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Dr. Grazia Maugeri
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

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0 Anatomy
0 Health Sciences
0 Morphology
0 Neuroscience
0 Peptide and proteins

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Review article
Published: 25 August 2021 in Journal of Cellular Physiology
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Adult stem cells are fundamental to maintain tissue homeostasis, growth, and regeneration. They reside in specialized environments called niches. Following activating signals, they proliferate and differentiate into functional cells that are able to preserve tissue physiology, either to guarantee normal turnover or to counteract tissue damage caused by injury or disease. Multiple interactions occur within the niche between stem cell-intrinsic factors, supporting cells, the extracellular matrix, and signaling pathways. Altogether, these interactions govern cell fate, preserving the stem cell pool, and regulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Based on their response to body needs, tissues can be largely classified into three main categories: tissues that even in normal conditions are characterized by an impressive turnover to replace rapidly exhausting cells (blood, epidermis, or intestinal epithelium); tissues that normally require only a basal cell replacement, though able to efficiently respond to increased tissue needs, injury, or disease (skeletal muscle); tissues that are equipped with less powerful stem cell niches, whose repairing ability is not able to overcome severe damage (heart or nervous tissue). The purpose of this review is to describe the main characteristics of stem cell niches in these different tissues, highlighting the various components influencing stem cell activity. Although much has been done, more work is needed to further increase our knowledge of niche interactions. This would be important not only to shed light on this fundamental chapter of human physiology but also to help the development of cell-based strategies for clinical therapeutic applications, especially when other approaches fail.

ACS Style

Giuliana Mannino; Cristina Russo; Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci; Nunzio Vicario; Daniele Tibullo; Rosario Giuffrida; Rosalba Parenti; Debora Lo Furno. Adult stem cell niches for tissue homeostasis. Journal of Cellular Physiology 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Giuliana Mannino, Cristina Russo, Grazia Maugeri, Giuseppe Musumeci, Nunzio Vicario, Daniele Tibullo, Rosario Giuffrida, Rosalba Parenti, Debora Lo Furno. Adult stem cell niches for tissue homeostasis. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuliana Mannino; Cristina Russo; Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci; Nunzio Vicario; Daniele Tibullo; Rosario Giuffrida; Rosalba Parenti; Debora Lo Furno. 2021. "Adult stem cell niches for tissue homeostasis." Journal of Cellular Physiology , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 20 August 2021 in Applied Sciences
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Regeneration of peripheral nerves depends on the ability of axons to navigate through an altered extracellular environment. It has been suggested that Schwann cells facilitate this process through their secretion of neuropeptides and proteases. Using the RT4-D6P2T Schwann cell line (RT4), we have previously shown that RT4 cultures endogenously express the neuropeptide PACAP, and respond to exogenous stimulation by inducing the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) via PAC1 receptor activation. In this study, based on recent findings showing that doxycycline and minocycline act as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the PAC1 receptor, we tested if treatment with these tetracyclines induced the expression and activity of tPA and uPA in RT4 cells. Using ELISA and zymographic analyses, we demonstrate that doxycycline and minocycline reliably induce the secretion and activity of both tPA and uPA, which is paralleled by increased expression levels, as shown by immunocytochemistry and Western blots. These actions were mediated, at least in part, by the PAC1 receptor, as PACAP6-38 mitigated tetracycline-induced expression and activity of tPA and uPA. We conclude that doxycycline and minocycline act as PAMs of the PAC1 receptor to promote proteolytic activity in RT4 cells.

ACS Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Giuseppe Musumeci; Alessandro Castorina. Doxycycline and Minocycline Act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 7673 .

AMA Style

Sarah Thomas Broome, Giuseppe Musumeci, Alessandro Castorina. Doxycycline and Minocycline Act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (16):7673.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Giuseppe Musumeci; Alessandro Castorina. 2021. "Doxycycline and Minocycline Act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells." Applied Sciences 11, no. 16: 7673.

