ,aging ,dementia ,older population ,neurodegenerative diseases ,liver ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Published
- 2023
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12. The Depairing Current Density of a Fe(Se,Te) Crystal Evaluated in Presence of Demagnetizing Factors
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Armando Galluzzi, Krastyo Buchkov, Vihren Tomov, Elena Nazarova, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Adrian Crisan, and Massimiliano Polichetti
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de-pairing current density ,demagnetizing factor ,demagnetization effects ,iron-based superconductors ,lower critical field ,London penetration depth ,Physics ,QC1-999 - Abstract
The effect of the demagnetizing factor, regarding the determination of the de-pairing current density Jdep, has been studied in the case of a Fe(Se,Te) crystal, using DC magnetic measurements as a function of a magnetic field (H) at different temperatures (T). First, the lower critical field Hc1(T) values were obtained, and the demagnetization effects acting on them were investigated after calculating the demagnetizing factor. The temperature behaviors of both the original Hc1 values and the ones obtained after considering the demagnetization effects (Hc1demag) were analyzed, and the temperature dependence of the London penetration depth λL(T) was obtained in both cases. In particular, the λL(T) curves were fitted with a power law dependence, indicating the presence of low-energy quasiparticle excitations. Furthermore, by plotting λL−2 as a function of T, we found that our sample behaves as a multigap superconductor, which is similar to other Fe-11 family iron-based compounds. After that, the coherence length ξ values were extracted, starting with the Hc2(T) curve. The knowledge of λL and ξ allowed us to determine the Jdep values and to observe how they are influenced by the demagnetizing factor.
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- 2023
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13. Antiseizure Medications in Alzheimer’s Disease from Preclinical to Clinical Evidence
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Francesca Bosco, Lorenza Guarnieri, Vincenzo Rania, Ernesto Palma, Rita Citraro, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti, Antonio Leo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) ,epilepsy ,epileptiform activity ,seizure ,antiseizure medications (ASMs) ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and epilepsy are common neurological disorders in the elderly. A bi-directional link between these neurological diseases has been reported, with patients with either condition carrying almost a two-fold risk of contracting the other compared to healthy subjects. AD/epilepsy adversely affects patients’ quality of life and represents a severe public health problem. Thus, identifying the relationship between epilepsy and AD represents an ongoing challenge and continuing need. Seizures in AD patients are often unrecognized because they are often nonconvulsive and sometimes mimic some behavioral symptoms of AD. Regarding this, it has been hypothesized that epileptogenesis and neurodegeneration share common underlying mechanisms. Targeted treatment to decrease epileptiform activity could represent a valuable strategy for delaying the neurodegenerative process and related cognitive impairment. Several preclinical studies have shown that some antiseizure medications (ASMs) targeting abnormal network hyperexcitability may change the natural progression of AD. However, to date, no guidelines are available for managing seizures in AD patients because of the paucity of randomized clinical trials sufficient for answering the correlated questions. Future AD clinical studies are mandatory to update clinicians about the symptomatic treatment of seizures in AD patients and recognize whether ASM therapy could change the natural progression of the disease, thereby rescuing cognitive performance.
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- 2023
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14. The Effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.F.) Wall. Ex Nees and Andrographolide on Neuroinflammation in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
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Francesca Bosco, Stefano Ruga, Rita Citraro, Antonio Leo, Lorenza Guarnieri, Jessica Maiuolo, Francesca Oppedisano, Roberta Macrì, Federica Scarano, Saverio Nucera, Irene Bava, Ernesto Palma, Carolina Muscoli, Juan Hancke, Giovambattista De Sarro, and Vincenzo Mollace
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Andrographis paniculata ,andrographolide ,neurodegenerative diseases ,Alzheimer’s ,Parkinson’s ,brain ischemia ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect millions of people worldwide, and to date, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are the most common NDs. Of the many risk factors for neurodegeneration, the aging process has the most significant impact, to the extent that it is tempting to consider neurodegenerative disease as a manifestation of accelerated aging. However, genetic and environmental factors determine the course of neurodegenerative disease progression. It has been proposed that environmental stimuli influence neuroplasticity. Some clinical studies have shown that healthy lifestyles and the administration of nutraceuticals containing bioactive molecules possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have a preventive impact or mitigate symptoms in previously diagnosed patients. Despite ongoing research efforts, the therapies currently used for the treatment of NDs provide only marginal therapeutic benefits; therefore, the focus is now directly on the search for natural products that could be valuable tools in combating these diseases, including the natural compound Andrographis paniculata (Ap) and its main constituent, andrographolide (Andro). Preclinical studies have shown that the aqueous extract of Ap can modulate neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative responses, reducing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in various NDs. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms by which Ap and Andro can modulate the processes of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, which are significant causes of neuronal death and cognitive decline.
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- 2023
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15. Nanoscale analysis of superconducting Fe(Se,Te) epitaxial thin films and relationship with pinning properties
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Mario Scuderi, Ilaria Pallecchi, Antonio Leo, Angela Nigro, Gaia Grimaldi, Carlo Ferdeghini, Corrado Spinella, Marco Guidolin, Antonio Trotta, and Valeria Braccini
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract The process of developing superconducting materials for large scale applications is mainly oriented to optimize flux pinning and the current carrying capability. A powerful approach to investigate pinning properties is to combine high resolution imaging with transport measurements as a function of the magnetic field orientation, supported by a pinning modelling. We carry out Transmission Electron Microscopy, Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy and critical current measurements in fields up to 16 T varying the angle between the field and c-axis of Fe(Se,Te) epitaxial thin films deposited on CaF2 substrates. We find evidence of nanoscale domains with different Te:Se stoichiometry and/or rotated and tilted axes, as well as of lattice distortions and two-dimensional defects at the grain boundaries. These elongated domains are tens of nm in size along the in-plane axes. We establish a correlation between these observed microstructural features and the pinning properties, specifically strongly enhanced pinning for the magnetic field oriented in-plane and pinning emerging at higher fields for out-of-plane direction. These features can be accounted for within a model where pinning centers are local variations of the critical temperature and local variations of the mean free path, respectively. The identification of all these growth induced defects acting as effective pinning centers may provide useful information for the optimization of Fe(Se,Te) coated conductors.
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- 2021
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16. An In Vivo Electroencephalographic Analysis of the Effect of Riluzole against Limbic and Absence Seizure and Comparison with Glutamate Antagonists
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Rita Citraro, Francesca Bosco, Gianfranco Di Gennaro, Martina Tallarico, Lorenza Guarnieri, Luca Gallelli, Vincenzo Rania, Antonio Siniscalchi, Giovambattista De Sarro, and Antonio Leo
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excitatory neurotransmission ,limbic seizure ,absence epilepsy ,glutamatergic antagonists ,antiseizure medications ,Riluzole ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
Background: Riluzole (RLZ) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in several neurological disorders. These neuroprotective effects seem to be mainly due to its ability to inhibit the excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission, acting on different targets located both at the presynaptic and postsynaptic levels. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Riluzole (RLZ) against limbic seizures, induced by AMPA, kainate, and NMDA receptor agonists in Sprague–Dawley rats, and in a well-validated genetic model of absence epilepsy, the WAG/Rij rat. Furthermore, in this latter model, we also studied the effect of RLZ in co-administration with the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, CPP, or the non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist, THIQ-10c, on spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in WAG/Rij rats, to understand the potential involvement of AMPA and NMDA receptors in the anti-absence effect of RLZ. Results: In Sprague–Dawley rats, RLZ pretreatment significantly reduced the limbic seizure severity induced by glutamatergic agonists, suggesting an antagonism of RLZ mainly on NMDA rather than non-NMDA receptors. RLZ also reduced SWD parameters in WAG/Rij rats. Interestingly, the co-administration of RLZ with CPP did not increase the anti-absence activity of RLZ in this model, advocating a competitive effect on the NMDA receptor. In contrast, the co-administration of RLZ with THIQ-10c induced an additive effect against absence seizure in WAG/Rij rats. Conclusions: these results suggest that the antiepileptic effects of RLZ, in both seizure models, can be mainly due to the antagonism of the NMDA glutamatergic receptors.
