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  • 1
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Distribution Indices of Magnetic Susceptibility Values in the Primary Motor Cortex Enable to Classify Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Brain Sciences Vol. 12, No. 7 ( 2022-07-18), p. 942-
    Details
    In: Brain Sciences, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 7 ( 2022-07-18), p. 942-
    Abstract: Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) can measure iron concentration increase in the primary motor cortex (M1) of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, such alteration is confined to only specific regions interested by upper motor neuron pathology; therefore, mean QSM values in the entire M1 have limited diagnostic accuracy in discriminating between ALS patients and control subjects. This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of a broader set of M1 QSM distribution indices in classifying ALS patients and controls. Mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of M1 QSM values were used either individually or as combined predictors in support vector machines. The classification performance was compared to that obtained by the radiological assessment of T2* signal hypo-intensity of M1 in susceptibility-weighted MRI. The least informative index for the classification of ALS patients and controls was the subject’s mean QSM value in M1. The highest diagnostic performance was obtained when all the distribution indices of positive QSM values in M1 were considered, which yielded a diagnostic accuracy of 0.90, with sensitivity = 0.89 and specificity = 1. The radiological assessment of M1 yielded a diagnostic accuracy of 0.79, with sensitivity = 0.76 and specificity = 0.90. The joint evaluation of QSM distribution indices could support the clinical examination in ALS diagnosis and patient monitoring.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-3425
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070942
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2651993-8
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  • 2
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    Online Resource
    Fast Focus Ultrasound Liver Technique for the Assessment of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Animals Vol. 11, No. 2 ( 2021-02-09), p. 452-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 11, No. 2 ( 2021-02-09), p. 452-
    Abstract: A complete ultrasound examination (cUS) of the liver was performed on 172 female sheep and compared to the performance of a fast-focused ultrasound technique to diagnose echinococcal cysts. The scanned area was divided in: HYP (right hypocondrium), zone (Z)1 from HYP to the 11th intercostal space (IS), Z2 (10th–8th IS) and Z3 (7th–5th IS). Contiguous scans were also examined (HYP + Z1, Z1 + Z2, Z2 + Z3). Furthermore, during the procedures, the sheep were divided into three groups according to the body weight: Group (G) 1 (lighter), G2 (medium), and G3 (heavier). Finally, diagnostic outcomes were compared with necropsy findings. cUS obtained the highest values of sensitivity (Se) (91%), Specificity (Sp) (80%), and positive-zones (124/138, 90%), as compared to the other scans. cUS was also characterized by high values of Se and Sp and was able to identify a great number of positive-zones, when sheep were divided by body-weight groups. Similar performances were obtained in G1 by HYP (Se: 91%–Sp: 82%; 18/20, 90% of positive-zones) and HYP + Z1 scans (Se: 91%–Sp: 82; 90% of positive-zones, 18/20). Thus, in lighter breeds, the examination of HYP and HYP + Z1 scan windows could be considered reliable techniques for identifying the infected animals, while in heavier sheep the cUS still represents the best option.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani11020452
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
    SSG: 23
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  • 3
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    Online Resource
    Dietary Freeze-Dried Flaxseed and Alfalfa Sprouts as Additional Ingredients to Improve the Bioactive Compounds and Reduce the Cholesterol Content of Hen Eggs
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Antioxidants Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2022-12-31), p. 103-
    Details
    In: Antioxidants, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2022-12-31), p. 103-
    Abstract: Eggs are a complete food with high-quality proteins; a 2:1 ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acid (SFA); and a good amount of minerals, as well as vitamins or antioxidant compounds. Seeds or mature plants were usually added to the feed to improve egg quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of alfalfa and flax freeze-dried sprouts supplementation in diets of laying hens on egg oxidative status and key bioactive compounds. Thirty Sassò hens were fed with three different diets: standard, standard + 3% freeze-dried alfalfa sprouts, or flaxseed sprouts. Ten pools of 10 egg yolks per group were collected at 0, 4, and 8 weeks and analyzed. Supplementation with sprouts enriched the phytosterols, phytoestrogens, tocols, carotenes, vitamin D, and n-3 fatty acid contents in the eggs. Cholesterol content was lower in both sprout-supplemented groups, and a decrease in its oxidative products was also observed. It was found that a 3% freeze-dried sprouts supplementation of approximately 56 days improves the egg quality. Further studies are necessary to verify higher supplementing doses and the applicability of this strategy in the commercial egg production chain.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-3921
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010103
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2704216-9
    SSG: 15,3
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  • 4
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    Online Resource
    Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors Assessment in Escherichia coli Isolated from Swine in Italy from 2017 to 2021
    MDPI AG ; 2023
    In:  Pathogens Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2023-01-09), p. 112-
    Details
    In: Pathogens, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2023-01-09), p. 112-
