Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03, Alone and in Combination, on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Allergic Asthmatics

Lorenzo Drago,Elena De Vecchi,Arianna Gabrieli,Roberta De Grandi,Marco Toscano 대한천식알레르기학회 2015 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.7 No.4

The aim of this study was to evaluate probiotic characteristics of Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 alone and in combination and their immunomodulatory activity in asthmatic subjects. Subjects affected by allergic asthma were recruited. Initially, LS01 and BR03 were analyzed for their growth compatibility by a broth compatibility assay. To study the antimicrobial activity of probiotic strains, an agar diffusion assay was performed. Finally, cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with LS01 and BR03 was determined by means of specific quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The growth of some clinical pathogens were slightly inhibited by LS01 and LS01-BR03 co-culture supernatant not neutralized to pH 6.5, while only the growth of E. coli and S. aureus was inhibited by the supernatant of LS01 and LS01-BR03 neutralized to pH 6.5. Furthermore, LS01 and BR03 combination was able to decrease the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by PBMCs, leading to an intense increase in IL-10 production. L. salivarius LS01 and B. breve BR03 showed promising probiotic properties and beneficial immunomodulatory activity that are increased when the 2 strains are used in combination in the same formulation.

Why all that noise – assessing the strategic value of social media for fashion brands

Hanna Kontu,Alessandra Vecchi 한국마케팅과학회 2014 Journal of Global Fashion Marketing Vol.5 No.3

The importance of social media is evident, as millions of people use it to connect withothers, share content and discuss different topics. Although it is clear that social media is powerful and ubiquitous, many fashion brands have been reluctant or unable todevelop strategies and allocate resources to effectively engage with the new media. Adopting an exploratory approach, our study provides a critical assessment of the use of social media by three international fashion brands, in order to identify its potential as a strategic marketing tool.

An OSSE Study for Deep Argo Array using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation System

장유순,Shaoqing Zhang,Anthony Rosati,Gabriel A. Vecchi,Xiaosong Yang 한국해양과학기술원 2018 Ocean science journal Vol.53 No.2

An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) using an ensemble coupled data assimilation system was designed to investigate the impact of deep ocean Argo profile assimilation in a biased numerical climate system. Based on the modern Argo observational array and an artificial extension to full depth, “observations” drawn from one coupled general circulation model (CM2.0) were assimilated into another model (CM2.1). Our results showed that coupled data assimilation with simultaneous atmospheric and oceanic constraints plays a significant role in preventing deep ocean drift. However, the extension of the Argo array to full depth did not significantly improve the quality of the oceanic climate estimation within the bias magnitude in the twin experiment. Even in the “identical” twin experiment for the deep Argo array from the same model (CM2.1) with the assimilation model, no significant changes were shown in the deep ocean, such as in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and the Antarctic bottom water cell. The small ensemble spread and corresponding weak constraints by the deep Argo profiles with medium spatial and temporal resolution may explain why the deep Argo profiles did not improve the deep ocean features in the assimilation system. Additional studies using different assimilation methods with improved spatial and temporal resolution of the deep Argo array are necessary in order to more thoroughly understand the impact of the deep Argo array on the assimilation system.

An OSSE Study for Deep Argo Array using the GFDL Ensemble Coupled Data Assimilation System

Chang, You-Soon,Zhang, Shaoqing,Rosati, Anthony,Vecchi, Gabriel A.,Yang, Xiaosong Korean Ocean Research & Development Institute and 2018 OCEAN SCIENCE JOURNAL Vol.53 No.2

An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) using an ensemble coupled data assimilation system was designed to investigate the impact of deep ocean Argo profile assimilation in a biased numerical climate system. Based on the modern Argo observational array and an artificial extension to full depth, 'observations' drawn from one coupled general circulation model (CM2.0) were assimilated into another model (CM2.1). Our results showed that coupled data assimilation with simultaneous atmospheric and oceanic constraints plays a significant role in preventing deep ocean drift. However, the extension of the Argo array to full depth did not significantly improve the quality of the oceanic climate estimation within the bias magnitude in the twin experiment. Even in the 'identical' twin experiment for the deep Argo array from the same model (CM2.1) with the assimilation model, no significant changes were shown in the deep ocean, such as in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and the Antarctic bottom water cell. The small ensemble spread and corresponding weak constraints by the deep Argo profiles with medium spatial and temporal resolution may explain why the deep Argo profiles did not improve the deep ocean features in the assimilation system. Additional studies using different assimilation methods with improved spatial and temporal resolution of the deep Argo array are necessary in order to more thoroughly understand the impact of the deep Argo array on the assimilation system.

