Biology subjects

Rossi, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Rossi, P..

8 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A Virtual Reality Dataset to Support Hand Action Observation in Rehabilitation and Motor Learning Studies

The recovery of motor function is increasingly understood as a process influenced not only by physical training but also by perceptual and cognitive strategies. Action Observation Treatment (AOT), a neurorehabilitation approach in which patients observe goal-directed motor actions before executing them, has demonstrated clinical benefits; however, its wider implementation is hindered by a lack of standardized procedures. We present an open-access dataset of 33 upper limb gestures specifically developed to support the administration of Virtual Reality-based AOT (VR-AOT). The gestures were selected in collaboration with expert physiotherapists to ensure clinical relevance, and are provided as motion capture recordings along with Unity-based 3D animations embedded in configurable virtual scenes. The dataset is designed for flexibility, allowing users to modify parameters such as viewpoint, laterality, and repetition count. Technical validation confirms its usability and therapeutic applicability across multiple clinical and research contexts. This dataset offers a standardized yet customizable resource for developing and comparing VR-AOT protocols, with potential applications in neurorehabilitation and motor learning research.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Biofabrication of Small Vascular Graft with Acellular Human Amniotic Membrane: A Proof-of-Concept Study in Pig

Synthetic vascular grafts, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), are commonly used for large vessel surgeries [internal diameter (ID) [≥] 10 mm] but present significant challenges in medium to small vessels (ID < 10 mm) due to increased risks of thrombosis, stenosis, and infection. In this study, we developed a small-diameter vascular graft using decellularized human amniotic membrane (DAM graft) (ID = 6 mm) and transplanted it into porcine carotid arteries, comparing it with ePTFE grafts to assess inflammation, biocompatibility, patency, and overall function. One-week post-implantation, ultrasound imaging confirmed blood patency in both graft types. However, after one-month, gross examination revealed pronounced neointimal hyperplasia in ePTFE grafts, while DAM grafts maintained open lumens without signs of stenosis or thrombosis. Histological analysis showed extensive fibrous tissue formation in ePTFE grafts, resulting in luminal narrowing, whereas DAM grafts displayed sustained lumen patency and vascular integration. Immunofluorescence confirmed reduced inflammation and improved tissue organization in DAM grafts, characterized by lower macrophage infiltration and better cellular architecture. These findings suggest that DAM grafts offer superior biocompatibility and significantly lower risks of neointimal hyperplasia, making them a promising alternative for small-diameter vascular surgeries compared to ePTFE grafts.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2024

Impact of redox fluctuations on the spatial distribution of the microbial community in a forest soil: A lysimeter experiment

Climate change is expected to affect precipitation intensity and soil temperature and indirectly impact the release of leached dissolved organic carbon (LDOC) from leaf litter during the early stages of its decomposition, which could affect the health and function of forest soil ecosystem. Here, we experimentally investigate the spatially-explicit impact of LDOC on the forest soil microbiome and the associated biogeochemical processes. Homogenized soil columns were subjected to realistic artificial precipitation for 3 months with the initial level of LDOC adjusted by the number of times the leaf litter was flushed in preparation for the experiment. Hydrological and geochemical parameters (redox potential, pH, dissolved oxygen, soil moisture, matric potential, chemical speciation) were measured continuously as a function of time and depth. The same initial microbial community developed into distinct communities under different LDOC and above and below the water table. The LDOC from leaf litter increased the availability of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in porewater four-fold and two-fold respectively in the first two weeks. This resulted in the expansion of the anoxic zone above the water table and a decrease in the soil microbial metabolic potential for cellulolysis and N2 fixation in unsaturated soil along with an increase of soil microbial metabolic potential for fermentation at all depths. Finally, increased LDOC decreased the stability, phylogenetic diversity, and complexity of the soil microbiome, limiting its functional diversity. Thus, management of leaf litter should receive more attention due to its indirect role in the impact of climate change on the soil microbiome. HighlightsO_LIDecreased microbiome diversity and stability due to enhanced leaf litter leaching C_LIO_LIExpansion of the anoxic zone into the unsaturated zone due to increased organic carbon supply C_LIO_LIDecreased soil microbiome metabolic potential for cellulolysis and N2 fixation in unsaturated soil C_LIO_LIDepth-dependent response of microbial community to increased organic carbon availability C_LIO_LIImplications for soil response to climate change C_LI

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

De-novo genome assembly of the invasive mosquito species Aedes japonicus and Aedes koreicus

Recently, two invasive Aedes mosquito species, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, are circulating in several European countries posing potential health risks to humans and animals. Vector control is the main option to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, and an accurate genome sequence of these mosquitoes is essential to better understand their biology and to develop effective control strategies. Here, we present a de novo genome assembly of the Ae. japonicus (Ajap1) and Ae. koreicus (Akor1) based on a hybrid approach that combines Oxford Nanopore long reads and Illumina short reads data. Their quality was ascertained using various metrics. Masking of repetitive elements, gene prediction and functional annotation was performed. Sequence analysis revealed a very high presence of repetitive DNA and, among others, thermal adaptation genes and insecticide-resistance genes. The RNA sequencing analysis of larvae and adults of Ae. koreicus and Ae. japonicus exposed to different temperatures revealed genes showing a thermal-dependent activation. The assembly of Akor1 and Ajap1 genomes constitutes the first updated collective knowledge of the genomes of both mosquito species, providing the possibility to understand key mechanisms of their biology such as the ability to adapt to harsh climates and to develop insecticide-resistance mechanisms.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

