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2. Five Level Triage vs. Four Level Triage in a Quaternary Emergency Department: National Analysis on Waiting Time, Validity, and Crowding—The CREONTE (Crowding and RE-Organization National TriagE) Study Group

Author

Savioli, G., Ceresa, I. F., Bressan, M. A., Piccini, G. B., Varesi, Pietro Antonio, Novelli, Valeria, Muzzi, Antonella, Cutti, S., Ricevuti, G., Esposito, Carlo, Voza, A., Desai, A., Longhitano, Y., Saviano, Angela, Piccioni, Andrea, Piccolella, F., Bellou, A., Zanza, C., Oddone, E., Varesi A. (ORCID:0000-0002-9189-2352), Novelli V., Muzzi A., Esposito C., Saviano A. (ORCID:0000-0002-2820-7180), Piccioni A., Savioli, G., Ceresa, I. F., Bressan, M. A., Piccini, G. B., Varesi, Pietro Antonio, Novelli, Valeria, Muzzi, Antonella, Cutti, S., Ricevuti, G., Esposito, Carlo, Voza, A., Desai, A., Longhitano, Y., Saviano, Angela, Piccioni, Andrea, Piccolella, F., Bellou, A., Zanza, C., Oddone, E., Varesi A. (ORCID:0000-0002-9189-2352), Novelli V., Muzzi A., Esposito C., Saviano A. (ORCID:0000-0002-2820-7180), and Piccioni A.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Triage systems help provide the right care at the right time for patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Triage systems are generally used to subdivide patients into three to five categories according to the system used, and their performance must be carefully monitored to ensure the best care for patients. Materials and Methods: We examined ED accesses in the context of 4-level (4LT) and 5-level triage systems (5LT), implemented from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. This study assessed the effects of a 5LT on wait times and under-triage (UT) and over-triage (OT). We also examined how 5LT and 4LT systems reflected actual patient acuity by correlating triage codes with severity codes at discharge. Other outcomes included the impact of crowding indices and 5LT system function during the COVID-19 pandemic in the study populations. Results: We evaluated 423,257 ED presentations. Visits to the ED by more fragile and seriously ill individuals increased, with a progressive increase in crowding. The length of stay (LOS), exit block, boarding, and processing times increased, reflecting a net raise in throughput and output factors, with a consequent lengthening of wait times. The decreased UT trend was observed after implementing the 5LT system. Conversely, a slight rise in OT was reported, although this did not affect the medium-high-intensity care area. Conclusions: Introducing a 5LT improved ED performance and patient care.

Published
2023

3. Telemedicine Network for Early Diagnosis and Care of Heart Malformations

Author

Taddei, A., Gori, A., Rocca, E., Carducci, T., Piccini, G., Augiero, G., Festa, P., Assanta, N., Ricci, G., Murzi, B., Magjarevic, Ratko, Editor-in-chief, Ładyzynsk, Piotr, Series editor, Ibrahim, Fatimah, Series editor, Lackovic, Igor, Series editor, Rock, Emilio Sacristan, Series editor, and Zhang, Yuan-Ting, editor

Published
2014
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6. Visual perception skills: a comparison between patients with Noonan syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Author

Piccini, G., Menghini, D., D'Andrea, A., Caciolo, C., Pontillo, M., Armando, M., Perrino, Francesca, Mandolesi, L., Salerni, Annabella, Buzzonetti, L., Digilio, M. C., Zampino, Giuseppe, Tartaglia, M., Benassi, M., Vicari, S., Alfieri, P., Pitocco, Dario, Piccini, G., Menghini, D., D'Andrea, A., Caciolo, C., Pontillo, M., Armando, M., Perrino, F., Mandolesi, L., Salerni, A., Buzzonetti, L., Digilio, M. C., Zampino, G., Tartaglia, M., Benassi, M., Vicari, S., and Alfieri, P.

Subjects
Male, genetic syndromes, visual-perceptual abilitie, 22q11 Deletion Syndrome, phenotype, genotype, Developmental disorder, Behavioral Neuroscience, ventral stream, Genetic, Developmental disorders, dorsal stream, form coherence, intellectual disability, motion coherence, visual-perceptual abilities, Brain, Child, Female, Humans, Noonan Syndrome, Visual Perception, Genetics, Neurology, genetic syndrome, Settore MED/38 - PEDIATRIA GENERALE E SPECIALISTICA, Human
Abstract

Ventral and dorsal streams are visual pathways deputed to transmit information from the photoreceptors of the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus and then to the primary visual cortex (V1). Several studies investigated whether one pathway is more vulnerable than the other during development, and whether these streams develop at different rates. The results are still discordant. The aim of the present study was to understand the functionality of the dorsal and the ventral streams in two populations affected by different genetic disorders, Noonan syndrome (NS) and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), and explore the possible genotype–phenotype relationships. ‘Form coherence’ abilities for the ventral stream and ‘motion coherence’ abilities for the dorsal stream were evaluated in 19 participants with NS and 20 participants with 22q11.2DS. Collected data were compared with 55 age-matched controls. Participants with NS and 22q11.2DS did not differ in the form coherence task, and their performance was significantly lower than that of controls. However, in the motion coherence task, the group with NS and controls did not differ, and both obtained significantly higher scores than the group with 22q11.2DS. Our findings indicate that deficits in the dorsal stream are related to the specific genotype, and that in our syndromic groups the ventral stream is more vulnerable than the dorsal stream.

Published
2016

8. Implicit learning deficit in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Evidence for a cerebellar cognitive impairment?

