82 results on '"C. Mazzuca"'
Search Results
2. Toward an assessment of cleaning treatments onto nineteenth–twentieth-century photographs by using a multi-analytic approach
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M. Romani, L. Pronti, C. Ruberto, L. Severini, C. Mazzuca, G. Viviani, A. Mazzinghi, M. Chiari, L. Castelli, F. Taccetti, A. Damiani, C. Gorga, M. Angelucci, and M. Cestelli-Guidi
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Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes ,General Physics and Astronomy - Published
- 2022
3. Pattern of sleep dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cluster analysis
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Antonella Afeltra, Luca Navarini, Silvia Angeletti, Alice Laudisio, Massimo Ciccozzi, Domenico Paolo Emanuele Margiotta, Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi, Fabio Basta, and C. Mazzuca
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Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale ,Anxiety ,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Rheumatology ,Quality of life ,Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Internal medicine ,Cluster Analysis ,Humans ,Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ,Medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Latency (engineering) ,Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ,030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,Depression ,business.industry ,Beck Depression Inventory ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Sleep in non-human animals ,humanities ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Logistic Models ,Italy ,Cohort ,Quality of Life ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
To investigate how the different components of sleep dysfunction described in SLE patients combine together in sleep clusters. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a perspective cohort of 79 SLE patients (mean age 8.2 ± 14.3 years). Sleep was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Clusters were defined using the single components of PSQI in a hierarchical clustering model. We used Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF36) to measure depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively. Three sleep clusters were identified. The cluster 1 (N = 47) is characterized by the lowest values of PSQI total score. The cluster 2 (N = 21) presents higher values of sleep latency, but sleep duration similar to cluster 1. In cluster 3 (N = 11), we found sleep latency increased as in cluster 2, but the highest values of PSQI total score and reduced sleep duration. Scores of anxiety and sedentary time were higher in clusters 2 and 3 than in cluster 1. Cluster 3 presented the highest scores of depression and reduced mental and physical components of SF36. The combination of different sleep components in SLE patients allowed us to identify three patterns of dysfunction: a first cluster with better sleep latency and duration, a second with increased sleep latency but conserved duration, and a third with impairment of both latency and duration. The stratification of sleep disorders in clusters might be useful for the personalization of therapy in relation to sleep cluster membership.
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- 2019
4. Factors related to alexithymia in patients with systemic sclerosis: a tight relationship with facial image dissatisfaction
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M. Vadacca, Veronica Batani, Fabio Basta, Giulio Dolcini, Patrizio Moras, C. Mazzuca, Domenico Paolo Emanuele Margiotta, and Antonella Afeltra
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale ,Visual analogue scale ,Immunology ,Pain ,Anxiety ,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ,03 medical and health sciences ,Toronto Alexithymia Scale ,0302 clinical medicine ,Rheumatology ,Alexithymia ,Internal medicine ,Body Dissatisfaction ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Affective Symptoms ,Fatigue ,Aged ,030203 arthritis & rheumatology ,Scleroderma, Systemic ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Depression ,Beck Depression Inventory ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Face ,Quality of Life ,Female ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Sleep ,Psychosocial - Abstract
To assess clinical and psychosocial factors related to alexithymia in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We enrolled 40 consecutive SSc patients in a cross-sectional study evaluating alexithymia with Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS-20). We measured Beck Depression inventory (BDI), Hamilton Anxiety rating scale (HAM-H), 36-Items Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)—Fatigue, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP), and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS). The prevalence of alexithymia was 42%. Alexithymic patients presented increased depressive (p = ≤ 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p = ≤ 0.001), sleep disorders (p = 0.03), pain (p = 0.02), esthetic concerns (p = 0.03), disability in activities (p = 0.03) and reduced scores of SF-36 in mental components summary (MCS) (p = ≤ 0.001) and physical components summary (PCS) (p = 0.01). We found significant correlations with sleep disorders (r = 0.41, p = ≤ 0.001), BID (r = 0.35, p = 0.04), facial image dissatisfaction (r = 0.35, p = 0.04), mouth disability (r = 0.51, p = 0.005), depressive (r = 0.6, p = ≤ 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.48, p = ≤ 0.001), fatigue (r = − 0.45 p = 0.005), SF-36 PCS (r = − 0.51, p = ≤ 0.001) and MCS (r = − 0.65, p = ≤ 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, SWAP facial was the only variable associated with TAS-20 [0.99 (0.48) p = 0.05]. Alexithymia correlates with several psychosocial factors but seems strongly related to facial image dissatisfaction.
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- 2018
5. AB0544 Role of anti-neuronal antibodies (A-NA) in epilepsy lupus patients
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A. Taccone, C. Mazzuca, R. Iorio, Amelia Rigon, Mario Tombini, Fabio Basta, Antonella Afeltra, and Maria Infantino
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Systemic lupus erythematosus ,biology ,business.industry ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Autoantibody ,Immunotherapy ,medicine.disease ,Rash ,Gastroenterology ,Epilepsy ,Internal medicine ,Cohort ,medicine ,biology.protein ,Biomarker (medicine) ,Antibody ,medicine.symptom ,business - Abstract
Background Epilepsy may occur before, during or after SLE diagnosis, with a prevalence of 6.7%–14%. Recent works showed that a significant proportion of patients with not responding to antiepileptic drugs (AED)-resistant epilepsy harbour neural-specific autoantibodies. The detection of these antibodies may predict a favourable response to immunotherapy (75% of patients).1 A small number of recent studies have described the existence of antibodies directed against a-NA in neuropsychiatrics SLE (NPSLE), and data are contrasting.2 Objectives Evaluate the clinical features of epilepsy in patients with SLE. Evaluate any clinical-instrumental differences in epilepsy in patients diagnosed with epilepsy prior to many years of SLE. Evaluate antibodies associated with neurological phenotypes. Methods We retrospectively evaluated a SLE cohort for epileptic seizures. We single out 11 epileptic SLE patients (about 10%). A control group of 10 SLE patients with no NPSLE was matched for sex and age. Sera patients were tested for: ANA, a-ds-DNA, a-ENA, LAC, anticardiolipin IgG and IgM, anti-β2-glycoprotein IgG and IgM, a-nucleosomes, a-ribosomal. All sera were evaluated for the presence of autoantibodies directed to neural antigens by indirect immunofluorescence on frozen sections of mouse brain, cell-based assays (a-NA, a-NMDA). Results In our cohort of SLE patients with epilepsy we confirm the association between SLE and epilepsy of the mesial temporal lobe (MTLE). Six patients had epilepsy at least 5 years prior to SLE diagnosis (average 11.6 years)., the presence of minor symptoms suggestive of SLE (eg arthralgia, rash.) was reported many years before immunological diagnosis. Moreover seizure frequency was achieved when they started immunosuppressive drugs. Anti-NA antibodies were present in 6/11 (54%) of patients with SLE/epilepsy compared with 2/10 (20%) of the control group (p=0.05). We obtained specificity 0.80 (95% CI 0.44–0.97), and sensitivity 0.54 (95% CI 0.23–0.82). Among the other antibodies studied, we have not found any statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions Anti-NA antibodies could be a useful biomarker of NPSLE, allowing a more precocious diagnosis and therefore a more early therapeutic intervention with improvement of long-term prognosis and quality of life. References [1] Iorio R, et al. 2015Eur J Neurol [2] Kampylafka EI, et al. 2016Lupus Disclosure of Interest None declared
- Published
- 2018
6. THU0267 Metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus
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M. Vadacca, Francesca Pignataro, Giulio Dolcini, Luca Navarini, A. Vernuccio, D.P.E. Margiotta, Antonella Afeltra, C. Mazzuca, and Fabio Basta
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education.field_of_study ,medicine.medical_specialty ,animal structures ,business.industry ,Incidence (epidemiology) ,Population ,Beck Depression Inventory ,medicine.disease ,humanities ,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ,Diabetes mellitus ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Metabolic syndrome ,education ,business ,Depression (differential diagnoses) ,Anti-SSA/Ro autoantibodies - Abstract
Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is associated to a huge prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to accelerated atherosclerosis. Several evidences demonstrated that metabolic syndrome (MeS) could contribute to CVDs burden in SLE. In general population, MeS components and, according to some reports, MeS itself are associated to worsened Health related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). In SLE patients, a severe decline of HR-QoL has been widely demonstrated. Objectives In the study, we evaluated the association between MeS, HR-QoL and QoL-related factors, such as depression, fatigue and physical activity. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with retrospective evaluation of disease activity, damage and therapies cumulative dosage. MeS was defined according to International Federation of Diabetes (IFD) criteria. All patients were evaluated to explore MeS IFD criteria and other CVD risk factors (familiar history, lifestyle, smoking). SLE disease activity and damage were evaluated using SELENA-SLEDAI and SDI indices, respectively. Disease flares were retrospectively assessed by SFI index. HR-QoL was quantified by SF-36 instrument. We used Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess depression and Facit-Fatigue to evaluate fatigue. Physical activity was quantified using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and expressed according to categorical IPAQ total score. Patients also completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) exploring sleep pathology. Results We enrolled 55 SLE patients (2 male and 53 female). Mean age was 45±12.5. MeS prevalence was 23.6% and obesity (according to IFD definition) was recorded in 36.4% of patients. SLE patients with MeS presented reduced scores in SF-36 summary components MCS and PCS compared to patients without MeS (p 0.002 and p 0.04, respectively). The SF-36 individual components significantly decreased in MeS were the Mental Health, the Physical Rose and the Social Role (p 0.003, p 0.03, p 0.05, respectively). In multiple linear regression the values of MCS was significantly associated only to obesity (p 0.01), while neither MeS it self nor any MeS components were associated to PCS values. BDI score was significantly higher and Facit-Fatigue score was reduced in SLE patients meeting MeS criteria compared to subjects without MeS (p 13 (to have almost mild depression) [OR 0.05 (0.004–0.87)] and to be physically inactive (IPAQ=1) [OR 33.5 (2.3–496.4)]. Conclusions HR-QoL seems to be compromised in SLE patients with MeS, especially in mental components. Moreover, SLE patients with MeS often presented depression, are burdened by more severe fatigue and frequently are physically inactive. The presence of MeS in SLE was associated to the number of flare and, above all, to the physical inactivity, while not having depression seems exert a protective effect on MeS. Disclosure of Interest None declared
- Published
- 2017
7. Use of Gellan gel for the cleaning of graphic artworks: the case study of Diana Scultori engraving
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S. Dominijanni (1), S. Iannuccelli (1), S. Sotgiu (1), L. Micheli (2), C. Mazzuca (2), M. Missori (3), L. Teodonio (1), A. Mosca Conte (4), O. Pulci (5), and L. Arcadipane (6)
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cleaning of graphic artworks ,Gellan gel - Abstract
One engraving by Diana Scultori (1547-1612), "Le Nozze di Psiche" was restored using an innovative cleaning method conceived for works of art on paper. The artwork, engraved in 1575 and printed in 1613, was affected by a structural and chromatic deterioration due to a strong oxidative degradation. Such deterioration was probably accelerated by the adhesive used for a previous lining intervention. The artwork was cleaned with Gellan gel and chemically stabilized with an alcohol solution of Borane Tert butyl ammine complex (TBAB) [1]. Preliminary analysis showed that the lining of "le Nozze di Psiche" was glued using a mixture of starch paste and animal glue. Thus, for the removal of the lining, enzymatic hydrogels were used. In particular, two Gellan gels loaded with different enzymes were applied consecutively: the first gel was loaded with Proteinase K (protease) to remove animal glue and the second with alpha-amylase (hydrolase) to remove starch paste. Monitoring of the cleaning process of "Le Nozze di Psiche" was performed by means of a non invasive cleaning and diagnostic tool, based on Gellan gel combined with an electrochemical sensor. This system is suitable to verify in situ and in a real time and a simple way the paper degradation progress, and the efficiency of the cleaning treatment [2, 3]. Using this diagnostic tool, it has been possible to know when the cleaning process was completed, avoiding lengthy and unnecessary cleaning material applications. The effectiveness of cleaning with Gellan gel and chemical stabilization was assessed quantitatively by using non-invasive reflectance spectroscopy. This approach is based on an improved version of the Kubelka-Munk theory for recovering the absorption coefficient of cellulose fibers from reflectance measurements. Experimental absorptions were fitted to theoretical absorption spectra obtained by ab-initio computational simulations of oxidized groups acting as chromophores [3]. Results indicate a large decrease of their concentration following the cleaning with Gellan gel and a minor one's following the chemical stabilization by TBAB. [1] S. Dominijanni, S. Iannuccelli, L. Micheli, C. Mazzuca, M. Missori, L. Teodonio S. Dominijanni, S. Iannuccelli, L. Micheli, C. Mazzuca, M. Missori, L. Teodonio , Atti del convegno "I giovani e il restauro. Arte nel tempo: significato, trasformazione e conservazione", edizioni Il Prato, in press. [2] L. Micheli, C. Mazzuca, A. Palleschi, G. Palleschi, Microchem J, 2016, 126, 32; [3] C. Mazzuca, L. Micheli, R. Lettieri, E. Cervelli, T. Coviello, C. Cencetti, S. Sotgiu, S. Iannuccelli, G. Palleschi, A. Palleschi, Microchem J, 2016, 126, 359. [4] A. Mosca Conte, O. Pulci, M. Misiti, J. Lojewska, L. Teodonio, C. Violante, M. Missori, Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 224101 (2014).
- Published
- 2016
8. New insights on commemoration of the dead through mortuary and architectural use of pigments at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey
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E. M. J. Schotsmans, G. Busacca, S. C. Lin, M. Vasić, A. M. Lingle, R. Veropoulidou, C. Mazzucato, B. Tibbetts, S. D. Haddow, M. Somel, F. Toksoy-Köksal, C. J. Knüsel, and M. Milella
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract The cultural use of pigments in human societies is associated with ritual activities and the creation of social memory. Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Turkey, 7100–5950 cal BC) provides a unique case study for the exploration of links between pigments in burials, demographic data and colourants in contemporary architectural contexts. This study presents the first combined analysis of funerary and architectural evidence of pigment use in Neolithic Anatolia and discusses the possible social processes underlying the observed statistical patterns. Results reveal that pigments were either applied directly to the deceased or included in the grave as a burial association. The most commonly used pigment was red ochre. Cinnabar was mainly applied to males and blue/green pigment was associated with females. A correlation was found between the number of buried individuals and the number of painted layers in the buildings. Mortuary practices seem to have followed specific selection processes independent of sex and age-at-death of the deceased. This study offers new insights about the social factors involved in pigment use in this community, and contributes to the interpretation of funerary practices in Neolithic Anatolia. Specifically, it suggests that visual expression, ritual performance and symbolic associations were elements of shared long-term socio-cultural practices.
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- 2022
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9. Membrane Topology and Mechanism of Pore Formation by the Antibiotic Peptide Trichogin GA IV
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C. Mazzuca, L. Stella, M. Venanzi, M. Didoné, F. Formaggio, C. Toniolo, J. Z. Pedersen, and B. Pispisa
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- 2005
10. Structural features of linear (alphaMe)Val-based peptides in solution by photophysical and theoretical conformational studies
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B, Pispisa, C, Mazzuca, A, Palleschi, L, Stella, M, Venanzi, F, Formaggio, A, Polese, and C, Toniolo
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Models, Molecular ,Solutions ,Spectrometry, Fluorescence ,Time Factors ,Molecular Structure ,Protein Conformation ,Circular Dichroism ,Hydrogen Bonding ,Peptides - Abstract
In continuation of our studies on the determination of the structural features of functionalized peptides in solution by combining time-resolved fluorescence data and molecular mechanics results, the conformational features of a series of linear, L-(alphaMe)Val-based peptides have been investigated in methanol. These foldamers have the general formula F[(alphaMe)Val](r)-T-[(alphaMe)Val](2)NHtBu, where (alphaMe)Val = C(alpha)-methylvaline and r = 0-3, while F [= fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)] and T [= 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl-4-amino-carboxylic (Toac)] are a fluorophoric N(alpha)-protecting group and a nitroxide-based alpha-amino acid quencher, respectively. According to ir and CD spectra, the longest term of the series (r = 3) attains a 3(10)-helical structure, while the other peptides populate an intramolecularly H-bonded, 3(10)-helix-like conformation affected by dynamic helical distortions, which are enhanced by the shortness of the backbone chain. Such distortions are reflected in both the energy of the stretching mode and the molar extinction coefficient of the H-bonded N-H groups, the former being higher and the latter smaller than those of a stable 3(10)-helix. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements in methanol show a strong quenching of Fmoc by the Toac residue, located at different helix positions, depending on the r value. Comparison of quenching efficiencies and lifetime preexponents with those theoretically obtained from the deepest energy minimum conformers, assuming a Förster mechanism, is satisfactory. The computed structures exhibit a rather compact arrangement, which accounts for the few sterically favored conformations for each peptide, in full agreement with the time-resolved fluorescence data. Orientational effects between the probes must be taken into account for a correct interpretation of the fluorescence decay results, implying that interconversion among conformational substates involving the probes is slower than the energy transfer rate.