Capsule enteroscopy versus small-bowel ultrasonography for the detection and differential diagnosis of intestinal diseases

Luca Elli,Erica Centorrino,Andrea Costantino,Maurizio Vecchi,Stefania Orlando,Mirella Fraquelli 대한소화기내시경학회 2022 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.55 No.4

Background/Aims: Capsule enteroscopy (CE) and intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) are techniques that are currently used for investigatingsmall-bowel (SB) diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the main imaging findings and the lesion detection rate (LDR)of CE and IUS in different clinical scenarios involving the SB. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent CE and IUS for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), complicatedceliac disease (CeD), and suspected or known inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the LDR of both techniques. The accuracyof IUS was determined using CE as the reference standard. Results: A total of 159 patients (113 female; mean age, 49±19 years) were enrolled. The LDR was 55% and 33% for CE and IUS(p<0.05), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the LDR of CE was significantly higher than that of IUS in patients with OGIB(62% vs. 14%, p<0.05) and CeD (55% vs. 35%, p<0.05). IUS showed a similar LDR to CE in patients with suspected or known IBD (51%vs. 46%, p=0.83). Conclusions: CE should be preferred in cases of OGIB and CeD, whereas IUS should be considered an early step in the diagnosis andfollow-up of IBD even in patients with a proximal SB localization of the disease.

A Robotic System for Soft Tissue Characterization

P,Vacalebri,R,Lazzarini,S,Roccella,F,Vecchi,M,C,Carrozza,M,Zecca,P,Dario 한국과학기술원 인간친화 복지 로봇 시스템 연구센터 2003 International Journal of Assistive Robotics and Me Vol.4 No.2

A miniature robotic system has been designed and fabricated to perform in vivo mechanical characterization of soft tissues. The tissue tester employs a stepper motor, which is controlled using micro-stepping techniques to prevent irregular rotation of motor shaft at low speeds. There is also a load cell to measure the reaction force of the tissue under test. At the end of tests session, data could be post elaborated on a PC with special software that reconstructs the force-displacement curves of the tissues being tested. Position and rate feedback are implemented with a digital encoder to minimize errors in motor control during the evaluation of typical viscoelastic phenomena of biological tissues. Calibration tests indicate that the force-displacement curves of the miniature robotic indenter are consistent with that obtained using an ordinary universal testing machine.

Combined GS-4774 and Tenofovir Therapy Can Improve HBV-Specific T-Cell Responses in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis

Boni, Carolina,Janssen, Harry L.A.,Rossi, Marzia,Yoon, Seung Kew,Vecchi, Andrea,Barili, Valeria,Yoshida, Eric M.,Trinh, Huy,Rodell, Timothy C.,Laccabue, Diletta,Alfieri, Arianna,Brillo, Federica,Fisic W.B. Saunders Co. 2019 Gastroenterology Vol.157 No.1