Journal article
Published: 17 August 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The COVID-19 outbreak forced Italian students to reduce their daily activities, inducing a seden-tary attitude that was worsened by distanced learning. This study aimed to survey the physical activity levels that were maintained before and during the social restrictions following the pan-demic, their correlation to musculoskeletal pain, as well as analyzing the impact of these COVID-19 restrictions on pain and fatigue that affects daily life activities. A total of 2044 students completed the online questionnaire, of which the results of 1654 participants were eligible. Before the pandemic, the levels of physical activity were distributed as: 19.9% no activity, 30.1% light ac-tivity, 21.5% moderate activity, and 28.5% high activity. After one year of the pandemic, 30.6% of the participants were inactive, 48.1%, 10.9%, and 10.5% stated as maintaining, respectively, light, moderate and high levels of physical activity. Furthermore, 43.5% reported neck pain and 33.5% stated to experience low back pain. Physical activity levels lower than 150 min/week may have predisposed students to suffer from neck pain (1.95 OR at 95% CI, 1.44–2.64) and low back pain (1.79 OR at 95% CI, 1.29–2.49). A positive correlation between physical activity levels, Verbal Descriptive Scale (VDS), and pain frequency have been observed for neck and low back pain (p-value < 0.05). Finally, low physical activity levels were associated with musculoskeletal pain onset and pain worsening.

ACS Style

Federico Roggio; Bruno Trovato; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Musumeci. One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 8680 .

AMA Style

Federico Roggio, Bruno Trovato, Silvia Ravalli, Michelino Di Rosa, Grazia Maugeri, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma, Giuseppe Musumeci. One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (16):8680.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Roggio; Bruno Trovato; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 16: 8680.

Journal article
Published: 05 August 2021 in Biomedicines
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Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts different effects in various human cancer. In glioblastoma (GBM), PACAP has been shown to interfere with the hypoxic micro-environment through the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factors via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways inhibition. Considering that hypoxic tumor micro-environment is strictly linked to angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition (EMT), in the present study, we have investigated the ability of PACAP to regulate these events. Results have demonstrated that PACAP and its related receptor, PAC1R, are expressed in hypoxic area of human GBM colocalizing either in epithelial or mesenchymal cells. By using an in vitro model of GBM cells, we have observed that PACAP interferes with hypoxic/angiogenic pathway by reducing vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and inhibiting formation of vessel-like structures in H5V endothelial cells cultured with GBM-conditioned medium. Moreover, PACAP treatment decreased the expression of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) as well as CD44 in GBM cells by affecting their invasiveness. In conclusion, our study provides new insights regarding the multimodal role of PACAP in GBM malignancy.

ACS Style

Grazia Maugeri; Agata D’Amico; Salvatore Saccone; Concetta Federico; Daniela Rasà; Rosario Caltabiano; Giuseppe Broggi; Salvatore Giunta; Giuseppe Musumeci; Velia D’Agata. Effect of PACAP on Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 965 .

AMA Style

Grazia Maugeri, Agata D’Amico, Salvatore Saccone, Concetta Federico, Daniela Rasà, Rosario Caltabiano, Giuseppe Broggi, Salvatore Giunta, Giuseppe Musumeci, Velia D’Agata. Effect of PACAP on Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines. 2021; 9 (8):965.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Grazia Maugeri; Agata D’Amico; Salvatore Saccone; Concetta Federico; Daniela Rasà; Rosario Caltabiano; Giuseppe Broggi; Salvatore Giunta; Giuseppe Musumeci; Velia D’Agata. 2021. "Effect of PACAP on Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma." Biomedicines 9, no. 8: 965.

Review
Published: 28 July 2021 in Brain Sciences
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Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest form of brain tumors. To date, the GBM therapeutical approach consists of surgery, radiation-therapy and chemotherapy combined with molecules improving cancer responsiveness to treatments. In this review, we will present a brief overview of the GBM classification and pathogenesis, as well as the therapeutic approach currently used. Then, we will focus on the modulatory role exerted by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, known as PACAP, on GBM malignancy. Specifically, we will describe PACAP ability to interfere with GBM cell proliferation, as well as the tumoral microenvironment. Considering its anti-oncogenic role in GBM, synthesis of PACAP agonist molecules may open new perspectives for combined therapy to existing gold standard treatment.

ACS Style

Agata D’Amico; Grazia Maugeri; Luca Vanella; Valeria Pittalà; Dora Reglodi; Velia D’Agata. Multimodal Role of PACAP in Glioblastoma. Brain Sciences 2021, 11, 994 .