- Published
- 2001
11. Immunological and homeostatic pathways of alpha -1 antitrypsin: a new therapeutic potential.
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Mazzuca C, Vitiello L, Travaglini S, Maurizi F, Finamore P, Santangelo S, Rigon A, Vadacca M, Angeletti S, and Scarlata S
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- Humans, Animals, Immunity, Innate, Adaptive Immunity, alpha 1-Antitrypsin immunology, alpha 1-Antitrypsin therapeutic use, alpha 1-Antitrypsin metabolism, Homeostasis
- Abstract
α -1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is a 52 kDa acute-phase glycoprotein belonging to the serine protease inhibitor superfamily (SERPIN). It is primarily synthesized by hepatocytes and to a lesser extent by monocytes, macrophages, intestinal epithelial cells, and bronchial epithelial cells. A1AT is encoded by SERPINA1 locus, also known as PI locus, highly polymorphic with at least 100 allelic variants described and responsible for different A1AT serum levels and function. A1AT inhibits a variety of serine proteinases, but its main target is represented by Neutrophil Elastase (NE). However, recent attention has been directed towards its immune-regulatory and homeostatic activities. A1AT exerts immune-regulatory effects on different cell types involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, it plays a role in metal and lipid metabolism, contributing to homeostasis. An adequate comprehension of these mechanisms could support the use of A1AT augmentation therapy in many disorders characterized by a chronic immune response. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways responsible for immune-regulatory and homeostatic activities of A1AT. This knowledge aims to support the use of A1AT in therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the application of A1AT in clinical and laboratory settings human and animal models., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Mazzuca, Vitiello, Travaglini, Maurizi, Finamore, Santangelo, Rigon, Vadacca, Angeletti and Scarlata.)
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- 2024
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12. The geo domain: a review on the conceptualization of geographical and geopolitical entities.
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Falcinelli I, Fini C, Mazzuca C, and Borghi AM
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Investigating how people represent the natural environment and abstract it into geographical (e.g., mountain ) and geopolitical (e.g., city ) categories is pivotal to comprehending how they move and interact with the places they inhabit. Yet, the conceptualization of geographical and geopolitical domains has received scant attention so far. To deal with that, we reviewed 50 articles tackling this topic. Most studies have focused on assessing the universality of these concepts-especially geographical ones-mainly using free-listing and ethnophysiographic methods. Current perspectives tend to favor a non-universalistic characterization of these kinds of concepts, emphasizing their high cross-linguistic and cross-cultural variability, especially when compared to other semantic domains. Since geographical and geopolitical features are not pre-segmented by nature, the role of categories imposed by humans is crucial for these concepts. Significantly, their variability does not only depend on "cross" differences: evidence suggests that the cognitive demand requested by the task, idiosyncratic characteristics of individuals such as expertise level, and the typology of inhabited environments are further factors impacting the conceptual flexibility of these domains. Exploring the factors influencing our understanding of geographical and geopolitical categories can provide valuable insights for instructing effective communication policies to enhance sustainable development and address ecological emergencies, taking into consideration diverse cultural backgrounds within different populations., Competing Interests: AB and CF are Specialty Chief Editor of Frontiers in Psychology: Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Falcinelli, Fini, Mazzuca and Borghi.)
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- 2024
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13. Perspectives in the validation of DEFASE: a paradigm shift in food allergy management.
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Arasi S, Mazzuca C, Urbani S, Cafarotti A, and Fiocchi A
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- Humans, Immunoglobulin E immunology, Allergens immunology, Clinical Decision-Making, Food Hypersensitivity immunology, Food Hypersensitivity therapy, Food Hypersensitivity diagnosis, Severity of Illness Index
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Purpose of Review: To explore the groundbreaking international consensus on the DEFASE (DEfinition of Food Allergy Severity) project as a revolutionary grading system for IgE-mediated food allergy severity. Against the backdrop of the growing public health challenge posed by food allergy, this article delves into the importance of validating and implementing DEFASE in real-world clinical settings., Recent Findings: With new therapeutic options available for food allergy, including biologics alongside immunotherapy, it is urgent to properly support clinical decision-making in the management of the disease. The DEFASE score is the first international consensus-based grading system of severity associated with food allergy as a whole disease embracing multidisciplinary perspectives from different stakeholders involved. In its current version, this comprehensive scoring system has been developed to be used in research settings., Summary: The review emphasizes the potential impact of DEFASE on patient outcomes, healthcare management, and resource allocation, underscoring its significance for the allergy scientific community. Future research should focus on internal and external validation of the scoring system, targeting these models to various food allergenic sources, populations, and settings., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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14. Perspectives in precautionary allergen labelling of prepackaged foods after the FAO/WHO consultation.
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Fierro V, Mazzuca C, Urbani S, Dahdah L, Calandrelli V, Valluzzi RL, and Giulio D
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- Humans, United Nations, Food Safety methods, Food Labeling standards, Food Hypersensitivity prevention & control, Food Hypersensitivity immunology, Allergens immunology, World Health Organization
- Abstract
Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the perspectives regarding precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) of prepackaged foods following the consultation conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the WHO., Recent Findings: The FAO/WHO consultation provided a comprehensive assessment of the current status and practices of PAL implementation worldwide. One of the key findings highlighted by the Expert Committee was the need for improvement in existing PAL systems. It was noted that many countries lacked uniformity in PAL practices, leading to inconsistencies in labelling and potentially misleading information for consumers. Furthermore, the consultation emphasized the importance of PAL being risk-based, taking into account both the amount and frequency of unintended allergen presence (UAP) in food products., Summary: The FAO/WHO consultation shed light on various perspectives and challenges associated with PAL of prepackaged foods. Key findings emphasized the need for improvement in existing PAL systems, including the adoption of a risk-based approach, standardized regulations, and enhanced transparency. Moving forward, collaborative efforts between regulatory agencies, food manufacturers, and consumer advocacy groups will be essential in developing effective PAL strategies that prioritize consumer safety and well being., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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15. SERS nanostructures with engineered active peptides against an immune checkpoint protein.
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Gobbo M, Caligiuri I, Giannetti M, Litti L, Mazzuca C, Rizzolio F, Palleschi A, and Meneghetti M
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- Humans, Female, Immune Checkpoint Proteins, B7-H1 Antigen, Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor, Peptides chemistry, Adenocarcinoma, Breast Neoplasms, Nanostructures
- Abstract
The immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein is expressed by tumor cells and it suppresses the killer activity of CD8
+ T-lymphocyte cells binding to the programmed death 1 (PD-1) protein of these immune cells. Binding to either PD-L1 or PD1 is used for avoiding the inactivation of CD8+ T-lymphocyte cells. We report, for the first time, Au plasmonic nanostructures with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties (SERS nanostructures) and functionalized with an engineered peptide (CLP002: Trp-His-Arg-Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Thr-Trp-Asn-Leu-Asn-Thr), which targets PD-L1. Molecular dynamics calculations are used to describe the interaction of the targeting peptide with PD-L1 in the region where the interaction with PD-1 occurs, showing also the poor targeting activity of a peptide with the same amino acids, but a scrambled sequence. The results are confirmed experimentally since a very good targeting activity is observed against the MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line, which overexpresses PD-L1. A good activity is observed, in particular, for SERS nanostructures where the CLP002-engineered peptide is linked to the nanostructure surface with a short charged amino acid sequence and a long PEG chain. The results show that the functionalized SERS nanostructures show very good targeting of the immune checkpoint PD-L1.- Published
- 2024
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16. Botanical Impurities in the Supply Chain: A New Allergenic Risk Exacerbated by Geopolitical Challenges.
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Dinardo G, Dahdah L, Cafarotti A, Arasi S, Fierro V, Pecora V, Mazzuca C, Urbani S, Artesani MC, Riccardi C, Valluzzi RL, Indolfi C, Miraglia Del Giudice M, and Fiocchi A
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- Humans, Food, Food Safety, Risk Assessment, Allergens analysis, Food Hypersensitivity
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Background: The supply chains of food raw materials have recently been heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Products that came from, or transited through, areas currently in conflict are now preferentially supplied from alternative areas. These changes may entail risks for food safety., Methods: We review the potential allergenicity of botanical impurities, specifically vegetable contaminants, with particular attention to the contamination of vegetable oils. We delve into the diverse types of botanical impurities, their sources, and the associated allergenic potential. Our analysis encompasses an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing botanical impurities in food labeling., Results: Unintended plant-derived contaminants may manifest in raw materials during various stages of food production, processing, or storage, posing a risk of allergic reactions for individuals with established food allergies. Issues may arise from natural occurrence, cross-contamination in the supply chain, and contamination at during production. The food and food service industries are responsible for providing and preparing foods that are safe for people with food allergies: we address the challenges inherent in risk assessment of botanical impurities., Conclusions: The presence of botanical impurities emerges as a significant risk factor for food allergies in the 2020s. We advocate for regulatory authorities to fortify labeling requirements and develop robust risk assessment tools. These measures are necessary to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks posed by these contaminants.
