Fortified bread with encapsulated ingredients: impacts and potential applications.

Waste production is a major challenge in the food industry. The use of 'functional food' by adding bioactive compounds is a promising solution to reduce it. However, many bioactive compounds are unstable when subjected to industrial and environmental conditions.

The association between C-reactive protein and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: While coronary artery calcification (CAC) is recognized as a reliable marker for coronary atherosclerosis, the relationship between the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence and progression of CAC remains controversial.

Method: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies until October 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Multidrug-resistant pathogens contaminate river water used in irrigation in disenfranchised communities.

Objectives: The contamination of fresh surface waters poses a significant burden on human health and prosperity, especially in marginalized communities with limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. Here, we performed in-depth genomic analyses of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-B) isolated from Al-Oueik river water that is used for irrigation of agricultural fields in a disenfranchised area that also hosts a makeshift Syrian refugee camp.

Methods: A composite freshwater sample was filtered.

Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital "Federico II" in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire.

An edible coating utilizing Malva sylvestris seed polysaccharide mucilage and postbiotic from Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii for the preservation of lamb meat.

Currently, microbial bioactive substances (postbiotics) are considered a promising tool for achieving customer demand for natural preservatives. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an edible coating developed by Malva sylvestris seed polysaccharide mucilage (MSM) and postbiotics from Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii ATCC MYA-796 (PSB) for the preservation of lamb meat.

Anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm activity of coumarin derivatives against PAO1: Insights from and studies.

Objectives: Biofilm-associated infections are challenging to manage or treat since the biofilm matrix is impenetrable to most antibiotics. Therefore, the best approach to deal with biofilm infections is to interrupt the construction during the initial levels. Biofilm formation has been regulated through the quorum sensing (QS) network, making it an attractive target for any antibacterial therapy.

Bacterial biofilms and their resistance mechanisms: a brief look at treatment with natural agents.

Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms residing within a polysaccharide and/or protein matrix. Biofilm can be produced by several microorganisms, including various bacteria and fungi. Nowadays, the resistance of biofilm-growing cells to antimicrobials originated from the structural nature of biofilms, and phenotypic alteration of sessile cells is becoming a global issue.

Ultra selective and high-capacity dummy template molecular imprinted polymer to control quorum sensing and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Here a highly selective molecular imprinting polymer was developed to attenuate biofilm formation of the multidrug-resistant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa by disrupting the intermolecular signaling system. Firstly, a dummy template molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) was rationally designed through molecular modeling to capture 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (Pseudomonas quinolone signal). This multifunctional signaling molecule interferes with the pathogenicity of P.

Anti-quorum sensing potential of ketoprofen and its derivatives against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: insights to in silico and in vitro studies.

Antibiotics are usually used for the treatment of bacterial infections, but multidrug-resistant strains are a phenomenon that has been growing at an increasing rate worldwide. Thus, there is an increasing need for novel strategies for combatting infectious diseases. Many pathogenic bacteria apply quorum sensing (QS) to regulate their pathogenicity and virulence factors production.

Preparation and evaluation of nanoliposomes containing vancomycin after intravitreal injection in albino rabbits.

Objectives: The efficacy of nanoliposomal formulation of vancomycin against methicillin-resistant (MRSA) assessed.

Materials And Methods: Nanoliposomal formulations were prepared and characterized. The study was carried out on rabbits which received liquid culture medium containing MRSA under anesthesia.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs for multiple sclerosis management in the Campania region of Italy: Comparison between centre-based and local service healthcare delivery.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) requires multidisciplinary management. We evaluated differences in healthcare resource utilization and costs between Federico II and Vanvitelli MS Centres of Naples (Italy), representative of centralised (i.e.

Anti-PqsR compounds as next-generation antibacterial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A review.

Nowadays, due to spreading antibiotic resistance among clinically relevant pathogens, the requirement of novel therapeutic approaches is felt more than ever. One of the alternative strategies is anti-virulence therapy without affecting bacterial growth or viability. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen that exhibits intrinsic multi-drug resistance, both virulence factors' production and biofilm formation depends on its quorum sensing (QS) network.

Evaluation of the Sleep-Prolonging Effect of Lagenaria vulgaris and Cucurbita pepo Extracts on Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep and Possible Mechanisms of Action.

Sleeplessness is the most common sleep disorder. In this study, the hypnotic effect of macerated (HAME) and soxhlet (HASE) extract of (fruit and seed) and (fruit) were studied in mice. Extracts and fractions were administered intra-peritoneally (i.

Chemical Sensors and Biosensors in Italy: A Review of the 2015 Literature.

The contributions of Italian researchers to sensor research in 2015 is reviewed. The analysis of the activities in one year allows one to obtain a snapshot of the Italian scenario capturing the main directions of the research activities. Furthermore, the distance of more than one year makes meaningful the bibliometric analysis of the reviewed papers.

A randomized study of training with large versus small vessel size on successful ultrasound-guided peripheral venous access.

Purpose: Our objective was to investigate whether training on phantoms with smaller or larger vessels would improve success rate in novice medical students learning this skill.

Methods: Medical students who participated in a voluntary, extracurricular ultrasound training day were asked to participate in the study as part of their procedural training. They were given a standardized education and demonstration of how to use ultrasound to place a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter.

Designing and Development of a DNA Vaccine Based On Structural Proteins of Hepatitis C Virus.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, designing new and effective therapeutics is of great importance. The aim of the current study was to construct a DNA vaccine containing structural proteins of HCV and evaluation of its expression in a eukaryotic system.