AMA Style

Agata D’Amico, Grazia Maugeri, Luca Vanella, Valeria Pittalà, Dora Reglodi, Velia D’Agata. Multimodal Role of PACAP in Glioblastoma. Brain Sciences. 2021; 11 (8):994.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Agata D’Amico; Grazia Maugeri; Luca Vanella; Valeria Pittalà; Dora Reglodi; Velia D’Agata. 2021. "Multimodal Role of PACAP in Glioblastoma." Brain Sciences 11, no. 8: 994.

Preprint
Published: 27 July 2021
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Regeneration of peripheral nerves depends on the ability of axons to navigate through an altered extracellular environment. It has been suggested that Schwann cells facilitate this process through their secretion of neuropeptides and proteases. Using the RT4-D6P2T Schwann cell line (RT4), we have previously shown that RT4 cultures endogenously express the neuropeptide PACAP, and respond to exogenous stimulation by inducing the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) through PAC1 receptor activation. In this study, based on recent findings showing that doxycycline and minocycline act as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the PAC1 receptor, we tested if treatment with these tetracyclines could induce the expression and activity of tPA and uPA in RT4 cells. Using ELISA and zymographic analyses, we demonstrate that doxycycline and minocycline reliably induce the secretion and activity of both tPA and uPA, which is paralleled by an increased expression levels, as shown by immunocytochemistry and Western blots. These actions were mediated, at least in part, by the PAC1 receptor, as PACAP6-38 mitigated tetracycline-induced expression and activity of tPA and uPA. We conclude that doxycycline and minocycline can act as PAMs of the PAC1 receptor to promote proteolytic activity in RT4 cells.

ACS Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Giuseppe Musumeci; Alessandro Castorina. Doxycycline and Minocycline act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Sarah Thomas Broome, Giuseppe Musumeci, Alessandro Castorina. Doxycycline and Minocycline act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Giuseppe Musumeci; Alessandro Castorina. 2021. "Doxycycline and Minocycline act as Positive Allosteric Modulators of the PAC1 Receptor and Induce Plasminogen Activators in RT4 Schwann Cells." , no. : 1.

Editorial
Published: 26 July 2021 in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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Why do so many athletes keep practicing extreme sports, even though they know the danger of risking their lives

ACS Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. Why Would You Choose to Do an Extreme Sport? Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2021, 6, 65 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. Why Would You Choose to Do an Extreme Sport? Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2021; 6 (3):65.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Why Would You Choose to Do an Extreme Sport?" Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6, no. 3: 65.

Journal article
Published: 18 July 2021 in World Journal of Orthopedics
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Technological development of motion and posture analyses is rapidly progressing, especially in rehabilitation settings and sport biomechanics. Consequently, clear discrimination among different measurement systems is required to diversify their use as needed. This review aims to resume the currently used motion and posture analysis systems, clarify and suggest the appropriate approaches suitable for specific cases or contexts. The currently gold standard systems of motion analysis, widely used in clinical settings, present several limitations related to marker placement or long procedure time. Fully automated and markerless systems are overcoming these drawbacks for conducting biomechanical studies, especially outside laboratories. Similarly, new posture analysis techniques are emerging, often driven by the need for fast and non-invasive methods to obtain high-precision results. These new technologies have also become effective for children or adolescents with non-specific back pain and postural insufficiencies. The evolutions of these methods aim to standardize measurements and provide manageable tools in clinical practice for the early diagnosis of musculoskeletal pathologies and to monitor daily improvements of each patient. Herein, these devices and their uses are described, providing researchers, clinicians, orthopedics, physical therapists, and sports coaches an effective guide to use new technologies in their practice as instruments of diagnosis, therapy, and prevention.

ACS Style

Federico Roggio; Silvia Ravalli; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. Technological advancements in the analysis of human motion and posture management through digital devices. World Journal of Orthopedics 2021, 12, 467 -484.

AMA Style

Federico Roggio, Silvia Ravalli, Grazia Maugeri, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma, Michelino Di Rosa, Giuseppe Musumeci. Technological advancements in the analysis of human motion and posture management through digital devices. World Journal of Orthopedics. 2021; 12 (7):467-484.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federico Roggio; Silvia Ravalli; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Technological advancements in the analysis of human motion and posture management through digital devices." World Journal of Orthopedics 12, no. 7: 467-484.

