Search

The efficacy of the response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients is low. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk factors correlated with the low antibody response and whether there was an improvement between the second and the third dose. A prospective study was conducted on 176 kidney transplant recipients who received the second and the third dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Comirnaty vaccine. We evaluated the seroconversion process after administration of the second and the third dose and assessed a possible correlation with age, time between transplant and vaccination, and type of immunosuppressive therapy. A total of 98 of the 176 patients (55.7%) responded positively after the inoculation of the second dose and according to the multivariable logistic regression analysis the lack of seroconversion was independently associated with patient age ≥60 (P =.025; odds ratio [OR], 2.094), time since transplant of 1 to 3 months (P =.032; OR, 2.118), and triple therapy (P =.044; OR, 2.327). After the vaccine third dose, the seroconversion increased to 62.5%, and it was negatively influenced by calcineurin inhibitor use (12/21, 57.1% vs 71/78, 91.0%, P =.0006) and triple therapy (13/21, 61.9% vs 72/78, 92.3%, P =.0014). The median of antispike antibody response significantly increased from 18.5 IU/mL after the second dose to 316.9 IU after the third dose (P <.0001). We demonstrated a correlation between older age and shorter distance from the transplant and triple immunosuppressive therapy with the lack of seroconversion. We noticed a significant improvement in antibody response by a third dose of messenger RNA vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature is rich in techniques and methods to perform Continuous Authentication (CA) using biometric data, both physiological and behavioral. As a recent trend, less invasive methods such as the ones based on context-aware recognition allows the continuous identification of the user by retrieving device and app usage patterns. However, a still uncovered research topic is to extend the concepts of behavioral and context-aware biometric to take into account all the sensing data provided by the Internet of Things (IoT) and the smart city, in the shape of user habits. In this paper, we propose a meta-model-driven approach to mine user habits, by means of a combination of IoT data incoming from several sources such as smart mobility, smart metering, smart home, wearables and so on. Then, we use those habits to seamlessly authenticate users in real time all along the smart city when the same behavior occurs in different context and with different sensing technologies. Our model, which we called WoX+, allows the automatic extraction of user habits using a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique focused on high-level concepts. The aim is to continuously authenticate the users using their habits as behavioral biometric, independently from the involved sensing hardware. To prove the effectiveness of WoX+ we organized a quantitative and qualitative evaluation in which 10 participants told us a spending habit they have involving the use of IoT. We chose the financial domain because it is ubiquitous, it is inherently multi-device, it is rich in time patterns, and most of all it requires a secure authentication. With the aim of extracting the requirement of such a system, we also asked the cohort how they expect WoX+ will use such habits to securely automatize payments and identify them in the smart city. We discovered that WoX+ satisfies most of the expected requirements, particularly in terms of unobtrusiveness of the solution, in contrast with the limitations observed in the existing studies. Finally, we used the responses given by the cohorts to generate synthetic data and train our novel AI block. Results show that the error in reconstructing the habits is acceptable: Mean Squared Error Percentage (MSEP) 0.04%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne filarioids of zoonotic concern, which primarily cause canine heartworm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. The geographical distribution of these nematodes is constantly changing, due to many factors such as the colonization by new invasive mosquito species, the increased movement of animals and the absence of chemoprophylactic strategies in non-endemic regions. Although HWD has always been considered endemic in northern Italy, an increase in the prevalence of this disease has been recorded in the last decades in central and southern regions. We describe the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in the Pelagie archipelagos. From June to November 2020, 157 dogs and 46 cats were sampled in Linosa and Lampedusa islands for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by modified Knott's, rapid antigen and molecular tests. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light and BG sentinel-2 traps and aspirators, and tested for host blood meal and Dirofilaria spp. DNA. Out of 56 dogs in Linosa and 101 in Lampedusa, 33 (i.e. 58.9%) and 8 (i.e. 7.9%) were positive to D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Three cats scored positive to D. immitis (i.e. 17.6%) in Linosa. Six mosquito species were identified, and the abdomen of a non-engorged Aedes albopictus was positive for D. immitis and human DNA. The results suggest that D. immitis infection could spread to new previously non-endemic territories in southern Europe, representing a real threat to animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis are among the most important vector‐borne pathogens in Europe, affecting animal and human health. In endemic areas, the epidemiology of both infections is conditioned by abundance of vectors and chemoprophylaxis measures. However, knowledge on the incidence of heartworm (HW) and Leishmania infections occurring in sympatry is still scant. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of both infections in two dog shelters from southern Italy, which represent hotspots for these two diseases. In June and in October 2020, all dogs that previously scored negative for L. infantum (n = 111, site 1; n = 70, site 2) and D. immitis (n = 58, site 1; n = 61, site 2) in 2019 were tested for the estimation of the incidence of both infections. Anti‐L. infantum IgG was detected by immunofluorescence antibody test, whereas D. immitis infection was diagnosed by modified Knott's test, SNAP 4Dx Plus test and real‐time PCR. The overall D. immitis and L. infantum infection incidence values were both higher in site 2 (i.e. 63.9% and 10%, respectively) than site 1 (i.e. 39.7% and 1.8%, respectively). The dog shelter in site 2 was shown to be more suitable for the development of the mosquito/sand fly populations and, consequently, for the spreading of both parasites representing a potential threat for animal and human health. The high incidence of both infections recorded in this study suggests the need for chemoprophylaxis measures and vector monitoring and control to minimize the risk for animals and humans living in shelters or in their neighbourhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cats infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, were taken to two different private practitioners for a clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the first cat revealed a microfilaraemia due to D. repens of 66 mfs/mL by a modified Knott's test. No clinical signs of D. repens infection were observed in the cat. The animal was euthanised because of a lymphoma condition, and two adult females of D. repens were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the lumbar and left scapular regions at the post-mortem examination. The second cat showed severe abnormalities in the white blood cells, including eosinophil count. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in the blood smear, with an average length (n = 2) of 296.2 μm. These clinical cases represent the first reports of feline dirofilarioses in southern Italy and are indicative of a common occurrence of dirofilarial infection in the local canine population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis are among the most important canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) of zoonotic concern in Europe. In endemic areas for both of these CVBPs, the use of systemic ectoparasiticides, such as afoxolaner (NexGard®; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health), may have the potential for controlling these infections. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the insecticidal efficacy of NexGard® in decreasing the transmission of D. immitis and L. infantum to sheltered dogs living in a hyperendemic area, compared to the year before treatment, as well as its impact on the abundance of mosquito and sand fly populations. Methods: All dogs (n = 179) enrolled in the study were divided into two groups based on their infection status at enrollment: a non-infected group (G1) and an infected group (G2; infected with D. immitis, L. infantum or both). The study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021. In order to exclude all animals infected with L. infantum and D. immitis before March 2020 (sampling time: T0), dogs in G1 were sampled in June (T1; i.e. T0 + 90 days) and in October 2020 (T2; i.e. T0 + 210 days). From March to September 2020, all animals (G1 and G2) were weighed and treated monthly with NexGard®. Animals in G1 were tested for the last time in March 2021 (T3; i.e. T0 + 330 days) for assessing post-treatment incidence rate of infection and prevention efficacy. Results: The post-treatment incidence of D. immitis was 3.7% (1/27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–18.1) and that of L. infantum was 3.6% (3/83; 95% CI: 1.0–10.1). Considering the annual incidence in 2019 and 2020, the protective efficacy against D. immitis and L. infantum infections was 94.2 and 64%, respectively. Of the female mosquitoes collected (n = 146), only one pool out of 50 tested positive for D. immitis DNA, whereas out of 1252 female Sergentomya minuta specimens collected, only four tested positive for L. infantum (0.3%). Conclusions: Afoxolaner is efficacious in decreasing the rate of transmission of both D. immitis and L. infantum; however, comparison of the pre- and post-treatment period demonstrated that there was a significant difference only in the seasonal incidences of D. immitis infection. Preventive measures are recommended throughout the year in endemic areas to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission to animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanomas are skin tumors that show a variety of biological behavior. Some develop very fast and some other grow extremely slow, with metastasis appearing, eventually, many years after the diagnosis. The number of mitoses in primary melanoma has been related to a more aggressive tumor and may have a potential as predictive factor for cutaneous melanoma survival. However, tumor mitotic rate is a static measure and in multivariate analysis on tumor survival, it has scored less than other tumor characteristics. We tried to evolve tumor mitotic rate from a static parameter to a time‐dependent one. Similar to the already described growth rate (GR), we propose the speed rate (SR). SR is defined as the ratio of tumor mitotic rate to time to melanoma development. A prospective series of 345 patients with melanoma was investigated for the role of SR as predictive factor for sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and tumor progression. We calculated the best threshold for SR and GR to predict the risk of recurrence. Melanoma clinical and histological characteristics as well as GR were correlated in a multivariated analysis with SR. SR values >0.2 mitoses/month were associated with negative prognostic factors such as ulceration (82.8%), SLN positivity (80%), progression (82.8%), and death (85.7%). The association of GR > 0.3 mm/months and SR > 0.2 mitoses/month had a significant predictive value in terms of SLN positivity, progression, and recurrence‐free survival. We propose SR as a new "dynamic" predictor of histological SLN positivity and melanoma recurrence risk. We think that he association with this new feature with GR may be helpful in improving the accuracy of predicted clinical outcome of patient especially with thin melanomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis and its vectors was carried out in order to assess the prevalence of the disease in dogs in previously non-endemic areas of southern Italy. Blood samples (n = 385) and mosquitoes (n = 1540) were collected in two dog shelters and analysed by Knott's test and duplex real-time PCR, respectively. Dirofilaria immitis was the most prevalent filarioid (44.2%), while Culex pipiens was the most prevalent mosquito species (68.8%). This high prevalence of D. immitis infection confirms this location as one of the most hyperendemic foci of dirofilariosis in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimal arteritis (v-lesion) is a negative prognostic factor for kidney allograft survival. Early isolated v-lesions do not always represent a pathologic marker of acute T cell- or antibody-mediated rejection. In particular, in the case of transplant negative for C4d and donor-specific antibodies, such a finding can suggest an ischemic-reperfusion injury. There is an intense debate in the literature concerning the origin of this histologic feature. In the present study, we analyze how this argument can have a clinical relevance. Here we report a case of a 61-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The patient underwent kidney transplant from expanded criteria donor. Organs from expanded criteria donors are more prone to ischemic-reperfusion injury. Postoperative course was characterized by primary nonfunction of the graft. A first biopsy showed early isolated v-lesion in otherwise normal renal parenchymal. Simultaneously, a computed tomography scan revealed stenosis of the main renal artery. An endovascular stent was placed. Despite improved vascularization of the graft, no clinical response was observed and the patient remained anuric. A second biopsy was performed, showing T-cell mediated rejection (Banff Classification 1A). Despite pulse steroid, the patient lost the graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is a common vascular complication after kidney transplantation, leading to worsening or refractory hypertension, deterioration in renal function, and possible cause of graft loss. Early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment are crucial for organ preservation. Endovascular treatment, including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent implantation, is considered the first-line therapy for TRAS. Here we report the case of a 69-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease for chronic kidney disease not biopsy proven, who underwent a kidney transplant from expanded criteria donors on December 2018. Postoperative course was characterized by delayed graft function. Doppler ultrasonography (US) showed an increase of peak systolic velocity at the origin of the renal artery, and parvus-tardus waveform in periferic graft arteries and an abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed a stenosis at the origin of the