A nation-wide survey on emotional and psychological impacts of COVID-19 social distancing.

OBJECTIVE: Social distancing is crucial in order to flatten the curve of COVID-19 virus spreading. Isolation, scarcity of resources and the lack of social contacts may have produced a negative impact on people's emotions and psychological well-being. This study aims to explore the reasons and the ways through which social distancing generates negative emotions in individuals who experienced the lockdown. To a larger extent, the objective is to check the existence of relations between negative emotions and the satisfaction of basic needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Italy 140,656 online interviews were collected from March 22 to April 2, 2020. Data analysis was carried out using mono and bivariate statistical analysis, K-means clustering and the Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The parameters for the identification of six clusters were: the intensity of the respondent's basic emotions and the layers of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. RESULTS: The majority of people involved in an emergency situation, implying a collapse of social contacts, experience some kind of emotional reactions. In our study, we found a correlation between basic emotions and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. In times of crisis, the most basic needs are the physiological ones. Fear, anger and sadness are predominant in all population groups; anger and disgust mainly appear when people are exposed to the risk of not being able to meet subsistence needs, thus perceiving a lack of economic security. CONCLUSIONS: The well-known Maslow's theory of human needs seems to fit well with the outbreak of negative emotions in the context of COVID-19. This study demonstrates the existence of links between negative emotions and primary needs that mainly refer to the first three levels of Maslow's pyramid. As a result of COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, many people have been sucked into the bottom layers of the pyramid. This change in individual basic needs has triggered a relevant transformation in individual emotional status and a shift towards negative emotions.

Ultrasound delivery of Surface Enhanced InfraRed Absorption active gold-nanoprobes into fibroblast cells: a biological study via Synchrotron-based InfraRed microanalysis at single cell level.

Ultrasound (US) induced transient membrane permeabilisation has emerged as a hugely promising tool for the delivery of exogenous vectors through the cytoplasmic membrane, paving the way to the design of novel anticancer strategies by targeting functional nanomaterials to specific biological sites. An essential step towards this end is the detailed recognition of suitably marked nanoparticles in sonoporated cells and the investigation of the potential related biological effects. By taking advantage of Synchrotron Radiation Fourier Transform Infrared micro-spectroscopy (SR-microFTIR) in providing highly sensitive analysis at the single cell level, we studied the internalisation of a nanoprobe within fibroblasts (NIH-3T3) promoted by low-intensity US. To this aim we employed 20 nm gold nanoparticles conjugated with the IR marker 4-aminothiophenol. The significant Surface Enhanced Infrared Absorption provided by the nanoprobes, with an absorbance increase up to two orders of magnitude, allowed us to efficiently recognise their inclusion within cells. Notably, the selective and stable SR-microFTIR detection from single cells that have internalised the nanoprobe exhibited clear changes in both shape and intensity of the spectral profile, highlighting the occurrence of biological effects. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and murine cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays confirmed the presence of slight but significant cytotoxic and genotoxic events associated with the US-nanoprobe combined treatments. Our results can provide novel hints towards US and nanomedicine combined strategies for cell spectral imaging as well as drug delivery-based therapies.

Differential effects on membrane permeability and viability of human keratinocyte cells undergoing very low intensity megasonic fields.

Among different therapeutic applications of Ultrasound (US), transient membrane sonoporation (SP) - a temporary, non-lethal porosity, mechanically induced in cell membranes through US exposure - represents a compelling opportunity towards an efficient and safe drug delivery. Nevertheless, progresses in this field have been limited by an insufficient understanding of the potential cytotoxic effects of US related to the failure of the cellular repair and to the possible activation of inflammatory pathway. In this framework we studied the in vitro effects of very low-intensity US on a human keratinocyte cell line, which represents an ideal model system of skin protective barrier cells which are the first to be involved during medical US treatments. Bioeffects linked to US application at 1 MHz varying the exposure parameters were investigated by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence activated cell sorting. Our results indicate that keratinocytes undergoing low US doses can uptake drug model molecules with size and efficiency which depend on exposure parameters. According to sub-cavitation SP models, we have identified the range of doses triggering transient membrane SP, actually with negligible biological damage. By increasing US doses we observed a reduced cells viability and an inflammatory gene overexpression enlightening novel healthy relevant strategies.

Biomimetic carriers mimicking leukocyte plasma membrane to increase tumor vasculature permeability.