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- 2023
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17. Magnetic Vortex Phase Diagram for a Non-Optimized CaKFe4As4 Superconductor Presenting a Wide Vortex Liquid Region and an Ultra-High Upper Critical Field
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Armando Galluzzi, Antonio Leo, Andrea Masi, Francesca Varsano, Angela Nigro, Gaia Grimaldi, and Massimiliano Polichetti
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iron-based superconductors ,1144 IBS family ,pinning properties ,irreversibility field ,upper critical field ,magnetism and superconductivity ,Technology ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Physics ,QC1-999 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
To draw a complete vortex phase diagram for a CaKFe4As4 polycrystalline iron-based superconductor, different kinds of magnetic measurements have been performed focusing on the critical parameters of the sample. Firstly, magnetic moment versus field measurements m(H) were performed at low fields in order to evaluate the lower critical field Hc1. After that, by performing relaxation measurements m(t), a field crossover Hcross was detected in the framework of a strong pinning regime. The irreversibility field Hirr as a function of the temperature curve was then drawn by plotting the critical current densities Jc versus the field for temperatures near Tc. Jc(H) has demonstrated a second magnetization peak effect phenomenon, and the second peak field Hsp has been identified and plotted as a function of temperature, providing information about an elastic to plastic transition in the vortex lattice. Finally, the upper critical field Hc2 as a function of the temperature has been obtained. Hc1, Hcross, Hsp, Hirr, Hc2 have been fitted and used for drawing the complete vortex phase diagram of the sample. It can be helpful for the understanding of the applicative ranges in the field and temperature of the materials with not-optimized fabrication characteristics, as usually is found in superconducting wires and cables for power applications.
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- 2023
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18. Liver Health and Dementia in an Italian Older Population: Findings From the Salus in Apulia Study
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Luisa Lampignano, Rossella Donghia, Chiara Griseta, Gianvito Lagravinese, Sabrina Sciarra, Roberta Zupo, Fabio Castellana, Ilaria Bortone, Vito Guerra, Sarah Tirelli, Sara De Nucci, Rossella Tatoli, Madia Lozupone, Giancarlo Sborgia, Antonio Leo, Giovanni De Pergola, Gianluigi Giannelli, Francesco Panza, and Rodolfo Sardone
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NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) ,aging ,dementia ,older population ,neurodegenerative diseases ,liver ,Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry ,RC321-571 - Abstract
Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently affects a quarter of the global population. Systemic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and coronary artery disease, all conditions associated with NAFLD, have also been related to cognitive dysfunction in older age. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between NAFLD risk and a dementia diagnosis in a large population-based sample aged > 65 years.Methods: We selected 1,542 participants (723 men) from the Salus in Apulia Study. To assess the risk of fat distribution in the liver, we used the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Dementia was diagnosed according to the American Psychiatric Association criteria (DSM-5).Results: The overall prevalence of dementia was 8.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7–10%]. Subjects with dementia were older [effect size (ES): −0.89, 95% CI: −1.07 to −0.70], had a lower level of education (ES:0.88, 95% CI:0.69–1.06), higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (ES: −0.21, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.03), lower levels of total cholesterol (ES: −0.24, 95% CI: −0.42 to −0.06) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ES: −0.20, 95% CI: −0.38 to 0.02), and a higher FLI (ES: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.04). In the logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, stroke, cholesterol, and Apo-E, a dementia diagnosis was positively associated with FLI > 60 [odds ratio (OR):1.81; standard error (SE): 0.53; 95% CI: 1.02–3.21].Conclusion: Our findings suggested that an increased NAFLD risk may be associated to dementia and cognitive decline in older age. Considering the high NAFLD prevalence, the possible adverse disease effects on cognitive performance pose a health problem with significant social and economic implications.
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- 2021
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19. Ranolazine Attenuates Brain Inflammation in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes
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Velia Cassano, Martina Tallarico, Giuseppe Armentaro, Caterina De Sarro, Michelangelo Iannone, Antonio Leo, Rita Citraro, Emilio Russo, Giovambattista De Sarro, Marta Letizia Hribal, and Angela Sciacqua
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Alzheimer’s ,neurodegeneration ,ranolazine ,type 2 diabetes mellitus ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
Recent studies suggest a pathogenetic association between metabolic disturbances, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cognitive decline and indicate that T2DM may represent a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are a number of experimental studies presenting evidence that ranolazine, an antianginal drug, acts as a neuroprotective drug. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ranolazine on hippocampal neurodegeneration and astrocytes activation in a T2DM rat model. Diabetes was induced by a high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Animals were divided into the following groups: HFD/STZ + Ranolazine, HFD/STZ + Metformin, HFD/STZ + Vehicle, NCD + Vehicle, NCD + Ranolazine and NCD + Metformin. The presence of neurodegeneration was evaluated in the hippocampal cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) region by cresyl violet staining histological methods, while astrocyte activation was assessed by western blot analysis. Staining with cresyl violet highlighted a decrease in neuronal density and cell volume in the hippocampal CA1 area in diabetic HFD/STZ + Vehicle rats, while ranolazine and metformin both improved T2DM-induced neuronal loss and neuronal damage. Moreover, there was an increased expression of GFAP in the HFD/STZ + Vehicle group compared to the treated diabetic groups. In conclusion, in the present study, we obtained additional evidence supporting the potential use of ranolazine to counteract T2DM-associated cognitive decline.
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- 2022
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20. Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Clinical Practice: A Calabria (Southern Italy) Prospective Pharmacovigilance Study
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Martina Tallarico, Caterina Palleria, Livia Ruffolo, Rocco Spagnuolo, Maria Diana Naturale, Adele Emanuela De Francesco, Caterina De Sarro, Rossella Romeo, Rita Citraro, Patrizia Doldo, Ludovico Abenavoli, Luca Gallelli, Francesco Luzza, Antonio Leo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
- Subjects
inflammatory bowel diseases ,biologics ,post-marketing surveillance ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
Background: The use of immune-modifying biological agents has markedly changed the clinical course and the management of Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Active post-marketing surveillance programs are fundamental to early recognize expected and unexpected adverse events (AEs), representing a powerful tool to better determine the safety profiles of biologics in a real-world setting. Methods: This study aimed to identify the occurrence of AEs and therapeutic failures linked to biological drugs used in gastroenterology units during a prospective pharmacovigilance program in Southern Italy. Patients affected by IBDs and treated with a biologic agent, from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2021 (study period) in three gastroenterology units were enrolled. Results: Overall, 358 patients with a diagnosis of active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis satisfying inclusion criteria have been enrolled. Infliximab (IFX) was the most administered drug at the index date (214; 59.8%), followed by Adalimumab (ADA; 89; 24.9%), Golimumab (GOL; 37; 10.3%), Vedolizumab (VDZ; 17; 4.7%) and Ustekimumab (UST; 1; 0.3%). Seventy-three patients (20.4%) experienced at least one AE, while 62 patients (17.3%) had therapeutic ineffectiveness. No serious AEs were reported in the follow-up period in the enrolled patients. AEs have been described with IFX (50/214; p = 0.47), GOL (7/37; p = 0.78), ADA (13/89; p = 0.18), and VDZ (3/17; p = 0.52), no AEs have been noticed with UST (0/1). Conclusions: Based on the low rate of AEs observed and withdrawal from treatment, our data seem to corroborate the favorable beneficial/risk profile of biologics for IBDs.
