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ABSTRACT: This study investigates the interplay between plastic and reconstructive surgery patients and their respective caregivers in the Day Surgery Unit of Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy. Utilizing a dual survey approach, we explored the role in patient safety and the challenges faced by caregivers during the perioperative period. This study, conducted at Policlinico Umberto I, covers all surgical procedures from October to December 2023, encompassing skin cancer removal, fat grafting, scar revisions, hand surgeries, and eyelid surgeries. Patient demographics reflect varying age distributions: 18-39 (4.9%), 40-59 (31.7%), 60-75 (34.1%), and over 76 years (29.3%).

Introduction: Pigmented lesions in the oral cavity mucosa, primarily found in African, Asian, and Mediterranean populations, are caused by increased melanin granule production or melanocyte abundance. These lesions typically appear in childhood and increase with age. This study aimed to evaluate, based on the evidence in the literature, the efficacy of diode laser in the treatment of physiological gingival melanosis in terms of clinical and aesthetic variables, based on the patient, compared to conventional surgical therapy such as the scalpel technique. Materials and methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) were examined in March 2024, in the last 10 years. We performed a manual screening of the reference lists of potential studies. The risk of bias was measured with the ROBINS tool. Results: The search found 840 publications, but 40 of them were duplicates and were therefore excluded. Titles and abstracts of 800 articles were accessed and 646 were excluded. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 12 studies out of the remaining 154. Data were collected from the selected articles and organized into tables for comparison and study. Conclusions: The diode laser obtained better results in terms of intraoperative bleeding and perception of pain for the patient. However, there were no differences in depigmentation and wound healing intensity. Due to the small research samples and the heterogeneity of the data provided, more studies with a high degree of scientific relevance and with a clear research protocol are needed.

Background: Hemodynamic impact of residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is not always univocally measured by transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) assessment alone. When analyzing TEER procedure result, operators often encounter discrepancy between TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Objectives: This study sought to investigate the role of invasive hemodynamic monitoring during mitral valve TEER procedure on top of TEE guidance. Methods: We analyzed 78 patients with moderate-to-severe or severe MR who underwent TEER. Mitral pulse pressure fraction (MPF) was extracted from intraprocedural continuous left atrial pressure monitoring. Twenty-three patients with the same grade of MR not undergoing TEER were included as a control group. At follow-up, clinical and functional status in the majority of patients undergoing TEER were reassessed by NYHA classification and the 12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Results: TEER significantly reduced MR burden on both TEE guidance and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Post-TEER MPF was significantly reduced compared to both pre-TEER setting (P

This paper delves into the iconography of two friezes adorning the rooms of two palazzi located in the Marca di Ancona, a peripheral region within the Papal States. All the scenes portrayed in the two friezes are inspired by the Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the influence of the illustrations found in the vernacular translations of the Metamorphoses, which were spread around Italy from the end of the 15th century. Additionally, it aims to explore the impact of prints that circulated freely, reproducing models from renowned artists like Michelangelo. These prints disseminated iconographies throughout Italy, making them known even in the provincial areas. The clients used them in an attempt to adapt their taste to the prevailing fashions of the big centers. Meanwhile the artists – unable to rival their counterparts from the centers – were provided with models which, in some instances, they closely adhered to.

