Fabio De-Giorgio

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This study looked at how adding carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) to a type of solar cell called hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) can improve their performance. The researchers found that using these CNPs increased the solar cell's power conversion efficiency from 8.2% to 10%. This matters because higher efficiency means better energy production, which can make solar technology more effective and affordable. Who this helps: This benefits solar energy developers and consumers who want more efficient solar panels.

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This study examined a case where a 76-year-old man died after using an aerosolized fibrin glue to treat severe bladder bleeding caused by radiation therapy. The investigation found that he suffered a fatal air embolism, which is when gas bubbles enter the bloodstream, leading to his death; this was confirmed through post-mortem imaging. The findings underscore the risks of using aerosolized treatments in patients with certain health issues, particularly those with bladder scarring or lung problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the risks of aerosolized treatments, especially for vulnerable patients.

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This study looks at a rare case of a 35-year-old woman who experienced life-threatening complications due to ruptured blood vessels in her abdomen, specifically an aneurysm in her spleen that caused severe internal bleeding. After emergency surgery, she had more bleeding from another aneurysm in the hepatic artery and unfortunately died because of this repeated rupturing and unstable blood flow, despite attempts to save her. The findings emphasize the challenges in identifying these dangerous conditions, especially in younger patients who seem healthy, and show how multiple blood vessel problems can worsen a patient's situation. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with vascular abnormalities.

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This study explored a rare genetic condition caused by problems with the FLVCR1 gene, which affects how the body senses pain. Researchers found that mutations in this gene disrupt important cellular processes, leading to issues with energy production in cells. Specifically, they observed that these mutations impair critical functions related to cell metabolism and energy, which could help explain the pain loss experienced by patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with sensory neuropathy and their doctors by providing insights into potential treatments.

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This study looked at how a substance called 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) affects the growth of blood vessels by targeting "heme," a key component in the cells responsible for building these vessels. The researchers found that ALA treatment led to a significant buildup of porphyrins (a type of compound related to heme) in cells, which caused a decreased ability of these cells to grow, move, and develop into new blood vessels, both in laboratory studies and in mice. This matters because it shows that manipulating heme and porphyrin levels could be a new way to treat eye diseases that involve unwanted blood vessel growth, such as those found in premature infants and diabetic patients. Who this helps: Patients with eye diseases related to abnormal blood vessel growth.

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This study looked at how β-Hydroxy β-Methyl Butyric Acid (HMB) appears in urine after people take it as a supplement. The researchers found that after a 3-gram dose of HMB, the concentration of HMB in urine was much higher than what’s normally found in the body for at least 24 hours. This is important because it indicates that HMB can be detected in urine, suggesting its use as a supplement may be linked to performance enhancement in sports. Who this helps: This information helps sports regulators and anti-doping agencies monitor supplement use among athletes.

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This study looked at how the synthetic cannabinoid APP-CHMINACA is processed in the body to discover the best markers for testing its presence in blood and urine. Researchers found that the main substances produced after taking APP-CHMINACA included both the original compound and metabolites formed from a specific chemical reaction. Identifying these markers is important because it helps in accurately testing for this drug in medical and legal settings. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and forensic investigators.

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This study looked at the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology, focusing on its benefits and risks. Researchers found that while AI can analyze medical images effectively, it also raises important issues such as data privacy, bias, and a lack of understanding about how AI makes decisions, which can harm patients. The paper argues that using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), even if it's not as powerful, would help ensure that patients know how AI affects their care, promoting ethical practices in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they receive transparent and informed care.

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This study looks at the use of advanced imaging techniques on deceased individuals, specifically Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) and Post-Mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PMMR). Researchers found that these methods can effectively assess injuries and understand various medical conditions after death, but noted that specialized knowledge is still needed and that there are challenges like getting consent for data use. Building biobanks for post-mortem imaging data could enhance research and the integration of AI in this field. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, medical examiners, and potentially families looking for answers about causes of death.