Recent advances in the field of nanomedicine have demonstrated that biomimicry can further improve targeting properties of current nanotechnologies while simultaneously enable carriers with a biological identity to better interact with the biological environment. Immune cells for example employ membrane proteins to target inflamed vasculature, locally increase vascular permeability, and extravasate across inflamed endothelium. Inspired by the physiology of immune cells, we recently developed a procedure to transfer leukocyte membranes onto nanoporous silicon particles (NPS), yielding Leukolike Vectors (LLV). LLV are composed of a surface coating containing multiple receptors that are critical in the cross-talk with the endothelium, mediating cellular accumulation in the tumor microenvironment while decreasing vascular barrier function. We previously demonstrated that lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1) transferred onto LLV was able to trigger the clustering of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells. Herein, we provide a more comprehensive analysis of the working mechanism of LLV in vitro in activating this pathway and in vivo in enhancing vascular permeability. Our results suggest the biological activity of the leukocyte membrane can be retained upon transplant onto NPS and is critical in providing the particles with complex biological functions towards tumor vasculature.

[Topical pharmacologic approach with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in the treatment of localized neuropathic pain]. / Approccio farmacologico topico con lidocaina cerotto 5% nel trattamento del dolore neuropatico localizzato.

The treatment of neuropathic pain is a medical challenge. The responsiveness to the different classes of drugs is often unsatisfactory and frequently associated to a wide range of side effects. International guidelines suggest for the "localized" neuropathic pain the topical treatment with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster, alone or associated to systemic drugs, as the first choice since its favorable efficacy and tolerability profile. Many clinical experiences support the rationale for using 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in different kinds of localized neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic and trigeminal neuralgia, compressive syndromes, painful diabetic polyneuropathy and pain secondary to trauma or surgical interventions. This paper reports a series of clinical cases whose heterogeneity suggests the wide burden of applicability of the topical 5% lidocaine, either alone and associated to systemic drugs. All the described conditions were characterized by a highly intense pain, not adequately controlled by actual medications, which improved after the use of topical lidocaine. The good response to lidocaine allowed the reduction, of even the withdrawal, of concurrent drugs and improved the patients' quality of life.

Use of EPR and FTIR to detect biological effects of ultrasound and microbubbles on a fibroblast cell line.

Structural and functional effects of exposing murine fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) to therapeutic ultrasound at 1 MHz frequency are described. These bioeffects can be attributed to the formation of free radical species by sonolysis of water. When cavitation occurs, dissociation of water vapor into H atoms and OH radicals is observed; these H atoms and OH radicals combine to form H(2), H(2)O(2), and HO(2). The radicals can chemically modify biomolecules, for example enzymes, DNA, and lipids. Generation of free radicals during exposure to ultrasound with or without encapsulated microbubbles (contrast agents) was studied by use of electron paramagnetic resonance with DMPO spin trapping. Recently the potential for possible use of these microbubbles in gene therapy has been investigated, because of the ability of the stabilized microbubbles to release their content when exposed to ultrasound. Structural changes were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and induction of possible genotoxic damage by exposure of the cells to therapeutic ultrasound at 1 MHz frequency with our experimental device was verified by use of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay.

Structural changes induced in proteins by therapeutic ultrasounds.

The structural effect induced by therapeutic ultrasound on proteins in aqueous solution has been investigated with FTIR spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, circular dichroism and light scattering. Six proteins (cytochrome, lysozyme, myoglobin, bovine serum albumin, trypsinogen, and alpha-chymotrypsinogen A) with different molecular weight and secondary structure have been studied. The experiment has been performed using an ultrasound source at resonant frequency of 1 MHz and sonication times of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. A different behaviour of proteins under sonication depends on the dominant secondary structure type (alpha-helix or beta-sheets) and on the grade of the ordered structure. The results suggest that the free radicals, produced by water sonolysis, have an important role in the changes of structural order.

[The utility of bispectral index monitoring in general anesthesia]. / Utilità del monitoraggio BIS in anestesia generale.