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- 2022
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21. Real-World Safety Profile of Biologics Used in Rheumatology: A Six-Year Observational Pharmacovigilance Study in the Calabria Region
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Agnese Gagliardi, Francesco Salvatore Iaquinta, Rosa Daniela Grembiale, Caterina De Sarro, Antonio Fabiano, Domenico Fraija, Caterina Palleria, Rossella Romeo, Adele Emanuela De Francesco, Maria Diana Naturale, Rita Citraro, Luca Gallelli, Antonio Leo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
- Subjects
biological drugs ,adverse events (AEs) ,pharmacovigilance ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
Background: The introduction of biological agents into the clinical armamentarium has modified the management of moderate-severe inflammatory arthritis (IA). However, these drugs can lead to serious adverse events (SAEs) and unpredictable adverse events (AEs) that are difficult to detect in pre-marketing clinical trials. This pharmacovigilance project aimed to study the AEs associated with biologics use in rheumatology. Methods: The current investigation is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study based on the Calabria Biologics Pharmacovigilance Program. Patients treated with one biologic agent from January 2016 to January 2022 were enrolled. Results: Overall, 729 (86.3%) of a total of 872 patients did not develop AEs or SAEs, whereas 143 (16.4%) patients experienced at least one AE, of which 16 (1.8%) had at least one SAE. The most common AEs were administration site conditions followed by gastrointestinal, nervous system and skin disorders. We reported a total of 173 switches and 156 swaps. Switches mainly occurred for inefficacy (136; 77.7%), whereas only 39 (22.3%) were due to the onset of an AE. Primary/secondary failure was the most frequent reason for swaps (124, 79%), while AEs onset led to 33 (21%) swaps. Conclusions: This study supports the validity of our program in monitoring and detecting AEs in the rheumatological area, confirming the positive beneficial/risk ratio of biologics.
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- 2022
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22. Anthelminthic medicinal plants in veterinary ethnopharmacology: A network meta-analysis following the PRISMA-P and PROSPERO recommendations
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Luigino Calzetta, Elena Pistocchini, Antonio Leo, Paola Roncada, Beatrice Ludovica Ritondo, Ernesto Palma, David di Cave, and Domenico Britti
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Bioinformatics ,Ecology ,Microbiology ,Plant biology ,Systematics ,Medicinal plants ,Science (General) ,Q1-390 ,Social sciences (General) ,H1-99 - Abstract
Medicinal plants may be effective against helminthic infestation in animals, but to date few studies have investigated the real impact of anthelminthic medicinal plants in veterinary ethnopharmacology.The aim of this study was to assess the geographical use of anthelminthic medicinal plants in livestock in European Union (EU), and to quantify the anthelminthic efficacy of medicinal plants in comparison with anthelminthic drugs. Surveys on the use of anthelminthic traditional medicinal plants in livestock in the EU were included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies that investigated the efficacy of anthelminthic traditional medicinal plants in animals, compared with negative control and/or anthelminthic drugs, were included in the quantitative synthesis (network meta-analysis).Twelve surveys (9 in Italy, 2 in Spain, 1 in Austria) reported the use of anthelminthic medicinal plants in livestock living in EU Countries. Data obtained from 256 animals and extracted from 6 studies were included in the network meta-analysis. Medicinal plants and drugs were more effective than negative control (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.60 95%CrI -0.88 to -0.31, -0.73 95%CrI -1.08 to -0.38, respectively, P < 0.001). Overall, no difference was detected between anthelminthic medicinal plants and anthelminthic drugs, namely albendazole, ivermectin, fenbendazole, and doramectin (SMD: 0.26 95%CrI -0.02 to 0.55, P > 0.05). The most effective anthelminthic medicinal plants were Artemisia absintihium, Allium sativum, and Duranta erecta.There is the strong medical need of performing adequately powered randomized controlled trials in different livestock species aimed to improve the quality of the current evidence concerning the anthelminthic efficacy of medicinal plants compared to that of the currently available antiparasitic drugs.
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- 2020
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23. Dimensionality of the Superconductivity in the Transition Metal Pnictide WP
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Angela Nigro, Giuseppe Cuono, Pasquale Marra, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Ziyi Liu, Zhenyu Mi, Wei Wu, Guangtong Liu, Carmine Autieri, Jianlin Luo, and Canio Noce
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transition metal ,pnictides ,WP ,pnictide superconductors ,superconducting fluctuations ,magnetoresistance ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
We report theoretical and experimental results on the transition metal pnictide WP. The theoretical outcomes based on tight-binding calculations and density functional theory indicate that WP is a three-dimensional superconductor with an anisotropic electronic structure and nonsymmorphic symmetries. On the other hand, magnetoresistance experimental data and the analysis of superconducting fluctuations of the conductivity in external magnetic field indicate a weakly anisotropic three-dimensional superconducting phase.
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- 2022
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24. Colchicine in Managing Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review
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Stefano Dastoli, Steven Paul Nisticò, Pietro Morrone, Cataldo Patruno, Antonio Leo, Rita Citraro, Luca Gallelli, Emilio Russo, Giovambattista De Sarro, and Luigi Bennardo
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colchicine ,dermatology ,pustular dermatoses ,Pharmacy and materia medica ,RS1-441 - Abstract
(1) Background: Colchicine is a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties used to treat various disorders, including some skin diseases. This paper aims to incorporate all the available studies proposing colchicine as a treatment alternative in the management of cutaneous conditions. (2) Methods: In this systematic review, the available articles present in various databases (PubMed, Scopus-Embase, and Web of Science), proposing colchicine as a treatment for cutaneous pathological conditions, have been selected. Exclusion criteria included a non-English language and non-human studies. (3) Results: Ninety-six studies were included. Most of them were case reports and case series studies describing colchicine as single therapy, or in combination with other drugs. Hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema nodosum, erythema induratum, storage diseases, perforating dermatosis, bullous diseases, psoriasis, vasculitis, acne, urticaria, stomatitis, actinic keratosis, and pustular dermatosis were the main diseases discussed in literature. Although the therapeutic outcomes were variable, most of the studies reported, on average, good clinical results (4) Conclusions: Colchicine could be, as a single therapy or in combination with other drugs, a possible treatment to manage several skin diseases.
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- 2022
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25. Critical Current and Pinning Features of a CaKFe4As4 Polycrystalline Sample
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Armando Galluzzi, Antonio Leo, Andrea Masi, Francesca Varsano, Angela Nigro, Gaia Grimaldi, and Massimiliano Polichetti
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iron-based superconductors ,1144 IBS family ,DC magnetic properties ,pinning properties ,pinning force analysis ,magnetism and superconductivity ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
We analyze the magnetic behavior of a CaKFe4As4 polycrystalline sample fabricated by a mechanochemically assisted synthesis route. By means of DC magnetization (M) measurements as a function of the temperature (T) and DC magnetic field (H) we study its critical parameters and pinning features. The critical temperature Tc has been evaluated by M(T) curves performed in Zero Field Cooling-Field Cooling conditions. These curves show the presence of a little magnetic background for temperatures above Tc, as also confirmed by the hysteresis loops M(H). Starting from the M(H) curves, the critical current density Jc of the sample has been calculated as a function of the field at different temperatures in the framework of the Bean critical state model. The Jc(H) values are in line with the ones reported in the literature for this typology of samples. By analyzing the temperature dependence of the critical current density Jc(T) at different magnetic fields, it has been found that the sample is characterized by a strong type pinning regime. This sample peculiarity can open perspectives for future improvement in the fabrication of this material.
