Research Research Contributions

Research Contributions

“The NEUROFARBA Department carries out important research activities—also at the international level—in both clinical and preclinical fields, in collaboration with the Careggi and Meyer University Hospital Companies. The Department benefits from national and international public funding, as well as private funding. In order to further strengthen these important activities, the Department expresses its interest in accepting liberal donations from public and private entities, aimed at deepening the various research lines of the Department.

At its meeting of March 20, 2017, the NEUROFARBA Department Council approved the following “Self-Regulation Code,” compliance with which is binding on the professors and researchers affiliated with the Department as well as on donors. By using the forms provided below, donors formally commit to complying with the above Code.

Below are links to the pages dedicated to the individual sections of the Department, where the research lines are listed:
Developmental Age Section (link)
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section (link)
Pharmacology and Toxicology Section (link)
Neuroscience Section (link)
Psychology Section (link)

In particular, we are available to accept contributions for the following research projects:

1) “IMPLEMENTATION OF CLINICAL AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF OCULAR IMMUNOPATHOLOGY, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE TREATMENT OF UVEITIC DISEASE WITH BIOLOGICAL DRUGS,” aimed at recruiting 1 research fellow for the amount of euro 23.786,76, for one year, reserved for a medical specialist in ophthalmology – deadline 31/08/2019.

The ophthalmology specialist benefiting from the research grant will be employed to increase the services provided by our Unit (SOD) in the diagnostic activity and in the medical and surgical treatment of inflammatory ocular diseases, especially uveitis. Moreover, this role will be of fundamental importance to facilitate the joint ophthalmology/immunology management of such patients and to continue and enhance data collection and, consequently, research on these immune-mediated ocular diseases, on which in recent years we have been able to publish various scientific articles.

2) “STUDY OF THE OCULAR SURFACE IN DRY EYE DISEASE, INCLUDING THE ASSESSMENT OF ABERRATIONS AND OPTICAL QUALITY INDUCED BY THE TEAR FILM.”

3) “USE OF ANTISEPTICS IN VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS.”

4) New diagnostics of the anterior segment: comparison among different OCT systems and the importance of aberrometry in clinical practice.

5) Regenerative medicine and surgical prospects in the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome – Scientific Lead: Antonino Morabito.

6) “Adaptive optics in pseudoxanthoma elasticum,” aimed at recruiting 1 research fellow for euro 23.786,76, for one year – Scientific Lead: Dr. Vittoria Murro.

7) “Multimodal instrumental analysis of morphofunctional alterations in glaucoma patients undergoing medical and surgical therapy,” aimed at recruiting 1 research fellow – Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti.

8) “Use of 3D technology in ocular surgery” – Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti.

The purpose of the project is to investigate the advantages and limits of current 3D visualization systems in ophthalmic surgical procedures, both of the anterior and posterior segments. In particular, several aspects warrant further study:

– The study of retinal phototoxicity in both anterior and posterior segment surgery, using both theoretical and applied models. Classical microscope visualization will be compared with 3D systems.

– The use of 3D digital images offers considerable potential to improve visualization of the surgical field during procedures; further study is needed on digital filters to improve visualization of intraocular structures during surgical maneuvers.

– The 3D system uses a high dynamic range camera connected directly to the operating microscope, which projects superimposed images onto a screen. The study will assess the possibility of integrating on the same screen not only different operative parameters (infusion pressure, proportional vacuum, cutting speed, etc.), but also the most advanced imaging techniques useful during surgery (such as intraoperative optical coherence tomography). Allowing the surgeon to monitor these various functions within their field of view may improve the safety and effectiveness of procedures.

– The ergonomics of 3D visualization have not yet reached fully satisfactory efficiency. Many systems currently in use have limitations related to the position of the surgeon, the surgical team, and the 3D display screen. Possible ergonomic improvements to facilitate surgery under the best possible conditions will be studied.

– Evaluation of the 3D system in surgical education, both as an aid in university teaching and for use in training courses for already specialized surgeons.

The project will last one year.