The infraocclusion (IO) of primary molars, often seen in retained deciduous teeth, is a common condition that presents significant challenges for pediatric oral health. It occurs when primary molars are positioned below the occlusal plane due to the absence of permanent successors, leading to complications such as misaligned teeth, impaired chewing, and long-term dental health issues. Objectives: This study examines IO prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles from the last 15 years. Nine articles were included for qualitative analysis. Results: IO was associated with several complications, including root resorption, altered eruption of adjacent teeth, and space loss within the dental arch. Clinical and radiographic evaluations are key to early detection. Severe cases often require invasive treatments, such as tooth extraction and space maintenance, while mild cases could be monitored. Conclusions: IO is prevalent in pediatric dentistry and can lead to significant dental issues if untreated. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing complications like tooth misalignment and impacted premolars. Tailored treatment strategies based on severity, along with increased awareness among dental practitioners, are essential to improve long-term outcomes for affected children.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants that can be found in various food products, including those intended for infants. Due to their potential health risks, it is crucial to develop sensitive analytical methods for the accurate determination of PAHs in infant foods. This study describes the development and validation of a highly sensitive method for the quantification of European PAH markers, namely benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene, using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), in baby food samples. The first step was the optimization of the sample preparation procedure, performed using different methods based on the QuEChERS approach, also testing different extraction solvents. Several factors such as extraction efficiency, selectivity, and recovery were evaluated to choose the most effective procedure for sample preparation. Furthermore, the GC–MS/MS method was optimized, evaluating parameters such as linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness using spiked infant food samples. The method demonstrated excellent linearities with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.999 over a wide concentration range, and limits of detection and limits of quantification in the range 0.019–0.036 μg/kg and 0.06–0.11 μg/kg, respectively. Extraction recoveries were between 73.1 and 110.7%, with relative standard deviations always lower than 8%. These findings are compliant with the indications of the European Commission (Reg. 836/2011). To assess the applicability of the method to official control activities, a survey was conducted on commercially available infant food products. Four markers were determined in commercial samples belonging to different food categories for infants and young children. The outcome of this monitoring showed that PAH contamination, in all samples, was below the quantification limits. In conclusion, the developed GC–MS/MS method provides a highly sensitive and reliable approach for the determination of PAHs in baby foods. The optimized sample preparation, instrumental parameters, and validation results ensure accurate quantification of 4 PAHs even at trace levels. This method could contribute to the assessment of PAH exposure in infants and it could support regulatory efforts to ensure the safety and quality of infant food products with regular monitoring.

Theory and research in teachers' interactional styles and authoritative teaching typically posit two factors, including "response" and a second factor featuring some combination of "demand" and "control." Two survey-research projects examined how teachers construe interactional styles, with results suggesting three discrete factors: response, demand, and control. The optimal interactional style is more complex than the formula of high response and high demand/control emphasized in literature in this area.

Aim: Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) showed increasing survival in oligometastatic patients. Few studies actually depicted oligometastatic disease (OMD) evolution and which patient will remain disease-free and which will rapidly develop a polymetastatic disease (PMD) after SABR. Therefore, apart from the number of active metastases, there are no clues on which proven factor should be considered for prescribing local treatment in OMD. The study aims to identify predictive factors of polymetastatic evolution in lung oligometastatic colorectal cancer patients. Methods: This international Ethical Committee approved trial (Prot. Negrar 2019-ZT) involved 23 Centers and 450 lung oligometastatic patients. Primary end-point was time to the polymetastatic conversion (tPMC). Additionally, oligometastases number and cumulative gross tumor volume (cumGTV) were used as combined predictive factors of tPMC. Oligometastases number was stratified as 1, 2–3, and 4–5; cumGTV was dichotomized to the value of 10 cc. Results: The median tPMC in the overall population was 26 months. Population was classified in the following tPMC risk classes: low-risk (1–3 oligometastases and cumGTV ≤ 10 cc) with median tPMC of 35.1 months; intermediate-risk (1–3 oligometastases and cumGTV > 10 cc), with median tPMC of 13.9 months, and high-risk (4–5 oligometastases, any cumGTV) with median tPMC of 9.4 months (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The present study identified predictive factors of polymetastatic evolution after SABR in lung oligometastatic colorectal cancer. The results demonstrated that the sole metastases number is not sufficient to define the OMD since patients defined oligometastatic from a numerical point of view might rapidly progress to PMD when the cumulative tumor volume is high. A tailored approach in SABR prescription should be pursued considering the expected disease evolution after SABR, with the aim to avoid unnecessary treatment and toxicity in those at high risk of polymetastatic spread, and maximize local treatment in those with a favorable disease evolution.

Abstract Background and aim The BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are associated with an inherited susceptibility to breast cancer with a cumulative risk of 60% in BRCA 1 mutation carriers and of 30% in BRCA 2 mutation carriers. Several lifestyle factors could play a role in determining an individual’s risk of breast cancer. Obesity, changes in body size or unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity have been evaluated as possible determinants of breast cancer risk. The aim of this study was to explore the current understanding of the role of harmful lifestyle and obesity or weight change in the development of breast cancer in female carriers of BRCA 1/2 mutations. Methods Articles were identified from MEDLINE in October 2020 utilizing related keywords; they were then read and notes, study participants, measures, data analysis and results were used to write this review. Results Studies with very large case series have been carried out but only few of them have shown consistent results. Additional research would be beneficial to better determine the actual role and impact of such factors.

