Search

This paper provides information about a multilingual (Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and French) virtual card game for computers and smartphones. Facing the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this game allows students to play remotely or face-to-face with friends in a fun and cooperative environment and review the topics related to the structural theory of organic compounds simultaneously. Brazilian and Italian undergraduate students played and evaluated the game positively. Also, learning assessments revealed that the game promotes learning equivalent to the traditional solving-problem classes. Therefore, the game is a playful alternative method to the conventional educational strategies for reviewing the content related to the structural theory of organic compounds in a fun way in a collaborative environment in which the students discuss the answer to each question.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) due to Leishmania infantum infection is a zoonotic disease prevalent in the areas of South America and the Mediterranean. Infected dogs as reservoirs can contribute to disease transmission and can be a scourge to public health. Therefore, early diagnosis of infected dogs may play a pivotal role in circumscribing disease progression. Invasive tissue aspiration and insufficient serological methods impair a single assay for prompt CVL diagnosis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Leishmania donovani isolated membrane protein, LAg, for the diagnosis of CVL through immunological assays. Initially, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done with Brazilian dog sera to evaluate the performance of LAg in diagnosing CVL and found sensitivity and specificity of 92.50% and 95%, respectively. The study further confirmed the diagnostic efficacy of LAg in a dipstick format. The dipstick test of canine sera from three centers in Brazil and one center in Italy collectively showed sensitivity values in the range of 53.33% to 100% in recognizing symptomatic dogs and specificity values between 75% and 100% to rule out healthy dogs. Moreover, a rapid immunochromatographic test was developed and optimized using LAg. This test was able to identify 94.73% of CVL of Brazilian origin with specificity of 97.29%. The current results highlight the reactive potential of the L. donovani antigen, LAg, for L. infantum CVL diagnosis and support our previous findings, which suggest the utility of LAg for the diagnosis of both L. donovani and L. infantum human VL in a variety of endemic regions. LAg as a diagnostic candidate may be employed to identify comprehensive CVL cases in epidemiological areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Investigate scientific articles related to the cost of the Home Care Service for patients undergoing oncology palliative care. Methods Integrative literature review, which included primary articles indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Embase, Science Direct and Scielo databases, using the descriptors: neoplasms; oncology; home care; palliative care; cost analysis; costs. Results Ten studies were included, three from the United Kingdom, three from Spain, followed by two from Italy, one from the United States of America and one from Canada. Studies have shown lower costs for home hospitalization with monitoring by healthcare teams, including when analyzing terminally ill cancer patients and disease prognosis. Conclusion It was evidenced that the costs of care provided to patients undergoing oncological palliative care are lower in a home environment than at a hospital level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses conversation with Giuseppe Civitarese, a psychiatrist and one of the leading psychoanalysts on the Italian and international scene. Topic discussed includes His frequent and consistent contributions to the development of the theory and practice of post-Bionian analytic Bi-personal Field Theory (BFT) occupy an important place in contemporary psychoanalysis.

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) promotes benefits in milk production, immunity, and health in dairy cows by optimizing lipid metabolism during transition period management and early lactation. However, the RPC success in dairy cows depends on choline bioavailability, which is affected by the type of protection used in rumen-protected choline. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of a novel RPC on dry matter intake (DMI), identify markers of metabolism and immunity, and evaluate lactation performance. Dry Holstein (n = 48) cows at 245 ± 3 d of gestation were blocked by parity and assigned to control or RPC treatment within each block. Cows enrolled in the RPC treatment received 15 g/d of CholiGEM (Kemin Industries, Cavriago RE, Italy) from 21 d prepartum and 30 g/d of CholiGEM from calving to 21 d postpartum. During the transition period, DMI was measured daily, and blood was sampled weekly for energy-related metabolites such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), as well as immune function markers such as haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). Vaginal discharge samples were collected at the calving and 7 d postpartum and stored in microcentrifuge tubes at −80°C until 16S rRNA sequencing. The main responses of body condition score, body weight, DMI, milk yield, milk components, and immune function markers were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the effects of treatment, time, parity, and relevant covariates added to the models. The relative abundance of microbiome α-diversity was evaluated by 3 indexes (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and β-diversity by principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate ANOVA. We found no differences in DMI in the pre- and postpartum periods. Cows fed RPC increased the yields of energy- and 3.5% fat-corrected milk and fat yield in primiparous and multiparous cows, with an interaction between treatment and parity for these lactation variables. However, we found no differences in milk protein and lactose up to 150 DIM between treatments. Glucose, NEFA, and BHB had no differences between the treatments. However, RPC decreased BHB numerically (control = 1.07 ± 0.13 vs. RPC = 0.63 ± 0.13) in multiparous on the third week postpartum and tended to reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis (12.7% vs. 4.2%). No effects for Hp and LPB were found in cows fed RPC. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes were lower at calving in the RPC treatment than in the Control. However, no differences were found 7 d later for Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. The vaginal discharge microbiome was altered in cows fed RPC at 7 d postpartum. Fusobacterium , a common pathogen associated with metritis, was reduced in cows fed RPC. Rumen-protected choline enhanced lactation performance and health and altered the vaginal discharge microbiome which is a potential proxy for uterine healthy in dairy cows. The current study's findings corroborate that RPC is a tool to support adaptation to lactation and shed light on opportunities for further research in reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the alpha-linolenic (ALA) fatty acid effect on collagen deposition and tgfb1 modulation during wound healing. Method: Animal Ethics Committee (5635-1/2020). C57BL/6J isogenic mice were randomized in a diabetic group that received a daily intraperitoneal application, for 5 consecutive days, of streptozotocin (STZ) (50mg/kg) 70 mg/dL, in citrate buffer, and a nondiabetic group treated with citrate buffer. After the fourth week, fasting capillary blood glucose and metabolic characterization were performed. Animals were submitted to an insertion of an osmotic pump in the dorsal interscapular region, for continuous infusion of ALA 5mMol/kg/24h in the intervention groups, and ALA dilution vehicle in the control group. Two dorsal wounds were made with a punch (6mm). The wound healing process was evaluated by macroscopic, histological, gene, and protein modulation, on days 3, 7, and 12 post-wound. Groups were compared using two-way ANOVA (p≤0.05). Results / Discussion: The continuous supplementation with ALA fatty acids by 7 days before the injury can accelerate the wound healing processes and alteration de collagen deposit only in hyperglycemia conditions, to similar neuronal dopaminergic gene expression in skin. These changes occur concomitantly with de tgb1 gene modulation. Reducing the closer time is a therapeutic goal of wound healing care. The osmotic pump is a promissory method for chronic wounds therapeutic by minimizing the no adhesion of treatment. The TGFβ pathway is attenuated in nonhealing wounds, and its modulation may lead to the development of novel therapeutic advances for chronic wounds. Conclusion: Alpha-linolenic fatty acid improves de wound healing by tgfb1 modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To characterize and evaluate the Insulin Gel's in vitro toxicity and wound healing potential in a wound excisional model. Method: The insulin was evaluated in terms of physical characteristics, vitro toxicity and in vivo wound healing. The Insulin Gel's cytotoxicity on human dermal keratinocyte (HaCat) cells was studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The wound healing properties of Insulin gel were evaluated through an in vivo excisional wound model using C57BL/6JUnib mice. The animals were divided in three experimental groups: Insulin Gel, Placebo Gel, and Saline. Wound photographs were taken every 3-4 days and the wound contraction was calculated by the ImageJ® Software. The histopathological characteristics were analyzed on day 7th, 14th and 20th post wound by Hematoxilin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Results / Discussion: MTT assay revealed the HaCaT cells treated with different concentrations of Insulin Gel showed proliferative effects after 24 hours of exposure. The wound-healing rate closure was higher on Insulin group compared to other groups at 3, 10, 7, 14 days after injury. Histological evaluation showed that on the 7th day after injury, the Insulin group showed less inflammation and more organized granulation tissue compared to other groups. On the 14th day after injury, the tissues had similar characteristics in the three groups. On the 20th day after injury, all groups showed complete re-epithelialization, but the INS group showed hair follicle growth and a smaller scar area. Conclusion: The results showed suggest that Insulin Gel has potential for skin wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution I wish to tackle two corruptions in Book 7 of Varro's De lingua Latina that have hitherto gone unnoticed or been corrected inadequately. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of L'Infermiere is the property of IPASVI - Italian Nursing Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is well documented that germline mutations in the E-cadherin (CDH1) gene are linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Despite the known molecular genetic causes, most gastric cancers are sporadic and poorly investigated for susceptibility genes. We report the finding of a novel germline missense mutation in exon 6, c. 820 G > A (p.G274S) in one sporadic gastric cancer patient. This new variant does not affect cryptic splicing of CDH1 as demonstrated by molecular assay. Immunohistochemical analysis shows a mixed pattern of E-cadherin staining (membranous and cytoplasmic) in the intestinal component, while in the diffuse counterpart, the membranous staining was prevalent and a reduced membranous expression of ß-catenin was observed. In vitro assays suggest that the mutant G274S does not affect the E-cadherin protein function, its expression pattern or subcellular localization. This new variant is present in EC2 extracellular domain of the protein (p.G120S in mature protein). The molecular modelling shows that this point mutation is not dramatic for local structure. However, p.S120 is located on the surface of the protein close to the functional calcium sites and in the region of interaction with EC1 domain of another E-cadherin molecule involved in the formation of the intercellular junction. Moreover, p.S120 residue could be involved in posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, with possible effects on stability and integrity of adhesive properties of E-cadherin. In conclusion, the pathogenicity of this mutation is unlikely; probably we found a new germline CDH1 missense mutation with potential impact, however, of