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- 2024
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17. Investigation into the Influence of the Process Parameters on the Stability of a Poly(Vinyl)-Alcohol-Based Coating System.
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Canale VC, Paleari L, Bragaglia M, Petrella G, Severini L, Nanni F, Mazzuca C, and Palleschi A
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Most tablets put on the market are coated with polymers soluble in water. The Opadry II 85 series from Colorcon Inc., is a family of PVA-based products marketed since the 1990s. Despite numerous publications on the properties of PVA, to date, limited work has been undertaken to determine the physico-chemical parameters (i.e., UV light, high temperature, and relative humidity) that could affect the performance of PVA-based coatings. To this end, we performed artificial ageing processes on samples made of Opadry Orange II or of some selected components of this coating and analysed them by means of a multidisciplinary approach, using, for example, FTIR, NMR, rheology, and DMTA measurements. In this way, we analysed the influence of the critical components of the Opadry Orange II formula, such as titanium dioxide and aluminium hydroxide, on the coating characteristics under ageing conditions.
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- 2024
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18. Consensus Paper: Current Perspectives on Abstract Concepts and Future Research Directions.
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Banks B, Borghi AM, Fargier R, Fini C, Jonauskaite D, Mazzuca C, Montalti M, Villani C, and Woodin G
- Abstract
concepts are relevant to a wide range of disciplines, including cognitive science, linguistics, psychology, cognitive, social, and affective neuroscience, and philosophy. This consensus paper synthesizes the work and views of researchers in the field, discussing current perspectives on theoretical and methodological issues, and recommendations for future research. In this paper, we urge researchers to go beyond the traditional abstract-concrete dichotomy and consider the multiple dimensions that characterize concepts (e.g., sensorimotor experience, social interaction, conceptual metaphor), as well as the mediating influence of linguistic and cultural context on conceptual representations. We also promote the use of interactive methods to investigate both the comprehension and production of abstract concepts, while also focusing on individual differences in conceptual representations. Overall, we argue that abstract concepts should be studied in a more nuanced way that takes into account their complexity and diversity, which should permit us a fuller, more holistic understanding of abstract cognition., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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19. Grounded Cognition, Linguistic Relativity, and Abstract Concepts.
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Borghi AM and Mazzuca C
- Subjects
- Humans, Concept Formation, Language, Models, Theoretical, Cognition, Linguistics
- Abstract
Kemmerer's paper convincingly claims that the grounded cognition model (GCM) entails linguistic relativity. Here, we underline that tackling linguistic relativity and cultural differences is vital for GCM. First, it allows GCM to focus more on flexible rather than stable aspects of cognition. Second, it highlights the centrality of linguistic experience for human cognition. While GCM-inspired research underscored the similarity between linguistic and nonlinguistic concepts, it is now paramount to understand when and how language(s) influence knowledge. To this aim, we argue that linguistic variation might be particularly relevant for more abstract concepts-which are more debatable and open to revisions., (© 2023 The Authors. Topics in Cognitive Science published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Cognitive Science Society.)
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- 2023
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20. Reactivity to allergenic food contaminants: A study on products on the market.
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Fiocchi A, Monaci L, De Angelis E, Calandrelli V, Dahdah L, Valluzzi R, Urbani S, Mazzuca C, Arasi S, Cafarotti A, Riccardi C, Artesani MC, Putignani L, Pecora V, Marzano V, and Fierro V
- Abstract
Background: The frequency and severity of reactions in food-allergic consumers exposed to unintentional food allergen contamination during production is unknown. To warn allergic consumers, it has been suggested for pre-packaged foods to be precautionary labelled when the food allergen contamination may exceed the amount to which 1%-5% of the population could react (ED01-ED05). ED01 for hazelnut and milk have been estimated at 0.1 and 0.2 mg, respectively, by the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) initiative. The respective reference doses recommended by the FAO/WHO Codex consultation are 3 and 2 mg. We evaluated the reactivity to potential traces of milk and hazelnut allergens in allergen-free pre-packaged products by children affected by severe allergies to milk and hazelnuts., Methods: Oral Food Challenges with commercially available hazelnut-free wafer biscuits and milk-free chocolate pralines were administered to patients with severe food allergies to hazelnut and cow's milk, respectively. Contamination levels of milk or hazelnut allergens were measured using chromatographic separation interfaced with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry., Results: No hazelnut allergic patient showed allergic reactions to exposure to biscuits, nor any milk allergic patient displayed allergic reactions to the dark chocolate praline. While no hazelnut trace was detected in biscuits, the praline was found to be contaminated by milk at concentrations ranging between 8 and 35 mg total protein/kg food. In our dose model, these amounts exceeded 1.5-10 times the VITAL ED01 and reached the threshold suggested by the FAO/WHO Codex consultation., Conclusions: Upon the consumption of food products available on the market, many patients with severe food allergies tolerate significantly higher doses of allergen than reference doses indicated in the VITAL system used for precautionary allergen labelling. These doses support the safety of the FAO/WHO recommended reference doses., (© 2023 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Allergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.)
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- 2023
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21. Ultrasound-Stimulated PVA Microbubbles as a Green and Handy Tool for the Cleaning of Cellulose-Based Materials.
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Severini L, D'Andrea A, Redi M, Dabagov SB, Guglielmotti V, Hampai D, Micheli L, Cancelliere R, Domenici F, Mazzuca C, Paradossi G, and Palleschi A
- Abstract
One of the main issues in the cultural heritage field of restoration chemistry is the identification of greener and more effective methods for the wet cleaning of paper artefacts, which serve as witnesses to human history and custodians of cultural values. In this context, we propose a biocompatible method to perform wet cleaning on paper based on the use of 1 MHz ultrasound in combination with water-dispersed polyvinyl alcohol microbubbles (PVAMBs), followed by dabbing with PVA-based hydrogel. This method can be applied to both old and new papers. FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, HPLC analysis, pH measurements and tensile tests were performed on paper samples, to assess the efficacy of the cleaning system. According to the results, ultrasound-activated PVAMB application allows for an efficient interaction with rough and porous cellulose paper profiles, promoting the removal of cellulose degradation byproducts, while the following hydrogel dabbing treatment guarantees the removal of cleaning materials residues. Moreover, the results also pointed out that after the treatment no thermal or mechanical damages had affected the paper. In conclusion, the readability of these kinds of artifacts can be improved without causing an alteration of their structural properties, while mitigating the risk of ink diffusion.
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- 2023
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22. Molecular origin of the two-step mechanism of gellan aggregation.
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Tavagnacco L, Chiessi E, Severini L, Franco S, Buratti E, Capocefalo A, Brasili F, Mosca Conte A, Missori M, Angelini R, Sennato S, Mazzuca C, and Zaccarelli E
- Abstract
Among hydrocolloids, gellan is one of the most studied polysaccharides due to its ability to form mechanically stable gels. Despite its long-standing use, the gellan aggregation mechanism is still not understood because of the lack of atomistic information. Here, we fill this gap by developing a new gellan force field. Our simulations offer the first microscopic overview of gellan aggregation, detecting the coil to single-helix transition at dilute conditions and the formation of higher-order aggregates at high concentration through a two-step process: first, the formation of double helices and then their assembly into superstructures. For both steps, we also assess the role of monovalent and divalent cations, complementing simulations with rheology and atomic force microscopy experiments and highlighting the leading role of divalent cations. These results pave the way for future use of gellan-based systems in a variety of applications, from food science to art restoration.
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- 2023
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23. An Insight into the Degradation Processes of the Anti-Hypertensive Drug Furosemide.