The institution at which the authors work--Asociación Ex Alumnos del Profesorado en Lenguas Vivas "Juan Ramón Fernández" (AEXALEVI)--is devoted to the teaching of foreign languages, particularly English, and it administers examinations all over Argentina. One central problem the authors identified in their work in the AEXALEVI Teachers' Centre is the compartmentalization of instruction and assessment. Virtual and face-to-face forums with instructors from Buenos Aires and other districts were held for five years, and most of these teachers reported that they generally teach the content of the syllabus as one thing, and they deal with exam training as a separate component in the course design, which is developed close to examination time and not before. However, when the teacher indulges in teaching to the test, the student does not have the chance to develop skills over time. For example, students have been observed rattling off the summary of a story, overtly learned by heart, without ever being able to answer a simple question from the examiner or interact with a peer in a communicative task. Here lies the danger of treating course and exam, and by the same token, teaching/learning and evaluation, as two separate components rather than as an integrated whole. At the Teachers' Centre, the authors designed ways to introduce changes in skill development to help students both improve their speaking ability and perform better on tests. This article describes three techniques which allow students to structure their oral discourse in meaningful ways in order to help teachers in similar contexts: (1) WWW (What You Think; What You Like; What You Do; And Other People, Too); (2) Who, Where, What, and Why, You Can Have a Try!; and (3) Now and Next, I Will Pass This Test! The authors posit that if students learn to conceive of ideas following a strategic organization reinforced by raising awareness, modeling, and anchoring of the techniques by means of rhyme, gestures, movement, and analogy, then their discourse will be framed within the structure provided and away from random oral discourse. The development of oral discourse can occur only over time and requires a consistent approach by the teacher to contextualize work in the classroom, provide opportunities for interaction, and offer assessment on the part of both the teacher and the students.

This contribution aims to analyse a cycle of frescoes at villa Spinola di San Pietro in Genoa. The paintings are attributed to some of the greatest artists who worked in the city in the 1620s and show a continuity of compositional, stylistic and thematic features that were typical of the sixteenth century. This article will also show the importance of Giovanni Andrea dell’Anguillara’s vernacular translation of the Metamorphoses by Ovid to the iconographic programme of the cycle.

Glyphosate, the herbicidal ingredient in Roundup products, can persist in soil for months or years, allowing soil invertebrates ample time to encounter and respond to contamination. While Roundup products can negatively impact earthworm (Eisenia fetida) health, they may also provide a direct or indirect food source. In a set of three experiments, we aimed to determine if Roundup Ready-to-Use III provides a nutritional benefit, damages earthworm health, or both. We used cameras and ant-farm-style enclosures to measure how exposure to a commonly used Roundup formulation impacted earthworm foraging speed as measured by the amount of soil displaced per minute. We also assessed whether contamination drove changes in earthworm body mass and stress test survival time. We found that earthworms living in contaminated soil decreased body mass and displaced more soil per minute relative to earthworms living in non-contaminated soil, suggesting that contamination offered no nutritional benefit. Exposure to contamination did not significantly impact earthworm survival time during a stress test, suggesting weak direct toxicity. Exposure to this contaminant drove a decrease in body mass and increase in movement, which outside of the lab might increase the speed of tunnel formation and microbial dispersal, at a cost to the earthworms. The results of these experiments highlight the need to understand the relationship between Roundup formulations, earthworm behavior and health, and the interplay between earthworm behavior and soil health.