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This study looked at how certain factors, like the time since death and personal characteristics (age, sex, weight), affect the analysis of alcohol in the eye fluid (vitreous humour) of deceased individuals. It found that most cases did not specify how long it had been since death, and vital details about the deceased's characteristics and environmental conditions were often missing. Understanding these factors is important because they can influence the accuracy of determining whether someone was intoxicated when they died, especially in cases of alcohol-related deaths. Who this helps: This helps doctors, medical examiners, and families trying to understand the circumstances of a loved one's death.

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This study looked at blood samples from patients who died in hospitals to find out how certain chemicals in the blood change over time after death. Researchers found that two specific chemicals, phosphokinase (CPK) and lactodehydrogenase (LDH), significantly increased after death, with levels rising in a consistent way. Understanding these changes could help determine how long someone has been dead, which is important for medical and legal reasons. Who this helps: This helps doctors and forensic teams who need accurate information about the time of death.

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This study looked at how well findings from animal research can be applied to humans, specifically focusing on measuring the time since death using a fluid in the eye called aqueous humour. Researchers analyzed samples from 11 human autopsies and found that while there were similarities in the types of metabolites (substances produced during metabolic processes) identified between humans and sheep, the amounts of some key metabolites like lactate and glutamate were different. Notably, two specific metabolites, taurine and hypoxanthine, seemed to be reliably linked to the time after death, highlighting their potential usefulness in forensic science. Who this helps: This helps forensic scientists and pathologists working on post-mortem investigations.

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This study looked at how images of lungs from scans taken after death can help determine how long it’s been since someone died. Researchers examined 17 bodies, finding that specific features in the lung images changed in predictable ways over time. For example, a certain measurement called "cluster shade" decreased significantly, while another measurement increased; these changes can help estimate the time of death more accurately. Who this helps: This helps forensic scientists and medical examiners in determining the time of death in investigations.

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This study looked at the risks associated with a medical procedure called percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), commonly used for patients with bile duct blockages, especially those suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer. The researchers reported a shocking case of a 90-year-old woman who developed severe internal bleeding after the procedure, losing 2.5 liters of blood and passing away within hours; this was due to a rupture of a large vein called the inferior vena cava, a very rare complication of PTBD. This finding is important because it emphasizes how crucial skilled operators are in performing PTBD and the necessity of being aware of rare but serious complications. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors performing PTBD and patients undergoing this treatment.

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This study focused on understanding the effects of a genetic mutation related to GATA2 deficiency, which can cause blood disorders like bone marrow failure and a higher risk of certain cancers. The researchers used a technique called CRISPR to create human models and found that cells with this mutation showed poor growth and aging signs, evidenced by reduced fitness when compared to normal cells. Specifically, these mutated cells struggled to multiply and maintain themselves, leading to an increased risk of health issues in blood production. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with GATA2 deficiency and related blood disorders, as it could lead to better treatments.

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This study looked at how postmortem CT scans of the liver can help determine whether someone died within the past 24 hours or more than 24 hours ago. Researchers analyzed data from 51 bodies and found that a specific feature of the liver, called skewness, was highly effective in making this distinction. The skewness model correctly identified deaths beyond 24 hours 100% of the time at its best threshold and maintained a 70% accuracy in an independent test group, making it a useful tool for forensic investigations. Who this helps: This benefits forensic investigators and medical examiners.

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This study looked at how well scientists can estimate the time since someone has died by analyzing fluids around the heart, called pericardial fluid. They examined 65 samples from autopsies and found that their method was mostly accurate, accurately predicting the time of death within about 16.7 hours for deaths between 16 and 100 hours ago. This is important because it helps forensic investigators determine time of death more reliably, which can be crucial in criminal cases. Who this helps: This helps forensic investigators and law enforcement.

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This study looked at how certain genetic mutations affect patients with GATA2 deficiency, a condition that can lead to blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and leukemia. Researchers found that while a GATA2 mutation alone has little effect, when combined with mutations in SETBP1 and ASXL1, it significantly disrupts normal blood cell development. Specifically, the combination of all three mutations greatly reduces myeloid progenitor cells, which are important for healthy blood formation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with GATA2 deficiency and their doctors by improving understanding of disease progression and potential treatments.

