Article
Virology
Chuan Xu, Annie Wang, Mariana Marin, William Honnen, Santhamani Ramasamy, Edith Porter, Selvakumar Subbian, Abraham Pinter, Gregory B. Melikyan, Wuyuan Lu, Theresa L. Chang
Summary: The study demonstrates that human defensins exhibit potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, particularly against pseudotyped viruses expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. Defensins play a crucial role in blocking viral entry into cells and providing protection against infection. They may serve as useful additives to the antivirus arsenal.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sneha Singh, Onkar B. Sawant, Shahzad Mian, Ashok Kumar
Summary: PVP-I demonstrates potent antiviral effects against ZIKV and CHIKV infection of ocular cells in vitro, primarily by direct viral inactivation to attenuate the virus' ability to infect host cells, without causing cellular toxicity.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mitra Akbari, Maryam Dourandeesh
Summary: COVID-19 can have ocular manifestations and complications. Conjunctivitis is the most common presentation, and the eye involvement is attributed to the direct effect of the virus, inflammation-induced tissue damage, underlying diseases, and adverse effects of medications. There are also reports of life-threatening complications, such as rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana Lopez-Machado, Natalia Diaz-Garrido, Amanda Cano, Marta Espina, Josefa Badia, Laura Baldoma, Ana Cristina Calpena, Eliana B. Souto, Maria Luisa Garcia, Elena Sanchez-Lopez
Summary: The study developed lactoferrin-loaded liposomes coated with hyaluronic acid, which showed potential in reversing dry eye symptoms and possessing anti-inflammatory efficacy without causing ocular irritation. This innovative nanotechnological tool could offer a promising approach in the treatment of Dry Eye Disease.
Article
Virology
Shi-ting He, Hongbo Qin, Lin Guan, Ke Liu, Bixia Hong, Xiaoxu Zhang, Fuxing Lou, Maochen Li, Wei Lin, Yangzhen Chen, Chengzhi He, Feitong Liu, Shanshan Lu, Shengdong Luo, Shaozhou Zhu, Xiaoping An, Lihua Song, Huahao Fan, Yigang Tong
Summary: Lactoferrin and milk fat globule membrane are key components in breast milk that inhibit coronavirus infection, but the exact mechanism is still unknown.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jeffrey L. Ward, Moises Torres-Gonzalez, Mary Cloud B. Ammons
Summary: The association of hyperinflammation and hyperferritinemia with adverse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients suggests the importance of iron homeostasis in pathogenesis. Bovine lactoferrin, a multipurpose glycoprotein, has the potential to be a therapeutic adjuvant against SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Keiichi Tsukinoki, Tatsuo Yamamoto, Keisuke Handa, Mariko Iwamiya, Juri Saruta, Satoshi Ino, Takashi Sakurai
Summary: This study identified cross-reactive secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) with SARS-CoV-2 in saliva of individuals who had never been infected with the virus, suggesting it may help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The proportion of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive SIgA was negatively correlated with age, with those aged 50 years or older having a significantly lower proportion. SIgA purified from saliva could partially inhibit the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the ACE-2 receptor.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Elena Campione, Caterina Lanna, Terenzio Cosio, Luigi Rosa, Maria Pia Conte, Federico Iacovelli, Alice Romeo, Mattia Falconi, Claudia Del Vecchio, Elisa Franchin, Maria Stella Lia, Marilena Minieri, Carlo Chiaramonte, Marco Ciotti, Marzia Nuccetelli, Alessandro Terrinoni, Ilaria Iannuzzi, Luca Coppeda, Andrea Magrini, Sergio Bernardini, Stefano Sabatini, Felice Rosapepe, Pier Luigi Bartoletti, Nicola Moricca, Andrea Di Lorenzo, Massimo Andreoni, Loredana Sarmati, Alessandro Miani, Prisco Piscitelli, Piera Valenti, Luca Bianchi
Summary: Lactoferrin exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties by chelating iron ions, interacting with bacteria and viruses to protect the host from infections. It has demonstrated direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and may have a potential supplementary role in managing COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergei L. Kosakovsky Pond, Darren Martin
Summary: Molnupiravir, an antiviral drug for COVID-19, can cause multiple mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, potentially accelerating the evolution and transmission of viral variants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Lenharo