Abstract Background The long pentraxin PTX3 is generating great interest given the recent discovery of its involvement in bone metabolism. This study investigates the role of circulating PTX3 as a marker of bone-related phenotypes in patients with osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Serum PTX3 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a total of OP (n=32), OA (n=19) patients and healthy controls (CTR; n=25). ROC curve analysis was carried out to evaluate the potential of PTX3 for the diagnosis of bone-related phenotypes. In addition, the association between PTX3 serum levels and biochemical markers was estimated by Spearman correlation analysis. Results Serum analysis reveals a statistically significant increase of PTX3 levels in OP and OA patients, compared to CTR subjects (**** p

Hoarding disorder (HD) is a recently recognized psychiatric condition, now classified under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It leads to an unwarranted attachment to material possessions, such that the individual is unable to separate themselves from them. There is still a lack of awareness of the critical sociological implications of this disorder, which is too often considered a purely health-related issue. This article endeavors to frame hoarding disorder from a unique socio-criminological and legal perspective, proposing an alternative approach to HD that considers it not only as a mental disorder, but also as a genuine societal issue. We also explore potential avenues for protection, considering both the well-being of individuals with this mental disorder and the communities in which individuals suffering from HD reside. This paper presents a fresh perspective on HD, aiming to delineate its impact and significance as an affliction affecting both individuals and society at large.

A multivariate optimization process of the sample extraction procedure by Box-Behnken design through a global desirability function is described for the determination of six non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs # 28, 52, 101, 153, 138 and 180) in milk by GC-ECD and mass spectrometry. Three factors were involved in refining the extraction conditions: the acetone percentage in the extraction mixture, the sample/solvent ratio, and the extraction time. The three-factor design required 26 experiments that were carried out in duplicate and in a randomized order to minimize the bias effects of uncontrolled variables. The optimized factors (acetone percentage: 30%; sample-to-solvent ratio: 0.11 g mL−1; extraction time: 45 min) ensured a low solvent consumption and a reduced extraction time, allowing a rapid and simultaneous preparation of multiple sample extracts. The method was validated according to the European directives (Decision 657/2002/EC, SANTE 2017/11813/EC) through the evaluation of linearity, selectivity, LOD, LOQ, recovery, precision, and ruggedness.

BackgroundThe vagus nerve (VN), also called the pneumogastric nerve, connects the brainstem to organs contained in the chest and abdomen. Physiologically, VN stimulation can rapidly affect cardiac activity and heart rate (HR). VN neuropathy can increase the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. Therefore, a selective test of VN function may be very useful. Since peripheral neurodynamic tests (NDT) are reliable for the assessment of neuropathies in somatic nerves, we aimed to validate a novel NDT to assess VN activity, namely, the VN-NTD.MethodsIn this cross-sectional double-blind, sex-balanced study, 30 participants (15 females) completed a checklist of autonomic dysfunction symptoms. During the VN-NDT administration, HR and symptoms (i.e., mechanical allodynia) were monitored in parallel to a real-time ultrasonography imaging (USI) and motion capture analysis of the neck. The VN-NDT impact on HR and its accuracy for autonomic symptoms reported in the last 7 days were tested.ResultsThe VN-NDT induced a significant HR reduction of about 12 and 8 bpm in males and females [t(1, 119) = 2.425; p < 0.017; ηp2 = 0.047, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–9.18], respectively. No adverse events were observed during VN-NDT. A substantial interexaminer agreement between the evaluators in symptoms induction by VN-NDT was detected [F(1, 119) = 0.540; p = 0.464; ηp2 = 0.005, low effect]. Notably, mechanical allodynia accuracy for gastrointestinal dysfunctions was excellent (p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.52–0.73; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.81–0.96).ConclusionsThe novel VN-NDT is a valid and accurate test capable of detecting VN activation with high sensitivity. Data provided are suitable for both sexes as a hallmark of HR variation due to VN normal response. The proposed VN-NDT may be reliable as daily routine neurological examination tests for the evaluation of neuropathic signs related to neuroinflammation of the VN.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04192877.