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Researchers studied postmortem CT scans of the lateral cerebral ventricles (LCVs) from twelve deceased individuals to determine how these scans could help estimate the time since death, known as the postmortem interval (PMI). They found that certain characteristics of the LCVs were closely linked to PMI, with the most significant being the average brightness (measured in Hounsfield Units) and the surface area of the ventricles. Their findings indicate that using these imaging features can enhance current methods of estimating PMI, which is important for forensic investigations. Who this helps: This helps forensic scientists and investigators in accurately determining the time of death in criminal cases.

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This study looked at how certain proteins in the skin can help determine how long it has been since someone died. Researchers tested 20 male mice and found that specific changes in skin protein levels could show if death occurred within the last 12 hours, 12 to 36 hours, or more than 48 hours. This finding is important for forensic science because it provides a new method to more accurately estimate the time of death. Who this helps: This helps forensic scientists and law enforcement in their investigations.

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This study looked at how the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 affects male and female mice differently when given repeatedly. The researchers found that females showed greater impairment in movement and other body functions after the first injection, while males had stronger effects after the second injection, and both sexes developed tolerance by the third injection. Additionally, females had higher blood levels of AKB48 and faster changes in brain receptors compared to males. This matters because it highlights that males and females respond differently to AKB48, which could guide more effective treatment for those affected by its use. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in treating patients who misuse synthetic cannabinoids.

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This study looked at how a protein called FLVCR1a affects cholesterol levels in blood vessel cells by influencing the production of heme, a key component for many cell functions. Researchers found that when FLVCR1a was changed or removed in experiments, it impacted cholesterol levels and the fluidity of cell membranes, specifically noting that FLVCR1a helps control the supply of citrate, which is necessary for cholesterol production. Understanding this relationship is important because it could help explain health issues related to blood vessels and cholesterol regulation. Who this helps: Patients with cardiovascular diseases and conditions related to cholesterol levels.

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This study looked at how mitochondria, which are the energy centers of cells, affect the behavior of neural stem cells (NSCs) during brain development and health. Researchers found that NSCs switch their energy production process as they develop, with changes in the amount and shape of their mitochondria, which is crucial for their growth and maturation. Understanding these processes helps uncover how disorders like autism or Alzheimer's disease may develop when mitochondrial function goes wrong. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases by informing potential treatments and understanding disease mechanisms.

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This study looked at a gene called FLVCR1 that is linked to congenital hydrocephalus (CH), a condition that affects about 1 in every 1,000 babies born. The researchers found that when this gene doesn't work properly in certain brain cells, it disrupts how cells handle calcium and energy, which can cause problems in brain development and lead to enlarged brain ventricles. Understanding this mechanism is important because it provides insights into the causes of CH and could help develop new treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital hydrocephalus and their families.

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This study looked at the damage caused by new psychoactive substances (NPS) in users who died from their use. The researchers reviewed 197 articles and found 446 cases of deaths related to NPS, with the most common types being synthetic opioids (34%) and synthetic cannabinoids (22%). They noticed notable lung damage in 56% of cases and brain issues in 23%, emphasizing the need for more detailed research on this topic. Who this helps: This information helps doctors understand the risks associated with NPS to better treat patients and respond to emergencies.

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This study focused on the role of a protein called FLVCR1a in the development of blood vessels. Researchers found that without FLVCR1a, blood vessels in zebrafish embryos and mice formed incorrectly, leading to issues like reduced blood flow and poorly organized structures. This discovery is important because it highlights FLVCR1a as a potential target for treatments for diseases that involve abnormal blood vessel growth, such as tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions involving problematic blood vessel growth, including cancer patients.

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This study looked at how two synthetic cannabinoids, JWH-018 and Δ-THC, affect heart and breathing functions in mice. Researchers found that higher doses of JWH-018 (3-6 mg/kg) caused serious heart rhythm changes, slow heart rate, and increased blood pressure, while Δ-THC had milder effects. Understanding these reactions is crucial as it lays the groundwork for developing treatments for people who experience adverse effects from these substances. Who this helps: This helps patients who have been poisoned by synthetic cannabinoids.