main renal artery (TRAS). The patient underwent a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. It was not possible to place a stent at the particular location of the stenosis at the anastomosis. Despite the improvement of the graft's perfusion, monitored with Doppler US, the patient showed a very poor improvement in renal function and remained on hemodialysis for months. A percutaneous needle biopsy reported a normal renal parenchyma and excluded acute rejection. During this period, the patient received immunosuppressive therapy. About 6 months after the transplant, the patient had an unexpected and slow renal function recovery until she was weaned completely from hemodialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A mass mortality event of Pinna nobilis was recorded in Southern Italy (Ionian Sea). • Developmental stages of Haplosporidium spp. were present in the digestive glands. • 18SrRNA sequence identified the pathogen as Haplosporidium pinnae. The fan mussel, Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus 1758), is an endemic bivalve of the Mediterranean basin, protected by international legislation as an endangered species. In the early summer of 2018, a mass mortality event (MME) of P. nobilis was recorded in the Gulf of Taranto (Southern Italy, Ionian Sea). Moribund specimens of P. nobilis were collected by scuba divers and processed by bacteriological, parasitological, histopathological and molecular analyses to investigate the causes of this MME. Different developmental stages (i.e., plasmodia, spores and sporocysts) of a presumptive haplosporidian parasite were observed during the histological analysis in the epithelium and in the lumen of the digestive tubules, where mature spores occurred either free or in sporocysts. The spores presented an operculum and an ovoid shape measuring 4.4 µm (±0.232) in length and 3.6 µm (±0.233) in width. BLAST analysis of an 18SrRNA sequence revealed a high nucleotide similarity (99%) with the reference sequence of Haplosporidium pinnae available in GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the sequence of the pathogen in a paraphyletic clade with the reference sequence of H. pinnae, excluding other haplosporidians (i.e., Bonamia and Minchinia genera). Based on data reported, H. pinnae was the causative agent of MME in the populations of P. nobilis sampled in the Ionian Sea, where the conservation of this endangered species is heavily threatened by such a protozoan infection. Further investigations should contribute to knowledge about the life cycle of H. pinnae in order to reduce spread of the pathogen and to mitigate the burden of the disease where P. nobilis is facing the risk of extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytological diagnosis of a monomorphic synovial sarcoma can be challenging, especially when it presents in a rare intramuscular location. As synovial sarcoma is characterized by the specific balanced chromosomal translocation t(X;18)(p11;q11), an integrated cytological and molecular approach is considered mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • First description of the SAR that led to the discovery of VU2957 (Valiglurax). • Valiglurax is only the second mGlu4 PAM clinical candidate for Parkinson's disease. • The new series afford improvements in protein binding, half-life in vivo , CNS penetration and oral bioavailability. • Highlights subtle differences in positioning of hydrogen-bond acceptors and impact on CNS penetration/P-gp liability. Abstract This letter describes the first account of the chemical optimization (SAR and DMPK profiling) of a new series of mGlu 4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), leading to the identification of VU0652957 (VU2957, Valiglurax), a compound profiled as a preclinical development candidate. Here, we detail the challenges faced in allosteric modulator programs (e.g., steep SAR, as well as subtle structural changes affecting overall physiochemical/DMPK properties and CNS penetration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT This article is linked to Tian et al and Tian and Rong papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15731 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15764. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), a Cancer Stem Cell is a cell within a tumor that possesses the capacity to self-renew and to cause the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells that constitutes the tumor [1]. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are involved in the metastatic process, in the resistance to therapeutic treatments of many types of human cancers and consequently in the onset of recurrences. Numerous translational studies have been conducted to understand CSC characteristics and evaluate association between CSC-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes. The CSC theory can explain also a tumor relapse after that a tumor has been completely surgically removed (R0 macroscopical zero residual resection) or after an apparently complete response to chemotherapy. CSCs, in fact, showed a marked ability to reduce intracellular accumulation of chemotherapic agents by active drug extrusion, increased chemoresistance and survival, as well as elevated membrane transporter activity. In addition, it is possible that these cancer stem cells may nest in the "secured" (niche) sites of our body, where they may remain undisturbed for a long time, even years, until a stimulus arrives to awaken them, causing the disease to resume. CSCs, in fact, are able to use a variety of cellular pathways to survive to anticancer treatments. More recently CSCs have been described in several solid tumors, expressing specific biomarkers. Another field of research should be focused on the realization of diagnostic instruments to follow up patients after R0 surgical resection or after a complete response for an early detection and management of relapse and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In vivo studies have suggested that motor exercise can improve muscle regeneration after injury. Nevertheless, preclinical investigations still lack reliable tools to monitor motor performance over time and to deliver optimal training protocols to maximize force recovery. Here, we evaluated the utility of a murine robotic platform (i) to detect early impairment and longitudinal recovery after acute skeletal muscle injury and (ii) to administer varying intensity training protocols to enhance forelimb motor performance. Methods: A custom-designed robotic platform was used to train mice to perform a forelimb retraction task. After an acute injury to bilateral biceps brachii muscles, animals performed a daily training protocol in the platform at high (HL) or low (LL) loading levels over the course of 3 wk. Control animals were not trained (NT). Motor performance was assessed by quantifying force, time, submovement count, and number of movement attempts to accomplish the task. Myofiber number and cross-sectional area at the injury site were quantified histologically. Results: Two days after injury, significant differences in the time, submovement count, number of movement attempts, and exerted force were observed in all mice, as compared with baseline values. Interestingly, the recovery time of muscle force production differed significantly between intervention groups, with HL group showing a significantly accelerated recovery. Three weeks after injury, all groups showed motor performance comparable with baseline values. Accordingly, there were no differences in the number of myofibers or average cross-sectional area among groups after 3 wk. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the utility of our custom-designed robotic device for the quantitative assessment of skeletal muscle function in preclinical murine studies. Moreover, we demonstrate that this device may be used to apply varying levels of resistance longitudinally as a means manipulate physiological muscle responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impregnation of leafy vegetables with cryoprotectants using a combination of vacuum impregnation (VI) and pulsed electric fields (PEF) has been proposed by our research group as a method of improving their freezing tolerance and consequently their general quality after thawing. In this study, we have investigated the metabolic consequences of the combination of these unit operations on spinach. The vacuum impregnated spinach leaves showed a drastic decrease in the porosity of the extracellular space. However, at maximum weight gain, randomly located air pockets remained, which may account for oxygen-consuming pathways in the cells being active after VI. The metabolic activity of the impregnated leaves showed a drastic increase that was further enhanced by the application of PEF to the impregnated tissue. Impregnating the leaves with trehalose by VI led to a significant accumulation of trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P), however, this was not further enhanced by PEF. It is suggested that the accumulation of T6P in the leaves may increase metabolic activity, and increase tissue resistance to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum impregnation is used in the food industry to facilitate the impregnation of porous products with, e.g. firming, antioxidant, antimicrobial or cryoprotective agents. X-ray micro-tomography (μCT) was used to study the process of vacuum impregnation in spinach leaves. Low (300 mbar absolute pressure) and mild vacuum (150 mbar absolute pressure) impregnation protocols were used to impregnate an isotonic solution of trehalose in the leaves and μCT was used to make observations of the cross section of the impregnated samples and quantify their porosity. Results revealed that the free volume in the spongy mesophyll is easier to impregnate than the spaces around the palisade mesophyll. The low vacuum impregnation protocol provoked less impregnation close to the edge of the leaf than in its centre, probably accounting for an influence of the tissue structure on impregnation. The vacuum impregnation protocols tested in this investigation drastically decreased the proportion of large pores (>100 μm) and increased the proportion of small pores (<50 μm). The mild vacuum impregnation protocol, which was designed on the basis of measured apparent porosity, did not achieve full impregnation of the tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing bloodless surgery compared with patients who did not refuse transfusions and to evaluate the possible extension of a relevant protocol to patients undergoing surgery to reduce the use of autologous blood transfusions. METHOD A retrospective study was performed with Jehovah’s Witness patients undergoing major abdominal surgery between 2009 and 2013 at the Department of Surgical Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, with no blood transfusions, compared with a homogeneous control group of patients undergoing similar major abdominal surgery performed by the same team in the same period. The type of surgery and the use of hemostatic agents for all the enrolled patients were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS The study group consisted of 55 Jehovah’s Witness patients (33 males, 22 females; mean age 61.7 years, range 33–84 years) and 55 control patients (25 males, 30 females; mean age 74.1 years, range 48–90 years). There was no intraoperative or postoperative bleeding, and no cardiorespiratory complications were observed during or after surgery among the patients in the study group. This study showed that bloodless surgery is not associated with a greater number of complications. The postoperative recovery was comparable to that of transfused patients undergoing standard surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that bloodless surgery is feasible and safe when conducted according to a specific protocol by an experienced and dedicated multidisciplinary team. It is suggested that the protocol followed for bloodless surgery be further evaluated in prospective studies, involving traditional surgery in order to evaluate the benefits of minimization of blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common scales for clinical evaluation of post-stroke upper-limb motor recovery are often complemented with kinematic parameters extracted from movement trajectories. However, there is no a general consensus on which parameters to use. Moreover, the selected variables may be redundant and highly correlated or, conversely, may incompletely sample the kinematic information from the trajectories. Here we sought to identify a set of clinically useful variables for an exhaustive but yet economical kinematic characterization of upper limb movements performed by post-stroke hemiparetic subjects.Methods: For this purpose, we pursued a top-down model-driven approach, seeking which kinematic parameters were pivotal for a computational model to generate trajectories of point-to-point planar movements similar to those made by post-stroke subjects at different levels of impairment.Results: The set of kinematic variables used in the model allowed for the generation of trajectories significantly similar to those of either sub-acute or chronic post-stroke patients at different time points during the therapy. Simulated trajectories also correctly reproduced many kinematic features of real movements, as assessed by an extensive set of kinematic metrics computed on both real and simulated curves. When inspected for redundancy, we found that variations in the variables used in the model were explained by three different underlying and unobserved factors related to movement efficiency, speed, and accuracy, possibly revealing different working mechanisms of recovery.Conclusion: This study identified a set of measures capable of extensively characterizing the kinematics of upper limb movements performed by post-stroke subjects and of tracking changes of different motor improvement aspects throughout the rehabilitation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter describes the continued chemical optimization of the VU0453595 series of M 1 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs). By surveying alternative 5,6- and 6,6-heterobicylic cores for the 6,7-dihydro-5 H -pyrrolo[3,4- b ]pyridine-5-one core of VU453595, we found new cores that engendered not only comparable or improved M 1 PAM potency, but significantly improved CNS distribution ( K p s 0.3–3.1). Moreover, this campaign provided fundamentally distinct M 1 PAM chemotypes, greatly expanding the available structural diversity for this valuable CNS target, devoid of hydrogen-bond donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the wavelength range of 1000–2500 nm for predicting quality parameters such as total soluble solids (TSS), acidity (TA), firmness, and individual sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and xylose) for two cultivars of apples ("Braeburn" and "Cripps Pink") was studied during the pre- and post-storage periods. Simultaneously, a qualitative investigation on the capability of NIRS to discriminate varieties, harvest dates, storage periods and fruit inhomogeneity was carried out. In order to generate a sample set with high variability within the most relevant apple quality traits, three different harvest time points in combination