Seasonal and spatial variability of antibiotic resistance genes and Class I integrons in the rivers of the Mekong delta, Vietnam

Aquaculture activities continue to expand in Vietnam, covering an estimated 700,000 ha, with 89% of these culture ponds located in the Mekong Delta. Since 2009, large-scale bacterial outbreaks have spread in response to this intensive farming. Antibiotics, even those considered a last resort, have only partially mitigated this problem. A side effect of the massive use of these chemicals is the appearance of mobile genetic elements associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The large-scale emergence of a diverse bacterial resistome, accompanied by severe economic losses, has posed significant health risks to local residents. In this study, the seasonal and spatial distributions of the class I integrase (CL1) intl1 and the ARGs sul2 (sulfonamide), BLA-oxa1 ({beta}-lactams), and ermB (erythromycin) were quantified from water and sediment samples collected during two consecutive seasons along the Vam Co River and its tributary (Long An province, Vietnam). Results showed that CL1 was present in all river compartments, reaching 2.98x104 copies/mL and 1.07x106 copies/g of sediment, respectively. The highest relative copy abundances to the 16S rDNA gene were measured in water samples, with up to 3.02% for BLA-oxa1, followed by sul2 (1.16%) and ermB (0.46%). Strong seasonal (dry season vs. rainy season) and spatial trends were recorded for all resistance genes. Higher amounts of ARGs in river water could be associated with higher antibiotic use during the rainy season. In contrast, higher amounts of ARGs were recorded in river sediments during the dry season, making this habitat a potential reservoir of transient genes. Finally, the observations made in this study allowed us to clarify the environmental and anthropogenic influences that may promote the dispersal and persistence of ARGS in this riverine ecosystem. ABSTRACT ART O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=99 SRC="FIGDIR/small/469999v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (42K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16b09fborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@5c6da7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@22fe83org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1736e6e_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HIGHLIGHTSO_LIIn Vietnam, inland aquaculture massively relies on antibiotics to prevent epidemics C_LIO_LIResistance genes were quantified along two rivers of the Mekong delta C_LIO_LISeasonal (dry and rainy seasons) and spatial distributions were registered by qPCR C_LIO_LIBLA-oxa1and sul2 reached highest abundances among bacterial communities C_LIO_LIStrong seasonal patterns and local variabilities were measured for CL1s and ARGs C_LI

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Determinants of precocious B-cell aging in European adolescences living with perinatally acquired HIV-1 after over 10 years of suppressive therapy

HIV infection results in a state of chronic immune activation leading to premature immune aging, B-cells dysfunction, that persists despite prolonged virological suppression. In this scenario, adolescence living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV), deserve a peculiar attention since potentially exposed for their entire life to chronic immune activation. Here we identified determinants of precocious aging B cells in 40 PHIV undergoing suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) for median 13.5 years. All individuals started ART by 2nd year of life and achieved virus suppression within the 1st year of ART, with majority of patient maintaining suppression until analysis and 5/40 experiencing viral Spike (transient elevation of HIV-1 VL, 50-999 copies/ml). We employed a multiomics approach including deep immunological B and T cell phenotype in PBMC, with aging B cells defined by the expression of T-bet and CD11c; plasma proteomics analysis by mass spectrometry and serum level of anti-measles antibodies as correlates of humoral response. We found that individuals with expansion of aging B cell, defined by the expression of T-bet+CD11c+, were those starting treatment later, presenting detectable levels of cell-associated HIV-1 RNA, history of Spikes, and a higher frequency of exhausted T-cells, including those expressing PD-1, LAG3, TIGIT. Accordingly, the proteomic analysis revealed that subjects with expansion of aging B cells and exhausted T cells had enrichment of proteins involved in immune inflammation and complement activation pathways, such as CLU and APCS which are also involved in tumor progression. Signs of precocious aging were associated with a reduced capacity to maintain virological memory against measles vaccination. To our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on precocious B-cell aging and dysfunctionality in PHIV with long-term virological suppression. Our experimental strategy enabled identification of clinical, viral, cellular and plasma soluble markers associated with B-cells aging. Our results pave the way to further define risk of disease progression or lymphoproliferative disorders in PHIV. Author summaryDespite a successful antiretroviral therapy (ART), adolescence living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) experience B-cells dysfunction, including loss of vaccine-induced immunological memory and higher risk of developing B-cells associated tumors. It is thus paramount to define novel and precise correlates of precious aging B cell for the definition of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we studied 40 PHIV who started treatment by 2nd year of life and maintain virological suppression for 13.5 years, with 5/40 patients experiencing transient elevation of the HIV-1 load in the plasma (Spike). We applied a multi-omics approach including immunological B and T cell phenotype, plasma proteomics analysis and serum level of anti-measles antibodies as functional correlates of vaccine-induced immunity. We found that levels of aging B cells were positively associated with age at ART start, cell associated HIV-1 RNA (caHIV-1 RNA) and the presence of Spikes. Individuals with increased proportions of aging B cells had concomitant expansion of exhausted T cells and were unable to maintain vaccine-induced immunity over time. B-cell aging, and T-cell exhaustion were also associated with proteins involved in immune inflammation. The factors found here to be associated with aging B-cell could inform further therapeutic studies.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2020