9) “ASSESSMENT OF VESTIBULAR, AUDITORY, AND COGNITIVE REFLEXES IN HYPOACUSIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF BONE-CONDUCTION IMPLANTS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS” – Scientific Lead: Dr. Beatrice Giannoni.

10) AUTOINFLAMMATORY SYNDROMES – Scientific Lead: Prof. Gabriele Simonini. Autoinflammatory syndromes are a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory disorders responsible for potential organ damage. Specific genetic errors affecting the complex system controlling inflammation known as the inflammasome are the main pathogenetic mechanisms of these disorders.

It is hypothesized that autoinflammatory syndromes represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, both in clinical expression and in evolution.

It is therefore important to identify whether, within this group of diseases, there is a stratification of severity in relation to the different genotypes found. Finding a genotype–phenotype correlation would mean personalizing the patient’s clinical pathway in the short and long term. In order to further study a possible genotype–phenotype correlation in patients with autoinflammatory syndromes—within a project led by Professor Gabriele Simonini—we seek funding availability for a 12-month research grant of 24.000 for a graduate in Medicine and Surgery, specializing in Pediatrics, who will carry out their activities at the NEUROFARBA Department. Those interested can contribute to the project by October 30, 2021. For information and clarifications: Rita Parrini, NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, NIC 3 – 1st floor – room 110, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Tel. 0552751857, Mobile 3667820552, email: rita.parrini@unifi.it.

11) OPALE Project – Observatory on perinAtal Loss

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnancy and childbirth were particularly difficult times for Italian women, especially during the first months. The joint Perinatal Research Laboratory PeaRL of the NEUROFARBA Department, led by Prof. Alfredo Vannacci, proposes the OPALE project, aimed at assessing the psychological impact of the pandemic, restrictions, and the care received on the mental well-being of women during pregnancy and postpartum in cases of perinatal loss. OPALE integrates and takes charge of the activities of the national COVID-ASSESS and international COCOON (Italian arm) projects, into which they converge.

In particular, with this observatory we aim to deepen the assessment of the specific consequences of the pandemic in cases of perinatal loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death). The project falls within the perinatal clinical epidemiology activities conducted by the PeaRL Laboratory, with particular reference to prevention, therapy, and surveillance related to the use of medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

12) “Diabetic macular edema: OCT and OCTA characteristics,” aimed at recruiting 1 research fellow for euro 23.890,08 for one year – Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti. The grant will be awarded to a graduate in Medicine and Surgery specializing in ophthalmology.
Deadline for this notice: 30/11/2022.

13) PROJECT “TRANSITION FROM PEDIATRIC CARE TO ADULT MEDICINE FOR PATIENTS WITH AUTOINFLAMMATORY SYNDROMES”

The prevalence of chronic autoinflammatory diseases is increasing globally. In many cases, onset occurs already in childhood, accompanying the patient into adulthood. This makes the transition of adolescent patients from pediatric care to adult medicine (transitional care, TC) a priority in the current healthcare scenario.

The TC process can have a significant clinical and psychological impact on patients and families, given the considerable differences between pediatric management—highly supportive and focused on growth and development—and adult medicine, which is directed toward a patient who is independent and autonomous in managing the disease, including aspects related to reproduction. Moreover, the disease itself—especially if rare—complicates adolescent development, interfering with concerns related to physical appearance and relationships with peers and adults, and disrupting processes of self-affirmation and emancipation.

For these reasons, TC should be considered a clinical and psychosocial process that deserves to take place gradually, in a guided and planned manner, ensuring continuity of care both from the organizational standpoint (different levels of care, referral hospitals) and from the standpoint of interpersonal networks (family network, physicians, etc.).

With regard to autoinflammatory diseases, the complexity and heterogeneity of these conditions make it necessary to identify specific areas of expertise, outline shared decision-making approaches, and coordinate the various teams of specialists.