Verbascoside, the main component of Lippia citriodora extract, is one of the most powerful free radical scavengers exhibiting a wide biological activity. In in vivo study 20 adult New Zealand white rabbit bucks were divided into two homogeneous groups, one control (CON) and one verbascoside-supplemented (0.1%) in feed mixture (EXP) and later in vitro effects of verbascoside on the motility aspects of rabbit spermatozoa were analysed. The spermatozoa concentration, ejaculate volume, spermatozoa motility, progressive motility, distance parameters, velocity parameters and type of spermatozoa movement were negatively affected by Lippia citriodora leaves extract after the first 4 weeks of dietary treatment, till the end of experiment (8 weeks). Four weeks after the suspension of feed additive supplementation, all spermatozoa traits values returned to the normality, and in line with CON group. For in vitro findings, ejaculates from 10 male New Zealand white bucks were collected using an artificial vagina. Then it was diluted in physiological saline solution containing different concentrations of verbascoside at the concentration of 0, 0.0024, 0.0219, 0.157, 120.0 mg/ml (Ctrl, VB1, VB2, VB3, VB4 groups, respectively), using a dilution ratio of 1 : 4. The obtained data proved that verbascoside at the concentration of 0.0024 and 0.0219 mg/ml had no adverse effect on spermatozoa. Additionally, we found that verbascoside at higher concentrations (0.157 and 120.0 mg/ml) significantly altered all the motility parameters analysed in the experiment. In conclusion a possible negative effect of verbascoside supplementation into feed mixture (0.1%) on semen quality parameters in rabbit bucks as well as in vitro can be stated, obviously considering that target organs of antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoid glycosides are various. In addition it has to be emphasized that the extract showed a reversible action, since the semen traits of treated animals returned to the normality after the dietary administration period.

Planning the required energy infrastructure for the energy transition is a crucial task for various neighbourhood concepts, such as positive energy districts. However, energy planning often comes with the challenges of data shortages and a lack of comparability among solutions for different districts. This work aims to enable this comparability by introducing an approach for categorising districts according to parameters that are relevant for the planning of neighbourhood energy infrastructures. Four parameters (climate, floor space index, heating demand and share of residential buildings) and their respective ranges (bands) were derived from the literature. Additionally, this work visualised the combination of all parameter bands across Europe to conveniently showcase districts that are comparable according to the selected parameters. This approach and its visualisation could be used in urban planning to share knowledge from existing energy district projects with those planned in comparable districts.

In recent years, many studies have been focused on natural substances that can affect health of animals. A mix of different extracts was used as dietary supplement and it consists exclusively of natural products. Its main components are polyphenols from terrestrial and marine origins and plant polysaccharides. The effect of this supplement on reproduction has not been reviewed in the past what is a reason why its effect on the reproduction potential of male rabbits was tested. The aim of the present study is to determine effects of natural mix during 120-days long in vivo experiment on selected reproductive traits of male rabbits. Natural mix was supplemented in two different concentrations (T1 – 0.3% and T2 – 0.6%) with the basal ingredients of the conventional rabbit feed in pellet form. In our experiments, emphasis was placed on both the spermatozoa concentration and its motility parameters as well as on the properties of seminal plasma and antioxidant activity. The dietary supplementation with the natural extracts mix positively altered the quality traits of rabbit spermatozoa, but these changes were statistically not significant. In experimental T1 group a significant increase of GPx and FRAP content, both regarding the antioxidant markers profile in seminal plasma was recorded. We can conclude that the supplementation of 0.3% of natural mix did not significantly negatively affect any of the studied reproductive parameters of male rabbits, but some improvement in several antioxidant parameters was found.

Abstract Background The use of platelet lysate (PL) for the ex-vivo expansion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) was initially proposed by Doucet et al. in 2005, as an alternative to animal serum. Moreover, regulatory authorities discourage the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or other animal derivatives, to avoid risk of zoonoses and xenogeneic immune reactions. Even if many studies investigated PL composition, there still are some open issues related to its use in ex-vivo MSC expansion, especially according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) grade protocols. Methods As an authorized cell factory, we report our experience using standardized PL produced by Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Meyer Transfusion Service for MSC expansion according to a GMP grade clinical protocol. As suggested by other authors, we performed an in-vitro test on MSCs versus MSCs cultured with FBS that still represents the best way to test PL batches. We compared 12 MSC batches cultured with DMEM 5% PL with similar batches cultured with DMEM 10% FBS, focusing on the MSC proliferation rate, MSC surface marker expression, MSC immunomodulatory and differentiation potential, and finally MSC relative telomere length. Results Results confirmed the literature data as PL increases cell proliferation without affecting the MSC immunophenotype, immunomodulatory potential, differentiation potential and relative telomere length. Conclusions PL can be considered a safe alternative to FBS for ex-vivo expansion of MSC according to a GMP grade protocol. Our experience confirms the literature data: a large number of MSCs for clinical applications can be obtained by expansion with PL, without affecting the MSC main features. Our experience underlines the benefits of a close collaboration between the PL producers (transfusion service) and the end users (cell factory) in a synergy of skills and experiences that can lead to standardized PL production.