Author

Vicari, Stefano, Piccini, G, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Battini, Roberta, Chieffo, Daniela Pia Rosaria, Bulgheroni, Sara, Pecini, Chiara, Lucibello, Simona, Lenzi, S, Moriconi, Federica, Pane, Marika, D'Amico, A, Astrea, G, Baranello, Giovanni, Riva, D, Cioni, G, Alfieri, P, Vicari S (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Mercuri E (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Battini R, Chieffo D, Lucibello S, Moriconi F, Pane M (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Baranello G, Vicari, Stefano, Piccini, G, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Battini, Roberta, Chieffo, Daniela Pia Rosaria, Bulgheroni, Sara, Pecini, Chiara, Lucibello, Simona, Lenzi, S, Moriconi, Federica, Pane, Marika, D'Amico, A, Astrea, G, Baranello, Giovanni, Riva, D, Cioni, G, Alfieri, P, Vicari S (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Mercuri E (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Battini R, Chieffo D, Lucibello S, Moriconi F, Pane M (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), and Baranello G

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing implicit sequence learning in individuals affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy without intellectual disability and age-matched typically developing children. A modified version of the Serial Reaction Time task was administered to 32 Duchenne children and 37 controls of comparable chronological age. The Duchenne group showed a reduced rate of implicit learning even if in the absence of global intellectual disability. This finding provides further evidence of the involvement of specific aspects of cognitive function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and on its possible neurobiological substrate.

Published
2018

9. Cognitive profile in Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys without intellectual disability: The role of executive functions

Author

Battini, Roberta, Chieffo, Daniela Pia Rosaria, Bulgheroni, S., Piccini, G., Pecini, Chiara, Lucibello, Simona, Lenzi, S., Moriconi, Federica, Pane, Marika, Astrea, G., Baranello, Giovanni, Alfieri, P., Vicari, Stefano, Riva, D., Cioni, G., Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Battini R., Chieffo D., Pecini C., Lucibello S., Moriconi F., Pane M. (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Baranello G., Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Mercuri E. (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Battini, Roberta, Chieffo, Daniela Pia Rosaria, Bulgheroni, S., Piccini, G., Pecini, Chiara, Lucibello, Simona, Lenzi, S., Moriconi, Federica, Pane, Marika, Astrea, G., Baranello, Giovanni, Alfieri, P., Vicari, Stefano, Riva, D., Cioni, G., Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Battini R., Chieffo D., Pecini C., Lucibello S., Moriconi F., Pane M. (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Baranello G., Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), and Mercuri E. (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365)

Abstract

The aim of our prospective observational study was to assess profiles of cognitive function and a possible impairment of executive functions in a cohort of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy without intellectual and behavior disability. Forty Duchenne boys (range of age: 6 years to 11 years and 6 months) were assessed by Wechsler Intelligence scale and battery of tests including tasks assessing working memory and executive functions (inhibition and switching, problem solving and planning). In our cohort some aspects of cognitive function were often impaired. These included multitasking, problem solving, inhibition and working memory necessary to plan and direct goal oriented behavior. Our results support the suggestion that aspects of cognitive function could be impaired even in boys without intellectual disability and support the hypothesis that executive functions may play an important role in specific aspects of cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Published
2018

10. Cognitive profile in Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys without intellectual disability: The role of executive functions

Author

Battini, R., primary, Chieffo, D., additional, Bulgheroni, S., additional, Piccini, G., additional, Pecini, C., additional, Lucibello, S., additional, Lenzi, S., additional, Moriconi, F., additional, Pane, M., additional, Astrea, G., additional, Baranello, G., additional, Alfieri, P., additional, Vicari, S., additional, Riva, D., additional, Cioni, G., additional, and Mercuri, E., additional

Published
2018
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11. Visual perception skills: a comparison between patients with Noonan syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Author

Piccini, G., Menghini, D., D'Andrea, A., Caciolo, C., Pontillo, M., Armando, M., Perrino, Francesca, Mandolesi, L., Salerni, Annabella, Buzzonetti, L., Digilio, M. C., Zampino, Giuseppe, Tartaglia, M., Benassi, M., Vicari, S., Alfieri, P., Pitocco, Dario, Perrino, F., Salerni, A., Zampino, G. (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253), Pitocco, Dario (ORCID:0000-0002-6220-686X), Piccini, G., Menghini, D., D'Andrea, A., Caciolo, C., Pontillo, M., Armando, M., Perrino, Francesca, Mandolesi, L., Salerni, Annabella, Buzzonetti, L., Digilio, M. C., Zampino, Giuseppe, Tartaglia, M., Benassi, M., Vicari, S., Alfieri, P., Pitocco, Dario, Perrino, F., Salerni, A., Zampino, G. (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253), and Pitocco, Dario (ORCID:0000-0002-6220-686X)

Abstract

Ventral and dorsal streams are visual pathways deputed to transmit information from the photoreceptors of the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus and then to the primary visual cortex (V1). Several studies investigated whether one pathway is more vulnerable than the other during development, and whether these streams develop at different rates. The results are still discordant. The aim of the present study was to understand the functionality of the dorsal and the ventral streams in two populations affected by different genetic disorders, Noonan syndrome (NS) and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), and explore the possible genotype–phenotype relationships. ‘Form coherence’ abilities for the ventral stream and ‘motion coherence’ abilities for the dorsal stream were evaluated in 19 participants with NS and 20 participants with 22q11.2DS. Collected data were compared with 55 age-matched controls. Participants with NS and 22q11.2DS did not differ in the form coherence task, and their performance was significantly lower than that of controls. However, in the motion coherence task, the group with NS and controls did not differ, and both obtained significantly higher scores than the group with 22q11.2DS. Our findings indicate that deficits in the dorsal stream are related to the specific genotype, and that in our syndromic groups the ventral stream is more vulnerable than the dorsal stream.