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- 2021
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26. High Pinning Force Values of a Fe(Se, Te) Single Crystal Presenting a Second Magnetization Peak Phenomenon
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Armando Galluzzi, Krastyo Buchkov, Vihren Tomov, Elena Nazarova, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, and Massimiliano Polichetti
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iron-based superconductors ,dc magnetic properties ,second magnetization peak phenomenon ,pinning force ,magnetism and superconductivity ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
The magnetization M of an Fe(Se, Te) single crystal has been measured as a function of temperature T and dc magnetic field H. The sample properties have been analyzed in the case of a magnetic field parallel to its largest face H||ab. From the M(T) measurement, the Tc of the sample and a magnetic background have been revealed. The superconducting hysteresis loops M(H) were between 2.5 K and 15 K showing a tilt due to the presence of a magnetic signal measured at T > Tc. From the M(H) curves, the critical current density Jc(H) has been extracted at different temperatures showing the presence of a second magnetization peak phenomenon. By extracting and fitting the Jc(T) curves at different fields, a pinning regime crossover has been identified and shown to be responsible for the origin of the second magnetization peak phenomenon. Then, the different kinds of pinning centers of the sample were investigated by means of Dew-Hughes analysis, showing that the pinning mechanism in the sample can be described in the framework of the collective pinning theory. Finally, the values of the pinning force density have been calculated at different temperatures and compared with the literature in order to understand if the sample is promising for high-current and high-power applications.
- Published
- 2021
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27. Effective Magnetic Field Dependence of the Flux Pinning Energy in FeSe0.5Te0.5 Superconductor
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Masood Rauf Khan, Antonio Leo, Angela Nigro, Armando Galluzzi, Massimiliano Polichetti, Valeria Braccini, Matteo Cialone, Mario Scuderi, and Gaia Grimaldi
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iron-based superconductors ,pinning properties ,flux pinning energy ,Technology ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,TK1-9971 ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,TA1-2040 ,Microscopy ,QH201-278.5 ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,QC120-168.85 - Abstract
The role of a layered structure in superconducting pinning properties is still at a debate. The effects of the vortex shape, which can assume for example a staircase form, could influence the interplay with extrinsic pinning coming from the specific defects of the material, thus inducing an effective magnetic field dependence. To enlighten this role, we analysed the angular dependence of flux pinning energy U(H,θ) as a function of magnetic field in FeSe0.5Te0.5 thin film by considering the field components along the ab-plane of the crystal structure and the c-axis direction. U(H,θ) has been evaluated from magneto-resistivity measurements acquired at different orientations between the applied field up to 16 T and FeSe0.5Te0.5 thin films grown on a CaF2 substrate. We observed that the U(H,θ) shows an anisotropic trend as a function of both the intensity and the direction of the applied field. Such a behaviour can be correlated to the presence of extended defects elongated in the ab-planes, thus mimicking a layered superconductor, as we observed in the microstructure of the compound. The comparison of FeSe0.5Te0.5 with other superconducting materials provides a more general understanding on the flux pinning energy in layered superconductors.
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- 2021
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28. Transport and Point Contact Measurements on Pr1−xCexPt4Ge12 Superconducting Polycrystals
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Paola Romano, Francesco Avitabile, Angela Nigro, Gaia Grimaldi, Antonio Leo, Lei Shu, Jian Zhang, Antonio Di Bartolomeo, and Filippo Giubileo
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superconductivity ,transport properties ,energy gap ,superconducting order parameter ,proximity effect ,nano-junction ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
We performed a detailed investigation of the superconducting properties of polycrystalline Pr1−xCexPt4Ge12 pellets. We report the effect of Ce substitution, for x = 0.07, on magnetic field phase diagram H-T. We demonstrate that the upper critical field is well described by the Ginzburg–Landau model and that the irreversibility field line has a scaling behaviour similar to cuprates. We also show that for magnetic fields lower than 0.4 T, the activation energy follows a power law of the type ?−1/2, suggesting a collective pinning regime with a quasi-2D character for the Ce-doped compound with x = 0.07. Furthermore, by means of a point contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy setup, we formed metal/superconductor nano-junctions as small as tens of nanometers on the PrPt4Ge12 parent compound (x = 0). Experimental results showed a wide variety of conductance features appearing in the dI/dV vs. V spectra, all explained in terms of a modified Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk model considering a superconducting order parameter with nodal directions as well as sign change in the momentum space for the sample with x = 0. The numerical simulations of the conductance spectra also demonstrate that s-wave pairing and anisotropic s-waves are unsuitable for reproducing experimental data obtained at low temperature on the un-doped compound. Interestingly, we show that the polycrystalline nature of the superconducting PrPt4Ge12 sample can favour the formation of an inter-grain Josephson junction in series with the point contact junction in this kind of experiments.
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- 2020
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29. Metabolic and Cognitive Effects of Ranolazine in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from an in vivo Model
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Velia Cassano, Antonio Leo, Martina Tallarico, Valentina Nesci, Antonio Cimellaro, Teresa Vanessa Fiorentino, Rita Citraro, Marta Letizia Hribal, Giovambattista De Sarro, Francesco Perticone, Giorgio Sesti, Emilio Russo, and Angela Sciacqua
- Subjects
type 2 diabetes ,type 3 diabetes ,ranolazine ,metformin ,cognitive impairment ,alzheimer’s disease ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,TX341-641 - Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Ranolazine, an anti-ischemic drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris, has been shown to possess hypoglycemic properties in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ranolazine on glucose metabolism and cognitive function in a T2DM model of Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by a high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). The control group received a normal caloric diet (NCD) and sodium citrate buffer. Metformin, an effective hypoglycemic drug, was employed as a positive control. Animals were divided into the following groups: HFD/STZ + Ranolazine, HFD/STZ + Metformin, HFD/STZ + Vehicle, NCD + Vehicle, NCD + Ranolazine, and NCD + Metformin. Rats received ranolazine (20 mg/kg), metformin (300 mg/kg), or water, for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatments, all animals underwent to an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and behavioral tests, including passive avoidance, novel object recognition, forced swimming, and elevate plus maze tests. Interleukin-6 plasma levels in the six treatment groups were assessed by Elisa assay. Body mass composition was estimated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Glucose responsiveness significantly improved in the HFD/STZ + Ranolazine (p < 0.0001) and HFD/STZ + Metformin (p = 0.003) groups. There was a moderate effect on blood glucose levels in the NCD + Ranolazine and NCD + Metformin groups. Lean body mass was significantly increased in the HFD/STZ + Ranolazine and HFD/STZ + Metformin animals, compared to HFD/STZ + Vehicle animals. Ranolazine improved learning and long-term memory in HFD/STZ + Ranolazine compared to HFD/STZ + Vehicle (p < 0.001) and ameliorated the pro-inflammatory profile of diabetic mice. These results support the hypothesis of a protective effect of ranolazine against cognitive decline caused by T2DM.