Journal article
Published: 13 July 2021 in Biomedicines
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Skeletal muscle atrophy, resulting from states of hypokinesis or immobilization, leads to morphological, metabolic, and functional changes within the muscle tissue, a large variety of which are supported by the stromal cells populating the interstitium. Telocytes represent a recently discovered population of stromal cells, which has been increasingly identified in several human organs and appears to participate in sustaining cross-talk, promoting regenerative mechanisms and supporting differentiation of local stem cell niche. The aim of this morphologic study was to investigate the presence of Telocytes in the tibialis anterior muscle of healthy rats undergoing an endurance training protocol for either 4 weeks or 16 weeks compared to sedentary rats. Histomorphometric analysis of muscle fibers diameter revealed muscle atrophy in sedentary rats. Telocytes were identified by double-positive immunofluorescence staining for CD34/CD117 and CD34/vimentin. The results showed that Telocytes were significantly reduced in sedentary rats at 16 weeks, while rats subjected to regular exercise maintained a stable Telocytes population after 16 weeks. Understanding of the relationship between Telocytes and exercise offers new chances in the field of regenerative medicine, suggesting possible triggers for Telocytes in sarcopenia and other musculoskeletal disorders, promoting adapted physical activity and rehabilitation programmes in clinical practice.

ACS Style

Silvia Ravalli; Concetta Federico; Giovanni Lauretta; Salvatore Saccone; Elisabetta Pricoco; Federico Roggio; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci. Morphological Evidence of Telocytes in Skeletal Muscle Interstitium of Exercised and Sedentary Rodents. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 807 .

AMA Style

Silvia Ravalli, Concetta Federico, Giovanni Lauretta, Salvatore Saccone, Elisabetta Pricoco, Federico Roggio, Michelino Di Rosa, Grazia Maugeri, Giuseppe Musumeci. Morphological Evidence of Telocytes in Skeletal Muscle Interstitium of Exercised and Sedentary Rodents. Biomedicines. 2021; 9 (7):807.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvia Ravalli; Concetta Federico; Giovanni Lauretta; Salvatore Saccone; Elisabetta Pricoco; Federico Roggio; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Morphological Evidence of Telocytes in Skeletal Muscle Interstitium of Exercised and Sedentary Rodents." Biomedicines 9, no. 7: 807.

Review
Published: 18 June 2021 in Cells
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The multifold benefits of regular physical exercise have been largely demonstrated in human and animal models. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of physical activity, both in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system (CNS). Regular exercise improves cognition, brain plasticity, neurogenesis and reduces the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, making timeless the principle of “mens sana in corpore sano” (i.e., a healthy mind in a healthy body). Physical exercise promotes morphological and functional changes in the brain, acting not only in neurons but also in astrocytes, which represent the most numerous glial cells in the brain. The multiple effects of exercise on astrocytes comprise the increased number of new astrocytes, the maintenance of basal levels of catecholamine, the increase in glutamate uptake, the major release of trophic factors and better astrocytic coverage of cerebral blood vessels. The purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of exercise on brain function, emphasize the role of astrocytes in the healthy CNS, and provide an update for a better understanding of the effects of physical exercise in the modulation of astrocyte function.

ACS Style

Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Benedetta Magrì; Federico Roggio; Alessandro Castorina; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity via the Adaptation of Astrocytes. Cells 2021, 10, 1542 .

AMA Style

Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata, Benedetta Magrì, Federico Roggio, Alessandro Castorina, Silvia Ravalli, Michelino Di Rosa, Giuseppe Musumeci. Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity via the Adaptation of Astrocytes. Cells. 2021; 10 (6):1542.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Benedetta Magrì; Federico Roggio; Alessandro Castorina; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Neuroprotective Effects of Physical Activity via the Adaptation of Astrocytes." Cells 10, no. 6: 1542.

Digital orthodontics
Published: 01 June 2021 in American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
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Introduction This study aimed to test the accuracy of a new automatic deep learning–based approach on the basis of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for fully automatic segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and the pharyngeal airway from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods Forty CBCT scans from healthy patients (20 women and 20 men; mean age, 23.37 ± 3.34 years) were collected, and manual segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal subregions were carried out by using Mimics software (version 20.0; Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Twenty CBCT scans from the total sample were randomly selected and used for training the artificial intelligence model file. The remaining 20 CBCT segmentation masks were used to test the accuracy of the CNN fully automatic method by comparing the segmentation volumes of the 3-dimensional models obtained with automatic and manual segmentations. The accuracy of the CNN-based method was also assessed by using the Dice score coefficient and by the surface-to-surface matching technique. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Dahlberg's formula were used to test the intraobserver reliability and method error, respectively. Independent Student t test was used for between-groups volumetric comparison. Results Measurements were highly correlated with an intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.921, whereas the method error was 0.31 mm3. A mean difference of 1.93 ± 0.73 cm3 was found between the methodologies, but it was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The mean matching percentage detected was 85.35 ± 2.59 (tolerance 0.5 mm) and 93.44 ± 2.54 (tolerance 1.0 mm). The differences, measured as the Dice score coefficient in percentage, between the assessments done with both methods were 3.3% and 5.8%, respectively. Conclusions The new deep learning–based method for automated segmentation of the sinonasal cavity and the pharyngeal airway in CBCT scans is accurate and performs equally well as an experienced image reader.

