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Virus Research Oct 2023The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is fading, however its etiologic agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues posing -...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is fading, however its etiologic agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues posing - despite the availability of licensed vaccines - a global health threat, due to the potential emergence of vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants. This makes the development of new drugs against COVID-19 a persistent urgency and sets as research priority the validation of novel therapeutic targets within the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. Among these, a promising one is the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) phosphoprotein, a major structural component of the virion with indispensable role in packaging the viral genome into a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, which also contributes to SARS-CoV-2 innate immune evasion by inhibiting the host cell type-I interferon (IFN-I) response. By combining miniaturized differential scanning fluorimetry with microscale thermophoresis, we found that the 100-year-old drug Suramin interacts with SARS-CoV-2 N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD), thereby inhibiting their single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) binding function with low-micromolar K and IC values. Molecular docking suggests that Suramin interacts with basic NTD cleft and CTD dimer interface groove, highlighting three potentially druggable ssRNA binding sites. Electron microscopy shows that Suramin inhibits the formation in vitro of RNP complex-like condensates by SARS-CoV-2 N with a synthetic ssRNA. In a dose-dependent manner, Suramin also reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect on Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells, partially reverting the SARS-CoV-2 N-inhibited IFN-I production in 293T cells. Our findings indicate that Suramin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by hampering viral genome packaging, thereby representing a starting model for design of new COVID-19 antivirals.
PubMed: 37704176
DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199221 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Aug 2023The Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 14/01/1997 is the reference norm related to the accreditation of public and private healthcare structures. This...
Structural accreditation of healthcare facilities: comparison of the requirements by Italian Presidential Decree 14/01/1997 and regional regulations. A proposal for updating the minimum environmental units at national level.
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 14/01/1997 is the reference norm related to the accreditation of public and private healthcare structures. This guideline establishes the minimum structural, technological and organizational requirements that each structure operating in the Italian territory must comply with.
METHODS
In occasion of the project work for the postgraduate training course in healthcare management by ALTEMS School, a team of researchers conducted a survey on the state of updating of the minimum structural requirements indicated in the norm-in particular those relating to hospital facilities- with those adopted by the individual regions through the analysis of the most up-to-date regional regulations.
RESULTS
Precisely starting from the comparison of regional references and from the regulations on the subject of structural accreditation which suggest strategic environmental units and which address some key-aspects relating to the contemporary design of healing environments (i.e. semi-intensive care units, hybrid operating theatres, etc.), the outcome of the project work is to define a proposal to update the national reference document, also in the light of the currently changing needs in terms of hospital design.
CONCLUSIONS
The research aims to become a starting milestone for future investigations. The team investigated - in this first phase - the functional areas listed in the norm, and the next step aims to extend the analysis also to the innovative functions (i.e. buffer spaces, hybrid operating theatres, sub-intensive care units, etc.) and/or introduced only the last years which have only been regulated in some regions.
Topics: Humans; Health Facilities; Hospitals; Intensive Care Units; Accreditation; Hospital Design and Construction
PubMed: 37695187
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94iS3.14379 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023High temperatures present a formidable challenge to the cultivation of hot pepper, profoundly impacting not only vegetative growth but also leading to flower and fruit...
High temperatures present a formidable challenge to the cultivation of hot pepper, profoundly impacting not only vegetative growth but also leading to flower and fruit abscission, thereby causing a significant reduction in yield. To unravel the intricate genetic mechanisms governing heat tolerance in hot pepper, an F population was developed through the crossing of two distinct genotypes exhibiting contrasting heat tolerance characteristics: DLS-161-1 (heat tolerant) and DChBL-240 (heat susceptible). The F population, along with the parental lines, was subjected to comprehensive phenotyping encompassing diverse morphological, physiological, and biochemical heat-related traits under high temperature conditions (with maximum temperature ranging from 31 to 46.5°C and minimum temperature from 15.4 to 30.5°C). Leveraging the Illumina Nova Seq-6000 platform, Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) was employed to generate 67.215 Gb data, with subsequent alignment of 218.93 million processed reads against the reference genome of . Subsequent variant calling and ordering resulted in 5806 polymorphic SNP markers grouped into 12 LGs. Further QTL analysis identified 64 QTLs with LOD values ranging from 2.517 to 11.170 and explained phenotypic variance ranging from 4.05 to 19.39%. Among them, 21 QTLs, explaining more than 10% phenotypic variance, were identified as major QTLs controlling 9 morphological, 3 physiological, and 2 biochemical traits. Interestingly, several QTLs governing distinct parameters were found to be colocalized, suggesting either a profound correlation between the QTLs regulating these traits or their significant genomic proximity. In addition to the QTLs, we also identified 368380 SSR loci within the identified QTL regions, dinucleotides being the most abundant type (211,381). These findings provide valuable insights into the genetics of heat tolerance in hot peppers. The identified QTLs and SSR markers offer opportunities to develop heat-tolerant varieties, ensuring better crop performance under high-temperature conditions.