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Giannetti M, Canale VC, Micheli L, Fiori M, Mazzuca C, and Palleschi A
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- Antihypertensive Agents pharmacology, Oxygen, Furosemide chemistry, Diuretics pharmacology, Diuretics chemistry
- Abstract
Furosemide (FUR), an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) belonging to a group of drugs known as loop diuretics, has widespread use, but, is characterized by a strong instability to light, which causes chemical transformations that could give a yellowing phenomenon and have a significant impact from a health and marketing point of view. Many studies have tried to explain this phenomenon under different experimental conditions, but no detailed explanation of the yellowing phenomenon has been provided. This work, unlike the others, provides an overall view and explanation of the behavior of FUR in relation to the yellowing phenomenon, both in the solution and in solid state, considering several aspects, such as light exposure, presence of oxygen, and moisture effects.
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- 2023
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24. Inspection on the Mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 Inhibition by Penciclovir: A Molecular Dynamic Study.
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Giannetti M, Mazzuca C, Ripani G, and Palleschi A
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- Humans, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Antiviral Agents pharmacology, Antiviral Agents metabolism, RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase, Nucleotides, RNA, RNA, Viral, Molecular Docking Simulation, SARS-CoV-2 metabolism, COVID-19
- Abstract
In recent years, humanity has had to face a critical pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2. In the rapid search for effective drugs against this RNA-positive virus, the repurposing of already existing nucleotide/nucleoside analogs able to stop RNA replication by inhibiting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme has been evaluated. In this process, a valid contribution has been the use of in silico experiments, which allow for a rapid evaluation of the possible effectiveness of the proposed drugs. Here we propose a molecular dynamic study to provide insight into the inhibition mechanism of Penciclovir, a nucleotide analog on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme. Besides the presented results, in this article, for the first time, molecular dynamic simulations have been performed considering not only the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase protein, but also its cofactors (fundamental for RNA replication) and double-strand RNA.
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- 2022
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25. The Role of Gut Bacteriome in Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
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Bikov A, Dragonieri S, Csoma B, Mazzuca C, Finamore P, Rocchi G, Putignani L, Guarino M, and Scarlata S
- Abstract
The human body contains a very complex and dynamic ecosystem of bacteria. The bacteriome interacts with the host bi-directionally, and changes in either factor impact the entire system. It has long been known that chronic airway diseases are associated with disturbances in the lung bacteriome. However, less is known about the role of gut bacteriome in the most common respiratory diseases. Here, we aim to summarise the evidence concerning the role of the intestinal bacteriome in the pathogenesis and disease course of bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, we discuss the consequences of an altered gut bacteriome on the most common comorbidities of these lung diseases. Lastly, we also reflect on the therapeutic potential of influencing the gut microbiome to improve disease outcomes.
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- 2022
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26. Abstractness emerges progressively over the second year of life.
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Bellagamba F, Borghi AM, Mazzuca C, Pecora G, Ferrara F, and Fogel A
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- Child, Female, Humans, Laboratories, Language Development, Mothers, Concept Formation, Data Accuracy
- Abstract
words, terms not referring to here and now, are acquired slowly in infancy. They are difficult to acquire as they are more detached from sensory modalities than concrete words. Recent theories propose that, because of their complexity, other people are pivotal for abstract concepts' acquisition and use. Eight children (4 girls) and their mothers were observed longitudinally and extensively from 12 to 24 months of age. Video recordings of mother-infant free play with toys were done every two weeks in a laboratory setting with families in the USA. Children progressively use a range of words referring to abstract concepts, with a major shift from 12 to 15 months and again from 22 to 24 months, but the qualitative data testify an incremental growth of abstract concepts. We identified a progression in the acquisition of words denoting abstract concepts in relation to the overall productive vocabulary, suggesting that having more abstract terms in one's vocabulary promotes faster language acquisition., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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27. Bodily, emotional, and public sphere at the time of COVID-19. An investigation on concrete and abstract concepts.
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Mazzuca C, Falcinelli I, Michalland AH, Tummolini L, and Borghi AM
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- Communicable Disease Control, Concept Formation, Emotions, Humans, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Abstract
The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemics has dramatically affected people's lives. Among newly established practices, it has likely enriched our conceptual representations with new components. We tested this by asking Italian participants during the first lockdown to rate a set of diverse words on several crucial dimensions. We found concepts are organized along a main axis opposing internal and external grounding, with fine-grained distinctions within the two categories underlining the role of emotions. We also show through a comparison with existing data that Covid-19 impacted the organization of conceptual representations. For instance, subclasses of abstract concepts that are usually distinct converge into a unitary group, characterized by emotions and internal grounding. Additionally, we found institutional and Covid-19 related concepts, for which participants felt more the need for others to understand the meaning, clustered together. Our results show that the spread of Covid-19 has simultaneously changed our lives and shaped our conceptual representations., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2022
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28. Abstract Concepts, Social Interaction, and Beliefs.
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Borghi AM, Fini C, and Mazzuca C
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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- 2022
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29. Extra-Low Dosage Graphene Oxide Cementitious Nanocomposites: A Nano- to Macroscale Approach.
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Chougan M, Lamastra FR, Bolli E, Caschera D, Kaciulis S, Mazzuca C, Montesperelli G, Ghaffar SH, Al-Kheetan MJ, and Bianco A
- Abstract
The impact of extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) Graphene Oxide (GO) on the properties of fresh and hardened nanocomposites was assessed. The use of a minimum amount of 2-D nanofiller would minimize costs and sustainability issues, therefore encouraging the market uptake of nanoengineered cement-based materials. GO was characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. GO consisted of stacked sheets up to 600 nm × 800 nm wide and 2 nm thick, oxygen content 31 at%. The impact of GO on the fresh admixtures was evaluated by rheology, flowability, and workability measurements. GO-modified samples were characterized by density measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and compression and bending tests. Permeability was investigated using the boiling-water saturation technique, salt ponding test, and Initial Surface Absorption Test (ISAT). At 28 days, GO-nanocomposite exhibited increased density (+14%), improved compressive and flexural strength (+29% and +13%, respectively), and decreased permeability compared to the control sample. The strengthening effect dominated over the adverse effects associated with the worsening of the fresh properties; reduced permeability was mainly attributed to the refining of the pore network induced by the presence of GO.
- Published
- 2021
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30. From Affordances to Abstract Words: The Flexibility of Sensorimotor Grounding.
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Mazzuca C, Fini C, Michalland AH, Falcinelli I, Da Rold F, Tummolini L, and Borghi AM
- Abstract
The sensorimotor system plays a critical role in several cognitive processes. Here, we review recent studies documenting this interplay at different levels. First, we concentrate on studies that have shown how the sensorimotor system is flexibly involved in interactions with objects. We report evidence demonstrating how social context and situations influence affordance activation, and then focus on tactile and kinesthetic components in body-object interactions. Then, we turn to word use, and review studies that have shown that not only concrete words, but also abstract words are grounded in the sensorimotor system. We report evidence that abstract concepts activate the mouth effector more than concrete concepts, and discuss this effect in light of studies on adults, children, and infants. Finally, we pinpoint possible sensorimotor mechanisms at play in the acquisition and use of abstract concepts. Overall, we show that the involvement of the sensorimotor system is flexibly modulated by context, and that its role can be integrated and flanked by that of other systems such as the linguistic system. We suggest that to unravel the role of the sensorimotor system in cognition, future research should fully explore the complexity of this intricate, and sometimes slippery, relation.
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- 2021
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31. Toward a Reversible Consolidation of Paper Materials Using Cellulose Nanocrystals.
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Operamolla A, Mazzuca C, Capodieci L, Di Benedetto F, Severini L, Titubante M, Martinelli A, Castelvetro V, and Micheli L
- Abstract
An innovative consolidation strategy for degraded paper is presented based on the reversible application of cellulose nanocrystals as sustainable fillers to reinforce mechanical properties and resistance to further degradation. The compatibility and efficacy of the proposed consolidation treatment are assessed first on pure cellulose paper, used as a model, by reliable techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, tensile tests, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, evidencing the influence of the surface functionalization of nanocellulose on the consolidation and protection effects. Then, the consolidation technique is applied to real aged paper samples from Breviarium romanum ad usum Fratrum Minorum S.P. (1738), demonstrating the promising potential of the suggested approach. Amperometric measurements, carried out with a smart electrochemical tool developed in our laboratory, demonstrate the reversibility of the proposed treatment by removal of the nanocrystalline cellulose from the paper surface with a suitable cleaning hydrogel. This completely new feature of the consolidation treatment proposed here satisfies a pivotal requisite in cultural heritage conservation because the methodological requirement for the ″reversibility″ of any conservation measure is a fundamental goal for restorers. A paper artifact, in fact, is subject to a number of natural and man-made hazards, inducing continuous degradation. With time, monitoring and consolidation actions need to be often performed to ensure conservation, and this tends to modify the status quo and compromise the artifact integrity. Removable treatments can potentially avoid erosion of the artifact integrity.