<P><B>Background & Aims</B></P> <P>One strategy to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection could be to increase the functions of virus-specific T cells. We performed a multicenter phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GS-4774, a yeast-based therapeutic vaccine engineered to express HBV antigens, given with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to untreated patients with chronic HBV infection.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>We performed an open-label study at 34 sites in Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, South Korea, and United States from July 2014 to August 2016. Adults who were positive for HB surface antigen (HBsAg) > 6 months and levels of HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL who had not received antiviral treatment for HBV within 3 months of screening were randomly assigned (1:2:2:2) to groups given oral TDF 300 mg daily alone (n = 27; controls) or with 2, 10, or 40 yeast units GS-4774 (n = 168), administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks until week 20 for a total of 6 doses. Blood samples were collected and analyzed and patients received regular physical examinations. Efficacy was measured by decrease in HBsAg from baseline to week 24. Specific responses to HBV (production of interferon gamma [IFNG], tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interleukin 2 [IL2], and degranulation) were measured in T cells derived from 12 HBeAg-negative patients with genotype D infections, after overnight or 10 days of stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with peptides from the entire HBV proteome. T-regulatory cells were analyzed for frequency and phenotype. Data from studies of immune cells were compared with data on reductions in HBsAg, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferase in blood samples from patients.</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>GS-4774 was safe and well tolerated but did not produce significant decreases in levels of HBsAg. Production of IFNG, TNF, and IL2 increased significantly at weeks 24 and 48, compared with baseline, in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells from patients given GS-4774 but not from controls. GS-4774 had greater effects on CD8+ than CD4+ T cells, which were not affected at all or very weakly by TDF with or without GS-4774. GS-4774 did not affect responses of T cells to other viruses tested. HBV core peptides induced the greatest production of IFNG by T cells following overnight stimulation, whereas HBV envelope antigens did not induce a response. Following 10 days of stimulation, production of IFNG and TNF increased with time of exposure to GS-4774; the greatest levels of responses were to HBV envelope antigens followed by core and polymerase peptides. We observed a correlation in patients given GS-4774 between increased T-cell functions and reductions in numbers of T-regulatory cells.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>In a phase 2 study of patients with chronic HBV infection given TDF with or without GS-4774, we found that vaccination can increase production of IFNG, TNF, and IL2 by CD8+ T cells exposed to antigenic peptides, with little effect on CD4+ T cells. Although GS-4774 did not reduce levels of HBsAg in patients, its strong immune stimulatory effect on CD8+ T cells might be used in combination with other antiviral agents to boost the antivirus immune response. Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT02174276.</P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Macrolide Resistance and In Vitro Selection of Resistance to Antibiotics in Lactobacillus Isolates

Lorenzo Drago,Roberto Mattina,Lucia Nicola,Valentina Rodighiero,Elena De Vecchi 한국미생물학회 2011 The journal of microbiology Vol.49 No.4

Spreading of resistance to antibiotics is of great concern due to the increasing rate of isolation of multiresistant pathogens. Since commensal bacteria may transfer determinants of resistance to pathogens, studies on development of resistance should include also lactobacilli. Resistance to macrolides, penicillins and tetracycline was determined in 40 isolates of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus crispatus,and Lactobacillus casei isolated from faeces of apparently healthy volunteers. Frequency of mutation and changes in susceptibility after serial exposure to these antibiotics at concentrations of 4× and 8× MIC were evaluated in susceptible isolates. Acquired resistance was defined as an increment in MIC values of at least four times in respect to the pre-selection values. Resistance to macrolides and/or tetracycline was identified in 14 and 4 isolates, respectively. ermB gene and A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA were detected in macrolide resistant isolates. Frequencies of mutation of susceptible isolates (n=26) were lower for ampicillin and erythromycin than for tetracycline. Serial exposure to antibiotics led to selection of resistant mutants. However,acquired resistance was rather unstable and was lost after subcultures in antibiotic-free medium in most mutants. Resistance to erythromycin was associated to a A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA. In conclusion,results indicate that resistance to macrolides and tetracycline is present among intestinal lactobacilli. Decrease in susceptibility following serial exposure to antibiotics might occur in lactobacilli, in a strain- and antibiotic-dependent way. Since lactobacilli are often used as probiotics, their ability to acquire resistance should be evaluated for isolates candidate to be included in probiotics based products.

Experimental Analysis of the Proprioceptive and Exteroceptive Sensors of an Underactuated Prosthetic Hand

M. Zecca,G. Cappiello,F. Sebastiani,S. Roccella,F. Vecchi,M. C. Carrozza,P. Dario 한국과학기술원 인간친화 복지 로봇 시스템 연구센터 2003 International Journal of Assistive Robotics and Me Vol.4 No.4

  The development of a prosthetic hand able to replicate as much as possible the grasping and sensory features of the natural hand represents an ambitious project for scientists. State of the art technology is still far to provide engineers with components with similar performance of their natural models, and active prosthetic hands can be only a pale replication of the missing natural limb. <BR>This paper presents the current research efforts towards the development of a self-adaptative and anthropomorphic prosthetic hand. In particular, the paper is focused on the problem of replicating the natural sensory system of the hand with an artificial proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensory system.

Process-Oriented Diagnosis of Tropical Cyclones in High-Resolution GCMs

Kim, Daehyun,Moon, Yumin,Camargo, Suzana J.,Wing, Allison A.,Sobel, Adam H.,Murakami, Hiroyuki,Vecchi, Gabriel A.,Zhao, Ming,Page, Eric American Meteorological Society 2018 Journal of climate Vol.31 No.5