20,976 results match your criteria: "University of Ferrara; 44100 Ferrara[Affiliation]"

Insights into SARS-CoV-2: Small-Molecule Hybrids for COVID-19 Treatment.

Molecules

November 2024

Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.

The advantages of a treatment modality that combines two or more therapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action encourage the study of hybrid functional compounds for pharmacological applications. Molecular hybridization, resulting from a covalent combination of two or more pharmacophore units, has emerged as a promising approach to overcome several issues and has also been explored for the design of new drugs for COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we presented an overview of small-molecule hybrids from both natural products and synthetic sources reported in the literature to date with potential antiviral -SARS-CoV-2 activity.

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Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the major causes of vision impairment that affect millions of people worldwide. Early detection of nAMD is crucial because, if untreated, it can lead to blindness. Software and algorithms that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) have become valuable tools for early detection, assisting doctors in diagnosing and facilitating differential diagnosis.

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The EUPEMEN (EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking) Protocol for Acute Appendicitis: Recommendations for Perioperative Care.

J Clin Med

November 2024

Fourth Department of Surgery, Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "George Papanikolaou", 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common causes of emergency department visits due to acute abdominal pain, with a lifetime risk of 7-8%. Managing AA presents significant challenges, particularly among vulnerable patient groups, due to its association with substantial morbidity and mortality. : The EUPEMEN (European PErioperative MEdical Networking) project aims to optimize perioperative care for AA by developing multidisciplinary guidelines that integrate theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise from five European countries.

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This systematic review seeks to assess the effectiveness of different orthodontic and combined orthodontic-surgical approaches for correcting gummy smile, with a focus on treatment efficacy, duration, and the potential for integrating various techniques. The objective is to offer evidence-based recommendations for the optimal management of gummy smile. A thorough search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering publications from 1 January 1982 to 4 November 2024.

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Effect of Dehydrogenation and Heat Treatments on the Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Electroless Ni-P Nanocomposite Coatings.

Materials (Basel)

November 2024

INSTM Reference Laboratory for Engineering of Surface Treatments via Eudossiana 18, Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy.

High phosphorus Ni-P coatings, both unreinforced and modified by the addition of alumina (AlO) and zirconia (ZrO) nanoparticles, were manufactured by electroless deposition technique and heat-treated with different temperature and duration schedules. The effect of dehydrogenation (200 °C for 2 h) and its combination with crystallization heat treatment was studied in terms of microstructural changes and wear resistance. The amorphous structure of the coatings was not altered by the introduction of both AlO and ZrO nanoparticles, and the addition of 1.

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Genetic Features of Uveal Melanoma.

Genes (Basel)

October 2024

Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.

Article Synopsis
  • * Despite advancements in treatment, about 50% of UM patients will develop undetected metastases upon diagnosis, leading to poor survival rates.
  • * Recent studies have identified key mutations and genetic markers in UM, improving the understanding of its metastasis and highlighting the need for better genetic analysis to predict patient outcomes.
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  • Collagen VI, made of three chains encoded by specific genes, is crucial for the extracellular matrix and its defects are linked to muscular diseases like Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD).
  • A CRISPR genome editing strategy was developed to specifically target a harmful deletion in the collagen VI gene, achieving 32% editing efficiency and restoring the protein's secretion in patient fibroblasts.
  • The edited fibroblasts not only improved collagen VI levels but also positively impacted cell interactions, suggesting that CRISPR can effectively address genetic mutations in UCMD.
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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, paracetamol was widely recommended in different clinical settings, and sometimes advised over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These recommendations sparked a strong debate, with reports suggesting either potential benefits or harms for the individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. As no systematic review is available, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the impact of paracetamol on COVID-19 clinical outcomes compared to a placebo, no use, or NSAIDs.

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Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting chickens. However, there is limited information on ILTV and its distribution in Ethiopia, particularly in the southeastern region. The aim of this study was to establish the serological prevalence and molecular evidence in commercial and backyard chickens from Robe town, Southeastern Ethiopia.

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The primary factors that can be modified in one's lifestyle are the most influential determinants and significant preventable causes of various types of cancer. Exercise has demonstrated numerous advantages in preventing cancer and aiding in its treatment. However, the precise mechanisms behind these effects are still not fully understood.

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The Influence of Maternal Lifestyle Factors on Human Breast Milk Microbial Composition: A Narrative Review.

Biomedicines

October 2024

Laboratory of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.

Article Synopsis
  • Human breast milk (HBM) is the best nutrition for infants, helping prevent infections and chronic diseases by positively influencing their gut microbiota.
  • The composition of beneficial microbes in HBM is varied and influenced by factors like gestational age, delivery method, and maternal lifestyle choices such as diet and stress.
  • Research highlights the need for better understanding of maternal lifestyle effects on HBM microbiota to develop strategies for improving infant gut health.
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The reported data on European universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) practices tend to be scarce, despite the fact that the European Union project, EUScreen, collected unofficial data from 38 collaborating European institutions. The objectives of this systematic review were as follows: (a) to identify the most recent (in a 20-year span) literature information about UNHS programs in Europe and (b) to provide data on the procedures used to assess the population, the intervention policies, and on the estimated prevalence of congenital hearing loss with emphasis on the bilateral hearing loss cases. Queries were conducted via the Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for the time period of 2004-2024.