    Abstract: Prudent antibiotic use in pigs is critical to ensuring animal health and preventing the development of critical resistance. We evaluated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern in commensal and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) isolates obtained in 2017–2021 from pigs suffering from enteric disorders. Overall, the selected 826 E. coli isolates showed the highest level of resistance to ampicillin (95.9%), tetracycline (89.7%), cefazolin (79.3%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (74.8%). The resistance rates of the isolates to ampicillin increased (p 〈 0.05), reaching 99.2% of resistant strains in 2021. Regarding isolates harboring virulence genes, ETEC F18+ were significantly more resistant to florfenicol, gentamicin, kanamycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole than ETEC F4+ strains. E. coli lacking virulence factor genes were more resistant to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and cefazolin, but less resistant to gentamicin (p 〈 0.01) than isolates harboring virulence factors. Throughout the study period, a significant number of ETEC F18+ isolates developed resistance to florfenicol, gentamicin, and kanamycin. Finally, ETEC 18+ significantly (p 〈 0.05) increased resistance to all the tested antibiotics. In conclusion, AMR varied for E. coli over time and showed high levels for molecules widely administered in the swine industry, emphasizing the need for continuous surveillance. The observed differences in AMR between commensal and ETEC isolates may lead to the hypothesis that plasmids carrying virulence genes are also responsible for AMR in E. coli, suggesting more research on genetic variation between pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. coli.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-0817
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010112
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2695572-6
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  • 5
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    Online Resource
    Seismic Assessment and Retrofitting of Reinforced Concrete Structures
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Applied Sciences Vol. 12, No. 14 ( 2022-07-20), p. 7280-
    Details
    In: Applied Sciences, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 14 ( 2022-07-20), p. 7280-
    Abstract: Many constructions are globally built with reinforced or prestressed concrete and a large part of them are designed or expected to resist earthquake actions in addition to gravity loads [...]
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-3417
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/app12147280
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2704225-X
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  • 6
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    Antimicrobial Nano-Zinc Oxide Biocomposites for Wound Healing Applications: A Review
    MDPI AG ; 2023
    In:  Pharmaceutics Vol. 15, No. 3 ( 2023-03-17), p. 970-
    Details
    In: Pharmaceutics, MDPI AG, Vol. 15, No. 3 ( 2023-03-17), p. 970-
    Abstract: Chronic wounds are a major concern for global health, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. As their occurrence is correlated with age and age-related comorbidities, their incidence in the population is set to increase in the forthcoming years. This burden is further worsened by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which causes wound infections that are increasingly hard to treat with current antibiotics. Antimicrobial bionanocomposites are an emerging class of materials that combine the biocompatibility and tissue-mimicking properties of biomacromolecules with the antimicrobial activity of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these nanostructured agents, zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most promising for its microbicidal effects and its anti-inflammatory properties, and as a source of essential zinc ions. This review analyses the most recent developments in the field of nano-ZnO–bionanocomposite (nZnO-BNC) materials—mainly in the form of films, but also hydrogel or electrospun bandages—from the different preparation techniques to their properties and antibacterial and wound-healing performances. The effect of nanostructured ZnO on the mechanical, water and gas barrier, swelling, optical, thermal, water affinity, and drug-release properties are examined and linked to the preparation methods. Antimicrobial assays over a wide range of bacterial strains are extensively surveyed, and wound-healing studies are finally considered to provide a comprehensive assessment framework. While early results are promising, a systematic and standardised testing procedure for the comparison of antibacterial properties is still lacking, partly because of a not-yet fully understood antimicrobial mechanism. This work, therefore, allowed, on one hand, the determination of the best strategies for the design, engineering, and application of n-ZnO-BNC, and, on the other hand, the identification of the current challenges and opportunities for future research.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1999-4923
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030970
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2527217-2
    SSG: 15,3
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  • 7
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    Online Resource
    Whey Proteins–Zinc Oxide Bionanocomposite as Antibacterial Films
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Pharmaceutics Vol. 13, No. 9 ( 2021-09-08), p. 1426-
    Details
    In: Pharmaceutics, MDPI AG, Vol. 13, No. 9 ( 2021-09-08), p. 1426-
    Abstract: The use of toxic crosslinking agents and reagents in the fabrication of hydrogels is a frequent issue which is particularly concerning for biomedical or food packaging applications. In this study, novel antibacterial bionanocomposite films were obtained through a simple solvent casting technique without using any crosslinking substance. Films were made from a flexible and transparent whey protein matrix containing zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesised via a wet chemical precipitation route. The physicochemical and functional properties of the ZnO nanoparticles and of the composite films were characterised, and their antibacterial activity was tested against S. epidermidis and E. coli. The synthesised ZnO nanoparticles had an average size of about 30 nm and a specific surface area of 49.5 m2/g. The swelling ratio of the bionanocomposite films increased at basic pH, which is an appealing feature in relation to the absorption of chronic wound exudate. A n-ZnO concentration-dependent antibacterial effect was observed for composite films. In particular, marked antibacterial activity was observed against S. epidermidis. Overall, these findings suggest that this novel material can be a promising and sustainable alternative in the design of advanced solutions for wound dressing or food packaging.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1999-4923
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091426
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2527217-2
    SSG: 15,3
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  • 8
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    Online Resource