with five different storage periods were chosen, and the evolution of important quality parameters was followed both with NIRS and wet chemical methods. By applying a principal component analysis (PCA) a differentiation between the two cultivars, freshly harvested vs. long-term stored apples and, notably, between the sun-exposed vs. shaded side of apples could be found. For the determination of quality parameters effective prediction models for titratable acid (TA) and individual sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose by using partial least square (PLS) regression have been developed. Our results complement earlier reports, highlighting the versatility of NIRS as a fast, non-invasive method for quantitative and qualitative studies on apples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study calorimetric measurements provided evidence of a drastic increase of spinach leaf gross metabolism as a consequence of vacuum impregnation (VI) at a minimum pressure of 150 mbar with trehalose and sucrose isotonic solutions. When applying VI extracellular air is replaced by the impregnation solution, potentially limiting tissue respiration to any remaining air volume in the tissue. However the observation that impregnated leaves showed photosynthetic activity suggests that not all air was exhausted during VI. Hence impregnation appears to reach a maximum with remaining gas filled compartments. Metabolic inhibitors impregnated together with sugars showed that the short-term metabolic response, causing the drastic increase of gross metabolism upon VI, depends on mitochondrial oxygen consuming pathways. The metabolic effect following mannitol impregnation was comparable with water impregnation, suggesting that the strong metabolic effect reported here is only seen for molecules that can be metabolized and provide energy to the cells. Industrial relevance Vacuum impregnation is used to incorporate additives in fruit and vegetable tissues, such as anti-browning agents, microbial preservatives or cryoprotectants. As a promising technology in the food industry, deeper insights on the metabolic consequences of vacuum impregnation are required to define and control the shelf-life of the processed fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports have confirmed higher levels of growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) transcripts in malignant melanomas (MM), yet the role of GH in the pathogenesis of MM remains controversial. Although melanocytes appear to be hormonally responsive, the effects of GH on MM cells are less clear. A direct correlation between GH administration and the development of melanoma seems possible. Our study aimed to assess whether GH supplementation in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) could induce changes in the melanocytic lesions both from a dimensional and dermoscopic point of view. The study population consisted of 14 patients sorted into two groups. The experimental group consisted of seven GHD pediatric patients who underwent dermatological examination with epiluminescence through the use of digital video recording of all melanocytic lesions before and after 12 months of GH supplementation, whilst the control group consisted of seven healthy pediatric patients matched for age, sex and phototype. All patients were evaluated according to auxological and dermatological features. A total of 225 melanocytic lesions were examined in the experimental group and 236 in the control group. Our study shows a significant increase in the mean size values of the lesions in the study group but not in the control group. Increases in the dermoscopic ABCD Score and in BMI correlated to an increase in the size of the melanocytic lesions and the dermoscopic parameters. The increase in SDS Height correlated with ABCD Score changes and with dermoscopic score structures. No differences were found compared to the control group. Dimensional/structural modifications in melanocytic lesions of patients treated with GH were closely related to weight and statural growth and can be considered a normal physiological process induced by GH supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinetic models are applied to H atoms in capacitively coupled, radio-frequency H2 discharges. A multicomponent particle-in-cell with Monte Carlo collisions kinetic model of the plasma phase, including several ionic species, electrons, molecules in specific internal states, is used to determine the atom source term in the whole discharge volume, while a Monte Carlo model is applied to H atoms. Using these models it is possible to treat the whole cycle of H atoms including production, slowing-down and development of the thermalized component and to account for the total atomic balance in the gas phase. The relevance of different atom production channels is quantitatively discussed, and results for the energy distribution and energy flux distribution on surfaces are given. Recommendations for H atom kinetics data are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this Letter, we describe a short, six step enantioselective route to spiroaminal lactam model systems reminiscent of marineosins A and B that has been developed starting from either (R)- or (S)-hydroxysuccinic acid, respectively, in ∼9% overall yield. This route enables late stage incorporation of the pyrrole ring at C5 via nucleophilic displacement of an iminium triflate salt. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A microscopic method was developed to detect pressure thresholds for gas outflow and solution impregnation during vacuum impregnation of plant materials. Raw materials with different porosities (apple and spinach) were impregnated with an isotonic sucrose solution at a minimum pressure of 150mbar. An automatic vacuum controller system (AVCS) was used to control the pressure during vacuum impregnation. Micrographs of tissues subjected to vacuum impregnation were recorded as the pressure in the treatment chamber was varied. Image analysis allowed the evaluation of the pressure at which gas was released from the pores (seen as bubbles) during the application of vacuum, and the pressure at which tissue impregnation took place during the restoration of atmospheric pressure. Spinach tissues showed gas release at a much lower pressure than apple, and impregnation commenced at a much higher pressure. These differences in pressure threshold could be caused by the narrow pores in spinach and possibly by changes in leaf volume. Industrial relevance: Vacuum impregnation is considered a promising technology to facilitate the impregnation of vegetable tissues with different solutions containing, e.g., firming, antioxidant or antimicrobial agents. The mass transfer taking place during vacuum impregnation depends on the characteristics of the tissue pores. Effective vacuum impregnation requires the efficient removal of air from the tissue during vacuum treatment to obtain complete filling of the tissue during the subsequent impregnation step. The findings of this study may allow food manufacturers to optimize vacuum impregnation parameters depending on the porosity characteristics of the raw material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Radiation proctitis is a known complication following radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy. The majority of cases are treated nonsurgically. Rectal instillation of formalin solution has been described as a successful treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis resistant to medical treatment. We present our results in patients undergoing treatment with application of 4 % formalin for radiation-induced injury to the rectum. Methods: All patients were treated under anesthesia by direct application of 4 % formalin solution to the affected rectal areas. Patient gender, initial malignancy, grade of proctitis, need for blood transfusion, previous therapy, number of applications and response to treatment with formalin, complications, and length of follow-up were reviewed. Results: A total of 15 patients with a mean age of 68.9 (range, 48-77) years were followed for 31.3 (range, 18-51) months. The mean interval from the conclusion of radiotherapy and the onset of symptoms was 6.9 months. The mean duration of hemorrhagic proctitis before formalin application was 7.9 months. Ten patients had only one formalin application and five patients required a second application because of the persistent bleeding. Thirteen patients (87 %) had complete cessation of bleeding. No complications related to the formalin treatment were observed. Conclusions: According to a revision of the literature and our experience, despite the small number of patients in our trial, we can state that the application of 4 % formalin solution is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis with minimal discomfort and no severe complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Attention is drawn to the feasibility of using high sensitivity isothermal heat conduction calorimetry to study metabolic responses of differently processed and stored fresh-cut fruit. The heat production of endogenous (tissue metabolism during 12 h of analysis at 10 °C for kiwifruit and strawberry) and exogenous (microbial growth during 18 d of analysis at 10 °C for cantaloupe) biological processes was investigated. Osmotic dehydration of fresh kiwifruit in sucrose solution (61.5 g/L) at different treatment times (30, 60 and 180 min), resulted in metabolic heat production decrease, confirming the progressive cell death induced by osmotic dehydration. Analysis on strawberry slices under two atmospheric conditions (air and innovative modified atmosphere) seemed to confirm the inhibitory effect of N2O on metabolic activity. Cantaloupe samples immersed in three different syrups (SS: sucrose syrup (20 °Brix); SS1: SS + 0.5 g/L ascorbic acid + 0.5 g/L citric acid; SS2: SS1 + 0.1 g/L potassium sorbate) showed a stability increase when additives with antimicrobial properties were included. Our findings confirm that isothermal calorimetry provides a versatile and high sensitive tool for conducting fundamental metabolic studies on the effect of different processing operations on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of osmotic dehydration (OD) on kiwifruit outer pericarp tissue as affected by treatment extent (0–300min) and raw kiwifruit ripening stage (9 and 14°Bx) were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements show decomposition of cell wall components (pectins, cellulose and hemi-celluloses). Changes in decomposition parameters (peak temperature lowered and enthalpy increased) were observed related to kiwifruit ripening degree and OD extent increased. Cell wall pectin network disassembly led to the formation of compounds with lower degradation temperature. Raw unripe fruits showed higher firmness values and lower compressibility compared to ripe and OD treated fruits. Isothermal calorimetry revealed metabolic heat production of unripe fruits decreasing linearly with the OD extent. Ripe fruit heat production sharply decreased during the first treatment hour, probably as a consequence of membrane integrity loss. Industrial relevance: OD leads to moisture removal and solute uptake in vegetable tissue, providing minimally processed commodities or ingredients for bakery or ice-cream industry. The industrial relevance is the energy-efficiency, since the process does not require water-phase change. OD provokes still unknown collateral alterations on tissue structure and metabolism. The present work applies a new calorimetric approach to evaluate both structure and metabolism changes on kiwifruit as reliant on process extent and raw fruit ripening stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of individual osmotic dehydration processes (OD) on kiwifruit outer pericarp tissue were studied as reliant on treatment temperature (25, 35 and 45°C) and extent (0–300min). Macro (Low Frequency Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, LF-NMR), micro (Light Microscopy, LM) and ultrastructural (Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM) measurements were performed to evaluate modifications of three cellular compartments, namely vacuole, cytoplasm – extracellular space and cell wall. Both LF-NMR relaxometry and LM observations highlighted shrinkage of the vacuole compartment along the OD. Intercellular space formations, observed at TEM, were in agreement with LF-NMR results. Cell walls of outer pericarp showed considerable changes in size, structure and stain uptake during OD, at both LM and TEM. Furthermore cell walls showed extensive swelling, which intensity varied from cell to cell and even within the same cell. The proposed multianalytical approach should enable both better designs of combined processing technologies and estimations of their effects on tissue response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple and reliable method to study the translational relaxation of "hot" H atoms following their production by chemical mechanisms is proposed. The problem is relevant to interstellar medium, shocks, photospheres, and atmospheric entry problems. It is shown that the thermalization of H atoms can be conveniently studied by the Monte Carlo method, including the thermal distribution of background molecules, and sets the basis for further investigations. The transport cross section is determined by the inversion of transport data. The collision density of H atoms in H2 gas is also calculated and discussed in the context of simple theories. The application of the results to astrophysical problems is outlined, including numerical results for the reaction H + H2O → H2 + OH. An approximate analytical formula for the reaction probability during H atom thermalization is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anorectal disorders. The aim of this study is to compare the results, over the last 10 years, of stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) with those of standard Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy (M&M). Furthermore, we discuss the proper indications for each technique in terms of the lowest rate of complications and long-term results. Methods: Three hundred forty-three patients with different degrees of symptomatic haemorrhoids underwent SH or M&M from January 2005 to December 2007. Patients were divided into two groups, age and sex matched. The administration of painkillers drugs, antibiotics and laxatives, complication symptoms and hospital stay in all the patients were recorded after surgical treatment. Results: The mean operative time was shorter in the stapled group compared to that in the open group (31 min versus 40 min). Postoperative pain, hospital stay and return to full activity were shorter in the stapled group. There was a significant difference in the wound healing time between the two groups. We noticed a higher rate of recurrence in patients treated with stapled haemorrhoidectomy for fourth-degree haemorrhoids. Conclusions: According to our experience, the Longo technique is indicated for the treatment of haemorrhoids of second- and third degree. In the latter grades of prolapse, the Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy can also be applied with good outcomes. We believe that, in case of irreducible prolapse, the M&M is to be preferred. However, operative