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Although the Internet grants access to a large amount of information, it is crucial to verify its reliability before relying on it. False information is a dangerous medium that poses a considerable threat, as it impacts individuals' perceptions and information processing, eventually shaping people's behaviors. Misinformation can be weaponized, especially in cross-border conflicts, where it can be used as a means to erode social cohesion by manipulating public opinion and exacerbate tensions between nations.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study investigated the characteristics of PDO wines made from Negroamaro grapes in Southern Italy, focusing on their chemical and biological properties.
  • Using H-NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical methods, the research analyzed 39 wine samples for their metabolic profiles and phenolic content, alongside antioxidant activity and effects on liver cells.
  • Results showed that red wines contained higher levels of certain phenolic compounds and exhibited greater antioxidant capacity compared to rosé wines, while also having a more significant impact on cell viability, indicating that winemaking practices lead to variability in wine properties even from the same grape variety.
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The Role of Eye Movements in the Process of Silicone Oil Emulsification After Vitreoretinal Surgery.

Bioengineering (Basel)

October 2024

Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy.

Emulsification is a feared and common complication of the use of silicone oil (SO) as tamponade fluid after vitrectomy as it potentially associated with significant risks to ocular health, including elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma, corneal and retinal changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and interplay of physical factors on the formation of SO emulsion. Experiments were performed in a model of the vitreous chamber with a realistic shape, filled with SO and an aqueous solution containing different concentrations of albumin, an endogenous protein known to modify the interfacial properties between SO and aqueous solutions.

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  • This study aimed to evaluate the link between rising bile acid levels in pregnancies affected by cholestasis and their adverse outcomes.
  • Researchers examined a group of pregnancies from 2005-2019, categorizing them based on bile acid levels and comparing the incidence of negative outcomes like preterm labor and cesarean deliveries.
  • The results showed that both progressive and severe cholestasis were linked to worsened outcomes compared to mild cholestasis, emphasizing the importance of monitoring peak bile acid levels during pregnancy.
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Aims: To assess the presence and the extent of an "aortic remodeling" in elite athletes.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted for studies (1981-2024) reporting echocardiographic aortic diameters of elite athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls. Among the 5,494 studies retrieved, 21 (9,464 elite athletes vs.

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  • This study investigates whether the timing of dupilumab administration affects its effectiveness in treating patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), considering the body's natural biological rhythms.
  • The retrospective analysis involved 53 adult AD patients, comparing results based on whether they received dupilumab between midnight and noon or between noon and midnight over a 16-week period.
  • Findings indicate that while all patients showed clinical improvement, those who took dupilumab between midnight and noon experienced more significant enhancements, suggesting potential for optimizing treatment timing in future research.
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Background: Accurate recognition of consciousness level and detection of neurological complications since the intensive care unit are crucial for an appropriate prognostication and tailored treatment in patients with post-anoxic disorder of consciousness (DoC).

Objective: The present inter-society Consensus Conference aimed at addressing current debates on diagnostic and prognostic procedures.

Methods: Twelve working groups involving 22 multidisciplinary professionals (membership of 9 Scientific Societies and 2 patients' family Associations) conducted a systematic literature review focused on 12 questions addressing diagnosis (n = 5) and prognosis (n = 7).

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Article Synopsis
  • Video capsule endoscopy is the leading method for examining issues in the small intestine, but it poses a risk of retaining the capsule inside the body.
  • The text discusses two specific cases where endoscopy capsules were retained and outlines a minimally invasive method for retrieving them.
  • It reviews existing literature on capsule retention, including various medical, surgical, and preventive approaches to manage the issue.
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  • The paper discusses long-term outcomes of a novel surgical technique for reinnervating the lacrimal gland in patients with neurodeprivative dry eye disease, following an initial 1-year report.
  • A study involving 9 patients post-surgery highlights significant improvements in tear secretion and tear film health, with measured parameters showing notable enhancements at the final follow-up.
  • Patients reported high levels of satisfaction, although tear film osmolarity remained similar between the operated and non-operated eye.
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Metaphors and the Invention of Writing.

Top Cogn Sci

November 2024

Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies, University of Bologna.

The foundation of ancient, invented writing systems lies in the predominant iconicity of their sign shapes. However, these shapes are often used not for their referential meaning but in a metaphorical way, whereby one entity stands for another. Metaphor, including its subcategories pars pro toto and metonymy, plays a crucial role in the formation of the earliest pristine invented scripts, yet this mechanism has been understudied from a cognitive, contextual, and comparative perspective.

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  • Congenital ocular anomalies (COA) are a leading cause of visual impairment in children in high-income countries, and this study aimed to evaluate their prevalence in European registries.
  • Data from 19 EUROmediCAT registries and one healthcare database revealed a prevalence of COA at 3.47 cases per 10,000 births, with congenital lens anomalies being the most common type.
  • The findings suggest the need for better screening and early diagnosis of COA, highlighting the importance of large-scale epidemiological studies for understanding these conditions.
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Background: While total mesorectal excision is the gold standard for rectal cancer, the optimal surgical approach to achieve adequate oncological outcomes remains controversial. This network meta-analysis aims to compare the histopathological outcomes of robotic (R-RR), transanal (Ta-RR), laparoscopic (L-RR), and open (O-RR) resections for rectal cancer.

Materials And Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were screened from inception to June 2024.

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