Published
2017

12. Progress in infection prevention and control in Italy: a nationwide survey

Author

Moro, Ml, Marchi, M, Buttazzi, R, Nascetti, S, Collaborators: Pompa MG, INF OSS Project G. r. o. u. p., Salcuni, P, Scassa, E, Scudieri, M, Cauzillo, G, Locuratolo, F, Barone, R, Pizzuti, R, Sarnelli, B, Simon, G, Turello, D, Trevisan, R, Puro, V, Martini, L, Mandolini, D, Vizio, M, Nannini, M, Pavan, A, Bernieri, F, D'Errico, M, Prospero, E, Zotti, Carla Maria, Dipietrantonj, C, Prato, R, Villone, G, Balducci, Mt, Mura, M, Mura, I, Maniaci, L, Cantaro, Sp, Poli, A, Privitera, G, Porretta, A, Fiorio, M, Montedori, A, Sacco, R, Mastaglia, M, Spolaore, P, Fedeli, U, Santa, Pj, Fabbri, L, and Piccini, G.

Subjects
Microbiology (medical), Pediatrics, medicine.medical_specialty, Community service, Nationwide survey, prevention, medicine, Humans, Infection control, survey, Clinical risk management, Healthcare related Infection, Response rate (survey), Cross Infection, Infection Control, business.industry, Public health, Health services research, General Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Italy, Respondent, Health Services Research, business, Demography
Abstract

A national survey was conducted to describe the coverage and characteristics of infection prevention and control (IC) programmes in Italy and to evaluate progress during recent years. All regions, with one small exception, participated and the response rate was 88%. Nearly all 278 respondent public health trusts reported having an IC committee, 80% of the 615 respondent hospitals to have instituted an IC team, and 79% to have an IC nurse. However, when the presence of truly operating IC bodies was considered, the pattern was different: only 27% of IC teams met at least monthly, and variation by region was extremely large [coefficient of variation (CV): 1.06]. The IC programme characteristics with the greatest variation by region included: availability of qualified nurses and IC doctors (CV: 1.55 and 1.39 respectively); integration of IC activities and clinical risk management (CV: 1.05); IC programmes also involving community services (CV: 0.98); training of personnel at induction (CV: 0.82); and availability of written policies for the control of multidrug-resistant organisms (CV: 1.08). A relevant and statistically significant North-South gradient showed Southern Regions averaging 23 points less than Northern Regions on the IC score. Compared with a similar survey conducted in 2000, the distribution of several activities by region had improved significantly. Despite the noteworthy improvement observed over time, the situation in Italy is still unsatisfactory, due to significant variation in the development of IC organisations and initiatives by region and by type of hospital.

Published
2011
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13. Visual perception skills: a comparison between patients with Noonan syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Author

Piccini, G., primary, Menghini, D., additional, D'Andrea, A., additional, Caciolo, C., additional, Pontillo, M., additional, Armando, M., additional, Perrino, F., additional, Mandolesi, L., additional, Salerni, A., additional, Buzzonetti, L., additional, Digilio, M. C., additional, Zampino, G., additional, Tartaglia, M., additional, Benassi, M., additional, Vicari, S., additional, and Alfieri, P., additional

Published
2017
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14. Sea buckthorn bud extract displays activity against cell-cultured Influenza virus

Author

Torelli, A., Gianchecchi, E., Piccirella, S., Manenti, A., Piccini, G., Pastor, E. L., Canovi, B., and EMANUELE MONTOMOLI

Subjects
Influenza prevention, viruses, virus diseases, Original Article, Antivirals, Sea buckthorn plant extract, antivirals
Abstract

Introduction - Vaccines and antiviral drugs are the most widely used methods of preventing or treating Influenza virus infection. The role of sea buckthorn (SBT) bud dry extract as a natural antiviral drug against Influenza was investigated. Methods - Influenza virus was cultured in the MDCK cell line, with or without SBT bud extract, and virus growth was assessed by HA and TCID50 virus titration in terms of cytopathic effect on cells. Several concentrations of extract were tested, the virus titer being measured on day 4 after infection. Results - After infection, the virus titer in the control sample was calculated to be 2.5 TCID50/ml; treatment with SBT bud extract reduced the virus titer to 2.0 TCID50/ml at 50 µg/ml, while the HA titer was reduced from 1431 (control) to 178. Concentrations lower than 50µg/ml displayed an inhibitory effect in the HA assay, but not in the TCID50 virus titration; however, observation of the viral cultures confirmed a slowdown of viral growth at all concentrations. Discussion - Natural dietary supplements and phytotherapy are a growing market and offer new opportunities for the treatment of several diseases and disorders. These preliminary experiments are the first to show that SBT bud extract is able to reduce the growth of the Influenza A H1N1 virus in vitro at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. This discovery opens up the possibility of using SBT bud extract as a valid weapon against Influenza and, in addition, as the starting-point for the discovery of new drugs., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 56, No 2 (2015)

Published
2015

16. Developmental lag of visuospatial attention in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Author

Piccini, G., Gazzellini, S., D'Amico, A., Pane, M., Castelli, E., Vicari, S., Alfieri, P., D'Amico A., Pane M. (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Castelli E., Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Piccini, G., Gazzellini, S., D'Amico, A., Pane, M., Castelli, E., Vicari, S., Alfieri, P., D'Amico A., Pane M. (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Castelli E., and Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262)

Abstract

Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) present a specific deficit of voluntary attention but to date there has been no clear characterization of their attentional skills. The present study investigated the hypothesis that DMD patients present deficits of both voluntary and automatic visuospatial attention systems and that their performance could be equivalent to that of younger healthy males. Twenty males (mean age 10 years) with diagnosis of DMD, 20 age-matched healthy males (10 years 3 months) and 20 healthy younger males (7 years 6 months) were required to perform two visuospatial attention tasks: voluntary and automatic. In the voluntary task, the performance of the DMD group was significantly worse than that of the age-matched group, and equal to that of the younger controls. In the automatic attention task also, the performance of the DMD patients was less efficient than that of the age-matched controls and equal to that of the younger children. This study supports the previous report of voluntary attention deficit in DMD and extends the evidence to include also an automatic attention system deficit. The development level of attention in DMD patients is below that expected for their age and corresponds to a delay of about three years.