Summary: The most popular platform for sharing SARS-CoV-2 sequence data has faced criticism for governance issues, and scientists need to determine the next steps.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Ostrowka, Anna Duda-Madej, Filip Pietluch, Pawel Mackiewicz, Przemyslaw Gagat
Summary: Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, has multiple functions including antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. This study generated three novel human lactoferrin fragments, which were predicted to have antimicrobial activity. However, none of the new fragments showed antimicrobial properties, except for hLF 1-11, which was lethal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
James E. Kirby, Stefan Riedel, Sanjucta Dutta, Ramy Arnaout, Annie Cheng, Sarah Ditelberg, Donald J. Hamel, Charlotte A. Chang, Phyllis J. Kanki
Summary: This study aimed to define the relationship of SARS-CoV-2 antigen, viral load determined by RT-qPCR, and viral culture detection. The results showed a strong correlation between antigen testing and viral culture, with high sensitivity of antigen tests at high viral loads. Therefore, antigen testing can be used to rule out infectivity at the time of sampling.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Virology
Alessandra Sinopoli, Claudia Isonne, Maria Mercedes Santoro, Valentina Baccolini
Summary: This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of orally administered lactoferrin (LF) against virus infections, but the findings were inconclusive due to heterogeneous results across different viral families and overall high risk of bias in most published trials. Despite some weak but positive results, further well-designed studies are needed to determine the potential benefits of LF in preventing and managing viral infections.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yun Lin, Bingyi Yang, Sarah Cobey, Eric H. Y. Lau, Dillon C. Adam, Jessica Y. Wong, Helen S. Bond, Justin K. Cheung, Faith Ho, Huizhi Gao, Sheikh Taslim Ali, Nancy H. L. Leung, Tim K. Tsang, Peng Wu, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling
Summary: Analysis of viral load data on confirmed cases can improve real-time estimation of the reproductive number, enabling more timely tracking of epidemic dynamics.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jacky Lu, Miriam A. Guevara, Jamisha D. Francis, Sabrina K. Spicer, Rebecca E. Moore, Schuyler A. Chambers, Kelly M. Craft, Shannon D. Manning, Steven D. Townsend, Jennifer A. Gaddy
Summary: This study demonstrates that lactoferrin possesses antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against a wide range of GBS isolates, with maternally isolated colonizing strains being the most susceptible.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Lorenzo Ferro Desideri, Raffaella Rosa, Paolo Forte, Riccardo Manocchio, Aldo Vagge, Carlo Enrico Traverso, Massimo Nicolo
Summary: Lyme borreliosis can present with various systemic manifestations and ocular involvement may be difficult to diagnose due to its multifaceted presentation. With the increasing incidence of Lyme disease in European countries, ophthalmologists should be trained to distinguish ocular borreliosis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biology
Jessica Maiuolo, Rosa Maria Bulotta, Francesca Oppedisano, Francesca Bosco, Federica Scarano, Saverio Nucera, Lorenza Guarnieri, Stefano Ruga, Roberta Macri, Rosamaria Caminiti, Vincenzo Musolino, Micaela Gliozzi, Cristina Carresi, Antonio Cardamone, Annarita Coppoletta, Martina Nicita, Adriano Carnevali, Vincenzo Scorcia, Vincenzo Mollace
Summary: Eye health is crucial and diseases can greatly impact vision and quality of life. Natural antioxidants and nutraceutical supplementation can counteract oxidative stress in early stages of eye diseases and improve vision. Combining nutraceuticals and antioxidants may be a promising solution for eye protection.
Article
Biology
Amedeo Lucente, Andrea Taloni, Vincenzo Scorcia, Giuseppe Giannaccare
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can cause various lesions in the peripheral retina, which may go unnoticed with traditional fundus cameras. Widefield (WF) and Ultra-Widefield (UWF) technologies aim to expand the photographable retinal field. Through geometrical analysis, we found that WF and UWF imaging significantly increase the field of view, allowing detailed visualization of the peripheral retina. This has a significant impact on the diagnosis and management of DR.