ACS Style

Rosalia Leonardi; Antonino Lo Giudice; Marco Farronato; Vincenzo Ronsivalle; Silvia Allegrini; Giuseppe Musumeci; Concetto Spampinato. Fully automatic segmentation of sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal airway based on convolutional neural networks. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2021, 159, 824 -835.e1.

AMA Style

Rosalia Leonardi, Antonino Lo Giudice, Marco Farronato, Vincenzo Ronsivalle, Silvia Allegrini, Giuseppe Musumeci, Concetto Spampinato. Fully automatic segmentation of sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal airway based on convolutional neural networks. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 2021; 159 (6):824-835.e1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rosalia Leonardi; Antonino Lo Giudice; Marco Farronato; Vincenzo Ronsivalle; Silvia Allegrini; Giuseppe Musumeci; Concetto Spampinato. 2021. "Fully automatic segmentation of sinonasal cavity and pharyngeal airway based on convolutional neural networks." American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 159, no. 6: 824-835.e1.

Journal article
Published: 25 May 2021 in Cells
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Buspirone is an anxiolytic drug with robust serotonin receptor 1A (Htr1a) agonist activities. However, evidence has demonstrated that this drug also targets the dopamine D3 receptor (Drd3), where it acts as a potent antagonist. In vivo, Drd3 blockade is neuroprotective and reduces inflammation in models of Parkinson’s disease. To test if buspirone also elicited anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, we generated stable Drd3−/− and Htr1a−/− BV2 microglial cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and then tested the effects of buspirone after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. We found that LPS exposure had no effect on cell viability, except in Htr1a−/− cells, where viability was reduced (p< 0.001). Drug treatment reduced viability in Drd3−/− cells, but not in WT or Htr1a−/− cells. Buspirone counteracted LPS-induced NO release, NOS2, IL-1β and TNF-α gene expression in WT cells, whereas it exerted limited effects in Drd3−/− or Htr1a−/− microglia. In summary, our findings indicate that buspirone attenuates microglial polarization after LPS challenge. These results also highlight some major effects of Drd3 or Htr1a genetic ablation on microglial biology, raising important questions on the complex role of neurotransmitters in regulating microglia functions.

ACS Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Teagan Fisher; Alen Faiz; Kevin Keay; Giuseppe Musumeci; Ghaith Al-Badri; Alessandro Castorina. Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglial Cells. Cells 2021, 10, 1312 .

AMA Style

Sarah Thomas Broome, Teagan Fisher, Alen Faiz, Kevin Keay, Giuseppe Musumeci, Ghaith Al-Badri, Alessandro Castorina. Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglial Cells. Cells. 2021; 10 (6):1312.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sarah Thomas Broome; Teagan Fisher; Alen Faiz; Kevin Keay; Giuseppe Musumeci; Ghaith Al-Badri; Alessandro Castorina. 2021. "Assessing the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Anxiolytic Drug Buspirone Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglial Cells." Cells 10, no. 6: 1312.

Journal article
Published: 26 April 2021 in Cancers
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Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression and distribution of serine and arginine rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) in a series of 102 cases of both diffuse and circumscribed adult gliomas to establish the potential diagnostic role of this protein in the differential diagnosis of brain tumors. Methods: This retrospective immunohistochemical study included 42 glioblastoma cases, 21 oligodendrogliomas, 15 ependymomas, 15 pilocytic astrocytomas, 5 sub-ependymal giant cell astrocytoma and 4 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas. Results: Most glioblastoma (81%), oligodendroglioma (71%), sub-ependymal giant cell astrocytoma (80%) and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (75%) cases showed strong SRSF1 immunoexpression, while no detectable staining was found in the majority of ependymomas (87% of cases) and pilocytic astrocytomas (67% of cases). Conclusions: The immunohistochemical expression of SRSF1 may be a promising diagnostic marker of astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and its increased expression might allow for excluding entities that often enter into differential diagnosis, such as ependymomas and pilocytic astrocytomas.

