Early development of an energetic biodegradable thermoset elastomer

Biodegradable energetic elastomers -- Historical development of biodegradable polyurethane elastomers -- Synthesis of the polyol -- Properties of the polyol -- Chemistry of polyols -- Raw materials for the synthesis -- Energetic polyol -- Synthesis of polyurethane elastomers -- Raw materials for the synthesis -- Chemistry of polyurethane -- Mechanical properties of polyurethane elastomers -- Definition of biodegrable materials -- Mechanisms of biodegradation -- Measuring biodegradation of polymers -- Experimental methodology -- Materials -- Polyesterification reaction -- Purification of polyepichlorohydrin -- Direct polycondensation -- Polycondensation with diacid dichlorides -- Azidation of the copolymer -- Prepolymer characterization -- Polyurethane formulations -- Polyurethane characterization -- Water uptake -- DMA analysis -- Composting of the elastomers -- Preparation and characterisation of the compost -- Evaluations of the biodegradation of the compost -- Early development of a biodegradable energetic polymer -- Early development of a biodegradable energetic elastomer -- Experimental -- Synthesis of the co-poly (ester/ether) -- Azidation of the co-poly(ester/ether) -- Characterization of the co-poly(ester/ether) -- Synthesis of thermoset polyurethane elastomers -- Characterization of the thermoset polyurethane elastomers -- Biodegradation analysis -- Biodegradation in the compost of the energetic and non-energetic polyurethane binders -- Development of biodegrable energetic elastomers -- Synthesis of polyurethane elastomer and biodegradation analysis -- Protocole expérimental pour la dégradation du PLA -- Characterization of the compost -- LVE regions of Polyurethane networks

Removal of acetaldehyde from saliva by mucoadhesive formulations containing cysteine and chlorhexidine diacetate: a possible approach to the prevention of oral cavity alcohol-related cancer

The aim of our work has been to develop buccoadhesive formulations (tablets) containing both L-cysteine and chlorhexidine diacetate and to verify their ability to reduce oral acetaldehyde produced after alcoholic drinks consumption

Neuropsychological Phenotype in Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome

The Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes a range of intellectual disability from mild to severe. In this study, we used standard tools to psychometrically characterize the specific neuropsychological phenotype of WHS. We studied 57 individuals with WHS, ranging in age from 2.6 to 28.6 years representing 70% of the certified Italian WHS population. Results obtained by administering Griffiths' Mental Developmental Scales and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale revealed a typical WHS neuropsychological phenotype characterized by specific strengths and weaknesses. Despite their severe cognitive impairment, in both scales, patients showed better communication and social interaction skills compared to visuo-motor abilities. Results of our study could bring to the development of new and more effective treatments for individuals affected by WHS: based on neuropsychological phenotype description, it should be possible to design specific rehabilitation programs. These programs would then be aimed at improving rehabilitation protocols to optimize the developmental potential and personal independence of individuals with WHS and thus to improve their quality of life

3–5 BI-RADs Microcalcifications: Correlation between MRI and Histological Findings

Purpose. To evaluate the correlation between MRI and histopathological findings in patients with mammographically detected 3–5 BI-RAD (Breast Imaging Reporting And Data Systems) microcalcifications and to allow a better surgical planning. Materials and Method. 62 female Patients (age 50 ± 12) with screening detected 3–5 BI-RAD microcalcifications underwent dynamic 3 T contrast-enhanced breast MRI. After 30-day (range 24–36 days) period, 55 Patients underwent biopsy using stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), 5 Patients underwent stereotactic mammographically guided biopsy, and 2 Patients underwent MRI-guided VAB. Results. Microhistology examination demonstrated 36 malignant lesions and 26 benign lesions. The analysis of MRI findings identified 8 cases of MRI BI-RADS 5, 23 cases of MRI BI-RADS 4, 11 cases of MRI BI-RADS 3, 4 cases type A and 7 cases type B, and 20 cases of MRI BI-RADS 1-2. MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 88.8%, 76.9%, 84.2%, and 83.3%, respectively

Effects of supplementation with vegetable extracts on physicochemical, antioxidant and microbiological properties of yogurts

The objective of this work was the evaluation of physico-chemical properties, antioxidant capacity and microbiological vitality of in laboratory prepared yogurts, whose fermentation was conducted in presence or in absence of different vegetable extracts: artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) edible (ED) and not edible (NED) part, strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruits at two different stages of ripening, ripe (red) and unripe (yellow) fruits, cherries (Prunus avium L.), compared to commercial yogurts supplemented with vegetable extracts or with antioxidant factors

