Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ragusa Area: Next Generation Sequencing and Serological Analysis.

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) post pandemic evolution is correlated to the development of new variants. Viral genomic and immune response monitoring are fundamental to the surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Since 1 January to 31 July 2022, we monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants trend in Ragusa area sequencing n.600 samples by next generation sequencing (NGS) technology: n.300 were healthcare workers (HCWs) of ASP Ragusa. The evaluation of anti-Nucleocapside (N), receptor-binding domain (RBD), the two subunit of S protein (S1 and S2) IgG levels in 300 exposed vs. 300 unexposed HCWs to SARS-CoV-2 was performed. Differences in immune response and clinical symptoms related to the different variants were investigated. The SARS-CoV-2 variants trend in Ragusa area and in Sicily region were comparable. BA.1 and BA.2 were the most representative variants, whereas the diffusion of BA.3 and BA.4 affected some places of the region. Although no correlation was found between variants and clinical manifestations, anti-N and anti-S2 levels were positively correlated with an increase in the symptoms number. SARS-CoV-2 infection induced a statistically significant enhancement in antibody titers compared to that produced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration. In post-pandemic period, the evaluation of anti-N IgG could be used as an early marker to identify asymptomatic subjects.

[The management of nephropathic patients during the Covid-19 pandemic: the experience of Ragusa].

The public emergency caused by Covid-19 has forced health services to reorganize in order to separate positive patients from negative ones. In nephrology, this reorganization involves several levels of assistance concerning hospitalizations, ambulatory care and haemodialysis. Within the Complex Unit of Nephrology in Ragusa, the distribution of nephro-dialytic resources has involved four different hospitals, hence ensuring haemodialysis services for asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic Covid-19 patients as well as for patients in Covid-Unit, Sub-Intensive Therapy and Intensive Care Unit. In this complex context, we had to create a common protocol involving all the professionals who provide assistance in our Unit, across the different structures. We also report some encouraging data that seem to indicate the effectiveness of the protocols put in place.

Eruca sativa seed extract: A novel natural product able to counteract neuroinflammation.

Certain nutrients are able to exert health promoting effects. The consumption of Brassicaceae vegetables has increased given their reported beneficial effects on human health, due to their high content of nutraceutical compounds. The health benefits appear to be associated with the presence of glucosinolates and flavonoids. Certain nutraceutics have been revealed to have anti­inflammatory action. In the present study, the anti­inflammatory properties of Eruca sativa seed extract (ESE) were evaluated in NSC­34 motor neurons exposed to the cell culture medium of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with LPS­stimulated RAW 264.7 medium induced apoptosis and the expression of Toll­like receptor 4 (TLR4) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in NSC­34 motor neurons. Additionally, the stimulation of NSC­34 motor neurons with the medium of LPS­treated macrophages triggered the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome proteins and the production of pro­inflammatory cytokines. Pre­treatment with ESE counteracted the apoptosis and production of pro­inflammatory cytokines in NSC­34 motor neurons treated with the medium of LPS­treated RAW 264.7. It also eliminated COX2 and TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome expression. In addition, pre­treatment with ESE was able to restore interleukin 10 expression in NSC­34 cells. These results demonstrate the anti­inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of ESE.