BACKGROUND: The Bispectral Index (BIS), a parameter derived from the electroencephalograph, has been shown to correlate with increasing sedation and loss of consciousness. This study was designed to investigate whether using BIS would improve anaesthetic drug management and immediate recovery after anaesthesia. METHODS: 160 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were studied. The patients were randomised to receive either propofol or sevoflurane anaesthesia. In each group 40 patients were anaesthetised with BIS monitoring and 40 without BIS. In BIS groups, propofol and sevoflurane dose was adjusted to achieve a target BIS values between 40-60 during the whole procedure. Drug consumption, intraoperative responses, times of recovery after anaesthesia and a "Clinical Quality Scale of Recovery" score were recorded from blinded observators. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups. BIS monitoring improved the immediate recovery after propofol anaesthesia, while no significant differences were observed in patients receiving sevoflurane. The consumption of both propofol and sevoflurane significantly decreased (30 and 40%, respectively). There was no significant differences in the incidence of intraoperative responses between groups. The BIS groups had a higher percentage of patients with better ICU assessments. CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring decreased the consumption of both propofol and sevoflurane and facilitated the immediate recovery after propofol anaesthesia. Intraoperative course was not changed. These findings indicate that the use of BIS may be a valuable guide of the intraoperatively administration of propofol and sevoflurane.

Comparative FISH-mapping of the prion protein gene (PRNP) on cattle, river buffalo, sheep and goat chromosomes.

Comparative FISH-mapping of the prion protein gene (PRNP) was performed on cattle (BTA), river buffalo (BBU), sheep (OAR) and goat (CHI) chromosomes using a PCR-product as a probe and R-banding. PRNP was mapped to BTA13q17, BBU14q15, OAR13q15 and CHI13q15 according to standard nomenclatures. These chromosomes and bands were homoeologous among the four species, confirming the high degree of gene and chromosome banding conservation among bovids. Furthermore, the assignment of PRNP to river buffalo and goat chromosomes allowed us to indirectly assign the bovine syntenic group U11 to specific chromosomes, since it is the first in situ localization on BBU14 and CHI13.

[Gender and Genus]. / Il genere e Genus.

PIP: "The article analyzes the last ten [years of] issues of [the journal] Genus from a gender perspective, conceived as a method for exploring male-female relations. 164 articles were examined; 46 were selected because [they were] gender-related. The study shows the difficulties faced by researchers in interpreting and highlighting differences between men and women, when abandoning traditional ways of thinking and data collecting." (EXCERPT)^ieng

Effectiveness and safety of combined epidural and general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two anesthesia techniques, combined epidural/general anesthesia (CEGA) versus total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly assigned to one of two different groups: group A received TIVA and group B received CEGA. At preset times during the operation, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation (SaO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (Etco2) were monitored. Postoperatively, recovery (Steward's test) and analgesia (visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores) were assessed, as well as the incidence of adverse effects. RESULTS: The groups were comparable as to demographic data and duration of surgery and of anesthesia. Intraoperative parameters also showed no statistical differences. Both groups had a rapid recovery (Steward score of 6 within 12 minutes), but group B showed better recovery scores at 4 minutes. Postoperative pain was well controlled in both groups, but group B exhibited better scores at postoperative hour 2. The incidence of postoperative side effects was low in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CEGA for laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems to be effective and safe and to offer some advantages as compared to TIVA alone. CEGA can control pain due to CO2-induced peritoneal irritation, providing excellent intra- and postoperative analgesia. CEGA does not require the use of intraoperative intravenous opioids and shortens recovery time, without increasing the incidence of side effects.

[Comparison between balanced anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia in videolaparocholecystectomy]. / Confronto fra narcosi bilanciata e narcosi totalmente endovenosa nella videolaparocolecistectomia.

The aim of this work was to assess which anaesthetic technique is more suitable to the performance of videolaparocholecystectomy (VLC), particularly seeking for a faster and more comfortable recovery, although saving the maximum safety of the patient. A comparative investigation between two different anaesthetic techniques was carried out in 40 patients scheduled for VLC; the procedure's average length was 110.3 +/- 32.8 minutes and pneu- moperitoneum was obtained with 12-15 mmHg of CO2. Patients (32 females and 8 males, average age 52.3 +/- 8 years and ASA class 1, 2, 3, were randomized in two groups. The first group was administered total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA): propofol+ fentanyl+pancuronio bromide; the second one received balanced narcosis:TPS+ Isoflurane+Pancuronio bromide. The following parameters were monitored at set times: SAP, DAP, HR and EtCO2; statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance. The quality of recovery was assessed by Steward's test and analyzed by Student's "t" test. The data obtained from analysis of the intraoperative parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups; on the contrary a statistically significant difference was found with regard to the quality of recovery (p > 0.5 at 5' from the extubation). Thus, the comparative study showed the efficacy and safety of both techniques, but TIVA allowed a faster and more comfortable awakening with shorter time to recovery of consciousness. This, together with the reduced requirements of analgesic drugs in the postoperative period and the lack of air pollution, seems to suggest that TIVA is to be preferred for laparoscopic surgery.