Published
2015

17. Behavioral phenotype in Costello syndrome with atypical mutation: A case report

Author

Alfieri, P., Caciolo, C., Piccini, G., D'Elia, L., Valeri, G., Menghini, D., Tartaglia, M., Digilio, M. C., Dallapiccola, B., Vicari, Stefano, Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Alfieri, P., Caciolo, C., Piccini, G., D'Elia, L., Valeri, G., Menghini, D., Tartaglia, M., Digilio, M. C., Dallapiccola, B., Vicari, Stefano, and Vicari S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262)

Abstract

Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder caused, in the majority of cases, by germline missense HRAS mutations affecting Gly12 promoting enhanced signaling through the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling cascades. In general, the cognitive profile in CS is characterized by intellectual disability ranging from mild to severe impairment. The first published descriptions of behavior in CS children underlined the presence of irritability and shyness at younger ages with sociable personality and good empathic skills after 4-5 years of age, however some recent studies have reported autistic traits. We report on a 7-year-old boy heterozygous for a rare duplication of codon 37 (p.E37dup) in HRAS, manifesting impaired social interaction and non-verbal communication and with circumscribed interests. These additional features improve phenotype delineation in individuals with rare HRAS mutations, facilitating the development of specific behavioral treatments which could lead to improvement in cases of autism spectrum disorder.

Published
2015

22. Behavioral profile in RASopathies

Author

Alfieri, P, Piccini, G, Caciolo, C, Perrino, F, Gambardella, Ml, Mallardi, M, Cesarini, L, Leoni, C, Leone, D, Fossati, C, Selicorni, A, Digilio, Mc, Tartaglia, M, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Zampino, Giuseppe, Vicari, Stefano, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Zampino, G (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253), Vicari, S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Alfieri, P, Piccini, G, Caciolo, C, Perrino, F, Gambardella, Ml, Mallardi, M, Cesarini, L, Leoni, C, Leone, D, Fossati, C, Selicorni, A, Digilio, Mc, Tartaglia, M, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Zampino, Giuseppe, Vicari, Stefano, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Zampino, G (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253), and Vicari, S. (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262)

Abstract

Here, we describe neurobehavioral features in patients with RASopathies (i.e., Noonan syndrome, LEOPARD syndrome, Costello syndrome, and cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome), developmental disorders caused by mutations in genes coding transducers participating in the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. Parents of 70 individuals with a RASopathy were asked to fill out the following questionnaires: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Social Communication Questionnaire version lifetime (SCQ-L), and Modified Checklist for Autism in toddlers (M-CHAT). Data analysis indicated high rates of internalizing (37%) and externalizing problems (31%) on CBCL. Scores over the cut-off were documented in 64% of patients with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, 44% with Costello syndrome, and 12% with Noonan syndrome on SCQ-L/M-CHAT. Our findings indicate that mutations promoting dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK cascade mark an increased psychopathological risk and highlight that autistic-like behavior could be underdiagnosed in patients with RASopathies.

Published
2014

29. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Cognitive Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Phenotype-Genotype Correlation

Author

Pane, Marika, Lombardo, Me, Alfieri, Paolo, D'Amico, Anna, Bianco, Flaviana, Vasco, Gessica, Piccini, G, Mallardi, Maria, Romeo, Domenico Marco, Ricotti, V, Ferlini, A, Gualandi, F, Vicari, Stefano, Bertini, Enrico Silvio, Berardinelli, A, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Pane, Marika (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Romeo, Dm (ORCID:0000-0002-6229-1208), Vicari, S (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Pane, Marika, Lombardo, Me, Alfieri, Paolo, D'Amico, Anna, Bianco, Flaviana, Vasco, Gessica, Piccini, G, Mallardi, Maria, Romeo, Domenico Marco, Ricotti, V, Ferlini, A, Gualandi, F, Vicari, Stefano, Bertini, Enrico Silvio, Berardinelli, A, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Pane, Marika (ORCID:0000-0002-4851-6124), Romeo, Dm (ORCID:0000-0002-6229-1208), Vicari, S (ORCID:0000-0002-5395-2262), and Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in boys affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to explore the relationship with cognitive abilities and genetic findings. STUDY DESIGN: Boys with DMD (n = 103; 4-17 years of age, mean: 12.6) were assessed using a cognitive test (Wechsler scales). Assessment of ADHD was based on the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria and on the long version of the Conners Parents and Teachers Rating Scales. RESULTS: ADHD was found in 33 of the 103 boys with DMD. Attention problems together with hyperactivity (17/33) or in isolation (15/33) were more frequent than hyperactivity alone, which was found in 1 patient. Intellectual disability (ID) was found in 27/103 (24.6%). Sixty-two of the 103 boys had no ID and no ADHD, 9 had ID but no ADHD, 14 had ADHD but no ID, and 18 had both. ADHD occurred more frequently in association with mutations predicted to affect Dp140 expression (exon 45-55) and in those with mutations predicted to affect all dystrophin product, including Dp71 (ie, those that have promoter region and specific first exon between exons 62 and 63 but were also relatively frequent). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ADHD is a frequent feature in DMD. The risk of ADHD appears to be higher in patients carrying mutations predicted to affect dystrophin isoforms expressed in the brain and are known to be associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment.

