Publications by authors named "Pietro Distratis"

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease in which Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in transferring virus genomic code into target cells. Spike protein, which is found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, latches onto angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2r) on target cells. The RNA genome of coronaviruses, with an average length of 29 kb, is the longest among all RNA viruses and comprises six to ten open reading frames (ORFs) responsible for encoding replicase and structural proteins for the virus.

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It is well established the importance of stem cells (SCs) in tissue growth, regeneration and repair, given their ability to self-renew and differentiate into mature cells. Stem cells are present in all individuals and are potentially active to the end of life. However, less is known about their unique function within the immune system as immune regulators and their important task in viral protection.

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Shortly after its emergence, Omicron and its sub-variants have quickly replaced the Delta variant during the current COVID-19 outbreaks in Vietnam and around the world. To enable the rapid and timely detection of existing and future variants for epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic applications, a robust, economical real-time PCR method that can specifically and sensitively detect and identify multiple different circulating variants is needed. The principle of target- failure (TF) real-time PCR is simple.

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Life is based on a highly specific combination of atoms, metabolism, and genetics which eventually reflects the chemistry of the Universe which is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and carbon. The interaction of atomic, metabolic, and genetic cycles results in the organization and de-organization of chemical information of that which we consider as living entities, including cancer cells. In order to approach the problem of the origin of cancer it is therefore reasonable to start from the assumption that the sub-molecular level, the atomic structure, should be the considered starting point on which metabolism, genetics, and external insults eventually emanate.

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Many factors may influence the risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Exposure to the virus cannot explain the variety of an individual's responses to the virus and the high differences of effect that the virus may cause to some. While a person's preexisting condition and their immune defenses have been confirmed to play a major role in the disease progression, there is still much to learn about hosts' genetic makeup towards COVID-19 susceptibility and risk.

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Article Synopsis
  • Life is fundamentally composed of atomic interactions, metabolism, and genetics, primarily involving elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, which together contribute to both normal cells and cancer cells.
  • Understanding cancer's origins requires recognizing that cancer cells share structural and metabolic similarities with basic prokaryotic organisms, despite the persistent mysteries surrounding cancer despite extensive research.
  • New scientific approaches highlight the role of electron behavior in cellular processes and emphasize the impact of magnetic fields on biological systems, suggesting that changes at atomic and metabolic levels in mitochondria could lead to the development of cancer cells.
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  • * A study involving 107 HBV-related HCC patients revealed that most had HBV genotypes B (57.9%) and C (42.1), specifically sub-genotypes B4 and C1.
  • * The study found the double mutation A1762T-G1764A was common in these patients, especially in genotype C, indicating a potential area for further research and monitoring in HBV infections.
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  • The commentary discusses the potential connection between metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and bone degeneration.* -
  • It highlights how these diseases may affect the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, which are crucial for bone development.* -
  • Specifically, the focus is on the molecular mechanisms that prevent these stem cells from transforming into osteoblasts and osteocytes, important cells for maintaining healthy bones.*
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The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), still remains a severe threat. At the time of writing this paper, the second infectious wave has caused more than 280,000 deaths all over the world. Italy was one of the first countries involved, with more than 200,000 people reported as infected and 30,000 deaths.

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Background: A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)-induced pneumonia (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019 in China, spreading worldwide. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the immunological response and the clinical subset of peripheral lymphocyte subset alteration in COVID-19 infection.

Methods: the study was conducted on four different clinical groups ( = 4; total = 138).

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Background: Based on recent findings, we speculated the existence of the lung, heart, and kidney axis as the main pathway for the COVID-19 disease progression.

Methods: This paper reports on an observational study conducted by a team of researchers and doctors of the 118-Pre-Hospital and Emergency Department of SG Moscati of Taranto City in Italy. The study was conducted on a totality of 185 participants that were divided into three groups.

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To date, several cases of thrombosis have been confirmed to be related to Sars-CoV-2 infection. Multiple attempts detected the prolonged occurrence of Sars-CoV-2 viral RNA (long COVID) in whole blood suggesting that virus byproducts may remain within cells and tissues well over the disease has finished. Patients may develop severe thrombocytopenia, acute anemia of inflammation and, systemic thrombosis with the fatal course of disease, which is suggestive of further interferences of Sars-CoV-2 on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) within the differentiation process towards erythroid and megakaryocytic cells.

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Article Synopsis
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed emergency care systems globally, creating challenges due to high patient volumes, limited information, and scarce medical resources, complicating efforts to understand the disease's transmission and immunity.
  • Most COVID-19 related deaths are linked to atypical pneumonia, severe thromboembolism, and systemic inflammatory responses that can lead to multi-organ failure.
  • The study from SG Moscati Hospital in Italy found that elderly men with preexisting conditions, such as COPD, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, faced higher mortality rates, prompting a reassessment of the underlying pathophysiology to improve treatment and prevention strategies.
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