Demographic trends, population policy and public opinion.

PIP: Findings are analyzed of the Instituto di Richerche solla poplazione survey carried out in Italy in 1987 which focused on: 1) those variables which may be indirectly affecting Italian's fertility intentions, and 2) the degree of acceptability of a global social policy i.e., one that is not only restricted to economic incentives to be offered to families. Data was obtained from a national sample of 1500 people between 18-49 years. Italians have a good awareness of demographic issues; 61% knew of the decline in marriages; 72% were aware of the increasing aging population; 50% viewed the fall in birth rate negatively; and 41% thought that population and fertility trends would remain at the present low level or would decrease even further (49%). The birth rate decline was contributed to economic reasons at both reasons at both a global and an individual level. The majority of people did not show any signs of prejudice toward immigrants; however, they did favor limiting the number of foreigners in general with the exception of political refugees. The majority were also in favor of helping 3rd World countries. Although Italians value their children and the parent-child relationship very highly, a reduction in the value of children with increasing educational level of the respondents was observed. 83% thought that couples should be allowed to have as many children as they wanted; 81% agreed that measures regarding contraceptive knowledge and availability should be improved; and 49% were in favor of measures to increase births. Regarding possible new policy measures, 50% were in full agreement on the development and increased efficiency of social services to enable women to go out to work. (author's modified)^ieng

Expression of the human apolipoprotein AI gene fused to the E. coli gene for beta-galactosidase.

The human apoAI gene was expressed in E. coli by in-frame fusion to a modified beta-galactosidase gene present in plasmid pUR291. The fused beta-galactosidase-apoAI gene product was expressed at a high level and was recognized by an anti-human apoAI antiserum. Besides the fused protein, at least one degradation product having an Mr similar to that of beta-galactosidase was present in high amounts in bacterial extracts. These results and those of a pulse-chase experiment indicate that degradation took place only in the apoAI moiety of the chimeric protein.

The precursor of mitochondrial pig heart aspartate aminotransferase: preliminary sequence data.

The precursor of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart was synthesized in vitro, purified by immunoprecipitation and partially sequenced. The precursor is 24 amino acid residues longer than the mature protein. Methionine, leucine and isoleucine positions on the peptide extension were assigned.

[Intestinal obstruction and incomplete obstruction from mesenteric cyst formation in children (author's transl)]. / Occlusioni e sub-occlusioni dell'eta' infantile da affezioni cistiche del mesentere.

In the light of three cases of their own observation, of children with mesenteric cysts causing complete or incomplete intestinal obstruction, the authors review the existing literature on the subject, discuss the etiology, clinical aspects, and therapeutic methods for the correction of such pathology, and conclude by calling attention to mesenteric cysts as possible causes of intestinal transit disorders in the pediatric age group.

[Current views concerning the etiopathogenesis of reflux esophagitis in children]. / Attuali vedute sulla etiopatogenesi dell'esofagite da reflusso nell'età infantile.

Esophagitis is caused by a gastro-esophageal reflux sometimes reflecting anatomical inadequacy of structures that secure the relationships between the cardia and the diaphragm, fundus of the stomach, and other surrounding viscera, but more often due to functional deficiency of lower esophageal sphincter (LES), this representing the main factor for maintenance of the mechanism of cardial continence. Manometric studies of intraluminal pressures in the esophagus have revealed the presence of a high-pressure segment in the distal esophagus, where a mean pressure of 12-13 mm Hg obtains over a length of 3 or 4 cm. In the first two weeks of extrauterine life the LES is between 0.5 and 1 cm long, with a pressure of 3 mm Hg; pressure values in the LES equal adult values at about one month of age, showing that neuromuscular control of the sphincter has been achieved. Gastro-esophageal reflux, however, is very common in the newborn and not enough by itself to cause peptic disease of the esophagus; this requires the concomitance of morphological defects of the esophageal mucosa and/or dynamic-functional disturbances. This, according to the authors, is why esophagitis actually occurs in only about 60% of patients with radiologically and pHmetrically demonstrated gastro-esophageal reflux.