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This study looked at how to better estimate the time since death (post-mortem interval, or PMI) by analyzing substances in the eye fluid of sheep. Researchers found that their method, using a technique called metabolomics, could predict the time since death within an error of about 7 hours for the first day and up to over 10 hours for longer intervals, which is more accurate than the traditional method relying only on potassium levels. This improvement is important because it can help forensic scientists determine how long someone has been dead, which is crucial for investigations. Who this helps: Patients, forensic scientists, and law enforcement agencies.

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This study looked at malpractice claims against orthopedic doctors in Rome from 2000 to 2015. Out of nearly 5,000 cases examined, only 3.93% resulted in doctors being convicted, while over half (53%) were dismissed and 14.2% ended in acquittals. This finding highlights a significant imbalance in how these cases are handled and suggests that doctors face unfair pressure, which may affect their practice and patient care. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and ultimately their patients by promoting a better doctor-patient relationship.

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This study looked at how hospitals handle malpractice claims when they take on more financial risk versus when insurance companies manage those claims. Researchers at a hospital in Rome analyzed over 2,000 claims from 2007 to 2021 and discovered that when hospitals took on more responsibility for these risks, the number of malpractice claims dropped by about 3.7% each year, and the increase in payouts was slower than the national average. This matters because it shows that hospitals can improve patient safety and manage costs better when they are more involved in the claims process. Who this helps: This benefits hospitals, patients, and insurers by improving safety and potentially lowering costs.

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This study looked at the effects of JWH-018, a synthetic cannabinoid often linked to harmful health effects like increased heart rate and breathing problems. Researchers tested four existing medications—amiodarone, atropine, nifedipine, and propranolol—on mice to see if they could counteract these harmful effects. They found that all medications helped improve heart rates and breathing, but only atropine fully returned heart rates to normal. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients who have been poisoned by synthetic cannabinoids.

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This study looked at criminal charges against doctors in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology in Rome from 2000 to 2014. Researchers found that there were 727 cases, with most charges related to patient injuries and wrongful deaths. The rise in prosecutions shows increasing legal scrutiny on these specialties, making it essential for new regulations to protect both doctors and patients. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers in obstetrics and gynecology.

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This study examined the pericardial fluid, which is the liquid found around the heart, to see if it can help determine the time since death in autopsy cases. Researchers analyzed samples from 24 autopsies, and found that they could estimate the time since death with a prediction error of about 33-34 hours overall, improving to 13-15 hours for intervals under 100 hours. This matters because it could enhance the accuracy of time-of-death assessments in forensic investigations, helping to clarify circumstances around a person's death. Who this helps: This helps forensic investigators and medical examiners.

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This study looked at the effects of gamma-valerolactone (GVL), a substance sometimes sold as a legal alternative to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), on male mice. Researchers found that GVL can slow down movement and breathing, particularly at high doses (3000 mg/kg), and it is about 4 to 5 times less potent than GHB in affecting these responses. These findings are important because they highlight the potential risks of GVL and suggest it should be included in tests for substance abuse. Who this helps: Patients and medical professionals involved in substance abuse treatment and forensic investigations.

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This study looked at how repeated doses of GHB and GVL affect the brains of mice. Researchers found that giving these substances over time changed the mouse brain's signaling systems: specifically, they noticed a reduction in certain brain receptors, which could impact mood and sleep-related functions. Understanding these changes is important because they can shed light on why GHB is frequently abused. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working on addiction and sleep disorders.

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This study looked at rare changes in a gene called KCNQ1, which is linked to Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), in both sick and healthy people. They found that when examining over 3,700 patients with LQTS, certain parts of the KCNQ1 gene showed a strong link to the condition, meaning that if these changes were found, there was a higher chance (more than double) they were related to heart issues. This matters because understanding which gene variations actually indicate a disease helps doctors make better decisions about patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with unexplained heart issues, as well as doctors diagnosing LQTS.

