In the present study, we analysed the results from the use of serological tests for the evaluation of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 virus, with the aim of verifying the seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 virus infect...In the present study, we analysed the results from the use of serological tests for the evaluation of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 virus, with the aim of verifying the seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in Rome. Evaluations related to the seroprevalence are important for defining the epidemiological parameters of this disease. We therefore analysed the data deriving from 1586 subjects, residing in the geographical area of Rome, subjected to a rapid test, capable of detecting the presence of specific IgM and IgG class antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among the 1586 cases, 83 had positive conversion of IgM antibody and/or IgG antibody and 1503 tested negative. Out of 83 positive cases, 48% (40/83) samples resulted positively for both IgM and IgG, while 45% (37/83) were positive for IgG only, and 7% (6/83) for IgM only. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the considered geographical area was 5% (83/1586), and 54% (45/83) of our population was an asymptomatic carrier. The study was performed to better evaluate the population prevalence in the studied geographic area. To our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in the Lazio region reporting data related to the asymptomatic carriers.展开更多
The activities of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and related peptides are mediated a number of receptors with seven transmembrane domains that are coupled to the Gs and Gq proteins. These receptors are known as C...The activities of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and related peptides are mediated a number of receptors with seven transmembrane domains that are coupled to the Gs and Gq proteins. These receptors are known as CRF-Rs. In vitro studies have evidenced that urocortin(UCN) and CRF provoke an increase in the contractility of the uterus which is induced by endometrial prostaglandin F2 a. Furthermore, through trophoblasts, it stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) and prostaglandin PGE2 and has a vasodilatory effect on the placenta. While it is well known that the placenta produces considerable quantities of CRF, several studies have, however, excluded that the placenta can generate significant quantities of UCN. In the short term, the human fetal adrenal gland produces more cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The gestational tissues express UCN3 and UCN2 m RNA in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells, while UCN2 is only to be found in the maternal and fetal vessels and amniotic cells. Nevertheless, gestational tissues express UCN2 and UCN3 differentially and do not stimulate placental ACTH secretion. In term pregnancies, maternal plasma levels of CRF and UCN are lower than at the beginning of pregnancy and are correlated to labor onset. Conversely,they do not decrease in post-term pregnancies. This evidence would seem to indicate that the fine-regulated expression of these neuropeptides is important in determining the duration of human gestation. In this scenario, low concentrations of UCN in the amniotic fluid at mid-term may be considered a sign of predisposition to preterm birth.展开更多
文摘In the present study, we analysed the results from the use of serological tests for the evaluation of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 virus, with the aim of verifying the seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection in Rome. Evaluations related to the seroprevalence are important for defining the epidemiological parameters of this disease. We therefore analysed the data deriving from 1586 subjects, residing in the geographical area of Rome, subjected to a rapid test, capable of detecting the presence of specific IgM and IgG class antibodies directed against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among the 1586 cases, 83 had positive conversion of IgM antibody and/or IgG antibody and 1503 tested negative. Out of 83 positive cases, 48% (40/83) samples resulted positively for both IgM and IgG, while 45% (37/83) were positive for IgG only, and 7% (6/83) for IgM only. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the considered geographical area was 5% (83/1586), and 54% (45/83) of our population was an asymptomatic carrier. The study was performed to better evaluate the population prevalence in the studied geographic area. To our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in the Lazio region reporting data related to the asymptomatic carriers.
文摘The activities of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and related peptides are mediated a number of receptors with seven transmembrane domains that are coupled to the Gs and Gq proteins. These receptors are known as CRF-Rs. In vitro studies have evidenced that urocortin(UCN) and CRF provoke an increase in the contractility of the uterus which is induced by endometrial prostaglandin F2 a. Furthermore, through trophoblasts, it stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) and prostaglandin PGE2 and has a vasodilatory effect on the placenta. While it is well known that the placenta produces considerable quantities of CRF, several studies have, however, excluded that the placenta can generate significant quantities of UCN. In the short term, the human fetal adrenal gland produces more cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The gestational tissues express UCN3 and UCN2 m RNA in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells, while UCN2 is only to be found in the maternal and fetal vessels and amniotic cells. Nevertheless, gestational tissues express UCN2 and UCN3 differentially and do not stimulate placental ACTH secretion. In term pregnancies, maternal plasma levels of CRF and UCN are lower than at the beginning of pregnancy and are correlated to labor onset. Conversely,they do not decrease in post-term pregnancies. This evidence would seem to indicate that the fine-regulated expression of these neuropeptides is important in determining the duration of human gestation. In this scenario, low concentrations of UCN in the amniotic fluid at mid-term may be considered a sign of predisposition to preterm birth.