In this case report, we describe a complex case of a 67-year-old patient who was suffering from acute heart failure with electrical storm. Clinical case management was based on an integrated approach comprising two different procedures that were complementary and synergistic, and that allowed the patient to reach acute stabilization and to demonstrate mid-term clinical improvement. Complex clinical settings, such as electrical and hemodynamic instability, require complex solutions. The use of an integrated approach that allows physiopathological mechanisms to work together may be beneficial for these patients.

Integrin α4β1 belongs to the leukocyte integrin family and represents a therapeutic target of relevant interest given its primary role in mediating inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and cancer-related diseases. The focus of the present work is the design, synthesis and characterization of new peptidomimetic compounds that are potentially able to recognize α4β1 integrin and interfere with its function. To this aim, a collection of seven new cyclic peptidomimetics possessing both a 4-aminoproline (Amp) core scaffold grafted onto key α4β1-recognizing sequences and the (2-methylphenyl)ureido-phenylacetyl (MPUPA) appendage, was designed, with the support of molecular modeling studies. The new compounds were synthesized through SPPS procedures followed by in-solution cyclization maneuvers. The biological evaluation of the new cyclic ligands in cell adhesion assays on Jurkat cells revealed promising submicromolar agonist activity in one compound, namely, the c[Amp(MPUPA)Val-Asp-Leu] cyclopeptide. Further investigations will be necessary to complete the characterization of this class of compounds.

The evaluation of cereal-based product contamination by pesticide residues is a topic of worldwide importance, and reliable analytical methods for official check analyses and monitoring studies are required for multi-residue analysis at trace levels. In this work, a validated multi-residual analytical method by gas-chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a rapid QuEChERS procedure was used for the determination of 37 pesticides (pyrethroids, organophosphorus and organochlorine compounds) in 209 commercially available samples of cereals and 11 legumes, placed on the Italian market in 2018 and 2019, coming from different regions of Italy, eastern Europe, and some non-European countries. No pesticide traces were observed in the analyzed legume samples. A total of 18 cereal samples were found to be contaminated by at least one pesticide, with a concentration level higher than the corresponding quantification limit, but never exceeding the maximum level fixed in the European Regulations. This work is the first part of a surveillance study for pesticide control in food samples.

Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) is a carcinogenic mycotoxin that contaminates food and feed worldwide. We determined the AfB1-adsorption capability of non-viable Pleurotus eryngii mycelium, an edible fungus, as a potential means for removal of AfB1 from contaminated solutions. Lyophilized mycelium was produced and made enzymatically inert by sterilization at high temperatures. The material thus obtained was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with regard to the morpho-structural properties of the mycotoxin-adsorbing surfaces. The active surfaces appeared rough and sponge-like. The AfB1-mycelium system reached equilibrium at 37°C, 30 min, and pH 5–7, conditions that are compatible with the gastro-intestinal system of animals. The system remained stable for 48 h at room temperature, at pH 3, pH 7, and pH 7.4. A thermodynamic study of the process showed that this is a spontaneous and physical adsorption process, with a maximum of 85 ± 13% of removal efficiency of AfB1 by P. eryngii mycelium. These results suggest that biosorbent materials obtained from the mycelium of the mushroom P. eryngii could be used as a low-cost and effective feed additive for AfB1 detoxification.

Safety assessment with respect to seismic and vertical loads of existing and very old masonry structures is currently a central topic for the scientific engineering community. In particular, there are many ancient bridges still in service that are subjected to higher and more frequent cyclic loads. For these structures, it is important to determine the actual fatigue strength, rather than the ultimate carrying capacity. In this way the remaining service life, with possible traffic load limitations, may be estimated. This paper reports an updated review of the state-of-the art on recently published fatigue models that account for deterioration effects under cyclic loads. In addition, results related to fatigue performance of a bridge are shown and comments are provided. The numerical comparisons among existing fatigue models reveal that the application of the available fatigue models is particularly problematic for ancient masonry elements, where appropriate stress-life curves are required.