- Published
- 2020
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30. The Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP) Environmentally Sustainable Empowerment Model in District Merauke
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Tjilen Alexander Phuk, Ririhena Samel W., jalal Nur, Antonio Leo, Teturan Yohanis E., and Jeujanan Welhelmina
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Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP) ,Environmental sciences ,GE1-350 - Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explain 1. How is the process of empowering coastal communities in utilizing the funds of the Government of Indonesia and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) in District Merauke; 2. To get a model that can explain factor factors that influence the implementation of coastal community empowerment that is environmentally sustainable and sustainable. The method used in this research is a qualitative research. Research is undertaken by direct observation, literature observation, data collection, interviews, and FDG with parties or agencies that have been involved with the Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP), such as the Marine and Fisheries Service of District Merauke, and the District Merauke fishery community. The result of this research: 1) The model of economic empowerment of coastal communities has encouraged people to use environmentally friendly and sustainable fishing gear. 2) The main factors affecting the successful implementation of coastal community empowerment include: (a) Resource, (b) ability, community, (d) commitment, (e) market (market) f) innovation (innovation) and (g) Participation (participatory).
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- 2018
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31. The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam suppresses non-convulsive seizure activity and reduces ischemic brain damage in rats subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.
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Ornella Cuomo, Vincenzo Rispoli, Antonio Leo, Giovanni Bosco Politi, Antonio Vinciguerra, Gianfranco di Renzo, and Mauro Cataldi
- Subjects
Medicine ,Science - Abstract
The antiepileptic drug Levetiracetam (Lev) has neuroprotective properties in experimental stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and neurotrauma. In these conditions, non-convulsive seizures (NCSs) propagate from the core of the focal lesion into perilesional tissue, enlarging the damaged area and promoting epileptogenesis. Here, we explore whether Lev neuroprotective effect is accompanied by changes in NCS generation or propagation. In particular, we performed continuous EEG recordings before and after the permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAO) in rats that received Lev (100 mg/kg) or its vehicle immediately before surgery. Both in Lev-treated and in control rats, EEG activity was suppressed after pMCAO. In control but not in Lev-treated rats, EEG activity reappeared approximately 30-45 min after pMCAO. It initially consisted in single spikes and, then, evolved into spike-and-wave and polyspike-and-wave discharges. In Lev-treated rats, only rare spike events were observed and the EEG power was significantly smaller than in controls. Approximately 24 hours after pMCAO, EEG activity increased in Lev-treated rats because of the appearance of polyspike events whose power was, however, significantly smaller than in controls. In rats sacrificed 24 hours after pMCAO, the ischemic lesion was approximately 50% smaller in Lev-treated than in control rats. A similar neuroprotection was observed in rats sacrificed 72 hours after pMCAO. In conclusion, in rats subjected to pMCAO, a single Lev injection suppresses NCS occurrence for at least 24 hours. This electrophysiological effect could explain the long lasting reduction of ischemic brain damage caused by this drug.
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- 2013
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32. The Anticonvulsant Activity of a Flavonoid-Rich Extract from Orange Juice Involves both NMDA and GABA-Benzodiazepine Receptor Complexes
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Rita Citraro, Michele Navarra, Antonio Leo, Eugenio Donato Di Paola, Ermenegildo Santangelo, Pellegrino Lippiello, Rossana Aiello, Emilio Russo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
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orange ,Citrus sinensis ,flavonoids ,audiogenic seizures ,absence epilepsy ,spike-wave discharges ,natural products ,complementary and alternative medicines ,orange juice ,Organic chemistry ,QD241-441 - Abstract
The usage of dietary supplements and other natural products to treat neurological diseases has been growing over time, and accumulating evidence suggests that flavonoids possess anticonvulsant properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a flavonoid-rich extract from orange juice (OJe) in some rodent models of epilepsy and to explore its possible mechanism of action. The genetically audiogenic seizures (AGS)-susceptible DBA/2 mouse, the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in ICR-CD1 mice and the WAG/Rij rat as a genetic model of absence epilepsy with comorbidity of depression were used. Our results demonstrate that OJe was able to exert anticonvulsant effects on AGS-sensible DBA/2 mice and to inhibit PTZ-induced tonic seizures, increasing their latency. Conversely, it did not have anti-absence effects on WAG/Rij rats. Our experimental findings suggest that the anti-convulsant effects of OJe are likely mediated by both an inhibition of NMDA receptors at the glycine-binding site and an agonistic activity on benzodiazepine-binding site at GABAA receptors. This study provides evidences for the antiepileptic activity of OJe, and its results could be used as scientific basis for further researches aimed to develop novel complementary therapy for the treatment of epilepsy in a context of a multitarget pharmacological strategy.
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- 2016
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33. Effectiveness of SaeboReJoyce in the Evaluation of the Improvement of the Occupational Performance in Parkinson's Disease: An Outcome Research.
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Silvia Salviani, Marco Tofani, Giovanni Fabbrini, Antonio Leo, Anna Berardi, Julita Sansoni, and Giovanni Galeoto
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- 2019
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34. OpenFPM: A scalable open framework for particle and particle-mesh codes on parallel computers.
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Pietro Incardona, Antonio Leo, Yaroslav Zaluzhnyi, Rajesh Ramaswamy, and Ivo F. Sbalzarini
- Published
- 2019
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35. Su alcune inscriptiones di frammenti appartenenti al Tit. 10, 1 dei Digesta tràditi altresì dal manoscritto Palatinus Latinus 1564
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De Petris, Antonio Leo
- Abstract
Il saggio analizza alcuni frammenti appartenenti al Tit. 10, 1 dei Digesta che sono altresì tràditi dal manoscritto Palatinus Latinus 1564 con inscriptiones qualitativamente differenti. In particolare, Ulp. 19 ad ed. D. 10, 1, 2, 1 è attribuito, nel manoscritto, a Paolo, esattamente al ventiquattresimo dei libri ad edictum. Tale dato rende possibile inferire, per un verso, nel senso di una tradizione parallela e indipendente del Tit. 10, 1 trasmesso dal Palatinus Latinus 1564 rispetto a F e, per l'altro, ove la paternità paolina del frammento sia effettivamente accertata, una tradizione ugualmente indipendente dei materiali giurisprudenziali utilizzati., Cultura giuridica e diritto vivente, V. 11 (2023)
- Published
- 2023
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36. Epilepsy and Related Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities: Basic and Clinical Research
- Author
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Rita Citraro and Antonio Leo
- Subjects
Pharmacology ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Neurology ,Pharmacology (medical) ,Neurology (clinical) ,General Medicine - Published