Published
2012

30. Long Term Memory Profile of Disorders Associated with Dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK Signaling Cascade.

Author

Alfieri, Paolo, Cesarini, L, Mallardi, Maria, Piccini, G, Caciolo, C, Leoni, Chiara, Mirante, N, Pantaleoni, F, Digilio, Mc, Gambardella, Maria Luigia, Tartaglia, Marco, Vicari, S, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Zampino, Giuseppe, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), Zampino, Giuseppe (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253), Alfieri, Paolo, Cesarini, L, Mallardi, Maria, Piccini, G, Caciolo, C, Leoni, Chiara, Mirante, N, Pantaleoni, F, Digilio, Mc, Gambardella, Maria Luigia, Tartaglia, Marco, Vicari, S, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria, Zampino, Giuseppe, Mercuri, Eugenio Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-9851-5365), and Zampino, Giuseppe (ORCID:0000-0003-3865-3253)

Abstract

In the present study we evaluated long term memory in twenty individuals with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of Noonan syndrome and LEOPARD syndrome, two disorders caused by mutations in genes coding transducers participating in the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. The profile of explicit long term memory abilities was investigated using PROMEA, which includes a battery of tests specifically developed to assess memory and learning in verbal, visual and spatial domains. Ten individuals (50%) had impaired (≤5th percentile) or below average (≤15th percentile) performance on a delayed verbal free recall memory task, four (20%) on a delayed visual recognition memory task, and only one (5%) on a delayed spatial recognition memory task. Our data suggest that dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK cascade may be associated with a pattern of reduced verbal recall memory performance but relative sparing of visual and spatial recognition memory.

Published
2011

40. Immune Dysfunction and Cytokine Production in Hemodialysis

Author

Senatore, M., Cecere, P., Colombo, P., Costantini, L., Filiberti, O., Piccini, G., Peona, C., Buemi, M., Nicoletti, A., and Rizzuto, G.

Abstract

AbstractSorry, there is no abstract. Read the first few lines of the text instead!Most uremic patients in dialysis therapy develop an immunodeficiency characterized clinically by frequent infectious complications and impaired response to vaccinations [1]. This became evident in the early period of hemodialysis treatment when endemic outbreaks of hepatitis B threatened dialysis centers [2]. Vaccination results against hepatitis B, in dialysis patients, are disappointing: low results are also documented for most other types of vaccinations in these patients, such as influenza [3], tetanus [4] or diphteria [5]. There is an only exception in using vaccination containing polysaccharide antigens like pneumococcus [6]. Polysaccharide antigens are recognized by B cells on their own, but for recognition of other antigens, B cells need specific T-cell help: these observations indicate that the major defects appear to be in cell-mediated immunity [7–9] and in particular correlated to T-cell rather than B-cell function [10].Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Published
2002

41. Impact of erythrocyte species on assays for influenza serology

Author

Trombetta, C. M., Ulivieri, C., Cox, R. J., Remarque, E. J., Centi, C., Perini, D., Piccini, G., Rossi, S., Serena Marchi, and Montomoli, E.

Subjects
0301 basic medicine, Erythrocytes, Sheep, Avian and mammalian erythrocytes, Haemagglutination assay, Haemagglutination inhibition assay, Sialic acid receptors, Receptors, Cell Surface, Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests, Birds, 03 medical and health sciences, 030104 developmental biology, Influenza A virus, Influenza in Birds, Influenza, Human, Animals, Humans, Original Article, Horses
Abstract

The influenza viruses have the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes by binding to sialic acid receptors on the host cell. Human influenza viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid linked to galactose by α 2,6 linkage, while avian influenza viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid linked to Gal by 2,3 linkage. There is a close correlation between the ability of influenza A viruses to agglutinate erythrocytes from different animal species and their receptor specificity. The haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition assays are influenced by the species of erythrocytes. To provide an overview of the expression of sialic acid receptors on different erythrocytes, avian (turkey, chicken, pigeon) and mammalian (sheep, horse, human) species have been analysed. The erythrocytes from the same avian and mammalian species have been evaluated by haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition assays with seasonal and avian strains. Chicken, turkey and human erythrocytes display both types of linkages. Horse and sheep erythrocytes show almost exclusively a sialic acid α 2,3 Gal linkage, while pigeon erythrocytes express almost exclusively a sialic acid α 2,6 Gal linkage. Chicken and turkey erythrocytes seem to be the most appropriate for both assays with seasonal influenza strains, in addition to pigeon erythrocytes, particularly for the B strains. In the case of the avian strain, chicken erythrocytes are suitable for haemagglutination assay and horse erythrocytes for haemagglutination inhibition assay. The choice of erythrocytes has a significant impact on the titres measured by both assays., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 59, No 1 (2018): 2018591

42. Occupational HIV infection in obstetrics-gynecology: Risk of exposure and post-exposure management,Infezione professionale da HIV in ginecologia: Stima del rischio, gestione post-esposizione e profilassi farmacologica

Author

Puro, V., D Ubaldo, C., Carli, G., Petrosillo, N., Ippolito, G., Aspiro, E., Battistella, L., Bignamini, M., Bombonato, M., Bonaventura, M. E., Bonini, R., Bottura, P., Burrai, B., Chiodera, A., Chiriacò, P., Cocco, M. R., Contegiacomo, P., Daglio, M., D Anna, C., Desperati, M., Di Bernardo, L., Di Nardo, V., Evaristi, C., Fasulo, G., Ferrario, R., Ferraresi, I., Fichera, M. A., Finzi, G., Francesconi, M., Garra, L., Gherardi, L., Govoni, C., Greco, G., Gulandi, G., Ianeselli, F., Iuliucci, R., Lanave, M., Libralato, C., Lorenzani, M., Maccarrone, S., Marchegiano, P., Masala, P., Marco Massari, Menichetti, F., Mercurio, V., Micheloni, G., Migliorino, G., Milini, P., Nelli, M., Nurra, G., Paradiso, C., Perosino, M., Piccini, G., Pietrobon, F., Pirrazzini, M. C., Poli, C., Polidori, M., Raineri, G., Rebora, M., Regele, M., Rosati, A., Scappini, P., Segata, A., Sileo, C., Simonini, G., Soscia, F., Tangenti, M., Testini, B., Vaira, L. M., and Vlacos, D.

