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ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science Apr 2022SARS-CoV-2 infection is still spreading worldwide, and new antiviral therapies are an urgent need to complement the approved vaccine preparations. SARS-CoV-2 nps13...
SARS-CoV-2 infection is still spreading worldwide, and new antiviral therapies are an urgent need to complement the approved vaccine preparations. SARS-CoV-2 nps13 helicase is a validated drug target participating in the viral replication complex and possessing two associated activities: RNA unwinding and 5'-triphosphatase. In the search of SARS-CoV-2 direct antiviral agents, we established biochemical assays for both SARS-CoV-2 nps13-associated enzyme activities and screened both and a small in-house library of natural compounds. Myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and flavanone were found to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 nps13 unwinding activity at nanomolar concentrations, while licoflavone C was shown to block both SARS-CoV-2 nps13 activities at micromolar concentrations. Mode of action studies showed that all compounds are nsp13 noncompetitive inhibitors versus ATP, while computational studies suggested that they can bind both nucleotide and 5'-RNA nsp13 binding sites, with licoflavone C showing a unique pattern of interaction with nsp13 amino acid residues. Overall, we report for the first time natural flavonoids as selective inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 nps13 helicase with low micromolar activity.
PubMed: 35434533
DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00253 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have a high prevalence, and their presence is associated with a severe impact in terms of social costs. However,...
BACKGROUND
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) have a high prevalence, and their presence is associated with a severe impact in terms of social costs. However, dedicated clinical tools or biomarkers to detect these symptoms are lacking. Thus, BPSD management in clinical settings is challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception and the treatment strategies for BPSD in Italian centers working in the dementia field.
METHODS
A multicenter, national survey was developed by BPSD Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society for Dementia (SINDEM). The survey consisted of a semi-structured questionnaire that was e-mailed to SINDEM members, dementia centers part of the national network of memory clinics (Centers for Cognitive Deterioration and Dementia [CDCD]), and clinicians working in dementia care settings. The questions were focused on (1) perceived global frequency and relevance of BPSD; (2) tools used to assess BPSD; (3) pharmacological treatment for psychosis, apathy, agitation, aggression, depression, anxiety, sleep, and nutrition disturbances; (4) non-pharmacological treatments; (5) drugs side effects.
RESULTS
One-hundred and thirty-six clinicians participated in this study. Seventy-nine participants worked in a CDCD and 57 in other settings. The perceived frequency of BPSD was 74%. BPSD are detected by means of a clinical assessment for 96.3% or a caregiver interview for 97%. For psychosis treatment the first choice was atypical antipsychotics (83.3%), followed by typical antipsychotic (8.9%) and antidepressants (4.8%). For agitation, atypical antipsychotics were the first-choice treatment in 64% of cases and antidepressants in 16.1%. For aggression, the most used drugs were atypical antipsychotics (82.9%). For anxiety, 55.2% use antidepressants, 17.9% use atypical antipsychotics, and 16.9% use benzodiazepines. Interestingly, most of the centers apply non-pharmacological treatments for BPSD. Some differences emerged comparing the responses from CDCD and other care settings.
CONCLUSION
The survey results revealed many differences in BPSD perception, treatment options, and observed side effect according to the clinical setting. This variability can be explained by the absence of clear guidelines, by differences in patients' characteristics, and by clinical practice based on subjective experience. These results suggest that producing guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of BPSD is a major need.
PubMed: 35432010
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.843088 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Sep 2022The Gulf of Naples located in a high anthropized coastal area is subjected to an infrastructural intervention for the installation of a submarine power pipeline. In...
The Gulf of Naples located in a high anthropized coastal area is subjected to an infrastructural intervention for the installation of a submarine power pipeline. In order to evaluate the distribution of contaminants in the seafloor sediments, a preliminary study has been conducted in the area using multivariate techniques. The statistic approach was performed to gain insights on the occurrence of organic and inorganic contaminants within the area, aiming to identify the relevant hot spots. Three geographical sub-areas influenced by different contaminant association were recognized: Torre Annunziata (TA), Capri (CA), and middle offshore (MO). TA and CA resulted marked by a severe contamination pattern due to anthropogenic pressures. In addition, the influence of the depositional basin in governing the contamination trend has been pointed out. The supervised technique PLS_DA resulted to be a powerful tool in addressing the complexity of the huge dataset acquired during the marine survey, highlighting the main trends in the variability of quality indicators, orienting thus the deeper investigations during follow-up monitoring activities.
Topics: Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Italy; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35397022
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19989-z -
Scientific Reports Apr 2022The aims of this study were to characterize new SARS-CoV-2 genomes sampled all over Italy and to reconstruct the origin and the evolutionary dynamics in Italy and Europe...
The aims of this study were to characterize new SARS-CoV-2 genomes sampled all over Italy and to reconstruct the origin and the evolutionary dynamics in Italy and Europe between February and June 2020. The cluster analysis showed only small clusters including < 80 Italian isolates, while most of the Italian strains were intermixed in the whole tree. Pure Italian clusters were observed mainly after the lockdown and distancing measures were adopted. Lineage B and B.1 spread between late January and early February 2020, from China to Veneto and Lombardy, respectively. Lineage B.1.1 (20B) most probably evolved within Italy and spread from central to south Italian regions, and to European countries. The lineage B.1.1.1 (20D) developed most probably in other European countries entering Italy only in the second half of March and remained localized in Piedmont until June 2020. In conclusion, within the limitations of phylogeographical reconstruction, the estimated ancestral scenario suggests an important role of China and Italy in the widespread diffusion of the D614G variant in Europe in the early phase of the pandemic and more dispersed exchanges involving several European countries from the second half of March 2020.