- 2023
37. OpenFPM: A scalable open framework for particle and particle-mesh codes on parallel computers.
- Author
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Pietro Incardona, Antonio Leo, Yaroslav Zaluzhnyi, Rajesh Ramaswamy, and Ivo F. Sbalzarini
- Published
- 2018
38. Glucagon induces the hepatic expression of inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo
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Francesco Andreozzi, Concetta Di Fatta, Rosangela Spiga, Gaia Chiara Mannino, Elettra Mancuso, Carolina Averta, Carmen De Caro, Martina Tallarico, Antonio Leo, Rita Citraro, Emilio Russo, Giovambattista De Sarro, and Giorgio Sesti
- Subjects
nlrp3 inflammasome ,Endocrinology ,nf-κb pathway ,cytokines ,glucagon ,liver inflammation ,low-grade inflammation ,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism ,Internal Medicine - Abstract
Glucagon exerts multiple hepatic actions, including stimulation of glycogenolysis/gluconeogenesis. The liver plays a crucial role in chronic inflammation by synthesizing proinflammatory molecules, which are thought to contribute to insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia. Whether glucagon affects hepatic expression of proinflammatory cytokines and acute-phase reactants is unknown. Herein, we report a positive relationship between fasting glucagon levels and circulating interleukin (IL)-1β (r = 0.252, p = .042), IL-6 (r = 0.230, p = .026), fibrinogen (r = 0.193, p = .031), complement component 3 (r = 0.227, p = .024) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.230, p = .012) in individuals without diabetes. In CD1 mice, 4-week continuous treatment with glucagon induced a significant increase in circulating IL-1β (p = .02), and IL-6 (p = .001), which was countered by the contingent administration of the glucagon receptor antagonist, GRA-II. Consistent with these results, we detected a significant increase in the hepatic activation of inflammatory pathways, such as expression of NLRP3 (p .02), and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB; p .02) and STAT3 (p .01). In HepG2 cells, we found that glucagon dose-dependently stimulated the expression of IL-1β (p .002), IL-6 (p .002), fibrinogen (p .01), complement component 3 (p .01) and C-reactive protein (p .01), stimulated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome (p .01) and caspase-1 (p .05), induced the phosphorylation of TRAF2 (p .01), NF-κB (p .01) and STAT3 (p .01). Preincubating cells with GRA-II inhibited the ability of glucagon to induce an inflammatory response. Using HepaRG cells, we confirmed the dose-dependent ability of glucagon to stimulate the expression of NLRP3, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT3, in the absence of GRA-II. These results suggest that glucagon has proinflammatory effects that may participate in the pathogenesis of hyperglycaemia and unfavourable cardiometabolic risk profile.
- Published
- 2023
39. Performance of EUS-FNB in solid pancreatic masses: a lesson from 463 consecutive procedures and a practical nomogram
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Socrate Pallio, Rocco Maurizio Zagari, Matteo Cescon, Nico Pagano, Claudio Ricci, Andrea Fabbri, Riccardo Casadei, Antonio Leo, Sinan Sadalla, Carlo Ingaldi, Giovanna Impellizeri, and Laura Alberici
- Subjects
Related factors ,Endoscopic ultrasound ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Multivariate analysis ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Gold standard (test) ,Nomogram ,medicine.disease ,Surgery ,Pancreatic Neoplasms ,Nomograms ,Diagnostic specimens ,Pancreatic cancer ,Biopsy ,medicine ,Humans ,Radiology ,business ,Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration ,Pancreas ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
The study's main goal was the diagnostic adequacy of pancreatic endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and associated predictive factors. The secondary objective was to define the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB in the diagnosis of pancreatic masses and pancreatic malignancies. None of the studies reported the diagnostic adequacy and accuracy of EUS. We retrospectively identified patients with solid pancreatic lesions that underwent EUS-FNB between 2013, and 2018. We calculated diagnostic adequacy and related factors. Using definitive histology on the surgically resected specimen as the gold standard, we calculated diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS-FNB. We identified a total of 463 procedures. Diagnostic specimens were adequate in 436 procedures (94.1%), while 27 biopsies provided insufficient samples (5.9%). The multivariate analysis showed that lesion size and needle caliper were the only factors influencing diagnostic adequacy. The use of a biopsy needle (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.30-0.1.63, P 0.400) did not improve sample adequacy. We calculated sensitivity (100%), specificity (93.2%), diagnostic accuracy (93.2%), positive predictive value (97.1%), and negative predictive value (100%) using resected specimen as the gold standard. We found no significant complications. EUS-FNB is a reliable technique for the histological characterization of solid pancreatic masses.
- Published
- 2021
40. Author response for 'Glucagon induces the hepatic expression of inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo'
- Author
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null Francesco Andreozzi, null Concetta Di Fatta, null Rosangela Spiga, null Gaia Chiara Mannino, null Elettra Mancuso, null Carolina Averta, null Carmen De Caro, null Martina Tallarico, null Antonio Leo, null Rita Citraro, null Emilio Russo, null Giovambattista De Sarro, and null Giorgio Sesti
- Published
- 2022
41. Pluralizm własnościowy i publiczno-prywatne zarządzanie obiektami wpisanymi na Listę Światowego Dziedzictwa UNESCO, należącymi do Republiki Włoskiej
- Author
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Antonio Leo Tarasco
- Abstract
W artykule poddano analizie związki między obiektami światowego dziedzictwa UNESCO należącymi do Republiki Włoskiej a zagadnieniami dochodowości i ideą zrównoważonego rozwoju. Ponieważ cechą charakterystyczną statusu obiektów wpisanych na Listę UNESCO – nie tylko włoskich – jest heterogeniczność własności, w modelach zarządzania nimi pojawia się wielość reżimów prawnych. Spośród 55 włoskich obiektów własność państwową stanowi 25, co daje 45,55%. Pluralizm własnościowy przekłada się na praktykę; negatywne skutki stanu rozdrobnienia dają się zauważyć: 1) w rozbieżnych zasadach rekrutacji personelu, 2) w wielości modeli zarządzania, 3) w niejednakowym dostępie dla publiczności, 4) w różnicach w rentowności oraz 5) w różnych modelach finansowo-księgowych. Stan rozdrobnienia wywołuje niemałe trudności w wypadku obiektów należących do różnych podmiotów, a staje się jeszcze mniej zrozumiały, gdy chodzi o obiekty państwowe. Następstwem owej heterogeniczności jest zróżnicowanie rentowności poszczególnych obiektów. Luka jest znaczna i nie można jej zaakceptować. Przykładowo, Tarquinia i etruska nekropolia Cerveteri przynoszą €38.964,84 (rok 2018) oraz €57.127,00 (rok 2019), podczas gdy Koloseum w Rzymie — €46.347.249,57 (rok 2018) i €48.465.096,71 (rok 2019). Do przychodów tych należy dodać przychody Muzeum Narodowego w Rzymie (Museo Nazionale Romano) i Narodowej Galerii Sztuki Starożytnej (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica), a także przychody muzeów państwowych należących do Regionalnej Dyrekcji Muzeów Lacjum oraz stanowisk podległych Zarządowi Archeologicznemu Rzymu. Jakkolwiek jest oczywiste, że wpisanie danego obiektu na Listę UNESCO jest i powinno pozostać niezależne od jego potencjału ekonomicznego, to sam fakt rentowności obiektu ma wpływ na realizację celów konwencji UNESCO z 1972 r., w tym na ochronę i promocję wartości kulturowych. Z tego powodu ustalenie potencjału ekonomicznego jest jednym z wymogów wpisu; pieniądze są środkiem do realizacji celów konwencji. Konsekwencją tego stanu rzeczy jest prawny obowiązek zapewnienia niezależnej sprawozdawczości finansowej, co jednakże stoi w prakseologicznej sprzeczności ze skutkami pluralizmu własnościowego: obiekty nie mają obecnie zapewnionej autonomii finansowej ani nie prowadzi się w stosunku do nich odrębnej księgowości.Reasumując, zjawisko pluralizmu własnościowego 55 włoskich obiektów z Listy UNESCO oraz wpływ tego zjawiska na zarządzanie nimi i ich rentowność nasuwają pytanie o rzeczywistą, a nie tylko deklarowaną pozycję tych obiektów w porządku prawa krajowego.
