Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of einkorn and emmer sprouts and wheatgrass obtained under different radiation wavelengths

Abstract Sprouted seeds represent intriguing ready-to-eat micro-scale vegetables for the healthy food market, since they are tasty and rich in bioactive compounds. However, sprouts have been recently proposed as a source for the extraction and purification of several phytochemicals to be used in food supplementation or pharmaceutics. Recently, there has been an industrialization of sprout production, carried out indoor, often with use of artificial light, which have implications on biomass yield and composition, and on energetic and economic costs. This work investigates the effects of different radiation wavelengths from light emitting diodes (LED) on free and bound phenolics and antioxidant activity of sprouts and wheatgrass of einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum) and emmer ([(Triticum turgidum L. spp. dicoccum, (Schrank ex Schubler) Thell.)]). After 3 days of grain incubation in the dark, three light treatments were applied, labelled as BLUE (447 and 470 nm), RED (627 and 655 nm), and SUN (447, 470, 505, 530, 590, 627, 655 nm), for a same total photon flux density (PFD) of 200 μmol m−2 s−1. Sprouts were harvested at 5 days after sowing (DAS) and wheatgrass at 9 DAS. The effect of light was generally not significant for sprouts, much greater and species-specific for wheatgrass: BLUE in einkorn and RED in emmer generally increased free and total content of polyphenol (PC), tannins (TC), flavonoid (FC) and phenolic acids (PAs). The antioxidant activity was increased by BLUE in einkorn and decreased by RED in both species. BLUE and RED resulted energy saving compared to SUN

Dietary patterns and oral and pharyngeal cancer using latent class analysis

The methods traditionally used to identify a posteriori dietary patterns are principal components, factor and cluster analysis. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between dietary patterns derived with latent class analysis (LCA) and oral/pharyngeal cancer risk (OPC), highlighting the strengths of this method compared to traditional ones. We analyzed data from an Italian multicentric case-control study on OPC including 946 cases and 2,492 hospital controls. Dietary patterns were derived using LCA on 25 food groups. A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for OPC according to the dietary patterns identified. We identified four dietary patterns. The first one was characterized by a high intake of leafy and fruiting vegetable and fruits (Prudent pattern), the second one showed a high intake of red meat and low intake of selected fruits and vegetables (Western pattern). The last two patterns showed a combination-type of diet. We labeled "Lower consumers-combination pattern" the cluster that showed a low intake of the majority of foods, and "Higher consumers-combination pattern" the one characterized by a high intake of various foods. Compared to the "Prudent pattern", the "Western" and the "Lower consumers-combination" ones were positively related to the risk of OPC (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.90-3.45 and OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.64-3.02). No difference in risk emerged for the "Higher consumers-combination pattern" (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.92-1.77)

Effects of robotic upper limb treatment after stroke on cognitive patterns: A systematic review

Background: Robotic therapy (RT) has been internationally recognized for the motor rehabilitation of the upper limb. Although it seems that RT can stimulate and promote neuroplasticity, the effectiveness of robotics in restoring cognitive deficits has been considered only in a few recent studies. Objective: To verify whether, in the current state of the literature, cognitive measures are used as inclusion or exclusion criteria and/or outcomes measures in robotic upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients. Methods: The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies eligible were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to March 2021. Results: Eighty-one studies were considered in this systematic review. Seventy-three studies have at least a cognitive inclusion or exclusion criteria, while only seven studies assessed cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: Despite the high presence of cognitive instruments used for inclusion/exclusion criteria their heterogeneity did not allow the identification of a guideline for the evaluation of patients in different stroke stages. Therefore, although the heterogeneity and the low percentage of studies that included cognitive outcomes, seemed that the latter were positively influenced by RT in post-stroke rehabilitation. Future larger RCTs are needed to outline which cognitive scales are most suitable and their cut-off, as well as what cognitive outcome measures to use in the various stages of post-stroke rehabilitation

Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago

Background: Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA. Methods: This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up. Results: 564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6 years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P < 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections. Conclusions: After 100 years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception

Valutare gli impatti della qualità sociale e ambientale sul benessere soggettivo

Monetary metric is useful whenever it is necessary a cost/benefit assessment that implies a change of the degree of individuals and families well-being. The work is devoted to investigate and assess the impact of Environmental and Social Quality (ESQu) on Subjective Well-Being (SWB) at regional scale, keeping under control the individual heterogeneity. After a brief introduction, the application of the Life Satisfaction Approach (LSA) on a large data-base of Italian official statistical source, allows establishing the operative practicality of this method through monetization of the impact of some externalities. In this direction and by way of an example, some regional differentials, in terms of environmental and social benefits-costs, are highlighted and their impact on GDP is estimated.Monetary metric is useful whenever it is necessary a cost/benefit assessment that implies a change of the degree of individuals and families well-being. The work is devoted to investigate and assess the impact of Environmental and Social Quality (ESQu) on Subjective Well-Being (SWB) at regional scale, keeping under control the individual heterogeneity. After a brief introduction, the application of the Life Satisfaction Approach (LSA) on a large data-base of Italian official statistical source, allows establishing the operative practicality of this method through monetization of the impact of some externalities. In this direction and by way of an example, some regional differentials, in terms of environmental and social benefits-costs, are highlighted and their impact on GDP is estimated