PubMed: 37692444
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1232800 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Feb 2024A new national survey has been carried out by the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs). The aim of this new national survey is to provide a...
INTRODUCTION
A new national survey has been carried out by the Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias (CCDDs). The aim of this new national survey is to provide a comprehensive description of the characteristics, organizational aspects of the CCDDs, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
A list of all national CCDDs was requested from the delegates of each Italian region. The online questionnaire is divided in two main sections: a profile section, containing information on location and accessibility, and a data collection form covering organization, services, treatments, activities, and any service interruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
RESULTS
In total, 511 out of 534 (96%) facilities completed the profile section, while 450 out of 534 (84%) CCDDs also completed the data collection form. Almost half of the CCDDs (55.1%) operated for 3 or fewer days a week. About one-third of the facilities had at least two professional figures among neurologists, geriatricians and psychiatrists. In 2020, only a third of facilities were open all the time, but in 2021, two-thirds of the facilities were open.
CONCLUSION
This paper provides an update on the current status of CCDDs in Italy, which still shows considerable heterogeneity. The survey revealed a modest improvement in the functioning of CCDDs, although substantial efforts are still required to ensure the diagnosis and care of patients with dementia.
Topics: Humans; Pandemics; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; COVID-19; Dementia; Italy
PubMed: 37592124
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06958-8 -
ACS Sensors Aug 2023We report here a small library of a new type of acyclic squaramide receptors (-) as selective ionophores for the detection of ketoprofen and naproxen anions (KF and NS,...
We report here a small library of a new type of acyclic squaramide receptors (-) as selective ionophores for the detection of ketoprofen and naproxen anions (KF and NS, respectively) in aqueous media. H NMR binding studies show a high affinity of these squaramide receptors toward KF and NS, suggesting the formation of H-bonds between the two guests and the receptors through indole and -NH groups. Compounds - have been tested as ionophores for the detection of KF and NS inside solvent PVC-based polymeric membranes. The optimal membrane compositions were established through the careful variation of the ligand/tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDMACl) anion-exchanger ratio. All of the tested acyclic squaramide receptors - have high affinity toward KF and NS and anti-Hofmeister selectivity, with and showing the highest sensitivity and selectivity to NS. The utility of the developed sensors for a high precision detection of KF in pharmaceutical compositions with low relative errors of analysis (RSD, 0.99-1.4%) and recoveries, %, in the range 95.1-111.8% has been demonstrated. Additionally, the chemometric approach has been involved to effectively discriminate between the structurally very similar KF and NS, and the possibility of detecting these analytes at concentrations as low as 0.07 μM with of 0.947 and at 0.15 μM with of 0.919 for NS and KF, respectively, was shown.
Topics: Ionophores; Anions; Quinine
PubMed: 37530141
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00981 -
Microorganisms May 2023L. (PlL) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The richness in antimicrobial biomolecules of Pll derivates can represent an alternative to chemically... (Review)
Review
L. (PlL) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The richness in antimicrobial biomolecules of Pll derivates can represent an alternative to chemically formulated agents used against oral infections. This review summarizes the knowledge on the antimicrobial activity of PlL essential oil (EO), extracts, and mastic resin against microorganisms being of relevance in oral biofilm-associated diseases. Results demonstrated that the potential of PlL polyphenol extracts has led to increasing scientific interest. In fact, the extracts are a significantly more effective agent than the other PlL derivates. The positive findings regarding the inhibition of periodontal pathogens and , together with the antioxidant activity and the reduction of the inflammatory responses, suggest the use of the extracts in the prevention and/or reversal of intraoral dysbiosis. Toothpaste, mouthwashes, and local delivery devices could be effective in the clinical management of these oral diseases.