- Published
- 2021
42. Antidepressants drugs for seizures and epilepsy: Where do we stand?
- Author
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Rita Citraro, Martina Tallarico, Maria Pisano, Antonio Leo, Emilio Russo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
- Subjects
Pharmacology ,Psychiatry and Mental health ,Neurology ,Pharmacology (medical) ,Neurology (clinical) ,General Medicine - Abstract
Abstract: People with epilepsy (PWE) are more likely to develop depression and both these complex chronic diseases greatly affect health-related quality of life (QOL). This comorbidity contributes to the deterioration of the QOL further than increasing the severity of epilepsy worsening prognosis. Strong scientific evidence suggests the presence of shared pathogenic mechanisms. The correct identification and management of these factors are crucial in order to improve patients’ QOL. This review article discusses recent original research on the most common pathogenic mechanisms of depression in PWE and highlights the effects of antidepressant drugs (ADs) against seizures in PWE and animal models of seizures and epilepsy. Newer ADs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRRI) or serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), particularly sertraline, citalopram, mirtazapine, reboxetine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, duloxetine may lead to improvements in epilepsy severity whereas the use of older tricyclic antidepressant (TCAs) can increase the occurrence of seizures. Most of the data demonstrate the acute effects of ADs in animal models of epilepsy while there is a limited number of studies about the chronic antidepressant effects in epilepsy and epileptogenesis or on clinical efficacy. Much longer treatments are needed in order to validate the effectiveness of these new alternatives in the treatment and the development of epilepsy, while further clinical studies with appropriate protocols are warranted in order to understand the real potential contribution of these drugs in the management of PWE (besides their effects on mood).
- Published
- 2022
43. Acetaminophen effects upon formalin-evoked flinching, postformalin, and postincisional allodynia and conditioned place preference
- Author
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Mijung Yun, Naemi Ditlevsen Regen, Yuvicza Anchondo, Kelly Eddinger, Shelle Malkmus, Steven W. Roberts, Elisabetta Donati, Antonio Leonardi, and Tony L. Yaksh
- Subjects
Anesthesiology ,RD78.3-87.3 - Abstract
Abstract. Introduction:. We explored in mice, the analgesic, tolerance, dependency, and rewarding effects of systemic acetaminophen (APAP). Methods:. Studies employed adult mice (C57Bl6). (1) Intraplantar formalin flinching + post formalin allodynia. Mice were given intraperitoneal APAP in a DMSO (5%)/Tween 80 (5%) or a water-based formulation before formalin flinching on day 1 and tactile thresholds assessed before and after APAP at day 12. (2) Paw incision. At 24 hours and 8 days after hind paw incision in male mice, effects of intraperitoneal APAP on tactile allodynia were assessed. (3) Repeated delivery. Mice received daily (4 days) analgesic doses of APAP or vehicle and tested upon formalin flinching on day 5. (4) Conditioned place preference. For 3 consecutive days, vehicle was given in the morning in either of 2 chambers and in each afternoon, an analgesic dose of morphine or APAP in the other chamber. On days 5 and 10, animals were allowed to select a “preferred” chamber. Results:. Formalin in male mice resulted in biphasic flinching and an enduring postformalin tactile allodynia. Acetaminophen dose dependently decreased phase 2 flinching, and reversed allodynia was observed postflinching. At a comparable APAP dose, female mice showed similarly reduced phase 2 flinching. Incision allodynia was transiently reversed by APAP. Repeated APAP delivery showed no loss of effect after sequential injections or signs of withdrawal. Morphine, but not APAP or vehicle, resulted in robust place preference. Conclusions:. APAP decreased flinching and allodynia observed following formalin and paw incision and an absence of tolerance, dependence, or rewarding properties.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. IL-6 Receptor Blockade by Tocilizumab Has Anti-absence and Anti-epileptogenic Effects in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy
- Author
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Martina Tallarico, Andrew Constanti, Nicola Amodio, Eugenia M Gallo Cantafio, Rita Citraro, Valentina Nesci, Emilio Russo, Antonio Leo, and Giovambattista De Sarro
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Neurology ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Pharmacology ,Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ,Epileptogenesis ,Proinflammatory cytokine ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Epilepsy ,0302 clinical medicine ,Tocilizumab ,Animals ,Medicine ,Pharmacology (medical) ,Rats, Wistar ,Neuroinflammation ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,business.industry ,medicine.disease ,Receptors, Interleukin-6 ,Rats ,Disease Models, Animal ,Absence seizure ,030104 developmental biology ,Cytokine ,Epilepsy, Absence ,chemistry ,Original Article ,Neurology (clinical) ,Rats, Transgenic ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is closely associated with convulsive epilepsy and symptom severity of depression. By comparison, at present, little is known about the role of this cytokine in childhood (non-convulsive) absence epilepsy. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of acute and chronic treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day), on absence seizures, their development, and related psychiatric comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats. It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in inflammatory processes increase absence epileptic activity. In order to study the central effects of TCZ, we investigated whether administration of this anti-IL-6R antibody could modulate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-6-evoked changes in absence epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats. Our results demonstrate that TCZ, at both doses, significantly reduced the development of absence seizures in adult WAG/Rij rats at 6 months of age (1 month after treatment suspension) compared with untreated controls, thus showing disease-modifying effects. Decreased absence seizure development at 6 months of age was also accompanied by reduced comorbid depressive-like behavior, whereas no effects were observed on anxiety-related behavior. Acute treatment with TCZ, at 30 mg/kg, had anti-absence properties lasting ~25 h. The co-administration TCZ with i.c.v. LPS or IL-6 showed that TCZ inhibited the worsening of absence seizures induced by both proinflammatory agents in the WAG/Rij rats, supporting a central anti-inflammatory-like protective action. These results suggest the possible role of IL-6 and consequent neuroinflammation in the epileptogenic process underlying the development and maintenance of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Accordingly, IL-6 signaling could be a promising pharmacological target in absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13311-020-00893-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Published
- 2020
45. A Study of Ultra-Thin Superconducting Films at High Bias Currents in Different Cooling Environments
- Author
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Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Nadia Martucciello, Francesco Avitabile, Angela Nigro, Sandro Pace, and Paola Romano
- Subjects
010302 applied physics ,Cryostat ,Superconductivity ,Materials science ,Fabrication ,business.industry ,Detector ,Biasing ,Cryocooler ,Condensed Matter Physics ,01 natural sciences ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,0103 physical sciences ,Optoelectronics ,Thermal stability ,Current (fluid) ,010306 general physics ,business - Abstract
The influence of the cooling method on thermal stability is a non-trivial aspect for superconducting material to be used in several applications, for example, in photon detection. Indeed, a wasteful cooling can induce quenches in the device that can lead to false counts. So far, the efficient cooling has been realized by immersion of the superconducting device in a liquid He bath. However, cheaper cryogen-free (CF) cooling techniques are now commercially available, as well as cryocoolers are becoming the only way to obtain a cooling environment in the liquid He shortage. Here we consider three different cooling methods: one is by liquid He in a standard cryostat and the other two are a dynamic or a static He gas cooling in a CF cryostat. Then, we are able to evaluate the performance of the cooling method by the impact on current-voltage curves at very high bias currents. In particular, we acquire current-voltage characteristics on ultra-thin microbridges made by two different superconducting materials commonly used in detectors fabrication, which are NbN and NbTiN. Here, the flux-flow instability (FFI) phenomenon is used as a tool to determine the influence of the three different cooling techniques on the voltage stability of the devices under current biasing. It results that the CF cooling method has performance comparable to liquid He bath. This finding supports the spread of the CF technique for applications, and it validates the FFI as a tool to test superconducting materials.