ACS Style

Giuseppe Broggi; Lucia Salvatorelli; Davide Barbagallo; Francesco Certo; Roberto Altieri; Elena Tirrò; Michele Massimino; Paolo Vigneri; Elia Guadagno; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Giuseppe Musumeci; Marco Ragusa; Giuseppe Barbagallo; Daniela Russo; Rosario Caltabiano. Diagnostic Utility of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in the Differential Diagnosis of Adult Gliomas. Cancers 2021, 13, 2086 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Broggi, Lucia Salvatorelli, Davide Barbagallo, Francesco Certo, Roberto Altieri, Elena Tirrò, Michele Massimino, Paolo Vigneri, Elia Guadagno, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata, Giuseppe Musumeci, Marco Ragusa, Giuseppe Barbagallo, Daniela Russo, Rosario Caltabiano. Diagnostic Utility of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in the Differential Diagnosis of Adult Gliomas. Cancers. 2021; 13 (9):2086.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Broggi; Lucia Salvatorelli; Davide Barbagallo; Francesco Certo; Roberto Altieri; Elena Tirrò; Michele Massimino; Paolo Vigneri; Elia Guadagno; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Giuseppe Musumeci; Marco Ragusa; Giuseppe Barbagallo; Daniela Russo; Rosario Caltabiano. 2021. "Diagnostic Utility of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in the Differential Diagnosis of Adult Gliomas." Cancers 13, no. 9: 2086.

Journal article
Published: 22 April 2021 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Eye drop formulations allowing topical treatment of retinal pathologies have long been sought as alternatives to intravitreal administration. This study aimed to assess whether a novel nanostructured microemulsions system (NaMESys) could be usefully employed to deliver sorafenib to the retina following topical instillation. NaMESys carrying 0.3% sorafenib (NaMESys-SOR) proved to be cytocompatible in vitro on rabbit corneal cells, and well-tolerated following b.i.d. ocular administration to rabbits during a 3-month study. In rats subject to retinal ischemia-reperfusion, NaMESys-SOR significantly inhibited retinal expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα, 20.7%) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNos, 87.3%) mRNAs in comparison to controls. Similarly, in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, NaMESys-SOR inhibited retinal expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), TNFα, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1), IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and 2 (VEGFR2) mRNAs by three-fold on average compared to controls. Furthermore, a reduction in TNFα, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 protein expression was observed by western blot. Moreover, in mice subject to laser-induced choroidal neovascularization, NaMESys-SOR significantly inhibited neovascular lesions by 54%. In conclusion, NaMESys-SOR was shown to be a well-tolerated ophthalmic formulation able to deliver effective amounts of sorafenib to the retina, reducing proinflammatory and pro-angiogenic mediators in reliable models of proliferative retinopathies. These findings warrant further investigations on the full therapeutic potential of NaMESys-SOR eye drops, aiming to address unmet needs in the pharmacotherapy of retinal neovascular diseases.

ACS Style

Manuela Santonocito; Cristina Zappulla; Santa Viola; Luca La Rosa; Elena Solfato; Ilenia Abbate; Valeria Tarallo; Ivana Apicella; Chiara Platania; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Claudio Bucolo; Sandro De Falco; Maria Mazzone; Francesco Giuliano. Assessment of a New Nanostructured Microemulsion System for Ocular Delivery of Sorafenib to Posterior Segment of the Eye. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 4404 .

AMA Style

Manuela Santonocito, Cristina Zappulla, Santa Viola, Luca La Rosa, Elena Solfato, Ilenia Abbate, Valeria Tarallo, Ivana Apicella, Chiara Platania, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata, Claudio Bucolo, Sandro De Falco, Maria Mazzone, Francesco Giuliano. Assessment of a New Nanostructured Microemulsion System for Ocular Delivery of Sorafenib to Posterior Segment of the Eye. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (9):4404.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Manuela Santonocito; Cristina Zappulla; Santa Viola; Luca La Rosa; Elena Solfato; Ilenia Abbate; Valeria Tarallo; Ivana Apicella; Chiara Platania; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Claudio Bucolo; Sandro De Falco; Maria Mazzone; Francesco Giuliano. 2021. "Assessment of a New Nanostructured Microemulsion System for Ocular Delivery of Sorafenib to Posterior Segment of the Eye." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 9: 4404.