management varies according to surgeon's interest and is tailored to meet the individual patient's need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human femoral arteries were cultured up to 56 days. Samples were processed for light, immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscopy. Arteries became rapidly depopulated; at day 42, an endothelial lining (CD31++, Weibel-Palade bodies) developed on the intima; endothelium was in continuity with mesenchymal stromal cells (CD44++, CD90low, CD105low) placed on adventitia. The media-adventitia area showed heterogeneous cell populations. In long-term organ culture, femoral artery develops a continuous cell coverage that differentiates to endothelium on the intima exclusively. This suggests that distinct topographical factors, such as resident progenitors and/or matrix signals, are able to regulate vascular homeostasis in adult life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Monte Carlo method has been developed for the calculation of binary diffusion coefficients in gas mixtures. The method is based on the stochastic solution of the linear Boltzmann equation obtained for the transport of one component in a thermal bath of the second one. Anisotropic scattering is included by calculating the classical deflection angle in binary collisions under isotropic potential. Model results are compared to accurate solutions of the Chapman–Enskog equation in the first and higher orders. We have selected two different cases, H2 in H2 and O in O2, assuming rigid spheres or using a model phenomenological potential. Diffusion coefficients, calculated in the proposed approach, are found in close agreement with Chapman–Enskog results in all the cases considered, the deviations being reduced using higher order approximations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the development and evaluation of a platform for the investigation of the human tactile ability. Specifically, it enables precise and reproducible application of time-varying 3D force stimuli to the skin of an immobilized human limb. We proceeded in the following steps: (1) programming a low-cost haptic interface to apply time-varying 3D force stimuli to a fixed rigid target, (2) implementing a combined feed-forward/feedback controller to improve the platform''s precision and reliability in force stimulation, (3) determining the optimal tuning of the control loop parameters and (4) evaluating the system''s performances when applying time-varying 3D force stimuli to an immobilized human finger pad. The system''s performances were evaluated in terms of the accuracy and repeatability when delivering standard 3D force stimuli, i.e., stimuli with specified force components in the normal and skin tangential directions. Within the range of forces tested (5N in various directions), the maximum difference between the actual force and the desired value during static phases was <30mN (accuracy) and the root-mean-square of the standard deviation (repeatability) was 15mN during static phases and <75mN during dynamic phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sensory information from tactile mechanoreceptors located in the glabrous skin of the hand is crucial for skillful object exploration and manipulation. These mechanoreceptors reliably encode the direction of fingertip forces, and the brain certainly relies on this information in both sensorimotor and cognitive tasks. In this study, we examined human ability to discriminate the direction of force stimuli applied to the volar surface of the index fingertip on the basis of tactile information only. We show that humans can discriminate three-dimensional (3D) force stimuli whose directions differ by an angle as small as 7.1° in the plane tangential to the skin surface. Moreover, we found that the discrimination ability was mainly affected by the time-varying phases of the stimulus, because adding a static plateau phase to the stimulus improved the discrimination threshold only to a limited extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Iodoxybenzoic acid is a convenient reagent for the dehydrogenation of tetrahydro-β-carbolines to their aromatic forms under mild conditions. The utility of the method was demonstrated in a total synthesis of the marine indole alkaloid eudistomin U. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two monthly administrations of afoxolaner were used to treat ear mites in client-owned dogs. • All treated dogs were negative for mites at Day 42 (100 % efficacy). • Clinical signs of mite infestation were significantly improved at Day 30. Otodectes cynotis is a commonly occurring surface mite that can be easily transmitted between suitable hosts, including dogs, causing otocariosis. The activity of the systemic insecticide afoxolaner against O. cynotis has been tested once under experimental conditions, showing a high efficacy. The present study aimed to i) assess the efficacy of two consecutive monthly oral administrations of afoxolaner (NexGard®) against O. cynotis in naturally infested dogs under field conditions and ii) evaluate its impact in reducing bacteria or fungal secondary infections. Dogs, positive for O. cynotis (n = 20), were included in the study and allocated in two groups of ten animals each (G1, control group, and G2, treated group). The first group of ear mite-infested dogs was treated with a placebo, while afoxolaner was administered orally to the second group of dogs at Day 0 (D0) and Day 30 (D30), following label instructions. Otoscopic assessments, deep-swab method and swab samples were performed on all dogs (Days 0, 30, 42) to evaluate the presence or absence of live mites and their number throughout the study, as well as to conduct bacterial and fungal assessments. No adverse events likely related were recorded throughout the study. By Day 42 (D42), all dog's ears were flushed to recover ear mites. All treated dogs became negative, as well as two dogs of the control group. The treatment efficacy of afoxolaner was 100 % based on the arithmetic means of the live mite counts. The clinical scores did not change significantly in the control group, whereas they significantly improved in the treated one from D0 to D30 (p-value = 5.47 10−5). No live mites were present in the afoxolaner-treated group at D42 (p-value = 0.00073). In this field study, two oral administrations of afoxolaner at the recommended dose allowed a complete cure of the infestation. Bacterial and Malassezia pachydermatis infections were detected in both groups, although no significant trend was associated to the ear mite treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fast Spiking interneurons are coupled by both inhibitory and electrical synapses and the experimental findings suggest they operate as clockworks affecting the neural information processing. At present, the functional role of the electrical synapses in a network of inhibitory interneurons is not well understood. In this paper, this issue is investigated by using a single compartment biophysical interneuron model of a Fast Spiking cell. In particular, the parameter values leading to the emergence of synchronous regimes in a network model of inhibitory interneurons coupled by chemical and electrical synapses are determined theoretically in the weak-coupling limit. Moreover, the effects on the firing coherence, arising from heterogeneity and noise, are studied by means of numerical simulations, both for a pair of Fast Spiking cells and for larger size networks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By using a single compartment biophysical model of a fast spiking interneuron the synchronization properties of a pair of cells, coupled