In this context, the Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine Unit (SOD) of the Careggi University Hospital (Florence) and the Rheumatology Unit (SOSa) of the Meyer Children’s University Hospital (Florence) have designed a project to implement a TC pathway for adolescent patients with autoinflammatory diseases, with the aim of:

Aligning skills and approaches to care between the pediatric rheumatology team at Meyer Hospital and the adult medical team of the Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine SOD at Careggi University Hospital, by implementing a specific Transition Preparation Training (TPT).
Planning and completing the transition project for a pilot group of patients with autoinflammatory diseases.
Assessing the impact of TC on disease control and patients’ quality of life.

The project will last 12 months, of which 3 will be dedicated to TPT, and will be carried out jointly by staff from the Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine SOD of the Careggi University Hospital (Florence) and the Rheumatology SOSa of the Meyer Children’s University Hospital (Florence).

For the implementation of the project—whose pediatric lead is Professor Gabriele Simonini—we seek funding availability for a 12-month research grant of 24.000 for a graduate in Medicine and Surgery with a specialization in Pediatrics, who will carry out their activities at the NEUROFARBA Department.

Those interested can contribute to the project by September 30, 2022. For information and clarifications: Rita Parrini, NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, NIC 3 – 1st floor – room 110, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Tel. 0552751857, Mobile 3667820552, email: rita.parrini@unifi.it.

14) “Study of visual function in patients with retinal dystrophies eligible for therapy”

for the purpose of receiving a liberal donation to fund a research grant

of € 23.786,76. Scientific Lead: Dr. Vittoria Murro

15) “Study of visual function in patients with retinopathy related to Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)”

Scientific Lead: Dr. Vittoria Murro – Supervision: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti.

16) Public Notice for expressions of interest in sponsoring the project “Identification of a dedicated pathway to parenthood in patients with Multiple Sclerosis” – Lead: Prof. Maria Pia Amato

Expressions of interest received:

– Merck

– Novartis

17) Focus on glaucoma. The liberal donation will be used for the study of degenerative processes in glaucoma. Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti.

18)

“Functional and refractive outcomes of anterior segment, posterior segment, and glaucoma ocular surgery: cataract surgery and the entire surgical technique in ophthalmology,” aimed at renewing the research grant (Call protocol no. 270336 of 09/11/2023) of euro 23.890,08, for a graduate in Medicine and Surgery specialized in ophthalmology.

The renewal—necessary to continue the follow-up of patients monitored during the project—will last one year, from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Scientific Lead: Prof. Gianni Virgili. Deadline for this notice: November 15, 2024.

19) “Diabetic macular edema: OCT and OCTA characteristics,” aimed at renewing 1 research grant of euro 23.890,08 for one year, for a medical specialist in Ophthalmology. Deadline January 15, 2024. Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti.

20) The role of 3D imaging in preoperative planning of solid tumors in the pediatric population (Scientific Lead: Prof. Antonino Morabito)

21) Liberal donations to fund a research grant in the amount of € 23.890,08 for one year, Scientific Lead: Prof. Fabrizio Giansanti, for the study “Optimization of medical and surgical management of macular edema in ophthalmic surgery” – notice deadline 30/05/2024.

The grant is intended for a graduate in Medicine and Surgery specialized in ophthalmology.

22) “Organization and development of a ring test for HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis of volatiles in EVOO” – Scientific Lead: Prof. Nadia Mulinacci

23) In-depth study on the role of “Ophthalmologist and Orthoptist: key figures for an integrated management of the ophthalmic patient” – Scientific Lead: Dr. Daniela Bacherini

24) Study of the modulation of growth and differentiation of myocytes and analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved – Scientific Lead: Prof. Cristina Luceri.

All contributions received by the Department are subject to disclosure:

List of contributions received in 2016

List of contributions received in 2017

List of contributions received in 2018

List of contributions received in 2019

List of contributions received in 2020

Pending the University’s general guidelines, the following forms (link) are proposed for those wishing to contribute to our research. Following such communication, the Department will send a declaration of acceptance and an extract of the approval resolution by the Department Council and—after the contribution has been made—feedback on the actual ways in which it has been used, in relation to decisions under the exclusive responsibility of the scientific lead, and in compliance with the purposes for which the contribution was provided.

Last update

17.09.2025

Research Contributions

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