43. Mutations in the IRBIT domain of ITPR1 are a frequent cause of autosomal dominant nonprogressive congenital ataxia

Author

Barresi S, Niceta M, Alfieri P, Brankovich V, Piccini G, Bruselles A, Barone MR, Cusmai R, Marco Tartaglia, Bertini E, and Zanni G

Subjects
Adult, Family Health, Male, Binding Sites, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, Membrane Proteins, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Middle Aged, Pedigree, Young Adult, Mutation, Humans, Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors, Spinocerebellar Ataxias, Exome, Female, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Lectins, C-Type, Amino Acid Sequence, Child
Abstract

Congenital ataxias are nonprogressive neurological disorders characterized by neonatal hypotonia, developmental delay and ataxia, variably associated with intellectual disability and other neurological or extraneurological features. We performed trio-based whole-exome sequencing of 12 families with congenital cerebellar and/or vermis atrophy in parallel with targeted next-generation sequencing of known ataxia genes (CACNA1A, ITPR1, KCNC3, ATP2B3 and GRM1) in 12 additional patients with a similar phenotype. Novel pathological mutations of ITPR1 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, type 1) were found in seven patients from four families (4/24, ∼16.8%) all localized in the IRBIT (inositol triphosphate receptor binding protein) domain which plays an essential role in the regulation of neuronal plasticity and development. Our study expands the mutational spectrum of ITPR1-related congenital ataxia and indicates that ITPR1 gene screening should be implemented in this subgroup of ataxias.

44. Occupational HIV infection in obstetrics-gynecology: Risk of exposure and post-exposure management | Infezione professionale da HIV in ginecologia: Stima del rischio, gestione post-esposizione e profilassi farmacologica

Author

Puro, V., D Ubaldo, C., Carli, G., nicola petrosillo, Ippolito, G., Aspiro, E., Battistella, L., Bignamini, M., Bombonato, M., Bonaventura, M. E., Bonini, R., Bottura, P., Burrai, B., Chiodera, A., Chiriacò, P., Cocco, M. R., Contegiacomo, P., Daglio, M., D Anna, C., Desperati, M., Di Bernardo, L., Di Nardo, V., Evaristi, C., Fasulo, G., Ferrario, R., Ferraresi, I., Fichera, M. A., Finzi, G., Francesconi, M., Garra, L., Gherardi, L., Govoni, C., Greco, G., Gulandi, G., Ianeselli, F., Iuliucci, R., Lanave, M., Libralato, C., Lorenzani, M., Maccarrone, S., Marchegiano, P., Masala, P., Massari, M., Menichetti, F., Mercurio, V., Micheloni, G., Migliorino, G., Milini, P., Nelli, M., Nurra, G., Paradiso, C., Perosino, M., Piccini, G., Pietrobon, F., Pirrazzini, M. C., Poli, C., Polidori, M., Raineri, G., Rebora, M., Regele, M., Rosati, A., Scappini, P., Segata, A., Sileo, C., Simonini, G., Soscia, F., Tangenti, M., Testini, B., Vaira, L. M., and Vlacos, D.