by electrical and inhibitory synapses, are investigated. The inhibitory and excitatory synaptic couplings are modeled in order to reproduce the experimental time course of the corresponding currents. It is shown that increasing the conductance value of the electrical synapses enhances the synchronization between the spike trains of the two cells. Moreover, increasing either the decay time constant of the inhibitory current or the firing frequency of the cells favours the emergence of synchronous discharges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phase locking states in a pair of Fast Spiking interneurons coupled by electrical and inhibitory synapses are investigated by using the theory of weakly coupled oscillators. It is shown that increasing either the decay time constant of the inhibitory current or the firing frequency of the cells favours the emergence of synchronous discharges. We also found that adding the electrical coupling promotes synchronous regimes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Dirofilariosis, a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease, remains an under-studied condition in several areas of Brazil, despite its long-standing presence. This review aims to draw together prevalence data from epidemiological studies and case reports conducted in dogs over the last decade and in cats, wildlife, and humans over the last twenty years to define the distribution and prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. within the country and highlight the challenges associated with its diagnosis, treatment, and control. While Dirofilaria immitis is the main species circulating in Brazil, concerns have been raised in recent years about the presence of genetically distinct strains that may be more virulent than their Old World counterparts. In light of this and the widespread distribution of the parasite among both Brazilian coastal and non-coastal areas, further studies are required to characterise the disease. Additionally, there is a need to increase awareness of this neglected disease among health professionals in Brazil and to understand and minimise its impact on both veterinary and public health. Brazil's extensive coastline, tropical and subtropical climate, and well-preserved environment represent a conducive setting for dirofilariosis, a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease. Although this condition has long been recognised in the country, it has been relatively under-studied, and it is currently considered to be an emerging disease. Diagnosis, treatment, and control remain challenging due to the extensive gaps in knowledge. In order to help address this issue, this review aims to (i) summarise the available literature on the distribution of Dirofilaria spp. in Brazilian dogs over the last decade, (ii) review case reports of dirofilariosis in cats, wild animals, and humans over the last twenty years, and (iii) highlight the benefits of taking a One Health approach to managing this disease. While there have been several prevalence studies in dogs, disease distribution is poorly characterised in cats, and little is known about the occurrence of the parasite in wildlife. Human cases are sporadically reported, and no large-scale studies have been undertaken to date. Evidence indicates that Dirofilaria immitis is the main species circulating in Brazil, although Dirofilaria repens has also been detected. Molecular studies have also suggested the circulation of a highly virulent form of D. immitis, which may be genetically distinct from those of the Old World. A programme of epidemiological, ecological, genomic, and pathogenicity-based studies is required to quantify the impact of dirofilariosis in Brazil on both veterinary and public health and to inform others on its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most reports on paediatric subglottic stenosis have arisen from tertiary referral centres. At the Sheffield Children's Hospital, referrals come from the surrounding region such that almost all paediatric airway problems from this area are seen. This allows an opportunity to look at the overall picture of this condition. A retrospective study was performed to identify all children with subglottic stenosis requiring a tracheostomy since 1979 and to examine the management and eventual outcome in relation to the severity of their stenosis. Forty-two children were identified. There have been four mortalities, two of which have been tube related. Twenty-two laryngotracheoplasty procedures have been performed in 17 patients. Successful decannulation has been achieved in 82%. In the majority of children with more minor stenoses conservative management has lead to successful decannulation. However, with increasingly severe stenosis the necessity of undergoing a laryngotracheoplasty procedure to provide an adequate airway becomes more likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first total synthesis of Aplidiopsamine A, a rare 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinoline alkaloid from the Aplidiopsis confluata, has been achieved following the proposed biosynthesis. This biomimetic synthesis requires only five steps and proceeds in 20.8% overall yield. Biological evaluation across large panels of discrete molecular targets identified that Aplidiopsamine A is a highly selective PDE4 inhibitor, a target for numerous CNS disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective formal total synthesis of the cytotoxic macrolide ()-aspergillide C has been accomplished from (S)-(−)-glyceraldehyde acetonide and the Danishefsky−Kitahara diene. Strategic transformations include a hetero Diels−Alder reaction, Ferrier-type addition, and palladium-catalyzed oxidative lactonization to set key stereocenters within the dihydropyran core, followed by fragment coupling via (E)-selective Julia−Kocienski olefination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture diffusivity of food is a very important physical parameter to model baking processes. Unfortunately, specific moisture diffusivity values are not easily found in literature, especially measured or calculated during the baking processes. The main methods used to estimate the moisture diffusivity are based on the second Fick's law, but there are significant differences in the way of applying these laws. The aim of this work is to estimate the effective moisture diffusivity in baking of a small flat cake by using the inversion of a numerical model based on the coupling of heat and mass transfer. The temperature and moisture dependency of the diffusivity is evaluated. Results are compared with those obtained by using a fitting method. The inverse method allows to estimate the effective moisture diffusivity close to those reported in literature for similar bakery products (constant values). The impact of the moisture concentration appears to be very restricted and it tends to decrease with increasing the oven temperature. Subsequently, the obtained effective diffusivity was implemented on a direct Finite Element (FE) model simulating a whole cake for different baking temperatures. The direct model validation (mean moisture content and temperature) shows determination coefficients ranging from 0.921 to 0.996 confirming the robustness of the diffusivity parameters obtained by the inverse method. • Cake moisture diffusivity during baking is determined by an inverse procedure. • Temperature and moisture content dependency is evaluated. • The estimated diffusivity values are close to those reported in literature. • Good agreement is obtained between experimental and direct finite element model results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]