Phylogenomics reveals that Asaia symbionts from insects underwent convergent genome reduction, preserving an insecticide-degrading gene

The mosquito microbiota is composed by several lineages of microorganisms whose ecological roles and evolutionary histories have yet to be investigated in depth. Among these microorganisms, Asaia bacteria play a prominent role, given its abundance in the gut, reproductive organs and salivary glands of different mosquito species, while its presence has also been reported in several other insects. Notably, Asaia has great potential as a tool for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. Here, we present a wide phylogenomic analysis of Asaia strains isolated from different species of mosquito vectors and from different populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata, an insect pest of worldwide economic importance. We show that phylogenetically distant lineages of Asaia experienced independent genome reductions, despite following a common pattern, characterized by the early loss of genes involved in genome stability. This result highlights the role of specific metabolic pathways in the symbiotic relationship between Asaia and the insect host. Finally, we discovered that all but one of the Asaia strains included in the study possess the pyrethroid hydrolase gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene is ancestral in Asaia, strongly suggesting that it played a role in the establishment of the symbiotic association between these bacteria and the mosquito hosts. We propose that this gene from the symbiont contributed to initial pyrethroid resistance in insects harboring Asaia, also considering the widespread production of pyrethrins by several plants. ImportanceWe have studied genome reduction within several strains of the insect symbiont Asaia, isolated from different species/strains of mosquito and medfly. Phylogenetically distant strains of Asaia, despite following a common pattern involving the loss of genes related to genome stability, have undergone independent genome reductions, highlighting the peculiar role of specific metabolic pathways in the symbiotic relationship between Asaia and its host. We also show that the pyrethroid hydrolase gene is present in all the Asaia strains isolated except for the South American malaria vector An. darlingi, for which resistance to pyrethroids has never been reported, suggesting a possible involvement of Asaia in determining the resistance to insecticides.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Meropenem vs standard of care for treatment of neonatal late onset sepsis (NeoMero1): a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics remains the cornerstone for the treatment of neonatal late onset sepsis (LOS). However, which antibiotics should be used is still debatable, as relevant studies were conducted more than 20 years ago, were single centre or country, insufficiently powered, evaluated antibiotics not in clinical use anymore and had variable inclusion/exclusion criteria and outcome measures. Moreover, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a major problem in many countries worldwide. We hypothesized that efficacy of meropenem as a broad spectrum antibiotic is superior to standard of care regimen (SOC) in empiric treatment of LOS and thus aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of meropenem to SOC in infants aged <90 days with LOS.\n\nMethods and findingsNeoMero-1 was a randomized, open-label, phase III superiority trial conducted in 18 neonatal units in 6 countries. Infants with post-menstrual age (PMA) of [≤]44 weeks with positive blood culture and one, or those with negative culture and at least with two predefined clinical and laboratory signs suggestive of LOS, or those with PMA >44 weeks meeting the Goldstein criteria of sepsis, were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive meropenem or SOC (ampicillin+gentamicin or cefotaxime+gentamicin) for 8-14 days. The primary outcome was treatment success (survival, no modification of allocated therapy, resolution/improvement of clinical and laboratory markers, no need of additional antibiotics and presumed/confirmed eradication of pathogens) at test-of-cure visit (TOC) in full analysis set. Stool samples were tested at baseline and day 28 for meropenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CRGNO).\n\nThe primary analysis was performed in all randomised patients (full analysis set) and in patients with culture confirmed LOS. Proportions of participants with successful outcome were compared by using a logistic regression model adjusted for the stratification factors.\n\nFrom September 3rd 2012 to November 30th 2014, in total 136 patients in each arm were randomized; 140 (52%) were culture positive. Success at TOC was achieved in 44/136 (32%) in the meropenem arm vs. 31/135 (23%) in the SOC arm (p=0.087); 17/63 (27%) vs. 10/77 (13%) in patients with positive cultures (p=0.022). The main reason of failure was modification of allocated therapy. Adverse events occurred in 72% and serious adverse events in 17% of patients, the mortality rate was 6% with no differences between study arms. Cumulative acquisition of CRGNO by day 28 occurred in 4% in the meropenem and 12% in the SOC arm (p=0.052).\n\nConclusionsMeropenem was not superior to SOC in terms of success at TOC, short term hearing disturbances, safety or mortality and did not outselect colonization with CRGNOs. Meropenem as broad-spectrum antibiotic should be reserved for neonates who are more likely to have Gram-negative LOS, especially in NICUs where microorganisms producing ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamases are circulating.

clinical trials↗