Publications by authors named "A L Baretto Penna"
Objective: Patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) may have a disrupted gut microbiota. However, current data are from small sample studies, and reported associations vary widely across studies. We aimed to profile the fecal microbiota in SUDD patients enrolled in primary care.
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- Several species of Dinophysis produce harmful toxins that can contaminate bivalve mussels, posing health risks to humans.
- Current monitoring methods, like light microscopy, are slow, taking too long for local authorities to receive results, while a quicker molecular qPCR assay could provide timely data on toxic Dinophysis species.
- A study showed that qPCR is not only more efficient and sensitive compared to traditional methods but also produced higher estimates of Dinophysis abundance, suggesting its potential for future use in monitoring shellfish safety.
Following a period of social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, social interactions may be particularly complicated for individuals with elevated levels of social anxiety. One potential implication relates to the use of face masks. Face masks have been used as an effective tool to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ligaments play crucial roles in its function or dysfunction. The objective of this study was to describe the macro and microscopic morphology of these ligaments in domestic pigs, aiming to: (1) expand knowledge about the species; (2) provide anatomical references for advancing veterinary therapy and utilizing pigs as animal models in craniofacial research. Heads of young Sus scrofa domesticus were dissected to identify TMJ ligaments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Selected populations of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may benefit from a combined use of pegylated interferon-alpha (pegIFN-α) and nucleos(t)ides (NUCs). The aim of our study was to assess the immunomodulatory effect of pegIFN-α on T and natural killer (NK) cell responses in NUC-suppressed patients to identify cellular and/or serological parameters to predict better T cell-restoring effect and better control of infection in response to pegIFN-α for a tailored application of IFN-α add-on.
Design: 53 HBeAg-negative NUC-treated patients with CHB were randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive pegIFN-α-2a for 48 weeks, or to continue NUC therapy and then followed up for at least 6 months maintaining NUCs.