47. Promoting transparency and reproducibility in enhanced molecular simulations

Author

B. Pavel, L. Vittorio, C. Michele, F. Marta, W. Andrew, G. Federico, V. Michele, Š. Jiří, Davide Provasi, M. Layla, K. Evgeny, S. Matteo, V. Omar, Riccardo Capelli, M. Carla, David W.H. Swenson, Kim E. Jelfs, G. Piero, D. Davide, M. Angelos, P. Jim, Gareth A. Tribello, M. Fabrizio, C. Francesco, P. Michele, E. Bernd, Cristina Paissoni, M. Matteo, F. Haohao, L. Kresten, P. Pablo, T. Pratyush, L. Alessandro, Marco De La Pierre, B. Mattia, J. Alexander, M. Tetsuya, B. Sandro, Andrew L. Ferguson, Gabriella T. Heller, Francesco Luigi Gervasio, B. Davide, R. Paolo, D. Viktor, Massimiliano Bonomi, I. Michele, Peter G. Bolhuis, P. GiovanniMaria, Carlo Camilloni, C. Andrea, P. Elena, S. Vojtěch, James S. Fraser, L. Thomas, C. Haochuan, C. Paolo, N. Marco, B. Alessandro, P. Fabio, B. Giovanni, I. Marcella, G. Alejandro, C. Wei, Glen M. Hocky, G. Toni, P. Adriana, Gabriele C. Sosso, Q. David, P. Silvio, Gregory A. Voth, M. Ralf, R. Stefano, D. Sandip, R. Jakub, The Royal Society, Département de Biologie structurale et Chimie - Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur [Paris] (IP), Bioinformatique structurale - Structural Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur [Paris] (IP)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati / International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA / ISAS), Università degli Studi di Milano = University of Milan (UNIMI), Queen's University [Belfast] (QUB), Centre de Biochimie Structurale [Montpellier] (CBS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de minéralogie, de physique des matériaux et de cosmochimie (IMPMC), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN)-Institut de recherche pour le développement [IRD] : UR206-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide - UMR 8181 (UCCS), Université d'Artois (UA)-Centrale Lille-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Université de Lille-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Centre Blaise Pascal (CBP), École normale supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon), University of Rochester [USA], Bonomi, M., Bussi, G., Camilloni, C., Tribello, G. A., Banas, P., Barducci, A., Bernetti, M., Bolhuis, P. G., Bottaro, S., Branduardi, D., Capelli, R., Carloni, P., Ceriotti, M., Cesari, A., Chen, H., Chen, W., Colizzi, F., De, S., De La Pierre, M., Donadio, D., Drobot, V., Ensing, B., Ferguson, A. L., Filizola, M., Fraser, J. S., Fu, H., Gasparotto, P., Gervasio, F. L., Giberti, F., Gil-Ley, A., Giorgino, T., Heller, G. T., Hocky, G. M., Iannuzzi, M., Invernizzi, M., Jelfs, K. E., Jussupow, A., Kirilin, E., Laio, A., Limongelli, V., Lindorff-Larsen, K., Lohr, T., Marinelli, F., Martin-Samos, L., Masetti, M., Meyer, R., Michaelides, A., Molteni, C., Morishita, T., Nava, M., Paissoni, C., Papaleo, E., Parrinello, M., Pfaendtner, J., Piaggi, P., Piccini, G. M., Pietropaolo, A., Pietrucci, F., Pipolo, S., Provasi, D., Quigley, D., Raiteri, P., Raniolo, S., Rydzewski, J., Salvalaglio, M., Sosso, G. C., Spiwok, V., Sponer, J., Swenson, D. W. H., Tiwary, P., Valsson, O., Vendruscolo, M., Voth, G. A., White, A., Institut Pasteur [Paris], Institut Pasteur [Paris]-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Università degli Studi di Milano [Milano] (UNIMI), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier (UM)-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centrale Lille Institut (CLIL)-Université d'Artois (UA)-Centrale Lille-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Université de Lille, École normale supérieure - Lyon (ENS Lyon), Simulation of Biomolecular Systems (HIMS, FNWI), Molecular Simulations (HIMS, FNWI), and Massimiliano Bonomi, Giovanni Bussi, Carlo Camilloni, Gareth A. Tribello, Pavel Banáš, Alessandro Barducci, Mattia Bernetti, Peter G. Bolhuis, Sandro Bottaro, Davide Branduardi, Riccardo Capelli, Paolo Carloni, Michele Ceriotti, Andrea Cesari, Haochuan Chen, Wei Chen, Francesco Colizzi, Sandip De, Marco De La Pierre, Davide Donadio, Viktor Drobot, Bernd Ensing, Andrew L. Ferguson, Marta Filizola, James S. Fraser, Haohao Fu, Piero Gasparotto, Francesco Luigi Gervasio, Federico Giberti, Alejandro Gil-Ley, Toni Giorgino, Gabriella T. Heller, Glen M. Hocky, Marcella Iannuzzi, Michele Invernizzi, Kim E. Jelfs, Alexander Jussupow, Evgeny Kirilin, Alessandro Laio, Vittorio Limongelli, Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, Thomas Löhr, Fabrizio Marinelli, Layla Martin-Samos, Matteo Masetti, Ralf Meyer, Angelos Michaelides, Carla Molteni, Tetsuya Morishita, Marco Nava, Cristina Paissoni, Elena Papaleo, Michele Parrinello, Jim Pfaendtner, Pablo Piaggi, GiovanniMaria Piccini, Adriana Pietropaolo, Fabio Pietrucci, Silvio Pipolo, Davide Provasi, David Quigley, Paolo Raiteri, Stefano Raniolo, Jakub Rydzewski, Matteo Salvalaglio, Gabriele Cesare Sosso, Vojtěch Spiwok, Jiří Šponer, David W. H. Swenson, Pratyush Tiwary, Omar Valsson, Michele Vendruscolo, Gregory A. Voth & Andrew White

Subjects
Models, Molecular, DYNAMICS, enhanced-sampling, free-energy calculations, molecular dynamics simulations, transparency, reproducibility, dissemination, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Computer science, Molecular Conformation, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Biochemistry, Biochemical Research Methods, Settore FIS/03 - Fisica della Materia, 03 medical and health sciences, 10 Technology, Humans, ddc:610, reproducibility, Molecular Biology, ComputingMilieux_MISCELLANEOUS, 11 Medical and Health Sciences, 030304 developmental biology, 0303 health sciences, Reproducibility, Science & Technology, PLUMED consortium, Reproducibility of Results, Cell Biology, 06 Biological Sciences, simulation, [SDV.BIBS]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Quantitative Methods [q-bio.QM], Transparency (graphic), Systems engineering, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Software, Biotechnology, Developmental Biology
Abstract

The PLUMED consortium unifies developers and contributors to PLUMED, an open-source library for enhanced-sampling, free-energy calculations and the analysis of molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we outline our efforts to promote transparency and reproducibility by disseminating protocols for enhanced-sampling molecular simulations.

Published
2019
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48. A new germline point mutation in Ret exon 8 (cys515ser) in a family with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Author

Roberta Bacchiocchi, Marina Scarpelli, Rosa Marina Melillo, Marco Boscaro, Gina Piccinini, Elisa Pierpaoli, Massimo Santoro, Rina Recchioni, Gioia Palmonella, Gloria Appolloni, Matteo Bruglia, Augusto Taccaliti, Francesca Silvetti, Francesca Fazioli, Fazioli, F., Piccini, G., Apolloni, G., Bacciocchi, R., Palmonella, G., Recchioni, R., Pierpaoli, E., Silvetti, F., Scarpelli, M., Bruglia, M., Melillo, ROSA MARINA, Santoro, Massimo, and Boscaro, M. TACCALITI A.