Azione di estratti polifenolici naturali sul ceppo probiotico <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> ATCC 12116

La presente indagine ha lo scopo di studiare il comportamento del ceppo probiotico Lactobacillus casei ATCC 12116 in presenza di estratti naturali ricchi di polifenoli. Gli estratti sono stati preparati a partire sia da mieli sardi di diversa origine botanica che da droghe essiccate reperite attraverso i canali commerciali, e in essi sono stati determinati i polifenoli presenti. Attualmente, utilizzando tecniche microbiologiche standard, si stanno valutando la vitalità e la crescita del microrganismo in presenza di varie concentrazioni di questi estratti e in varie condizioni sperimentali. Sul poster saranno discussi in dettaglio i risultati ottenuti

Combining HLA-DRB1-DQB1 and <i>Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercolosis</i> (MAP) antibodies in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients: associated or independent risk factors?

Background: Amongst Sardinians the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes *15:02-*06:01, *16:01-*05:02, *14:01-4-*05:03 are protective for multiple sclerosis (MS), while *13:03-*03:01, *04:05-*03:01, *03:01-*02:01, *15:01-*06:02 and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercolosis (MAP) are predisposing factors. We studied the correlation between MAP and HLA. Methods: Five hundred thirty-one patients were searched for anti-MAP2694 antibodies, DRB1-DQB1 genotyping was performed. The haplotypes were classified as predisposing, neutral or protective. Results: Anti-MAP2694 were found in 23 % of subjects carrying one protective HLA versus 32 % without (p = 0.04). Conclusions: We showed a lower frequency of Abs in patients with protective HLA. These haplotypes could have a protective role for both MS and MAP

First report of Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) from Sardinia (Italy)

The Common toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus, 1758) was found for the first time in Sardinia in 2016 during herpetological surveys. The species appears to be well established in the finding area. Many adults and juveniles, tadpoles at different developmental stages, and eggs have been found during repeated monitoring. In order to infer the geographic origin of the Sardinian population, we amplified two mitochondrial markers (16S, cytb) and compared sequences with those available for the species across its natural range. We also screened samples for the presence of Bd pathogen to assess the risk of infection mediated by the species in the area. Results suggest that Sardinian individuals are genetically close to the Central Italian populations, although they show a unique distinct haplotype. Though the species should be considered allochthonous to the Island, further molecular and ecological data are urgently needed to assess the genetic structure and the possible impact on the local fauna, which is largely composed by endemic taxa. Particularly, possible interactions with other native amphibians like the green toad Bufo balearicus (Boettger, 1880), also present in the area, should be investigated, both in terms of competition for breeding sites and genetic pollution, as these species are already known to hybridize in the wild

Incorporation of different natural polyphenol extracts into a yoghurt and their effect on viability of a selected probiotic strain

The aims of our project were: (1) to prepare different extracts of strawberry-tree honey, Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke), Arbutus unedo L. fruits (strawberry-tree) and Prunus avium L. var. Bonnannaro fruits (cherry) and characterise them with respect to their polyphenol contents; (2) to study the effect of these extracts on viability of probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei ATCC 12116; (3) to incorporate these extracts into commercial yoghurt samples to verify if their presence improves the shelf-life of this food

Ren: a novel, developmentally regulated gene that promotes neural cell differentiation

Expansion and fate choice of pluripotent stem cells along the neuroectodermal lineage is regulated by a number of signals, including EGF, retinoic acid, and NGF, which also control the proliferation and differentiation of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) neural progenitor cells. We report here the identification of a novel gene, REN, upregulated by neurogenic signals (retinoic acid, EGF, and NGF) in pluripotent embryonal stem (ES) cells and neural progenitor cell lines in association with neurotypic differentiation. Consistent with a role in neural promotion, REN overexpression induced neuronal differentiation as well as growth arrest and p27Kip1 expression in CNS and PNS neural progenitor cell lines, and its inhibition impaired retinoic acid induction of neurogenin-1 and NeuroD expression. REN expression is developmentally regulated, initially detected in the neural fold epithelium of the mouse embryo during gastrulation, and subsequently throughout the ventral neural tube, the outer layer of the ventricular encephalic neuroepithelium and in neural crest derivatives including dorsal root ganglia. We propose that REN represents a novel component of the neurogenic signaling cascade induced by retinoic acid, EGF, and NGF, and is both a marker and a regulator of neuronal differentiation