PubMed: 37374880
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061378 -
F1000Research 2022Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a complex metabolic disease resulting from altered activity of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) in the liver resulting...
Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a complex metabolic disease resulting from altered activity of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) in the liver resulting in accumulation of uroporphyrin. PCT presents as a blistering photodermatitis with skin fragility, vesicles, scarring and milia. We report a case of PCT in a 67-year-old man with hemochromatosis (HFE) gene mutation who, following a major syncopal episode in response to venesection was commenced on low dose hydroxychloroquine. Low dose hydroxychloroquine provided a safe and effective alternative to venesection in this patient who was needle phobic.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Porphyria Cutanea Tarda; Hydroxychloroquine; Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase; Hemochromatosis
PubMed: 37360939
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.124022.1 -
Frontiers in Public Health 20233D printing is increasingly present in research environments, and could pose health risks to users due to air pollution and particulate emissions. We evaluated the...
INTRODUCTION
3D printing is increasingly present in research environments, and could pose health risks to users due to air pollution and particulate emissions. We evaluated the nanoparticulate emissions of two different 3D printers, utilizing either fused filament fabrication with polylactic acid, or stereolithography (SLA) with light curing resin.
METHODS
Nanoparticulate emissions were evaluated in two different research environments, both by environmental measurements in the laboratory and by personal sampling.
RESULTS
The SLA printer had higher nanoparticulate emissions, with an average concentration of 4,091 parts/cm, versus 2,203 particles/cm for the fused filament fabrication printer. The collected particulate matter had variable morphology and elemental composition with a preponderance of carbon, sulfur and oxygen, the main byproducts.
DISCUSSION
Our study implies that when considering the health risks of particulate emissions from 3D printing in research laboratories, attention should be given to the materials used and the type of 3D printer.
Topics: Particulate Matter; Pilot Projects; Laboratories; Air Pollution, Indoor; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37333549
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144475 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2023Today the patients and their families are 'powerless' recipients of healthcare services. The healthcare services are siloed and fragmented and getting worse with an...
Today the patients and their families are 'powerless' recipients of healthcare services. The healthcare services are siloed and fragmented and getting worse with an increasing array of specialists and subspecialists who "patch up" patients and send them back home. It is important for healthcare providers to become involved in the process of health promotion, prevention, and recovery. For successful implementation of this family-level care needs to be recognized and integrated into all policies, guidelines of the government, and healthcare providers reoriented through in-service and basic training.
PubMed: 37323734
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_95_23 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2023The COVID-19 pandemic restricted movement, closed businesses, and economic activities which disproportionately affected people globally. This pandemic has resurfaced the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic restricted movement, closed businesses, and economic activities which disproportionately affected people globally. This pandemic has resurfaced the existing cracks in the societal set-up and has pushed the vulnerable and marginalized communities like migrant workers, people with disabilities, geriatric population, and commercial sex workers (CSWs) to an edge for their existence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Due to the paucity of peer-reviewed research publications on CSWs, formative research was conducted to identify the determinants and attributes of the challenges faced by CSWs during COVID-19 situation in India. Media scanning approach was used to collate literature from newspaper and magazine reporting, and peer-reviewed articles were referred from research-based search engines.
RESULTS
In total, 31 articles were included for content analysis and four domains of issues i.e., economic, social, psychological and health related challenged faced by them were identified which are supported with the verbatims of the community members as reported in the data sources considered for this study. It was identified that the CSWs adopted several protective measures and coping strategies to deal with the pandemic situation.
CONCLUSION
This research highlighted that there is a need for further exploration of issues among CSWs by conducting studies among the communities. Furthermore, this paper provides a scope for future implementation research by identifying the key priorities and determinants of the challenges among the personal livelihood of CSWs in the country.
PubMed: 37323732
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_741_22