Subjects
Proband, congenital, hereditary, and neonatal diseases and abnormalities, endocrine system, Pathology, medicine.medical_specialty, endocrine system diseases, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Mutant, medicine.disease_cause, Genetic analysis, Germline, Thyroid carcinoma, ACTIVATION, PATHWAY, Exon, Endocrinology, medicine, Humans, Point Mutation, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Thyroid Neoplasms, Germ-Line Mutation, POLYMORPHISMS, Mutation, business.industry, Point mutation, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret, Exons, Middle Aged, PROTOONCOGENE, CANCER, TUMORS, GENE, Pedigree, Carcinoma, Medullary, CELLS, Thyroidectomy, Cancer research, Female, DISEASE PHENOTYPE, business
Abstract

BACKGROUND: A novel Cys-Ser Ret germline point mutation in a 58-year-old woman with bilateral medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) prompted us to perform genetic analysis of the family and evaluate the biological consequences of such a mutation. METHODS: Ret analysis by direct sequencing was performed in five family members. The biological activity and biochemical properties of the Ret- Cys515Ser mutant were analyzed in NIH-3T3 cells. RESULTS: The proband's son, age 35, had the Ret- Cys515Ser mutation and the L769 CTT/CTG exon 13 polymorphic variant, which was also found in his father. Clinical evaluation of the son also revealed bilateral multifocal microscopic MTC and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In vitro and in vivo analysis indicated ligand-independent activation of the Ret-Cys515Ser mutant due to aberrant disulfide homodimerization, increased mitogenic activity, and ability to induce anchorage-independent growth in NIH-3T3 cells in comparison to wild-type Ret, suggesting a possible role of Cys515Ser in tumor development. CONCLUSIONS: The Cys515Ser mutation adds to cysteine substitution groups that have been described in association with MTC. Our data also highlight the importance of performing a complete genetic analysis in patients who present with MTC.

Published
2008

49. Discovery and characterization of a pan-betacoronavirus S2-binding antibody.

Author

Johnson NV, Wall SC, Kramer KJ, Holt CM, Periasamy S, Richardson SI, Manamela NP, Suryadevara N, Andreano E, Paciello I, Pierleoni G, Piccini G, Huang Y, Ge P, Allen JD, Uno N, Shiakolas AR, Pilewski KA, Nargi RS, Sutton RE, Abu-Shmais AA, Parks R, Haynes BF, Carnahan RH, Crowe JE Jr, Montomoli E, Rappuoli R, Bukreyev A, Ross TM, Sautto GA, McLellan JS, and Georgiev IS

Subjects
Humans, Animals, Mice, Antibodies, Neutralizing immunology, Antibodies, Neutralizing chemistry, Antibodies, Neutralizing metabolism, Models, Molecular, Protein Binding, Epitopes immunology, Epitopes chemistry, Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity, SARS-CoV-2 immunology, SARS-CoV-2 metabolism, SARS-CoV-2 chemistry, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus immunology, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus chemistry, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus metabolism, Antibodies, Viral immunology, Antibodies, Viral metabolism, Antibodies, Viral chemistry, COVID-19 immunology, COVID-19 virology, Cryoelectron Microscopy
Abstract

The continued emergence of deadly human coronaviruses from animal reservoirs highlights the need for pan-coronavirus interventions for effective pandemic preparedness. Here, using linking B cell receptor to antigen specificity through sequencing (LIBRA-seq), we report a panel of 50 coronavirus antibodies isolated from human B cells. Of these, 54043-5 was shown to bind the S2 subunit of spike proteins from alpha-, beta-, and deltacoronaviruses. A cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of 54043-5 bound to the prefusion S2 subunit of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike defined an epitope at the apex of S2 that is highly conserved among betacoronaviruses. Although non-neutralizing, 54043-5 induced Fc-dependent antiviral responses in vitro, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). In murine SARS-CoV-2 challenge studies, protection against disease was observed after introduction of Leu234Ala, Leu235Ala, and Pro329Gly (LALA-PG) substitutions in the Fc region of 54043-5. Together, these data provide new insights into the protective mechanisms of non-neutralizing antibodies and define a broadly conserved epitope within the S2 subunit., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests A.R.S. and I.S.G. are co-founders of AbSeek Bio. K.J.K., A.R.S., N.V.J., I.S.G., J.S.M., R.H.C., and J.E.C. are listed as inventors on patents filed describing the antibodies discovered here. R.H.C. is an inventor on patents related to other SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. J.E.C. has served as a consultant for Luna Biologics, is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Meissa Vaccines and is Founder of IDBiologics. The Crowe laboratory has received funding support in sponsored research agreements from AstraZeneca, IDBiologics, and Takeda. The Georgiev laboratory at VUMC has received unrelated funding from Takeda Pharmaceuticals., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Published
2024
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50. FESTA: A Polygon-Based Approach for Extracting Relevant Structures from Free Energy Surfaces Obtained in Molecular Simulations.

Author

Istomin V and Piccini G

Abstract

An easy-to-use script named FESTA (Free Energy Surface Trajectory Analysis) is provided to streamline the extraction of equilibrium structures from free energy maps obtained with enhanced sampling simulation techniques and their associated trajectories. This approach efficiently identifies relevant structures by automatically selecting minima on the free energy surface using a connected-component labeling algorithm and extracts them utilizing a Shapely-polygon-based trajectory analysis process. The script is general and portable; it incorporates an automatic periodicity detection system; and multiprocessing is utilized to leverage all available computational resources for enhanced efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed polygon-based approach is demonstrated through comparison with a naïve and largely inefficient loop-based script and its application across three distinct systems for benchmarking purposes.

Published
2024
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