Publications by authors named "Francesca Bugli"

Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) represent a cutting edge in innovative clinical approaches, allowing for the delivery of selected compounds with higher specificity in a wider time frame. They also hold promise for novel theranostic applications that integrate both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Pathogens are continuously evolving to try to escape the strategies designed to treat them.

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Introduction: This study investigated the interaction with membrane mimetic systems (LUVs), bacterial membranes, the CD spectra, and the bactericidal activity of two designed trematocine mutants, named Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. Mutants were constructed from the scaffold of Trematocine (Trem), a natural 22-amino acid AMP from the Antarctic fish , aiming to increase their positive charge.

Methods: The selectivity of the designed AMPs towards bacterial membranes was improved compared to Trematocine, verified by their interaction with different LUVs and their membranolytic activity.

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The global diffusion of antibiotic resistance poses a severe threat to public health. Addressing antibiotic-resistant infections requires innovative approaches, such as antibacterial nanostructured surfaces (ANSs). These surfaces, featuring ordered arrays of nanostructures, exhibit the ability to kill bacteria upon contact.

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The overuse of antimicrobials in livestock farming has led to the development of resistant bacteria and the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) among animals. When manure containing these antibiotics is applied to agricultural fields, it creates a selective pressure that promotes the acquisition of ARGs by bacteria, primarily through horizontal gene transfer. Most research on ARGs focuses on their role in clinical antibiotic resistance and their transfer from environmental sources to bacteria associated with humans, such as Escherichia coli.

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Background: The 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine, awarded for the discovery of artemisinin in , reignited interest in aromatic plants, including L. This article delves into the historical, ethnopharmacological and medicinal significance of , examining its bitter taste noted since ancient Greek times and its association with medicinal properties throughout history. Despite being banned in the 20th century due to perceived health risks; recent research has led to the reconsideration of 's potential applications.

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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stenting is a minimally invasive medical procedure employed to address both malignant and benign obstructions within the biliary tract. Benign biliary strictures (BBSs), typically arising from surgical interventions such as liver transplants and cholecystectomy, as well as chronic inflammatory conditions, present a common clinical challenge. The current gold standard for treating BBSs involves the periodic insertion of plastic stents at intervals of 3-4 months, spanning a course of approximately one year.

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Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the smear layer and debris removal and antimicrobial activity of two dual-action irrigating solutions for continuous chelation (Triton; Brasseler, Savannah, USA and Dual Rinse HEDP; Medcem GmbH, Weinfelden, Switzerland) with a dual step irrigation protocol with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Methods: Thirty single-rooted single-canal teeth were divided into three groups (n=10) and irrigated with Triton, Dual Rinse HEDP mixed with 6% NaOCl and 6% NaOCl/17% EDTA. The teeth were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess the canal wall cleanliness.

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Gut microbiota is an emerging editable cardiovascular risk factor. We aim to investigate gut and coronary plaque microbiota, using fecal samples and angioplasty balloons from patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and control subjects. We examined bacterial communities in gut and coronary plaques by 16S rRNA sequencing and we performed droplet digital PCR analysis to investigate the gut relative abundance of the bacterial genes CutC/CntA involved in trimethylamine N-oxide synthesis.

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Researchers have explored natural products to combat the antibiotic resistance of various microorganisms. Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a major component of cinnamon essential oil (CC-EO), has been found to effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew, as well as their production of toxins. Therefore, this study aimed to create a delivery system for CIN using PLGA microparticles (CIN-MPs), and to compare the antifungal activity of the carried and free CIN, particularly against antibiotic-resistant strains of spp.

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is the major non- species involved in the colonization of central venous catheters, causing bloodstream infections. Biofilm formation on medical devices is considered one of the main causes of healthcare-associated infections and represents a global public health problem. In this context, the development of new nanomaterials that exhibit anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm properties for the coating of medical devices is crucial.

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The increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics represents a severe global emergency for human health. The broad-spectrum antibacterial activity of silver has been known for a long time, and silver at the nanoscale shows enhanced antibacterial activity. This has prompted research into the development of silver-based nanomaterials for applications in clinical settings.

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Background: represents an emerging pathogen that results in nosocomial infections and is considered a serious global health problem. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of essential oil (CC-EO) pure or formulated in polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles against ten clinical strains of .

Methods: nanoparticles of PCL were produced using CC-EO (nano-CC-EO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) through the nanoprecipitation method.

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Antibiotic resistance is a serious health and social problem that will have a substantial impact in the coming years on the world health and economy. Thus, the increasing demand for innovative antibiotics, has prompted many researchers in the medical, microbiological, and biochemical fields to exploit the properties of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). When properly used, designed, and conveyed, AMPs can really represent a valid alternative to conventional drugs especially in situations that are particularly difficult to treat such as chronic infections found in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients.