- Published
- 2021
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32. Differences and similarities in the conceptualization of COVID-19 and other diseases in the first Italian lockdown.
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Mazzuca C, Falcinelli I, Michalland AH, Tummolini L, and Borghi AM
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Italy epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Quarantine psychology, Stress, Psychological psychology, COVID-19 psychology, Concept Formation, Stress, Psychological epidemiology
- Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the flexible character of our conceptual system. However, less is known about the construction of meaning and the impact of novel concepts on the structuring of our conceptual space. We addressed these questions by collecting free listing data from Italian participants on a newly-and yet nowadays critical-introduced concept, i.e., COVID-19, during the first Italian lockdown. We also collected data for other five illness-related concepts. Our results show that COVID-19's representation is mostly couched in the emotional sphere, predominantly evoking fear-linked to both possible health-related concerns and social-emotional ones. In contrast with initial public debates we found that participants did not assimilate COVID-19 neither completely to severe illnesses (e.g., tumor) nor completely to mild illnesses (e.g., flu). Moreover, we also found that COVID-19 has shaped conceptual relations of other concepts in the illness domain, making certain features and associations more salient (e.g., flu-fear; disease-mask). Overall, our results show for the first time how a novel, real concept molds existing conceptual relations, testifying the malleability of our conceptual system., (© 2021. The Author(s).)
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- 2021
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33. Ultrasound-Stimulated PVA Microbubbles for Adhesive Removal from Cellulose-Based Materials: A Groundbreaking Low-Impact Methodology.
- Author
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D'Andrea A, Severini L, Domenici F, Dabagov S, Guglielmotti V, Hampai D, Micheli L, Placidi E, Titubante M, Mazzuca C, Paradossi G, and Palleschi A
- Abstract
In this work, we shed new light on ultrasound contrast agents applied to the field of cultural heritage as an invaluable fine-tune cleaning tool for paper artworks. In this context, one of the primary and challenging issues is the removal of modern adhesives from paper artifacts. Modern adhesives are synthetic polymers whose presence enhances paper degradation and worsens its optical features. A thorough analytical and high-spatial-resolution combined study was successfully performed to test the capability of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based microbubbles stimulated by a proper noninvasive 1 MHz ultrasound field exposure in removing these adhesives from paper surfaces, in the absence of volatile invasive and toxic chemicals and without damaging paper and/or leaving residues. We demonstrate that poly(vinyl alcohol)-shelled microbubbles are suitable for interacting with paper surfaces, targeting and boosting in a few minutes the nondamaging removal of adhesive particles from paper samples thanks to their peculiar shell composition together with their ultrasound dynamics.
- Published
- 2021
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34. From nanoaggregates to mesoscale ribbons: the multistep self-organization of amphiphilic peptides.
- Author
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Messina GML, Mazzuca C, Dettin M, Zamuner A, Di Napoli B, Ripani G, Marletta G, and Palleschi A
- Abstract
This paper reports atomic force microscopy results and molecular dynamics simulations of the striking differences of long-term self-organization structures of negatively charged (AcA
4 )2 KD (double tail) and AcA4 D (single tail) peptides, respectively, forming micrometer-long, linearly ordered ribbon-like structures and nanometer-sized, unstructured, round-shaped aggregates. The subsequent formation steps of the long-range nanoribbons, experimentally observed only for the "double tail" (AcA4 )2 KD peptide, are analyzed in detail, showing that the initial "primary" unstructured round-shaped aggregates progressively evolve into longer nanofilaments and into micrometer-long, network-forming nanoribbon moieties. In particular, the long-range self-organization of the "double tail" peptides appears to be closely related to electrostatically driven diffusional motions of the primary aggregates and nanofilaments. The diffusional freedom degrees are prompted by the formation of a dynamic ternary air/liquid/substrate interface, due to the water evaporation process from the ultrathin films of the peptide solution cast onto a solid mica substrate. Overall, the initial aggregation of unstructured round-shaped moieties, for both the peptides, can be seen as an entropy-driven process, involving the intra- and intermolecular interactions of hydrophobic parts of the peptides, while the further formation of long nanoribbons, only for "double tail" peptides, can be viewed in terms of an enthalpy-driven process, mainly due to the predominant electrostatic interactions between the charged heads of the interacting peptides. The role of the solid-liquid interface, as the locus of the enthalpy-driven linear organization, is also highlighted., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)- Published
- 2021
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35. Assessing the impact of previous experience on lie effects through a transfer paradigm.
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Mazzuca C, Benassi M, Nicoletti R, Sartori G, and Lugli L
- Abstract
Influential lines of research propose dual processes-based explanations to account for both the cognitive cost implied in lying and for that entailed in the resolution of the conflict posited by Simon tasks. The emergence and consistency of the Simon effect has been proved to be modulated by both practice effects and transfer effects. Although several studies provided evidence that the lying cognitive demand may vary as a function of practice, whether and how transfer effects could also play a role remains an open question. We addressed this question with one experiment in which participants completed a Differentiation of Deception Paradigm twice (baseline and test sessions). Crucially, between the baseline and the test sessions, participants performed a training session consisting in a spatial compatibility task with incompatible (condition 1) or compatible (condition 2) mapping, a non-spatial task (condition 3) and a no task one (condition 4). Results speak in favour of a modulation of individual performances by means of an immediate prior experience, and specifically with an incompatible spatial training.
- Published
- 2021
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36. Abstract Words as Social Tools: Which Necessary Evidence?
- Author
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Borghi AM, Mazzuca C, Da Rold F, Falcinelli I, Fini C, Michalland AH, and Tummolini L
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2021
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37. Phytocomplex Influences Antimicrobial and Health Properties of Concentrated Glycerine Macerates.
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Di Vito M, Gentile M, Mattarelli P, Barbanti L, Micheli L, Mazzuca C, Garzoli S, Titubante M, Vitali A, Cacaci M, Sanguinetti M, and Bugli F
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to correlate the chemical composition of four commercial concentrated glycerine macerates (C-GMs), produced through the same extraction method, with their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, in order to evaluate their potential for healing upper airway diseases. C-GMs of Carpinus betulus (CB), Ficus carica (FC), Alnus glutinosa (AG) and Ribes nigrum (RN) were studied. The quality was evaluated using HPLC and IM-SPME/GC-MS systems; anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities were assessed by the respective DPPH test, and micro-broth dilution test performed against 10 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes and 10 probiotic strains. ELISA and MTT tests were used to assess the immunomodulatory activity and the cytotoxicity of C-GMs, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the number of active compounds and the in vitro C-GMs effectiveness. Furthermore, the C-GMs of AG showed the best anti-microbial activity on pathological strains and, together with CB, the best anti-oxidant activity. The ELISA test exhibited a good immunomodulatory activity of RN. In vitro data support the integrated use of C-GMs of CB, AG, and RN in presence of airway diseases, and highlight the importance of standard procedures in cultivation, harvest and post-harvest treatments, as a premise for C-GMs with consistent characteristics.
- Published
- 2020
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38. Conceptualisations of landscape differ across European languages.
- Author
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van Putten S, O'Meara C, Wartmann F, Yager J, Villette J, Mazzuca C, Bieling C, Burenhult N, Purves R, and Majid A
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Europe, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Concept Formation, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Environment, Language
- Abstract
Policies aimed at sustainable landscape management recognise the importance of multiple cultural viewpoints, but the notion of landscape itself is implicitly assumed to be homogeneous across speech communities. We tested this assumption by collecting data about the concept of "landscape" from speakers of seven languages of European origin. Speakers were asked to freely list exemplars to "landscape" (a concrete concept for which the underlying conceptual structure is unclear), "animals" (a concrete and discrete concept) and "body parts" (a concrete concept characterised by segmentation). We found, across languages, participants considered listing landscape terms the hardest task, listed fewest exemplars, had the least number of shared exemplars, and had fewer common co-occurrence pairs (i.e., pairs of exemplars listed adjacently). We also found important differences between languages in the types of exemplars that were cognitively salient and, most importantly, in how the exemplars are connected to each other in semantic networks. Overall, this shows that "landscape" is more weakly structured than other domains, with high variability both within and between languages. This diversity suggests that for sustainable landscape policies to be effective, they need to be better tailored to local conceptualisations., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2020
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39. Overusing the pacifier during infancy sets a footprint on abstract words processing.
