Search

To the Editor: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus (1). The host range for CDV is broad, and infection [...]

As is widely accepted, the quality decay of freshly baked bread that affects product shelf life is the result of a complex multifactorial process that involves physical staling, together with microbiological, chemical and sensorial spoilage. In this context, this paper provides a critical review of the recent literature about the main factors affecting shelf life of bread during post‐baking. An overview of the recent findings about the mechanism of bread staling is firstly provided. Afterwards, the effect on staling induced by baker's yeasts and sourdough as well as by the extra ingredients commonly utilized for bread fortification is also addressed and discussed. As inclusion/exclusion criteria, only papers dealing with wheat bread and not with long‐life bread or gluten‐free bakery products are taken into consideration. Despite recent developments in international scientific literature, the whole mechanism that induces bread staling is far from being completely understood and the best analytical methods to be adopted to measure and/or describe in depth this process appear still debated. In this topic, the effects induced on bread shelf life by the use of biological leavening agents (baker's yeasts and sourdough) as well as by some extra ingredients included in the bread recipe have been individuated as two key issues to be addressed and discussed in terms of their influence on the kinetics of bread staling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutraceutical and organoleptic quality of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) depends on a process that begins with the olive ripening and ends with the packaging and storage. As the EVOO quality decay is mainly induced by the oxidation process, the gaseous composition of the atmosphere during both malaxation and storage can play a key role. Because of that, the aim of this research work is to determine the influence of the gaseous composition of the atmosphere used during malaxation and storage on an unfiltered EVOO shelf life, and to individuate the best "malaxation atmosphere × storage atmosphere" combination to adopt to more effectively slow down the oil quality decay rate during storage. The combined experimental conditions used during malaxation and storage significantly affect the quality decay rate of the EVOO over one year of storage for all the evaluated parameters. In conclusion, the gaseous composition of the atmosphere used during both malaxation and storage deeply affects the shelf life of the unfiltered EVOO as regards its chemical and sensory features, especially when air is used. On the contrary, the best results are obtained when an inert gas (nitrogen or argon) is used during both phases. Practical Applications: The regular consumption of EVOO represents one of the main cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), this product can be considered as a healthy food because of its extraordinary nutraceutical and organoleptic properties, so that if consumers consume half a tablespoon of olive oil per day—without increasing their daily calorie intake—they can significantly reduce the incidence of several degenerative diseases as well as the risks associated with them. The knowledge of the impact of different "malaxation atmosphere × storage atmosphere" combinations on the quality decay rate during storage of an unfiltered EVOO can allow to identify the best operating conditions to be used during its production and storage, in order to preserve the nutraceutical and organoleptic properties of this product over time, thus extending its commercial life in terms of both quality parameters and healthy properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most recent innovations in bone augmentation surgery is represented by computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) customized titanium meshes, which can be used to restore vertical bone defects before implant-prosthetic rehabilitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness/reliability of this technique in a consecutive series of cases. Methods: Ten patients in need of bone augmentation before implant therapy were treated using CAD/CAM customized titanium meshes. A digital workflow was adopted to design virtual meshes on 3D bone models. Then, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology was used to produce the titanium meshes, and vertical ridge augmentation was performed according to an established surgical protocol. Surgical complications, healing complications, vertical bone gain (VBG), planned bone volume (PBV), lacking bone volume (LBV), regenerated bone volume (RBV), average regeneration rate (RR) and implant success rate were evaluated. Results: All augmented sites were successfully restored with definitive implant-supported fixed partial dentures. Measurements showed an average VBG of 4.5 ± 1.8 mm at surgical re-entry. Surgical and healing complications occurred in 30% and 10% of cases, respectively. Mean values of PBV, LBV, and RBV were 984, 92, and 892 mm3, respectively. The average RR achieved was 89%. All 26 implants were successfully in function after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the bone augmentation by means of DMLS custom-made titanium meshes can be considered a reliable and effective technique in restoring vertical bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Benefits of neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) are well known for locally advanced and/or node-positive rectal cancer, but the best timing for CRT has been less explored for cT3N0 patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) probability between neoadjuvant CRT and upfront surgery in patients affected by cT3N0 rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective review of 105 patients affected by cT3N0 rectal cancer, staged by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and treated at the National Cancer Institute of Milan between 2011 and 2017, was performed: 42 (40.0%) were treated by neoadjuvant CRT and 63 (60.0%) by upfront surgery. Propensity score matching was performed to avoid selection bias, and Cox multivariate regression was used to analyze outcomes. Results: The 5-year DFS probability was 87.5% in neoadjuvant CRT patients vs. 90.0% in upfront surgery cases (Log-rank p = 0.76). The 5-year loco-regional recurrence-free survival probability was respectively 96.8% vs. 96.3% (Log-rank p = 0.954). On multivariate analysis, neoadjuvant CRT had no impact on DFS when compared to upfront surgery (adjusted HR 0.71, 95%CI 0.18–2.70, p = 0.613), but 61.9% of upfront surgery cases were treated by adjuvant chemo-radiation (adjusted HR 0.41, 95%CI 0.11–1.57, p = 0.196). The only independent predictor of improved DFS was age at diagnosis (adjusted HR 0.95, p = 0.017). Conclusion: CRT should be considered for cT3N0 patients, but its timing (neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant) seems not to affect the disease-free survival in the present cohort of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short telomeres in Yeast are associated with enzyme telomerase in the S phase of cell cycle. This is regulated by the length of the TG tract.

The paper highlights how the exhibition of design of urban rationalist spaces in Varese and Brescia called "Prospicĕre" tackled the topic starting from an idea coherently up to the results, inviting to 'look ahead'. This attitude not only as a physical action, but also as a stimulus to encourage the entrance of research on urban representation into the new channels of digital communication and networking, in order to transform architectural exhibitions into the tools for a cultural dissemination of architectural design. That is the path to join architectural heritage, communication and digital tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HIV, HCV, tuberculosis and syphilis infection among immigrants assigned to the immigrant centre of the province of Modena. Methods At the time of arrival all immigrant were tested for: HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, Ag p24/HIVAb, HCVAb, RPR, TPPA, Mantoux test (>10 mm diameter of induration was considered to be positive), Chest X-rays. In case of positive samples, second level tests were performed (HbeAg, HBeAb, HDVAb, and baseline management and treatment of the infection detected). Results A total of 304 immigrant people were enrolled in the study. HBsAg positivity was 12.2%, HCVAb 3.3%, HIVAb 1.6%, TPPA + RPR positivity in the 0.7%; 10.2% had a positive Mantoux test; 5.6% had Chest X-rays positive for signs of infection and 6 patients had an active tuberculosis. 83.8% HBsAg were HBeAb positive/HBeAg negative. HDVAb resulted positive in 1 patient (2.7%). Previous HBV infection was detected in 28.6% of cases, isolated HBcAb in 2.3%; 5.6% of patients resulted to be positive to HbsAb alone (probable vaccinated). Conclusion Our study confirms the high prevalence of HBsAg positivity and latent tuberculosis among immigrants, underlying the importance of screening for infections in this special population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]