Amphoteric polyamidoamines in the treatment of malaria

The present invention relates to the use of amphoteric polyamidoamines with MW of 10-100 kDa as antimalarial agents or carriers of antimalarial drugs and to formulations thereof

Hoarding disorder: A new obsessive-compulsive related disorder in DSM-5

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders have been the subject of significant revisions in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). One of these major changes has been the removal of OCD from the \u2018Anxi- ety Disorders\u2019 section and its instalment in a new and distinct Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs) chap- ter. However, it is the instatement of Hoarding Disorder (HD) as a new OCRD that marks the most significant change. Previously considered a symptom of OCPD, and subsequently linked to OCD, it is now acknowledged that hoarding can emerge inde- pendently from any alternative condition. The present paper provides an updated review of recent investigations supporting the status of HD as an independent nosological entity. Specifi- cally, we will present the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and examine the literature pertaining to the psychopathological and phenomenological aspects of the disorder, with particular atten- tion to practical strategies that can help clinicians to recognise and differentiate HD from OCD. Finally, the available assess- ment and treatment strategies for HD are summarised

Optimal photoperiod for indoor cultivation of leafy vegetables and herbs

In Vertical Farms with Artificial Lighting (VFALs), optimal light management is a crucial determinant of both economic and environmental viability. Applications of LED technologies to plant cultivation are still recent, and research has to date mainly targeted the definition of optimal spectral and light intensity features. On the other hand, despite the relevant implications on production costs, literature on optimal photoperiod management is to date limited. Indeed, the number of hours per day correlates with the total light supplied to the crop \u2013 expressed as Daily Light Integral (DLI) \u2013 and the associated energetic costs. The present study aims at defining how photoperiods of 16 h d-1 (DLI= 14.4 mol m-2 d-1), 20 h d-1 (DLI= 18 mol m-2 d-1) and 24 h d-1 (DLI= 21.6 mol m-2 d-1)of light affect growth performances and resource use efficiency in leafy vegetables and herbs, represented by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). Plants were cultivated indoor under a red (R) and blue (B) LED light (RB=3, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)= 250 mmol m-2 s-1). Photoperiod variations\u2019 effects differed according to the considered plant species. In lettuce and chicory, the adoption of a DLI of 14.4 mol m-2 d-1 at 16 h d-1 photoperiod resulted in a greater plants fresh biomass and leaf area, which also contributed to generally obtain higher energy use efficiency (fresh biomass per unit of electricity input), light use efficiency (dry biomass per unit of light input) and, in chicory, also water use efficiency (fresh biomass per liter of water consumed). Contrarily, although photoperiod variations did not affect basil and rocket growth parameters (e.g., fresh biomass and leaf area) and the plant capacity to transform resources (e.g., water use efficiency and light use efficiency), energy use efficiency in basil also presented a downward trend in response to growing DLI. Accordingly, the adoption of a DLI of 14.4 mol m-2 d-1 at 16 h d-1 photoperiod resulted to be the optimal option among the ones tested in the presented research

HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS and HPLC-FLD-MS as valuable tools for the determination of phenolic and other polar compounds in the edible part and by-products of avocado

Avocado is a tropical fruit increasingly cultivated around the world due to global interest and rising consumption. Thus, there is also a surge in avocado by-products that needs assessment. The aim of this work is to compare the phenolic profile of avocado pulp, peel and seed when the fruit is at optimal ripeness for consumption and when overripe. Two analytical techniques were used: (1) HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS was used for the first time to determine phenolic and other polar compounds in avocado peel and seed. Phenolic compounds quantified with these methods were in higher concentration in overripe than in pulp and seed of optimally ripe fruit. (2) HPLC-FLD-MS was used to specifically determine flavan-3-ols. Procyanidins to degree of polymerization 13 have been quantified singularly here for the first time. In addition, A- and B-type procyanidins from the degree of polymerization 2 to 6 were differentiated and quantified. The procyanidin concentration increased after ripening probably due to the release of tannins linked to cell-wall structures. Because of this situation and the presence of A-type procyanidins, avocado peel and seed from overripe fruit, the main by-products of avocado processing, hold interest for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmetics

Altilix\uae Supplement Containing Chlorogenic Acid and Luteolin Improved Hepatic and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A 6 Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

The objective was to evaluate the eects of 6 months of supplementation with Altilix\uae, containing chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, and luteolin and its derivatives, on cardiovascular risk and hepatic markers in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 100 subjects with MetS with a follow-up period of 6 months; 50 subjects were randomized to Altilix\uae (26 men and 24 women, mean age 63 8 years) and the other 50 to placebo (28 men and 22 women, mean age 63 11 years). Anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and hepatic parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of follow-up. Carotid intima-media thickness and endothelial function were assessed by doppler ultrasound and by flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, respectively. The presence and degree of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was assessed by the fatty liver index (FLI), and subjects were divided into three subgroups: (1) without NAFLD; (2) with borderline NAFLD; and (3) with NAFLD. After 6 months of Altilix\uae supplementation, we found a significant improvement vs. placebo in most of the evaluated parameters, including body weight (2.40% (95% CI 3.79, 1.01); p < 0.001), waist circumference (2.76% (95% CI 4.55, 0.96); p = 0.003), HbA1c (0.95% (95% CI 1.22, 0.67); p < 0.001), plasma lipids, FLI (21.83% (95% CI 27.39, 16.27); p < 0.001), hepatic transaminases, flow-mediated dilation (10.56% (95% CI 5.00, 16.12); p < 0.001), and carotid intima-media thickness (39.48% (95% CI 47.98, 30.97); p < 0.001). Further, the improvement in cardiometabolic variables was independent of the degree of hepatic steatosis. Altilix\uae supplementation improved hepatic and cardio-metabolic parameters in MetS subjects. Altilix\uae supplementation was a beneficial approach in the management of hepatic and cardiometabolic alterations in MetS subjects

Taking advantage from phenotype variability in a local animal genetic resource: identification of genomic regions associated with the hairless phenotype in Casertana pigs

Casertana is an endangered autochthonous pig breed (raised in south-central Italy) that is considered to be the descendant of the influential Neapolitan pig population that was used to improve British breeds in the 19th century. Casertana pigs are characterized by a typical, almost complete, hairless phenotype, even though a few Casertana pigs are normal haired. In this work, using Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip data, we carried out a genome-wide association study and an FST analysis with this breed by comparing animals showing the classical hairless phenotype (n\ua0=\ua081) versus pigs classified as haired (n\ua0=\ua015). Combining the results obtained with the two approaches, we identified two significant regions: one on porcine chromosome (SSC) 7 and one on SSC15. The SSC7 region contains the forkhead box N3 (FOXN3) gene, the most plausible candidate gene of this region, considering that mutations in another gene of the same family (forkhead box N1; Foxn1 or FOXN1) are responsible for the nude locus in rodents and alopecia in humans. Another potential candidate gene, rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 10 (ARHGEF10), is located in the SSC15 region. FOXN3 and ARHGEF10 have been detected as differentially expressed in androgenetic and senescent alopecia respectively. This study on an autochthonous pig breed contributes to shed some light on novel genes potentially involved in hair development and growth and demonstrates that local animal breeds can be valuable genetic resources for disclosing genetic factors affecting unique traits, taking advantage of phenotype variability segregating in small populations

Ovinos alimentados con raciones que incluyen tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus subsp. palmensis) en reemplazo de heno de alfalfa. I. Consumo y variaciones de peso vivo