Article
Ophthalmology
Aldo Vagge, Matilde Roda, Nicola Valsecchi, Hilda Capo, Costantino Schiavi, Federico G. Velez
Summary: The survey showed that most members of the AAPOS consider telemedicine to be a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of adult strabismus, reducing wait times and costs, and facilitating initial screening and follow-up for patients.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY & STRABISMUS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Giovanni William Oliverio, Aldo Vagge, Romana Gargano, Pasquale Aragona, Anna M. Roszkowska
Summary: The clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with progression of keratoconus after I-ON CXL were evaluated and the efficacy and safety of retreatment using epi-OFF CXL were assessed. Two years after I-ON CXL, 12 patients showed progression of keratoconus, whereas 4 patients were stable. I-ON CXL was ineffective in younger children, but had a 2-year efficacy in older children. Retreatment using epi-OFF CXL was effective in halting the progression of keratoconus after I-ON CXL failure.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY & STRABISMUS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matilde Roda, Natalie di Geronimo, Nicola Valsecchi, Lorenzo Gardini, Michela Fresina, Aldo Vagge, Luigi Fontana, Costantino Schiavi
Summary: This study analyzed the epidemiology, clinical features, and surgical outcomes of Bielschowsky esotropia (BE). The results showed a significant increase in the prevalence of BE, which could be attributed to the widespread use of electronic devices. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention can lead to favorable motor and sensory outcomes.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alfredo Borgia, Vito Romano, Davide Romano, Luca Pagano, Aldo Vagge, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Mahmoud Ahmed, Kunal Gadhvi, Nardine Menassa, Mohammad Ahmad, Stephen Kaye, Giulia Coco
Summary: Astigmatism is a common issue after keratoplasty, and it is important to accurately identify and characterize its type, amount, and direction. Various techniques, including corneal tomography and topo-aberrometry, can be used for evaluation, but alternative methods are available if these instruments are not accessible. This article describes both low-tech and high-tech approaches for detecting post-keratoplasty astigmatism, as well as the management strategies involving suture manipulation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Giuseppe Giannaccare, Costanza Rossi, Massimiliano Borselli, Giovanna Carnovale Scalzo, Giovanni Scalia, Rocco Pietropaolo, Benedetta Fratto, Marco Pellegrini, Angeli Christy Yu, Vincenzo Scorcia
Summary: This study demonstrates that two sessions of low-level light therapy before and after cataract surgery can improve tear film stability and ocular discomfort symptoms.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Mathilde M. Goudot, Pierre-Raphael Rothschild, Gautier Bauters, Aldo Vagge, Alexandra Miere, Eric H. Souied, Francine Behar-Cohen, Federico Bernabei
Summary: This article describes the multimodal imaging of bilateral non-vascularized pigment epithelial detachments in two young patients with long-term follow-up. It was observed that both patients had a choroidal layer thicker than 420μm and no choroidal neovascularization was detected. During the follow-up period, one eye showed a retinal pigment epithelium tear and all eyes showed the presence of apical sub-retinal fluid and hyperreflective material. No signs of atrophy were observed in either patient during the follow-up period.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Marco Pellegrini, Angeli Christy Yu, Rossella Spena, Cristina Bovone, Giorgio Zauli, Massimo Busin
Summary: This study reports the clinical outcomes of large diameter deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and converted two-piece microkeratome-assisted mushroom keratoplasty (MK) for herpetic corneal scars. The results showed that DALK yields excellent visual and clinical outcomes, and in case of intraoperative complications, DALK can be converted to MK to maximize the refractive benefit and minimize the risk of graft failure.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Luca Pagano, Jason William Lee, Matteo Posarelli, Giuseppe Giannaccare, Stephen Kaye, Alfredo Borgia
Summary: Rho kinase inhibitors, such as ripasudil and netarsudil, have emerged as promising treatment options in ophthalmology, particularly for glaucoma and corneal pathology. They have been shown to be effective in both in vitro and clinical studies. Their applications also extend to surgical procedures where they aid in visual recovery, scar reduction, and intraocular pressure control.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Ophthalmology
Marco Pellegrini, Angeli Christy Yu
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giuli Coco, Giulia Piccotti, Vitn Romanao, Lorenzo Ferro Desideri, Aldo Vagge, Carlo Enrico Traverso, Marco Pellegrini, Alice Bruscolini, Marco Marenco, Giuseppe Giannaccare
Summary: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent clinical trials have shown that topical NGF can significantly improve symptoms and signs of DED. Ongoing phase III clinical trials will provide further evidence for the use of NGF in DED treatment.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Daniela Mazzuca, Giuseppe Demarinis, Marcello Della Corte, Fiorella Caputo, Antonello Caruso, Margherita Pallocci, Luigi Tonino Marsella, Filippo Tatti, Emanuele Siotto Pintor, Lorenzo Mangoni, Gabriele Piccoli, Adriano Carnevali, Sabrina Vaccaro, Vincenzo Scorcia, Enrico Peiretti, Carmelo Nobile, Nicola Gratteri, Giuseppe Giannaccare
Summary: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of retinal diseases in Italy, specifically the decreased number of intravitreal injections and the related medico-legal implications. The study found a significant reduction in injections during the lockdown and subsequent phases, leading to delayed treatment of chronic retinal diseases. The lack of management guidelines created ethical and legal issues that need to be addressed in future planning.
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Nicolo Ciarmatori, Marco Pellegrini, Francesco Nasini, Pietro Maria Talli, Laura Sarti, Marco Mura
Summary: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has revolutionized ophthalmology practice by providing a non-invasive in vivo cross-sectional view of the eye structures. With the recent advent of microscope-integrated systems, real-time intraoperative OCT (iOCT) is now possible during vitreoretinal surgical procedures. iOCT has various applications in surgical procedures, but there are still limitations and challenges to be addressed for its widespread adoption.