Topics: COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Europe; Genome, Viral; Humans; Italy; Phylogeography; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35388091
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09738-0 -
Clinical Kidney Journal Apr 2022
PubMed: 35371437
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfac010 -
Italian Journal of Dermatology and... Oct 2022Nevoid melanoma (NeM) is a rare variant of melanoma resembling melanocytic nevus. The aim of the study was to systematically review the dermoscopic features of NeM.
BACKGROUND
Nevoid melanoma (NeM) is a rare variant of melanoma resembling melanocytic nevus. The aim of the study was to systematically review the dermoscopic features of NeM.
METHODS
A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted. Dermoscopic features of NeMs diagnosed through excisional biopsy between January 2015 1, and March 1, 2021, were compared to superficial spreading melanomas (SSMs) matched by Breslow's thickness. Then, a literature search was performed. Electronic searches on PubMed database via Medline were conducted to retrieve any manuscript reporting detailed dermoscopic features of histopathologically confirmed NeM.
RESULTS
A total of 60 malignant melanomas (MM) comprising 20 NeM and 40 SSM were collected. Twelve out of 20 (60%) NeM showed a nevus-like appearance, including reticular and globular patterns, and in 35% of these cases it was detected because of dermoscopic changes. Then, a total of seven original manuscripts were retrieved from the literature review, comprising 56 cases overall. NeM showed nevus-like pattern in 53% of the cases, multicomponent pattern in 21% and amelanotic in 9%. Enlargement, irregularly distributed dots/globules, irregular pigmentation, and atypical vascular pattern were found in NeM with nevus-like appearance. NeM with multicomponent pattern were characterized by irregular pigmentation, blue-white veil, irregular dots and atypical vascular pattern. Amelanotic NeM is rare and show atypical vascular pattern and milia-like cysts.
CONCLUSIONS
Dermoscopy of NeM is challenging as it frequently shows a nevus-like pattern, but clues and detection of dermoscopic changes may help to identify it.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Epidermal Cyst; Humans; Melanoma; Melanoma, Amelanotic; Nevus; Nevus, Pigmented; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 35274882
DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8671.22.07262-0 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Mar 2022Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a painful and common ulcerative form that can pose a diagnostic challenge. In fact, similar oral ulcers can appear secondary to a... (Review)
Review
AIM
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a painful and common ulcerative form that can pose a diagnostic challenge. In fact, similar oral ulcers can appear secondary to a variety of well-defined pathological conditions. Thus, the purpose of this work was to update the current knowledge about RAS METHODS: A narrative review is presented aiming to clarify the extensive differential diagnosis of RAS and its management.
CONCLUSION
As a first aid in relieving the pain, topical applications of corticosteroids, antibiotics, and analgesics are highly recommended, while systemic therapy of RAS should be used in the case of multiple painful ulcerations compromising the quality of life of the patient. Also, natural anti-inflammatory substances from medicinal herbs, in the form of essential oils and extracts are promising agents in the management of RAS.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Quality of Life; Stomatitis, Aphthous
PubMed: 35274547
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.01.14 -
Journal of Clinical Virology Plus Feb 2022In the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, rapid and easy-to-perform diagnostic methods are essential to limit the spread of the virus and for the clinical management of...
In the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, rapid and easy-to-perform diagnostic methods are essential to limit the spread of the virus and for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. Although real-time polymerase chain reaction remains the "gold standard" to diagnose acute infections, this technique is expensive, requires trained personnel, well-equipped laboratory and is time-consuming. A prospective evaluation of the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 point-of-care testing that uses isothermal nucleic acid amplification for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene was run in the Emergency Department during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic. ID-NOW significantly simplified SARS-CoV-2 identification and COVID-19 patient triaging, being highly valuable in rapidly locating febrile patients in or out of COVID-19 areas, and can be considered as a first-line diagnostic test in the Emergency Room setting.
PubMed: 35262036
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2022.100065 -
Maedica Dec 2021Milia en plaque is an uncommon benign dermatosis. We present a case of a 43-year-old Caucasian man with a five-month history of asymptomatic symmetric lesions on the...
Milia en plaque is an uncommon benign dermatosis. We present a case of a 43-year-old Caucasian man with a five-month history of asymptomatic symmetric lesions on the earlobes that has been previously treated by self-medication with potent topical steroids, emollients, cosmetic procedures, herbal medication and punch-procedure. Based on clinical examination, a diagnosis of milia on earlobes was established and treated with topical steroids. Milia en plaque of the earlobes has yet not been reported. Treatment is not different from other localizations.
PubMed: 35261683
DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2020.16.4.747 -
BMJ Case Reports Mar 2022Vascular injury is a common complication in firearm injuries; however, intravascular missile embolism is relatively rare. There are only 38 documented cases of...
Vascular injury is a common complication in firearm injuries; however, intravascular missile embolism is relatively rare. There are only 38 documented cases of intravascular missile embolisation to the heart. Bullet embolisms are difficult to diagnose even with multiple diagnostic modalities and even once identified, the most optimal choice of surgical management is debated. Our patient presented with a gunshot wound to the right posterior shoulder. Cardiac focused assessment with sonography for trauma, chest X-ray, CT and echocardiogram were performed, showing missile location adjacent to the right ventricle with inconclusive evidence of pericardial injury. Exploratory median sternotomy was performed, revealing intact pericardium and injury to the superior vena cava (SVC) with bullet embolisation to the right ventricle. The patient became temporarily asystolic secondary to haemorrhage from the SVC injury. Cardiac massage was performed, dislodging the missile into the inferior vena cava. A venotomy was performed to retrieve the bullet and vascular injuries were primarily repaired.
Topics: Embolism; Firearms; Foreign-Body Migration; Humans; Vena Cava, Superior; Wounds, Gunshot
PubMed: 35260401
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247252