- Author
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Barca L, Mazzuca C, and Borghi AM
- Subjects
- Child, Emotions, Female, Humans, Infant, Language, Male, Reaction Time physiology, Semantics, Verbal Learning, Articulation Disorders diagnosis, Language Development, Pacifiers
- Abstract
Perturbations to the speech articulators induced by frequently using an interfering object during infancy (i.e., pacifier) might shape children's language experience and the building of conceptual representations. Seventy-one typically developing third graders performed a semantic categorization task with abstract, concrete and emotional words. Children who used the pacifier for a more extended period were slower than the others. Moreover, overusing the pacifier increased response time of abstract words, whereas emotional and (above all) concrete words were less affected. Results support the view that abstract words are grounded both in perception-action and in linguistic experience.
- Published
- 2020
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40. Gellan Gum Microgels as Effective Agents for a Rapid Cleaning of Paper.
- Author
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Di Napoli B, Franco S, Severini L, Tumiati M, Buratti E, Titubante M, Nigro V, Gnan N, Micheli L, Ruzicka B, Mazzuca C, Angelini R, Missori M, and Zaccarelli E
- Abstract
Microgel particles have emerged in the past few years as a favorite model system for fundamental science and for innovative applications ranging from the industrial to biomedical fields. Despite their potentialities, no works so far have focused on the application of microgels for cultural heritage preservation. Here we show their first use for this purpose, focusing on wet paper cleaning. Exploiting their retentive properties, microgels are able to clean paper, ensuring more controlled water release from the gel matrix, in analogy to their macroscopic counterpart, i.e., hydrogels. However, differently from these, the reduced size of microgels makes them suitable to efficiently penetrate in the porous structure of the paper and to easily adapt to the irregular surfaces of the artifacts. To test their cleaning abilities, we prepare microgels made of Gellan gum, a natural and widespread material already used as a hydrogel for paper cleaning, and apply them to modern and ancient paper samples. Combining several diagnostic methods, we show that microgels performances in the removal of cellulose degradation byproducts for ancient samples are superior to commonly employed hydrogels and water bath treatments. This is due to the composition and morphology of ancient paper, which facilitates microgels penetration. For modern paper cleaning, performances are at least comparable to the other methods. In all cases, the application of microgels takes place on a time scale of a few minutes, opening the way for widespread use as a rapid and efficient cleaning protocol., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.)
- Published
- 2020
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41. Polyvinyl alcohol based hydrogels as new tunable materials for application in the cultural heritage field.
- Author
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Mazzuca C, Severini L, Domenici F, Toumia Y, Mazzotta F, Micheli L, Titubante M, Di Napoli B, Paradossi G, and Palleschi A
- Subjects
- Biocompatible Materials chemical synthesis, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Materials Testing, Particle Size, Polyvinyl Alcohol chemical synthesis, Surface Properties, Biocompatible Materials chemistry, Polyvinyl Alcohol chemistry
- Abstract
Hydrogel-based cleaning of paper artworks is an increasingly widespread process in the cultural heritage field. However, the search for tuned (compatible, highly retentive and not perishable) hydrogels is a challenging open question. In this paper, a complete characterization of chemical hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinked with telechelic PVA and their remarkable performances as gels for cleaning paper artworks are reported. The rheological properties, porosity, water content of these gels were determined and analyzed as a function of the components concentration during synthesis. Due mechanical and retentive properties, the reported gels are optimum candidates for paper cleaning applications. The efficacy of these PVA-based gels has been demonstrated applying them on the surface of the sheets of several paper artworks, and characterizing the samples before and after the cleaning process by means of a multidisciplinary approach involving spectroscopic and chromatographic tests., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declare no conflicts of interest and no competing financial interest, (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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42. Omalizumab in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: friend or foe? A systematic literature review.
- Author
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Basta F, Mazzuca C, Nucera E, Schiavino D, Afeltra A, and Antonelli Incalzi R
- Subjects
- Asthma complications, Humans, Omalizumab adverse effects, Asthma therapy, Churg-Strauss Syndrome complications, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis complications, Omalizumab therapeutic use
- Abstract
Objectives: To systematically evaluate, through a Medline search, the role of omalizumab in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)., Methods: A systematic review was performed with the following inclusion criteria: original articles and case reports written in English and reporting an association between omalizumab and EGPA., Results: We found 18 papers on EGPA (14 case reports, 3 retrospective cohort studies, 1 prospective cohort study). Omalizumab showed to be effective as corticosteroid-sparing agent in EGPA patients with severe asthmatic manifestations. On the contrary, conflicting results concerned its use in refractory forms of EGPA. Plausible is the increased risk of EGPA onset among asthmatic patients treated with omalizumab, probably related to steroid reduction, even if it cannot be excluded that omalizumab might be occasionally directly involved in the pathogenesis., Conclusions: Our findings support the use of omalizumab in selected forms of EGPA, but caution in the tapering of corticosteroids is also recommended. Quality of evidence is limited, as the source of information was mainly case reports. Clinical trials are required in order to evaluate the role of omalizumab in EGPA and to ascertain the risk of asthmatic patients given omalizumab to develop EGPA.
- Published
- 2020
43. Controlling the Formation of Peptide Films: Fully Developed Helical Peptides are Required to Obtain a Homogenous Coating over a Large Area.
- Author
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De Zotti M, Corvi G, Gatto E, Di Napoli B, Mazzuca C, Palleschi A, Placidi E, Biondi B, Crisma M, Formaggio F, Toniolo C, and Venanzi M
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Microscopy, Atomic Force, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Surface Properties, Water chemistry, X-Ray Diffraction, Aluminum Silicates chemistry, Graphite chemistry, Lipopeptides chemistry, Nanostructures chemistry
- Abstract
The influence of conformational dynamics on the self-assembly process of a conformationally constrained analogue of the natural antimicrobial peptide Trichogin GA IV was analysed by spectroscopic methods, microscopy imaging at nanometre resolution, and molecular dynamics simulations. The formation of peptide films at the air/water interface and their deposition on a graphite or a mica substrate were investigated. A combination of experimental evidence with molecular dynamics simulation was used to demonstrate that only the fully developed helical structure of the analogue promotes formation of ordered aggregates that nucleate the growth of micrometric rods, which give rise to homogenous coating over wide regions of the hydrophilic mica. This work proves the influence of helix flexibility on peptide self-organization and orientation on surfaces, key steps in the design of bioinspired organic/inorganic hybrid materials., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Trichogin GA IV Alignment and Oligomerization in Phospholipid Bilayers.
- Author
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Salnikov ES, De Zotti M, Bobone S, Mazzuca C, Raya J, Siano AS, Peggion C, Toniolo C, Stella L, and Bechinger B
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Models, Molecular, Molecular Structure, Surface Properties, Lipid Bilayers chemistry, Lipopeptides chemistry, Phospholipids chemistry
- Abstract
Trichogin GA IV is a short peptaibol with antimicrobial activity. This uncharged, but amphipathic, sequence is aligned at the membrane interface and undergoes a transition to an aggregated state that inserts more deeply into the membrane, an assembly that predominates at a peptide-to-lipid ratio (P/L) of 1:20. In this work, the natural trichogin sequence was prepared and reconstituted into oriented lipid bilayers. The
15 N NMR chemical shift is indicative of a well-defined alignment of the peptide parallel to the membrane surface at P/Ls of 1:120 and 1:20. When the P/L is increased to 1:8, an additional peptide topology is observed that is indicative of a heterogeneous orientation, with helix alignments ranging from around the magic angle to perfectly in-plane. The topological preference of the trichogin helix for an orientation parallel to the membrane surface was confirmed by attenuated total reflection FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore,19 F CODEX experiments were performed on a trichogin sequence with19 F-Phe at position 10. The CODEX decay is in agreement with a tetrameric complex, in which the19 F sites are about 9-9.5 Å apart. Thus, a model emerges in which the monomeric peptide aligns along the membrane surface. When the peptide concentration increases, first dimeric and then tetrameric assemblies form, made up from helices oriented predominantly parallel to the membrane surface. The formation of these aggregates correlates with the release of vesicle contents including relatively large molecules., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Pattern of sleep dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cluster analysis.
