Publications by authors named "Francesca Palma"

Ketogenic diet has a wide range of beneficial effects but presents practical limitations due to its low compliance, hence dietary supplements have been developed to induce ketosis without nutrient deprivation. The alcohol 1,3-butanediol (BD) is a promising molecule for its ability to induce ketosis, but its effects on brain have been investigated so far only in disease models, but never in physiological conditions. To support BD use to preserve brain health, the analysis of its activity is mandatory.

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Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast accounting for about 50-90 % of all cases of candidiasis in humans, ranging from superficial to systemic potentially life-threatening infections. The presence of several virulence factors, including biofilm, hyphal transition, and proteolytic enzymes production, worsens the fungal infections burden on healthcare system resources. Hence, developing new bioactive compounds with antifungal activity is a pressing urgence for the scientific community.

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Aim: The high incidence of virus-related infections and the large diffusion of drug-resistant pathogens stimulate the search and identification of new antiviral agents with a broad spectrum of action. Antivirals can be designed to act on a single target by interfering with a specific step in the viral lifecycle. On the contrary, antiviral peptides (AVPs) are known for acting on a wide range of viruses, with a diversified mechanism of action targeting virus and/or host cell.

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The consumption of western diets, high in fats and sugars, is a crucial contributor to brain molecular alterations, cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, a mandatory challenge is the individuation of strategies capable of preventing diet-induced impairment of brain physiology. A promising strategy might consist in the administration of probiotics that are known to influence brain function via the gut-brain axis.

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Article Synopsis
  • Chromosomal submicroscopic imbalances can cause neurodevelopmental disorders, either leading to autosomal dominant syndromes or acting as risk factors inherited from healthy parents.
  • A study followed a family with a 28-month-old boy showing psychomotor delay linked to a novel microduplication on chromosome 19 (19q13.32q13.33), found in multiple family members with neuropsychiatric issues.
  • The case stands out due to the small size of the duplication, its presence across three generations, and the complete manifestation of symptoms in affected individuals.
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Objectives: Axillary artery aneurysms in children are rare and multifactorial. The presenting clinical picture can range from an incidental discovery to threatening symptoms, including loss of extremity function. With the present study we aim to give a comprehensive review of the existing literature focusing on the etiology and management of this rare but threatening pathology.

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Emerging viruses pose an important global public health challenge, and early action is needed to control their spread. The family contains a great number of arboviruses which are potentially pathogenic for humans. For example, phleboviruses affect a large range of hosts, including humans and animals.

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Staphylococci, including and , are important human pathogens associated with potentially life-threatening infections. Their great biofilm-producing ability and the development of resistance mechanisms often account for therapeutic failure. Hence, the scientific community has devoted intensive efforts to the development of antimicrobial compounds active against both planktonic and sessile bacterial populations.

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Aims: Multidrug resistance is a worrying problem worldwide. The lack of readily available drugs to counter nosocomial infections requires the need for new interventional strategies. Drug repurposing represents a valid alternative to using commercial molecules as antimicrobial agents in a short time and with low costs.

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In a framework aimed at the recovery and enhancement of medicinal plants endemic to the territory of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, N.G. Passal.

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Background: This systematic review aims to evaluate the color stability of resin composite CAD/CAM blocks (CCB) when submitted to staining solutions.

Methods: A systematic search was performed on different databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science). Search terms were: 'polymer infiltrated', 'polymer-based', 'resin nanoceramic', 'resin ceramic', 'hybrid composite', 'hybrid ceramic', 'composite ceramic', 'resin infiltrated', 'CAD-CAM', 'CAD/CAM', 'color stability', 'staining', 'staining susceptibility', 'color change', 'color difference'.

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Objective: The objective of this study was to review the experimental staining procedures performed in in-vitro studies for evaluating color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations.

Overview: A review was performed with the purpose to identify in vitro procedures carried out to establish staining and color stability of resin-based composites used for direct restorations. A literature search was performed on four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science) for articles published from January 1st 2001 till March 20th 2021, using a combination of free words and Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms: "Composite Resins" AND "Color Stability" OR "Staining.

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The introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies has exerted a significant impact on prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal Exome Sequencing (pES) is performed with increasing frequency in fetuses with structural anomalies and negative chromosomal analysis. The actual diagnostic value varies extensively, and the role of incidental/secondary or inconclusive findings and negative results has not been fully ascertained.

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Background: Fidgety movements (FMs) are an early accurate marker for normal development.

Aim: The study assessed the ontogeny of normal FMs from 4 to 20weeks post-term age (PTA).

Study Design: Longitudinal prospective study of healthy full-term infants video recorded every second week from birth to 20weeks PTA.

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Since 2010, the Cartolab Laboratory research team (Department of Human Studies, University of L'Aquila) has been investigating the social geography in the post-earthquake period through the analysis of the territorial changes and new sociospatial configurations occurred in the everyday life of the L'Aquila inhabitants. Accordingly, this paper aims to describe the principal results of researches concentrating on the use of leisure time and leisure places in the post-disaster period in L'Aquila. The paper uses an action-research/participating- participatory (RAPP) methodology.

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