Journal article
Published: 13 April 2021 in Cells
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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, devastating, and irreversible brain disorder that, day by day, destroys memory skills and social behavior. Despite this, the number of known genes suitable for discriminating between AD patients is insufficient. Among the genes potentially involved in the development of AD, there are the chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) CHI3L1, CHI3L2, and CHID1. The genes of the first two have been extensively investigated while, on the contrary, little information is available on CHID1. In this manuscript, we conducted transcriptome meta-analysis on an extensive sample of brains of healthy control subjects (n = 1849) (NDHC) and brains of AD patients (n = 1170) in order to demonstrate CHID1 involvement. Our analysis revealed an inverse correlation between the brain CHID1 expression levels and the age of NDHC subjects. Significant differences were highlighted comparing CHID1 expression of NDHC subjects and AD patients. Exclusive in AD patients, the CHID1 expression levels were correlated positively to calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) levels. Furthermore, both in NDHC and in AD patient’s brains, the CHID1 expression levels were directly correlated with calbindin 1 (CALB1) and neurogranin (NRGN). According to brain regions, correlation differences were shown between the expression levels of CHID1 in prefrontal, frontal, occipital, cerebellum, temporal, and limbic system. Sex-related differences were only highlighted in NDHC. CHID1 represents a new chitinase potentially involved in the principal processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease.

ACS Style

Paola Castrogiovanni; Cristina Sanfilippo; Rosa Imbesi; Grazia Maugeri; Debora Lo Furno; Daniele Tibullo; Alessandro Castorina; Giuseppe Musumeci; Michelino Di Rosa. Brain CHID1 Expression Correlates with NRGN and CALB1 in Healthy Subjects and AD Patients. Cells 2021, 10, 882 .

AMA Style

Paola Castrogiovanni, Cristina Sanfilippo, Rosa Imbesi, Grazia Maugeri, Debora Lo Furno, Daniele Tibullo, Alessandro Castorina, Giuseppe Musumeci, Michelino Di Rosa. Brain CHID1 Expression Correlates with NRGN and CALB1 in Healthy Subjects and AD Patients. Cells. 2021; 10 (4):882.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paola Castrogiovanni; Cristina Sanfilippo; Rosa Imbesi; Grazia Maugeri; Debora Lo Furno; Daniele Tibullo; Alessandro Castorina; Giuseppe Musumeci; Michelino Di Rosa. 2021. "Brain CHID1 Expression Correlates with NRGN and CALB1 in Healthy Subjects and AD Patients." Cells 10, no. 4: 882.

Journal article
Published: 05 April 2021 in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
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: Physical exercise (PE), notoriously, promotes a state of general well-being, throughout the entire human lifespan. Moreover, maintaining an adequate and regular PE habit results to be a powerful preventive factor towards many diseases and may also help in managing existing pathological conditions. PE induces structural and functional changes in various districts of the body, determining biological and psychological benefits. Additionally, in elderly, PE might represent a remarkable tool reducing cognitive impairments related to the normal aging processes and it has also been found to have an impact in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The present review aims to provide an overview about PE effects on hippocampus, since it is one of the brain regions most susceptible to aging and, therefore, involved in diseases characterized by cognitive impairment.

ACS Style

Giovanni Lauretta; Silvia Ravalli; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. The impact of physical exercise on hippocampus, in physiological condition and ageing-related decline: current evidence from animal and human studies. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2021, 22, 1 -1.

AMA Style

Giovanni Lauretta, Silvia Ravalli, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata, Michelino Di Rosa, Giuseppe Musumeci. The impact of physical exercise on hippocampus, in physiological condition and ageing-related decline: current evidence from animal and human studies. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2021; 22 ():1-1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Lauretta; Silvia Ravalli; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "The impact of physical exercise on hippocampus, in physiological condition and ageing-related decline: current evidence from animal and human studies." Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 22, no. : 1-1.