Dietary patterns and oral and pharyngeal cancer using latent class analysis

The methods traditionally used to identify a posteriori dietary patterns are principal components, factor and cluster analysis. The aim of our study is to assess the relationship between dietary patterns derived with latent class analysis (LCA) and oral/pharyngeal cancer risk (OPC), highlighting the strengths of this method compared to traditional ones. We analyzed data from an Italian multicentric case-control study on OPC including 946 cases and 2,492 hospital controls. Dietary patterns were derived using LCA on 25 food groups. A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for OPC according to the dietary patterns identified. We identified four dietary patterns. The first one was characterized by a high intake of leafy and fruiting vegetable and fruits (Prudent pattern), the second one showed a high intake of red meat and low intake of selected fruits and vegetables (Western pattern). The last two patterns showed a combination-type of diet. We labeled "Lower consumers-combination pattern" the cluster that showed a low intake of the majority of foods, and "Higher consumers-combination pattern" the one characterized by a high intake of various foods. Compared to the "Prudent pattern", the "Western" and the "Lower consumers-combination" ones were positively related to the risk of OPC (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.90-3.45 and OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.64-3.02). No difference in risk emerged for the "Higher consumers-combination pattern" (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.92-1.77)

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on pediatric liver transplant recipients residing in Lombardy, Northern Italy.

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) represents an unprecedented public health issue for the general population and for patients with underlying chronic conditions. Compared to adults, children seem to have a milder course of the disease, with very few requiring medical attention

Effetto antiossidante della creatina in cellule di mammifero in coltura

La creatina (Cr) rappresenta uno dei depositi energetici fondamentali per l’organismo, e in particolare per il muscolo scheletrico, il cuore e il sistema nervoso centrale. La forma fosforilata della Cr, la fosfocreatina (CrP) rappresenta una fonte immediata di gruppi fosfato ad alta energia con i quali sostenere i livelli di ATP. La supplementazione con mega-dosi di Cr (necessarie per aumentare ia CrP muscolare) è diffusamente praticata nell’ambito sportivo, e a tale riguardo è stata espressa preoccupazione per la reale sicurezza e innocuità di tale pratica. Nonostante non siano emersi dati allarmanti, resta però da chiarire se vi sia una effettiva utilità nell’assumere giornalmente elevatissime dosi di Cr. La Cr è una aminoguanidina, ed è noto che alcune sostanze a struttura aminoguanidinica esplicano attività antiossidante, proprietà che, per quanto riguarda la Cr, non è stata mai direttamente valutata in sistemi cellulari. Questo studio si è proposto di verificare se la Cr svolga effettivamente, e con quali modalità, un effetto protettivo nei confronti di diversi tipi di stress ossidativo utilizzando cellule di differente derivazione tissutale (U937, promonociti; HUVEC, endoteliali; C2C12, mioblastri murini) esposte a diversi agenti ossidanti. I risultati ottenuti hanno indicato che i) la Cr, a dosi paragonabili a quelle raggiungibili in vivo, esplica una significativa e simile citoprotezione nei tre tipi cellulari esposti a stress ossidativo ii) l’effetto non è riconducibile alla chelazione del ferro né a un incremento dell’attività di catalasi o glutatione perossidasi iii) mediante spettrometria di massa si è evidenziato, in soluzioni contenenti Cr, Fe 2+ (10 nM) ed H2O2, la formazione di un prodotto di ossidazione (deaminazione ossidativa) della Cr con PM 136. Tale specie si forma anche in estratti di cellule U937 preincubate con Cr ed esposte ad H2O2 o ter-butilidroperossido iv) l’effetto protettivo è interamente ascrivibile alla quota intracellulare di Cr: la supplementazione di Cr determina un significativo incremento dose- e tempo-dipendente del pool intracellulare. Ciò avviene solo in parte per la CrP: infatti appare molto diverso, nei tre tipi cellulari, il rapporto tra le concentrazioni intracellulari di Cr e della sua forma fosforilata (CrP/Cr C2C12>HUVEC>>U937). In conclusione la Cr migliora la sopravvivenza di cellule esposte a stress ossidativo con un meccanismo compatibile con una intrinseca attività antiossidante indipendente dalla maggior disponibilità di CrP: in quest’ottica tanto il valore nutrizionale della Cr in specifici gruppi di popolazione, quanto le usuali modalità di supplementazione, andrebbero criticamente riesaminate

CORONAcrisis—An Observational Study on the Experience of Healthcare Professionals in a University Hospital during a Pandemic Emergency

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect millions worldwide and has posed unique challenges to healthcare professionals. Caring for patients during a pandemic may have negative impacts on their mental health. We describe the first part of a study using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design (QUANT→QUAL). This quantitative part examines the experiences of healthcare professionals during the pandemic in a University Hospital in Italy. We performed a cross-sectional hospital-based survey involving all healthcare professionals between 19 May 2020 and 3 June 2020. Perceived Stress Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and General Anxiety Disorder scores were calculated, in order to assess how the pandemic emergency changed the occupational and social habits of the healthcare professionals. The mean age of the 275 respondents was 47 years and females accounted for 80.2%. A total of 29.8% had a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score ≥25, 22.9% scored ≥15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale, and 17.1% scored ≥15 on the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scale. Stress symptoms were mostly manifested for interviewees over 55, females, those who live far from their family, those who have only one child, and those who had a qualification lower than high school or who had a medical specialization. Our findings show a relevant level of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression in up to 30% of the sample, highlighting a significant psychological burden in all professionals