    Connectivity Map Analysis Indicates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Inhibitors as Potential Anti-Hypoxia Drugs in Neuroblastoma
    MDPI AG ; 2021
    In:  Cancers Vol. 13, No. 11 ( 2021-06-04), p. 2809-
    Details
    In: Cancers, MDPI AG, Vol. 13, No. 11 ( 2021-06-04), p. 2809-
    Abstract: Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the deadliest pediatric cancers, accounting for 15% of deaths in childhood. Hypoxia is a condition of low oxygen tension occurring in solid tumors and has an unfavorable prognostic factor for NB. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel promising drugs for NB treatment. Connectivity Map (CMap), an online resource for drug repurposing, was used to identify connections between hypoxia-modulated genes in NB tumors and compounds. Two sets of 34 and 21 genes up- and down-regulated between hypoxic and normoxic primary NB tumors, respectively, were analyzed with CMap. The analysis reported a significant negative connectivity score across nine cell lines for 19 compounds mainly belonging to the class of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. The gene expression profiles of NB cells cultured under hypoxic conditions and treated with the mTORC complex inhibitor PP242, referred to as the Mohlin dataset, was used to validate the CMap findings. A heat map representation of hypoxia-modulated genes in the Mohlin dataset and the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed an opposite regulation of these genes in the set of NB cells treated with the mTORC inhibitor PP242. In conclusion, our analysis identified inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as novel candidate compounds to treat NB patients with hypoxic tumors and a poor prognosis.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2072-6694
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112809
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2021
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2527080-1
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  • 9
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    Online Resource
    Seroprevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti Infections in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
    MDPI AG ; 2020
    In:  Animals Vol. 10, No. 3 ( 2020-03-22), p. 532-
    Details
    In: Animals, MDPI AG, Vol. 10, No. 3 ( 2020-03-22), p. 532-
    Abstract: One hundred twenty-four water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) originating from 9 farms located in southern Italy were tested to investigate simultaneously, for the first time, the seroprevalence of the protozoa Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti by ELISA tests and to evaluate the clinical findings potentially associated to the presence of these aborting parasitic pathogens. Twenty-five of 124 buffaloes (20.2%) were positive for N. caninum, while 17/124 (13.7%) for T. gondii. No buffalo showed specific antibodies for B. besnoiti. Nineteen of 124 animals (15.3%) were found seropositive for both T. gondii and N. caninum. The univariate statistical analysis showed that the seroprevalence of N. caninum is significantly associated with abortion and presence of retained foetal membranes, while the seroprevalence of T. gondii is significantly associated with an increase of days open. The logistic regression models showed that the co-infection by N. caninum and T. gondii strengthened the abortive effects (OR = 7.330) and showed further negative effects on the parameter embryonic death (OR = 2.607). The outcome revealed herein represents a high exposure of N. caninum and T. gondii in water buffaloes with reproduction disorders that deserves attention for both economic reasons, animal health and welfare.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2076-2615
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ani10030532
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2020
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2606558-7
    SSG: 23
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  • 10
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    Online Resource
    Predictors of Outcome in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Undergoing Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery
    MDPI AG ; 2023
    In:  Medicina Vol. 59, No. 6 ( 2023-06-07), p. 1103-
    Details
    In: Medicina, MDPI AG, Vol. 59, No. 6 ( 2023-06-07), p. 1103-
    Abstract: Background and Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to left-sided valvular heart disease is associated with poor cardiac surgical outcome compared with patients without PH. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic factors of surgical outcome in patients with PH undergoing mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV) surgery, in order to risk stratify their management. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study on patients with PH who underwent MV and TV surgery from 2011 to 2019. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were post-op respiratory and renal complications, length of intensive care unit stay and length of hospital stay. Results: Seventy-six patients were included in this study. The all-cause mortality was 13% (n = 10), with mean survival of 92.6 months. Among the patients, 9.2% (n = 7) had post-op renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy and 6.6% (n = 5) had post-op respiratory failure requiring intubation. Univariate analysis demonstrated that pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak systolic tissue velocity at the tricuspid annulus (S’) and etiology of MV disease were associated with respiratory and renal failure. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was associated with respiratory failure only. S’, type of operation, LVEF, urgency of surgery, and etiology of MV disease were found to be predictive of mortality. After excluding redo mitral surgery, all statistically significant findings remain unchanged, with the addition of right ventricular (RV) size being associated with respiratory failure. In the subgroup analysis of routine cases (n = 56), patients with primary mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral valve repair had better survival outcome. Conclusions: Urgency of surgery, etiology of MV disease, type of operation (replacement or repair), S’ and pre-op LVEF are prognostic indicators in this small cohort of patients with PH undergoing MV and TV surgery. A larger prospective study is warranted to validate our findings.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1648-9144
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061103
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2023
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2088820-X
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