uncertain significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Market demand, climate change and soil degradation force producers to maintain the productivity and quality of high-market-value products, such as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) fruits. "Maçã de Alcobaça" apples produced in the central-western part of Portugal, namely the variety Royal Gala, one of the PGI varieties with higher demand, are among those with higher requirements in terms of fertilization to maintain the high productivity demanded by the market. In the present work, three different soil NPK fertilization schemes were applied to experimental orchards within the PGI area (1 x mineral NPK proposed for integrated production, an intermediate strategy that included organic granular amendment and 2 x mineral NPK), and the elemental profiles of the apple pulps were analysed and compared. Some mineral elements improved their concentration in the apple pulps with fertilization due to interactions of these elements with the fertilizer components (namely, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus) or to potential changes in the bioavailability of the elements in the soil due to fertilization application. From a nutritional perspective, enhancing the mineral profile of apple pulps can be achieved by applying 1 x NPK fertilization. Consuming an average of 2 fruits daily (160 g each) would then help meet a higher percentage of the daily requirements for most essential elements crucial for human nutrition. Also, noteworthy to mention, that none of the tested fertilization practices led to a reduction in the nutritional quality of the fruits analysed when compared to the 1 x NPK condition. The present work also had the objective of evaluating if these fertilization practices and the mineral changes induced would have implications for the PGI authenticity elemental signatures previously developed. Using Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) models calibrated with PGI and non-PGI (from North Portugal and Italy) samples and feeding these models with elemental profile data of fruits collected from fertilized orchards as blind samples, it was possible to observe that all samples from the fertilization trials were correctly classified as PGI samples. This reinforces the edaphic characteristics of the cultivation area's prevalent role over the effect of fertilization practices or physiological trait changes, in shaping the elemental signature of the fruits. This was found to be mostly due to the high influence of geologically linked elements (such as Rb, Pb and Y) in the discrimination of the sample provenance. This allows us to confirm the suitability of the elemental traceability models for "Maçã de Alcobaça" PGI authenticity validation, ensuring its provenance and nutritional characteristics to the consumers and maintaining its market value even if fertilization practices are applied to fight less favourable cultivation conditions. • Upon fertilization, some elements showed an increase in pulp concentration. • Fertilisation practices didn't affect fruit inorganic nutrient composition. • Pre-trained models classified all fertilised orchard fruits as PGI samples. • Edaphic conditions of production area outweigh fertilization effects on production. • Despite various cultural practices, the apple pulp signatures ensure PGI signature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Goat breeding in Sardinia constitutes an important source of income for farming and shepherding activities. In this study 170 LAB strains were isolated from Sardinian goat’s milk and tested for bacteriocins production against several food-borne pathogenic microorganisms. Four isolates (SD1, SD2, SD3 and SD4) were selected for their effective inhibition on Listeria monocytogenes. The strains were classified as members of Enterococcus genus, according to their biochemical and physiological characteristics, and then genetically identified as Enterococcus faecium. In MRS broth at 37 °C, bacteriocins SD1 and SD2 were produced at much higher levels (51200 AU/ml) compared to bacteriocin SD3 (3200 AU/ml) and bacteriocin SD4 (800 AU/ml). Their peptides were inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, but not when treated with α-amylase, catalase and lipase. The four bacteriocins remained stable at pH from 2.0 to 12.0, after exposure to 100 °C for 120 min and were not affected by the presence of surfactants and salts (N-Laourylsarcosine, NaCl, SDS, Triton X-100, Tween 20, Tween 80 and urea). Their molecular size was determined to be approximately 5 kDa by tricine-SDS-PAGE. Since the strains exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity against 21 L. monocytogenes strains and 6 Salmonella spp. isolates, they should be considered as potential bio-preservatives cultures for fermented food productions. Moreover, due to their technological features, the four strains could be taken in account for using as adjunct NSLAB (non-starter lactic acid bacteria) rather than as starter culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research was carried out aiming at evaluating the effects of nitrate and ammonium ions on nutrient accumulation, biochemical components and yield of Italian zucchini (cv. Caserta) grown in a hydroponic system under salt stress conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse utilizing an experimental design in randomized blocks, arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The treatments consisted of two forms of nitrogen (nitrate - NO3- and ammonium - NH4+) and 5 electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (ECw) (0.5, 2.0, 3.5, 5.0 and 6.5 dS m-1). The analysis of the results indicated that supply of N exclusively in NH4+ form promotes greater damage to the leaf membrane and reduction in accumulation of macronutrients and higher Na+/K+, Na+/Ca++ and Na+/Mg++ ratios in the shoots of zucchini plants. Electrical conductivity of irrigation water above 2.0 dS m-1 reduces the accumulation of nutrients in shoot and yield of Italian zucchini plant. The toxicity of NH4+ under Italian zucchini plants overlap the toxicity of the salinity, since its fertilization exclusively with this form of nitrogen inhibits its production, being the NO3- form the most suitable for the cultivation of the species.