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Background: Onychomycosis (OM) accounts for about 50% of nail disorders in industrialised countries. Essential oils (EOs), aromatic natural compounds, are known for their antimicrobial activity.

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of seven EOs and a commercial MIX against 10 dermatophytes responsible for OM to select the most effective ones to be included in a preventive or curative formulation based on a green natural nail polish (GNNP).

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The engineering of the surface of nanomaterials with bioactive molecules allows controlling their biological identity thus accessing functional materials with tuned physicochemical and biological profiles suited for specific applications. Then, the manufacturing process, by which the nanomaterial surface is grafted, has a significant impact on their development and innovation. In this regard, we report herein the grafting of sugar headgroups on a graphene oxide (GO) surface by exploiting a green manufacturing process that relies on the use of vibrational ball mills, a grinding apparatus in which the energy is transferred to the reacting species through collision with agate spheres inside a closed and vibrating vessel.

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The essential oils (EOs) of and chemotyped (CT) at carvacrol, two CT at thujanol and thymol, and Hydrolates (Hys) of and var. were chosen for studying their bactericidal efficacy against few phytobacterial pathogens. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were found by microdilution assay.

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Membrane exposure is a widely reported and relatively common complication in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) procedures. The introduction of micro-porous dPTFE barriers, which are impervious to bacterial cells, could reduce the technique sensitivity to membrane exposure, even if there are no studies investigating the potential passage of bacterial metabolites through the barrier. Aim of this study was the in vitro evaluation of the permeability of three different GBR membranes (dPTFE, native and cross-linked collagen membranes) to Porphyromonas gingivalis; in those cases, where bacterial penetration could not be observed, another purpose was the analysis of the viability and differentiation capability of an osteosarcoma (U2OS) cell line in presence of bacteria eluate obtained through membrane percolation.

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Article Synopsis
  • * This study explored the antifungal properties of three peptides, both myristoylated and non-myristoylated, examining their interactions with cell membranes and testing their safety on mammalian cells.
  • * The findings suggest that the myristoylated peptide shows strong antifungal effects against various resistant fungi and successfully treated infections in a larval model, indicating its potential for developing new antifungal agents.
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A modern painting is characterized by multi-material bases extremely exposed to biodeteriogenic attacks. The aim of this work was to test the antifungal effectiveness of a natural, eco-friendly, and safe emulsion based on L. var.

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Preserving artworks from the attacks of biodeteriogens is a primary duty of humanity. Nowadays, restorers use chemicals potentially dangerous for both artworks and human health. The purpose of this work was to find a green and safe formulation based on natural substances with fungicidal activity to restore ancient oil paintings, particularly "Il Silenzio" (by Jacopo Zucchi) preserved at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy.

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The use of inhalable nanoparticles (NPs) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been advocated as a promising tool to improve the efficacy of antimicrobials taking advantage of their ability to penetrate airway mucus and pathogen biofilm and to release the drug in or in proximity to the enclosed bacteria. Here, inhalable calcium phosphate (CaP) NPs were functionalized with colistin (Col) which is one of the most active antimicrobials against Gram-negative bacteria. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm of Col on CaP-NPs were investigated and fitted according to different mathematical models and revealed an electrostatic interaction between positively charged amine groups of Col and negatively charged surface of CaP-NPs.

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The rise of antimicrobial-resistant phenotypes and the spread of the global pandemic of COVID-19 are worsening the outcomes of hospitalized patients for invasive fungal infections. Among them, candidiases are seriously worrying, especially since the currently available drug armamentarium is extremely limited. We recently reported a new class of macrocyclic amidinoureas bearing a guanidino tail as promising antifungal agents.

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DDX3X is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that has recently attracted interest for its involvement in viral replication and oncogenic progression. Starting from hit compounds previously identified by our group, we have designed and synthesized a new series of DDX3X inhibitors that effectively blocked its helicase activity. These new compounds were able to inhibit the proliferation of cell lines from different cancer types, also in DDX3X low-expressing cancer cell lines.

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Research on the gut microbiome may help with increasing our understanding of primate health with species' ecology, evolution, and behavior. In particular, microbiome-related information has the potential to clarify ecology issues, providing knowledge in support of wild primates conservation and their associated habitats. Indri () is the largest extant living lemur of Madagascar.

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Article Synopsis
  • Custom functionalization of graphene surfaces enhances the stability and properties of nanomaterials, making them suitable for various applications in materials and life sciences.
  • The research discusses creating gram-scale derivatives of reduced graphene oxide and graphene oxide, functionalized with the antibacterial agent salicylic acid to improve performance and stability in textile applications.
  • The study demonstrates that these functionalized materials not only exhibit significant antibacterial activity but also maintain effectiveness after detergent washing, offering a safer alternative for antibacterial treatments without metal components.
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