- Author
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Margiotta DPE, Laudisio A, Navarini L, Basta F, Mazzuca C, Angeletti S, Ciccozzi M, Incalzi RA, and Afeltra A
- Subjects
- Adult, Anxiety complications, Cluster Analysis, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Italy, Logistic Models, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic drug therapy, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Depression complications, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic complications, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic psychology, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders complications
- Abstract
Objectives: To investigate how the different components of sleep dysfunction described in SLE patients combine together in sleep clusters., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a perspective cohort of 79 SLE patients (mean age 8.2 ± 14.3 years). Sleep was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Clusters were defined using the single components of PSQI in a hierarchical clustering model. We used Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF36) to measure depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively., Results: Three sleep clusters were identified. The cluster 1 (N = 47) is characterized by the lowest values of PSQI total score. The cluster 2 (N = 21) presents higher values of sleep latency, but sleep duration similar to cluster 1. In cluster 3 (N = 11), we found sleep latency increased as in cluster 2, but the highest values of PSQI total score and reduced sleep duration. Scores of anxiety and sedentary time were higher in clusters 2 and 3 than in cluster 1. Cluster 3 presented the highest scores of depression and reduced mental and physical components of SF36., Conclusions: The combination of different sleep components in SLE patients allowed us to identify three patterns of dysfunction: a first cluster with better sleep latency and duration, a second with increased sleep latency but conserved duration, and a third with impairment of both latency and duration. The stratification of sleep disorders in clusters might be useful for the personalization of therapy in relation to sleep cluster membership.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Building Supramolecular DNA-Inspired Nanowires on Gold Surfaces: From 2D to 3D.
- Author
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Gatto E, Kubitzky S, Schriever M, Cesaroni S, Mazzuca C, Marafon G, Venanzi M, and De Zotti M
- Abstract
Three building blocks have been designed to chemically link to a gold surface and vertically self-assemble through thymine-adenine hydrogen bonds. Starting from these building blocks, two different films were engineered on gold surface. Film 1 consists of adenine linked to lipoic acid (Lipo-A) to covalently bind to the gold surface, and ZnTPP linked to a thymine (T-ZnTPP). Film 2 has an additional noncovalently linked layer: a helical undecapeptide analogue of the trichogin GA IV peptide, in which four glycines were replaced by four lysines to favor a helical conformation and reduce flexibility and the two extremities were functionalized with thymine and adenine to enable Lipo-A and T-ZnTPP binding, respectively. These films were characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, and were very stable over time and when in contact with solution. Under illumination, they could generate current with higher efficiency than similar previously described systems., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Molecular Sponge: pH-Driven Reversible Squeezing of Stimuli-Sensitive Peptide Monolayers.
- Author
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Messina GML, Di Napoli B, De Zotti M, Mazzuca C, Formaggio F, Palleschi A, and Marletta G
- Subjects
- Adsorption, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions, Particle Size, Surface Properties, Peptides chemistry
- Abstract
The cyclic change of structure, thickness, and density, with pH switching from acidic (pH = 3) to basic (pH = 11) condition, has been revealed for chemisorbed monolayers of the peptide Lipo-Aib-Lys-Leu-Aib-Lys-Lys-Leu-Aib-Lys-Ile-Lol, a trichogin GA IV-analogue carrying Lys residues instead of Gly ones at positions 2, 5, 6, and 9, while a homologous peptide not containing Lys residues does not show any response to pH changes. Experimental and theoretical results, obtained by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring, surface plasmon resonance, nanoplasmonic sensing technique, Fourier transform infrared-reflection attenuated spectroscopy and dynamic force spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations provide detailed information on the overall monolayer structure changes with pH, including the analysis of the intra- and interchain peptide dynamics, the structure of the peptide layer/water/solid interface, as well as the position and role of solvation and nonsolvation water. The observed stimuli-responsive behavior of L1 peptide monolayers is accounted in terms of the occurrence of a pH-induced wetting/dewetting process, due to the pH-induced switching of the hydrophilic character of charged lysine groups to hydrophobic one of the same uncharged groups, along the peptide chain. This behavior in turn promotes the collective change of the aggregation state of the peptide chains. The present results may pave the way to critically reexamine the mechanism of stimuli-responsive systems.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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48. Understanding the good and poor cell targeting activity of gold nanostructures functionalized with molecular units for the epidermal growth factor receptor.
- Author
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Mazzuca C, Di Napoli B, Biscaglia F, Ripani G, Rajendran S, Braga A, Benna C, Mocellin S, Gobbo M, Meneghetti M, and Palleschi A
- Abstract
Nanostructures can strongly interact with cells or other biological structures; furthermore when they are functionalized with targeting units, they are of great interest for a variety of applications in the biotechnology field like those for efficient imaging, diagnosis and therapy and in particular for cancer theranostics. Obtaining targeting with good specificity and sensitivity is a key necessity, which, however, is affected by the complexity of the interactions between the nanostructures and the biological components. In this work we report the study of specificity and sensitivity of gold nanoparticles functionalized with the peptide GE11 for the targeting of the epidermal growth factor receptor, expressed on many cells and, in particular, on many types of cancer cells. We show how a combination of spectroscopic measurements and molecular dynamics simulations allows the comprehension of the targeting activity of peptides linked to the surface of gold nanostructures and how the targeting is tuned by the presence of polyethylene glycol chains., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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49. Factors related to alexithymia in patients with systemic sclerosis: a tight relationship with facial image dissatisfaction.
- Author
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Basta F, Margiotta DPE, Mazzuca C, Batani V, Dolcini G, Moras P, Vadacca M, and Afeltra A
- Subjects
- Aged, Anxiety psychology, Depression psychology, Fatigue, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Pain, Quality of Life, Scleroderma, Systemic physiopathology, Sleep, Affective Symptoms psychology, Body Dissatisfaction psychology, Face, Scleroderma, Systemic psychology
- Abstract
To assess clinical and psychosocial factors related to alexithymia in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We enrolled 40 consecutive SSc patients in a cross-sectional study evaluating alexithymia with Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS-20). We measured Beck Depression inventory (BDI), Hamilton Anxiety rating scale (HAM-H), 36-Items Short-Form Healthy Survey (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP), and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS). The prevalence of alexithymia was 42%. Alexithymic patients presented increased depressive (p = ≤ 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p = ≤ 0.001), sleep disorders (p = 0.03), pain (p = 0.02), esthetic concerns (p = 0.03), disability in activities (p = 0.03) and reduced scores of SF-36 in mental components summary (MCS) (p = ≤ 0.001) and physical components summary (PCS) (p = 0.01). We found significant correlations with sleep disorders (r = 0.41, p = ≤ 0.001), BID (r = 0.35, p = 0.04), facial image dissatisfaction (r = 0.35, p = 0.04), mouth disability (r = 0.51, p = 0.005), depressive (r = 0.6, p = ≤ 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.48, p = ≤ 0.001), fatigue (r = - 0.45 p = 0.005), SF-36 PCS (r = - 0.51, p = ≤ 0.001) and MCS (r = - 0.65, p = ≤ 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, SWAP facial was the only variable associated with TAS-20 [0.99 (0.48) p = 0.05]. Alexithymia correlates with several psychosocial factors but seems strongly related to facial image dissatisfaction.
- Published
- 2019
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50. Abstract, emotional and concrete concepts and the activation of mouth-hand effectors.
- Author
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Mazzuca C, Lugli L, Benassi M, Nicoletti R, and Borghi AM
- Abstract
According to embodied and grounded theories, concepts are grounded in sensorimotor systems. The majority of evidence supporting these views concerns concepts referring to objects or actions, while evidence on abstract concepts is more scarce. Explaining how abstract concepts such as "freedom" are represented would thus be pivotal for grounded theories. According to some recent proposals, abstract concepts are grounded in both sensorimotor and linguistic experience, thus they activate the mouth motor system more than concrete concepts. Two experiments are reported, aimed at verifying whether abstract, concrete and emotional words activate the mouth and the hand effectors. In both experiments participants performed first a lexical decision, then a recognition task. In Experiment 1 participants responded by pressing a button either with the mouth or with the hand, in Experiment 2 responses were given with the foot, while a button held either in the mouth or in the hand was used to respond to catch-trials. Abstract words were slower to process in both tasks (concreteness effect). Across the tasks and experiments, emotional concepts had instead a fluctuating pattern, different from those of both concrete and abstract concepts, suggesting that they cannot be considered as a subset of abstract concepts. The interaction between type of concept (abstract, concrete and emotional) and effector (mouth, hand) was not significant in the lexical decision task, likely because it emerged only with tasks implying a deeper processing level. It reached significance, instead, in the recognition tasks. In both experiments abstract concepts were facilitated in the mouth condition compared to the hand condition, supporting our main prediction. Emotional concepts instead had a more variable pattern. Overall, our findings indicate that various kinds of concepts differently activate the mouth and hand effectors, but they also suggest that concepts activate effectors in a flexible and task-dependent way., Competing Interests: Anna M. Borghi is an Academic Editor for PeerJ.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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