Review
Published: 29 January 2021 in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been responsible for a global pandemic involving massive increases in the daily numbers of cases and deaths. Due to the emergency caused by the pandemic, huge efforts have been made to develop COVID-19 vaccines, the first of which were released in December 2020. Effective vaccines for COVID-19 are needed to protect the population, especially healthcare professionals and fragile individuals, such as older people or chronic-disease-affected patients. Physical exercise training generally has health benefits and assists in the prevention of several chronic diseases. Moreover, physical activity improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and improving self-esteem. Therefore, the present review aims to provide a detailed view of the literature, presenting updated evidence on the beneficial effects of adapted physical activity, based on personalized and tailor-made exercise, in preventing, treating, and counteracting the consequences of COVID-19.

ACS Style

Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci. Adapted Physical Activity to Ensure the Physical and Psychological Well-Being of COVID-19 Patients. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2021, 6, 13 .

AMA Style

Grazia Maugeri, Giuseppe Musumeci. Adapted Physical Activity to Ensure the Physical and Psychological Well-Being of COVID-19 Patients. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2021; 6 (1):13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Grazia Maugeri; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Adapted Physical Activity to Ensure the Physical and Psychological Well-Being of COVID-19 Patients." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6, no. 1: 13.

Editorial
Published: 22 January 2021 in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was first released in March 2016, developed greatly in 2020

ACS Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2020. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2021, 6, 11 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2020. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2021; 6 (1):11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2020." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6, no. 1: 11.

Editorial
Published: 30 December 2020 in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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As of the 14th of September, Italy has been considered one of the more susceptible nations in terms of risk of increase for Sars-Cov-2 contagion

ACS Style

Marco Bergamin; Giuseppe Musumeci. The Utility of Anti-Covid-19 Desks in Italy, Doubts and Criticism. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2020, 6, 2 .

AMA Style

Marco Bergamin, Giuseppe Musumeci. The Utility of Anti-Covid-19 Desks in Italy, Doubts and Criticism. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2020; 6 (1):2.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marco Bergamin; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2020. "The Utility of Anti-Covid-19 Desks in Italy, Doubts and Criticism." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6, no. 1: 2.

Journal article
Published: 16 December 2020 in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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Studies on the effectiveness of physical exercise to treat and/or prevent mental disorders are essential and particularly appropriate, given the rapid growth of the elderly population and the consequent increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. The onset of neurodegenerative diseases is subtle, and progression is irreversible, as there is still no cure capable of stopping them permanently. Therefore, we should not underestimate these diseases and should immediately begin to combine the treatment with physical activity adapted to specific needs. Indeed, it is well known that physical activity has positive effects on mobility, autonomy, and functional capacity, improving not only cognitive functions, but also reducing the risk of developing dementia. Despite several studies in this field, to date there are no specific and effective protocols that promote physical exercise in people with dementia. Based on this evidence, the aim of the present work was to verify whether an adapted physical exercise regimen could promote the maintenance of psychomotor functions in elderly subjects and, therefore, delay the irreversible effects of combinations of dementia and other pathologies associated with aging. Our results clearly show that exercise is very effective in improving psychomotor functions and delaying the progress of neurodegenerative diseases in humans, since we observed that the subjects maintained their cognitive skills after 8 months of physical activity, moreover, two patients presented an amelioration. Based on the results obtained, we recommend that the motor practice, in any chosen form, be considered an integral part of prevention programs based on an active lifestyle in older people. Future studies will be necessary to establish how long lasting the benefits of a specific physical activity are and whether they are enough to delay cognitive decline.

ACS Style

Laura Vizzi; Elvira Padua; Agata D’Amico; Virginia Tancredi; Giovanna D’Arcangelo; Ida Cariati; Manuel Scimeca; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Michela Montorsi. Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Subjects with Neurodegenerative Disease. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2020, 5, 94 .

AMA Style

Laura Vizzi, Elvira Padua, Agata D’Amico, Virginia Tancredi, Giovanna D’Arcangelo, Ida Cariati, Manuel Scimeca, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata, Michela Montorsi. Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Subjects with Neurodegenerative Disease. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2020; 5 (4):94.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Vizzi; Elvira Padua; Agata D’Amico; Virginia Tancredi; Giovanna D’Arcangelo; Ida Cariati; Manuel Scimeca; Grazia Maugeri; Velia D’Agata; Michela Montorsi. 2020. "Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity on Subjects with Neurodegenerative Disease." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 5, no. 4: 94.