Lippia citriodora is a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic effects, as well as for additional biological activities proven in cell culture, animal studies and a small number of human clinical trials. The plant has also shown a marked improvement in blood lipid profile in some animal species. In the present preliminary study, we investigated the effect of a leaf extract on lipid and oxidative blood profile of hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Twelve adults received Lippia citriodora extract caps, containing 23% phenylpropanoids, (100 mg, once a day) for 16 weeks. Selected blood lipids and plasma oxidative markers were measured at baseline and after 4, 8 and 16 weeks of treatment. Compared with baseline, total cholesterol levels significantly decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides showed only a downward trend. Oxidative status was improved due to a decrease in the concentration of total oxidant status, reactive oxygen metabolites and malondialdehyde, and a significant increase in ferric reducing ability of plasma, vitamin A and vitamin E. These preliminary results suggest that dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora extract can improve the lipid profile, enhance blood antioxidant power, and could be a valuable natural compound for the management of human hypercholesterolemia.

The effects of water restriction on rectal temperature, respiratory rate and selected blood variables in intensively reared Lacaune ewes were evaluated. The tests were carried out over the course of 28 days in spring on 30 lactating sheep divided into three groups of 10 animals each, matched by lactation status and body weight and allocated into individual boxes. The animal groups were as follows: control group W100 with drinking water for the whole day (24 h/24 h), while the two experimental groups each received 80% (W80 group) and 60% (W60 group) of the water ration of the control group, respectively. The feed, in according with physiological and production needs of the animals, was administered in three daily meals (08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h). Water intake was recorded three times per day (at 08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h) and the daily feed intake at 08:00 h, while the rectal temperature, respiratory rate were measured and blood samplings were carried out on Day 0, Day 14 and Day 28. In water-restriction groups (W80 and W60) a lower (P < 0.01) feed intake of meadow hay, and a lower ingestion of alfalfa hay pellet in the W60 group compared to W100 group were observed. In addition, the water restriction regimen resulted in a significant decrease of respiratory rate (P < 0.05) and an increase in serum total protein, urea, creatinine, sodium, chlorine, reactive oxygen metabolites, cortisol, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05), red blood cell counts, and haematocrit (P < 0.01). These results show the important role of water, as limiting factor for animal breeding in low-water availability environments. Where possible, the management of low-dairy breeds should be well adapted to support the productive performance.

In animals, the protein kinase C (PKC) family has expanded into diversely regulated subgroups, including the Rho family-responsive PKN kinases. Here, we describe knockouts of all three mouse PKN isoforms and reveal that PKN2 loss results in lethality at embryonic day 10 (E10), with associated cardiovascular and morphogenetic defects. The cardiovascular phenotype was not recapitulated by conditional deletion of PKN2 in endothelial cells or the developing heart. In contrast, inducible systemic deletion of PKN2 after E7 provoked collapse of the embryonic mesoderm. Furthermore, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which arise from the embryonic mesoderm, depend on PKN2 for proliferation and motility. These cellular defects are reflected in vivo as dependence on PKN2 for mesoderm proliferation and neural crest migration. We conclude that failure of the mesoderm to expand in the absence of PKN2 compromises cardiovascular integrity and development, resulting in lethality.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dam and offspring dietary supplementation with a natural feed additive on the growth performance and meat quality parameters of growing rabbits. The growing rabbits are selected from lactating does receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (SP1) and 0.6% (SP2) of feed additive containing brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts. In the postweaning phase, the growing rabbits remained in the treatment group defined by their does and the trial lasted 42 days. The average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved in the rabbit fed 0.6% of the natural feed additive. The cholesterol content tended to be lower in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle and decrease in Semimembranosus (SM) muscle (in SP2 −41.36% than controls). The α tocopherol and retinol content were enhanced in both muscles of rabbit fed the natural mixture (SP1 and SP2 groups). An improvement of sensory attributes of texture was observed in both muscles from rabbit fed natural mixture. In conclusion, long term supplementation of both lactating does and offspring with the high dosage of brown seaweed and plant polyphenols improves growth performance and enhances meat nutritional and sensory parameters.