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This paper discusses a correction to previous research about creating and studying new mouse models that are genetically altered to better mimic human diseases related to TDP-43, a protein linked to conditions like ALS. The researchers developed a more accurate model to study how TDP-43 impacts nerve cells and found significant changes in the mice that replicate human disease symptoms. This work is important because it provides better tools for understanding and potentially treating TDP-43 related diseases in humans. Who this helps: Patients with ALS and other related conditions.

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This study examined how specific drugs, especially 25-NBOMe and its variants, affect the behavior and reflexes of mice compared to LSD and similar substances. The researchers found that 25-NBOMe and its halogenated forms significantly impaired the mice’s ability to process sensory information, with the 25I and 25B types being more potent than both 2C analogs and LSD. This impairment is concerning because it can negatively affect activities requiring quick reactions, such as driving. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and policymakers concerned about drug use and road safety.

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This study looks at new psychoactive substances (NPSs), such as synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, which are created to mimic traditional drugs and avoid legal restrictions. Researchers found that these substances can lead to severe health issues, affecting various organs like the heart and lungs, and even cause death, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring. Understanding how these drugs interact with our genes could help predict their long-term effects and improve health responses. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers dealing with the effects of drug use.

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This study investigated a synthetic cannabinoid called JWH-175 to see how it works in mice compared to a similar compound, JWH-018. The researchers found that JWH-175 is less effective than JWH-018 in affecting the brain and behavior, but it quickly converts into JWH-018 in the body. This research is important because it shows how JWH-175 can still have strong effects due to this conversion, which is crucial for understanding its risks and potential effects. Who this helps: This helps doctors and toxicologists in assessing the safety and impacts of synthetic cannabinoids.

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This study looked at a new device called the DTRAX cage, designed for treating a specific neck joint issue known as basilar invagination by helping to separate (distract) two vertebrae in the neck. Researchers tested this device on five human cadavers and found that it was successfully inserted into the neck joint without any complications, and imaging showed that it fit correctly in all cases. This is important because it shows that the DTRAX cage may offer a new treatment option for patients with certain conditions that affect this joint, potentially improving their treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with basilar invagination and related neck issues.

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This study looked at the dental health needs of homeless people in Rome by reviewing the medical records of 165 patients treated at a dental service over a year. They found that 80% of these individuals reported severe tooth pain, 25% were missing teeth, and 11% had oral lesions. These findings highlight a critical need for improved dental care access and targeted programs for this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps homeless individuals who face significant oral health challenges.

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This study looked at how eyelid position and temperature impact changes in the corneas of people shortly after death. Researchers examined 46 corneas from 23 individuals within the first 17 hours postmortem, finding that corneas with open eyes were more likely to dry out, while closed eyes swelled due to fluid changes. These findings are important for improving methods in forensic investigations and organ transplants to better estimate time since death and preserve corneal health before donation. Who this helps: This helps forensic experts and eye transplant surgeons.

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This study looked at how lockdowns in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic affected hospital staff at Policlinico A. Gemelli. It found that the positivity rate of COVID-19 infections among staff dropped significantly after the first lockdown ended, decreasing by 9.3% (from a statistical perspective, this was a highly significant change). However, infections rose again after the lockdown, but a second lockdown led to another decrease in the positivity rate by 3.9% after its end. This matters because it shows that lockdowns were effective in protecting hospital workers and ensuring they could care for both COVID and non-COVID patients safely. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and patients receiving care in hospitals.

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This study looked at two ways to track problems in healthcare: malpractice claims and incident reports. Over nearly eight years, researchers found 843 malpractice claims and 1,919 incident reports, with claims slightly decreasing and reports increasing during 2020-2021. The findings highlight that while both systems show patient harm, they capture different types of events, which is important for improving patient safety. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving safety and care quality.

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This study looked at why some healthcare workers in Italy are hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Researchers found that 96.4% of healthcare workers accepted the vaccine, but those who were worried about side effects were more likely to hesitate, making them 4.6 times more likely to refuse the shot, while confidence in the vaccine's safety and effectiveness decreased hesitancy. This matters because boosting healthcare workers' trust in vaccines can help increase vaccination rates, which is crucial for public health. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and ultimately their patients by ensuring a safer healthcare environment.