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate intake and live weight (LW) variations of young rams of one year of age average, fed with tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus subsp. palmensis) and alfalfa. Young Suffolk Down rams with an initial LW of 38 kg were fed with increasing quantities of tagasaste soiling - 0, 30, 60 y 90% - as a replacement for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), hay which originated four treatments. The total intake of DM was 1,880; 1,745; 1,374; and 1,033 g DM animal-1 d-1 in the four treatments, respectively; the LW gains were lower as tagasaste was incorporated into the rations (354, 270, 120 and 134 g animal-1 d-1 in the whole experimental period). The animals fed with rations that included tagasaste increased its consumption as the experiment advanced, with the consequent increment in the daily LW gains in the treatments with 60 and 90% tagasaste.El experimento tuvo como objetivo evaluar el consumo y variaciones de peso vivo (PV) de carnerillos de un a\uf1o de edad promedio, alimentados con tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus subsp. palmensis) y heno de alfalfa. Se utilizaron carnerillos Suffolk Down, con un PV promedio inicial de 38 kg, los que fueron alimentados con cantidades crecientes de soiling de tagasaste - 0, 30, 60 y 90% - en reemplazo de heno de alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), lo que origin\uf3 cuatro tratamientos. El consumo total de MS fue de 1.880; 1.745; 1.374; y 1.033 g MS animal-1 d-1 en los cuatro tratamientos, respectivamente; las ganancias de PV fueron menores a medida que se incorpor\uf3 tagasaste en las raciones (354; 270; 120; y 134 g animal-1 d-1 en todo el per\uedodo experimental). Los animales alimentados con raciones que incluyeron tagasaste aumentaron el consumo de \ue9ste a medida que avanzaba el experimento, con el consiguiente incremento en las ganancias diarias de PV en los tratamientos con 60 y 90% de tagasaste

Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: A multinational study of 2622 patients under the auspices of the International Association of Pancreatology and European Pancreatic Club (European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas)

OBJECTIVES: Serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas whose natural history is poorly known. The purpose of the study was to attempt to describe the natural history of SCN, including the specific mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective multinational study including SCN diagnosed between 1990 and 2014. RESULTS: 2622 patients were included. Seventy-four per cent were women, and median age at diagnosis was 58\u2005years (16-99). Patients presented with non-specific abdominal pain (27%), pancreaticobiliary symptoms (9%), diabetes mellitus (5%), other symptoms (4%) and/or were asymptomatic (61%). Fifty-two per cent of patients were operated on during the first year after diagnosis (median size: 40\u2005mm (2-200)), 9% had resection beyond 1\u2005year of follow-up (3\u2005years (1-20), size at diagnosis: 25\u2005mm (4-140)) and 39% had no surgery (3.6\u2005years (1-23), 25.5\u2005mm (1-200)). Surgical indications were (not exclusive) uncertain diagnosis (60%), symptoms (23%), size increase (12%), large size (6%) and adjacent organ compression (5%). In patients followed beyond 1\u2005year (n=1271), size increased in 37% (growth rate: 4\u2005mm/year), was stable in 57% and decreased in 6%. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 0.6% (n=10), and SCN's related mortality was 0.1% (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: After a 3-year follow-up, clinical relevant symptoms occurred in a very small proportion of patients and size slowly increased in less than half. Surgical treatment should be proposed only for diagnosis remaining uncertain after complete workup, significant and related symptoms or exceptionally when exists concern with malignancy. This study supports an initial conservative management in the majority of patients with SCN

Two-pion Bose-Einstein correlations in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of two-pion Bose-Einstein correlations in central Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV at the Large Hadron Collider is presented. We observe a growing trend with energy now not only for the longitudinal and the outward but also for the sideward pion source radius. The pion homogeneity volume and the decoupling time are significantly larger than those measured at RHIC.Comment: 17 pages, 5 captioned figures, 1 table, authors from page 12, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/388

Suppression of charged particle production at large transverse momentum in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76 TeV

Inclusive transverse momentum spectra of primary charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV have been measured by the ALICE Collaboration at the LHC. The data are presented for central and peripheral collisions, corresponding to 0-5% and 70-80% of the hadronic Pb-Pb cross section. The measured charged particle spectra in $|\eta|<0.8$ and $0.3 < p_T < 20$ GeV/$c$ are compared to the expectation in pp collisions at the same $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$, scaled by the number of underlying nucleon-nucleon collisions. The comparison is expressed in terms of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm AA}$. The result indicates only weak medium effects ($R_{\rm AA} \approx$ 0.7) in peripheral collisions. In central collisions, $R_{\rm AA}$ reaches a minimum of about 0.14 at $p_{\rm T}=6$-7GeV/$c$ and increases significantly at larger $p_{\rm T}$. The measured suppression of high-$p_{\rm T}$ particles is stronger than that observed at lower collision energies, indicating that a very dense medium is formed in central Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC.Comment: 15 pages, 5 captioned figures, 3 tables, authors from page 10, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/98