- Published
- 2020
46. Proprietary fragmentation and public-private management of UNESCO sites owned by the Italian state
- Author
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Antonio Leo Tarasco
- Subjects
Convention ,Cultural heritage ,Economy ,Property rights ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Political science ,Corporate governance ,Accounting information system ,Revenue ,Profitability index ,Diversity (politics) ,media_common - Abstract
This article is intended to develop the topic of the relationship between UNESCO sites owned by the Italian state and the profiles of their profitability and sustainability. If it is true that a common characteristic of Italian (and not only) UNESCO sites is the heterogeneity of the legal titles of ownership of such objects, then at the same time, for UNESCO sites belonging to the Italian state (25 out of 55: 45,55 %), the heterogeneity of management models is added to the multiplicity of legal regimes. In this case, the plurality of these properties affects both the valorization of the object and the quality of its management. The negative consequences of the fragmentation of the management of a UNESCO state site can be grouped as follows: 1) differences in recruitment approaches; 2) differences in management models; 3) qualitative differences in work experience; 4) differences in economic profitability; 5) differences in the accounting system. If such diversity is hardly understandable even when objects belong to different institutions, it is even less understandable when they belong to the state. The consequence of the absolute heterogeneity of the legal and organizational framework is the heterogeneity of economic results. The gap is huge and unacceptable: The Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia and Cerveteri bring in the following revenue: € 38 964,84 (2018) and € 57 127,00 (2019). At the same time, the income of the Archaeological Park Colosseum is: € 46 347 249,57 (2018) and € 48 465 096,71 (2019). If it is true that the award of UNESCO site status to a cultural monument is independent, as it should be, of its economic capabilities, then it is also true that increasing its economic profitability contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the UNESCO Convention: the protection and valorization of the cultural heritage object. Hence it is necessary to conduct autonomous financial reporting of UNESCO sites, which is currently absent in many state-owned UNESCO sites or they do not have their own accounting and financial autonomy. In conclusion, the topic of the fragmentation of ownership of the 55 Italian UNESCO sites and its impact on governance and financial returns allows us to explore the actual attention that the national legal system actually attaches to UNESCO sites, that is, the importance that, in addition to official declarations, UNESCO sites have in the domestic legal system.
- Published
- 2020
47. Superconductivity induced by structural reorganization in the electron-doped cuprate Nd2−xCexCuO4
- Author
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Anita Guarino, Carmine Autieri, Pasquale Marra, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Adolfo Avella, and Angela Nigro
- Published
- 2022
48. Proton Irradiation Effects on the Superconducting Properties of Fe(Se,Te) Thin Films
- Author
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Daniele Torsello, Michela Fracasso, Roberto Gerbaldo, Gianluca Ghigo, Francesco Laviano, Andrea Napolitano, Michela Iebole, Matteo Cialone, Nicola Manca, Alberto Martinelli, Laura Piperno, Valeria Braccini, Antonio Leo, Gaia Grimaldi, Angelo Vannozzi, Giuseppe Celentano, Marina Putti, and Laura Gozzelino
- Subjects
Critical current ,strain ,critical temperature ,critical fields ,iron-based superconductors ,proton irradiation ,radiation hardness ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials - Published
- 2022
49. Evaluation of the effects of liraglutide on the development of epilepsy and behavioural alterations in two animal models of epileptogenesis
- Author
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Emilio Russo, Carmen De Caro, Franco Arturi, Ernesto Palma, Antonio Leo, Valentina Nesci, Karim Abdalla, Martina Tallarico, Giovambattista De Sarro, Rita Citraro, Michelangelo Iannone, and Andrew Constanti
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Kainic acid ,GLP-1 receptor agonist ,Kainate-induced seizures ,Status epilepticus ,Anxiety ,Motor Activity ,Pharmacology ,WAG/Rij rats ,Epileptogenesis ,Neuroprotection ,Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor ,Open field ,Mice ,03 medical and health sciences ,Epilepsy ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0302 clinical medicine ,Seizures ,Memory ,medicine ,Animals ,Rats, Wistar ,Depression ,business.industry ,General Neuroscience ,Brain ,Electroencephalography ,Liraglutide ,medicine.disease ,Rats ,Mice, Inbred C57BL ,Disease Models, Animal ,030104 developmental biology ,Epilepsy, Absence ,Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ,chemistry ,Antidepressant ,Anticonvulsants ,medicine.symptom ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery ,Behavioural despair test - Abstract
Liraglutide (LIR) is a novel long-lasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that facilitates insulin signalling and shows also neuroprotective properties in different brain disease models. In this study, we explored the potential antiepileptogenic effects of LIR in two different animal models; namely, the mouse intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy and the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epileptogenesis. Moreover, we evaluated LIR effects on comorbidities in various behavioural tests. Mice with kainate-induced epilepsy were treated with LIR (300 μg/kg/day s.c.) for 4 weeks after status epilepticus and then evaluated for drug effects on seizure development and behavioural alterations, whereas WAG/Rij rats were treated for 17 weeks (starting at 30 days of age, before seizure onset) with LIR (300 μg/kg/day s.c.) in order to investigate whether an early chronic treatment was able to reduce the development of absence seizures and related comorbidities. Our results indicate that LIR was effective in reducing the development of spontaneous seizures in kainate-induced epilepsy; moreover, in this model, it prevented memory impairment and related anxiety-like behaviour in the open field (OF) test while in the forced swimming test (FST), LIR displayed an apparent pro-depressant effect that was instead related to reduced endurance as confirmed by Rotarod test. In contrast, LIR was unable to modify the epileptogenic process underlying the development of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats while being antidepressant in the FST in this strain. Our results indicate that LIR may represent a promising novel treatment to prevent and treat the epileptogenic process and its associated behavioural and cognitive alterations in some models of convulsive epilepsy characterized by neurodegeneration, since LIR effects are likely secondary to its recognized neuroprotective properties.
- Published
- 2019
50. Colchicine in Managing Skin Conditions: A Systematic Review
- Author
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Stefano Dastoli, Steven Paul Nisticò, Pietro Morrone, Cataldo Patruno, Antonio Leo, Rita Citraro, Luca Gallelli, Emilio Russo, Giovambattista De Sarro, and Luigi Bennardo
- Subjects
Pharmaceutical Science - Abstract
(1) Background: Colchicine is a natural alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties used to treat various disorders, including some skin diseases. This paper aims to incorporate all the available studies proposing colchicine as a treatment alternative in the management of cutaneous conditions. (2) Methods: In this systematic review, the available articles present in various databases (PubMed, Scopus-Embase, and Web of Science), proposing colchicine as a treatment for cutaneous pathological conditions, have been selected. Exclusion criteria included a non-English language and non-human studies. (3) Results: Ninety-six studies were included. Most of them were case reports and case series studies describing colchicine as single therapy, or in combination with other drugs. Hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema nodosum, erythema induratum, storage diseases, perforating dermatosis, bullous diseases, psoriasis, vasculitis, acne, urticaria, stomatitis, actinic keratosis, and pustular dermatosis were the main diseases discussed in literature. Although the therapeutic outcomes were variable, most of the studies reported, on average, good clinical results (4) Conclusions: Colchicine could be, as a single therapy or in combination with other drugs, a possible treatment to manage several skin diseases.
- Published
- 2021
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