Comparison Between Strain and 2D Shear Wave Elastography of Testes in Healthy Dogs

Sonoelastography is a rapid and non-invasive ultrasound-based technique to assess tissue elasticity. Interest in this technique’s application in veterinary medicine is progressively increasing, with preliminary reports also available to assess canine testicular parenchyma abnormalities. Since elastographic techniques are different and it is of paramount importance to standardize procedures, this work aimed to compare two different elastographic techniques, SE and 2D SWE, on the same testes and compare the data with the current literature. Thirty healthy canine testes were included, and complete B-mode, color and power Doppler examinations were performed on each one. SE was performed qualitatively through an elastogram evaluation and semiquantitatively comparing the parenchyma with peripheral skin. 2D SWE was performed and m/s measurements were taken. Each measurement was collected in the cranial, middle and caudal portions, considering the sections above and below the mediastinum separately. The healthy testes appeared to be intermediate in stiffness with differences in the various portions for SE and expressed a mean value from 1.3 m/s to 1.4 m/s for 2D SWE, consistent with the previous literature. Considering the technical specifics of the software for the two elastography methods, both of them are valuable in assessing canine testis stiffness and are potentially clinically appliable

Il dentro e il fuori. Lavoratrici domestiche capoverdiane, eritree, etiopi e filippine a Roma (1970-1989)

Questa ricerca riguarda l'esperienza di lavoratrici domestiche capoverdiane, eritree, etiopi e filippine immigrate a Roma tra anni Settanta e Novanta. Queste donne sono protagoniste dei primi flussi verso l'Italia, allora pensata come paese di sola emigrazione. Le loro voci rivelano una fitta trama di pratiche coercitive che si diramano tra spazio privato, pubblico e nella reciproca interazione tra i due

Human brucellosis: Incidence, prevention and strategies for control

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic infection caused by Gramnegative, facultative intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. The main species with moderate-to-significant human pathogenicity are: Brucella melitensis (from sheep and goats), Brucella suis (from pigs), Brucella abortus (from cattle), and Brucella canis (from dogs). The pathogen is primarily transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated food, such as undercooked meat and untreated milk and dairy products (e.g., cheese, butter or ice cream made from raw milk). The infection causes abortion, sterility, or stillbirth in domestic and wild animals, and decreases milk production, resulting in significant economic losses. In humans, it presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, including undulant fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle pain, arthralgia, orchitis/epididymitis, endocarditis, and meningitis. Human cases are primarily associated with occupational exposure. Livestock owners, farmers, veterinarians, artificial inseminators, milkers, meat packers or laboratory workers are at higher risk of frequent exposure to the pathogen. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies brucellosis as one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases. Its incidence is higher in underdeveloped nations (over 170 countries/regions), with the Mediterranean region particularly affected. The disease is also known by various names, including Mediterranean flaccid fever, Malta fever, Crimean fever, or Gibraltar fever. Brucellosis remains a significant public health concern, with approximately half a million new human cases reported annually worldwide. In the European Union (EU), according to Directive 2003/99/EC, brucellosis is subject to mandatory surveillance in 25 Member States. Based on the 2022 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), there were 198 confirmed cases of illness, resulting in 55 hospitalizations, with a notification rate of 0.04 cases per 100,000 population. This represents a slight increase (29.2%, 0.03% per 100,000 population) compared to 2021. Controlling brucellosis mainly involves education and prevention, as well as personal hygiene measures and food safety practices. Surveillance, identification and isolation of infected animals are critical for managing prevention, control, and eradication programs. This chapter examines the recent prevalence of brucellosis, the pathogenicity of the microorganism as well as the clinical manifestations of the infection in humans. It also describes the methods for detecting the pathogen, outlining appropriate measures to prevent the presence of Brucella spp. in food

The Health Impact of Cocoa from Cultivation to the Formation of Biogenic Amines: An Updated Review

Cocoa and chocolate are known for their health benefits, which depend on factors like cocoa variety, post-harvest practices, and manufacturing processes, including fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding, and refining. These processing methods can influence the concentration and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols that are linked to cardiovascular health and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific research has led to the development of cocoa-based products marketed as functional foods. However, despite the growing interest in the functional potential of cocoa, the literature lacks crucial information about the properties of different varieties of cocoa and their possible implications for human health. Moreover, climate change is affecting global cocoa production, potentially altering product composition and health-related characteristics. In addition to polyphenols, other compounds of interest are biogenic amines, due to their role and potential toxic effects on human health. Based on toxicological data and recent research on the complex relationship between biogenic amines and cocoa fermentation, setting limits or standards for biogenic amines in cocoa and chocolate could help ensure product safety. Finally, new trends in research on biogenic amines in chocolate suggest that these compounds might also be used as quality markers, and that product formulation and process conditions could change content and diversity of the different amines

MICROBIOTA-HOST EPIGENETIC AXIS IN OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

The underlying molecular mechanisms of OCD remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that microbiota composition, epigenetic regulation, and their effects on the dysregulation of endogenous signaling systems play crucial roles in the development and progression of this disorder. The overarching aim of this PhD research is thus to investigate the transcriptional regulation of genes belonging to selected endogenous systems in OCD and the possible role on these effects of microbiota dysregulation and of epigenetic mechanisms