in vitro activity of essential oils against pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from infected hip implants

Introduction: Essential oils have been used since ancient times and are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Methodology: in this study the antimicrobial activity of two essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Thymus vulgaris–red thyme geraniol was tested against 16 multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains from infected hip implants as well as the "in vitro" cytotoxic activity on normal human Wong-Kilbourne derivative (WKD) cells. Results: Thymus vulgaris–red thyme geraniol showed lower antimicrobial activity when compared to Melaleuca alternifolia. All tested oils were cytotoxic at concentrations lower than 0.12%. Conclusion: Increase in drug resistance and lack of new antibiotics may encourage the development of natural treatments together with higher concern on environmental issues and natural lifestyle

High-resolution magnetics reveal the deep structure of a volcanic-arc-related basalt-hosted hydrothermal site (Palinuro, Tyrrhenian Sea)

High-resolution magnetic surveys have been acquired over the partially sedimented Palinuro massive sulfide deposits in the Aeolian volcanic arc, Tyrrhenian Sea. Surveys flown close to the seafloor using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) show that the volcanic-arc-related basalt-hosted hydrothermal site is associated with zones of lower magnetization. This observation reflects the alteration of basalt affected by hydrothermal circulation and/or the progressive accumulation of a nonmagnetic deposit made of hydrothermal and volcaniclastic material and/or a thermal demagnetization of titanomagnetite due to the upwelling of hot fluids. To discriminate among these inferences, estimate the shape of the nonmagnetic deposit and the characteristics of the underlying altered area—the stockwork—we use high-resolution vector magnetic data acquired by the AUV Abyss (GEOMAR) above a crater-shaped depression hosting a weakly active hydrothermal site. Our study unveils a relatively small nonmagnetic deposit accumulated at the bottom of the depression and locked between the surrounding volcanic cones. Thermal demagnetization is unlikely but the stockwork extends beyond the limits of the nonmagnetic deposit, forming lobe-shaped zones believed to be a consequence of older volcanic episodes having contributed in generating the cones

Genome-wide Analyses Identify KIF5A as a Novel ALS Gene

To identify novel genes associated with ALS, we undertook two lines of investigation. We carried out a genome-wide association study comparing 20,806 ALS cases and 59,804 controls. Independently, we performed a rare variant burden analysis comparing 1,138 index familial ALS cases and 19,494 controls. Through both approaches, we identified kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) as a novel gene associated with ALS. Interestingly, mutations predominantly in the N-terminal motor domain of KIF5A are causative for two neurodegenerative diseases: hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG10) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 (CMT2). In contrast, ALS-associated mutations are primarily located at the C-terminal cargo-binding tail domain and patients harboring loss-of-function mutations displayed an extended survival relative to typical ALS cases. Taken together, these results broaden the phenotype spectrum resulting from mutations in KIF5A and strengthen the role of cytoskeletal defects in the pathogenesis of ALS.Peer reviewe

Analisi della percezione del patrimonio culturale di età medievale a Luogosanto: monitoraggio e questionari nell'ambito della 'Scuola di Archeologia e Comunità' (2017-2019)

Contestualmente alle attività di scavo archeologico condotte nel sito del Palazzo di Baldu a Luogosanto (Sardegna Nord- Orientale), l’Università degli Studi di Cagliari ha attivato, già da diversi anni, una serie di azioni di Archeologia pubblica finalizzate a una condivisione con la comunità locale e a favorire proposte di sviluppo sostenibile a partire dal patrimonio culturale. Tra le varie iniziative, alcune hanno avuto come obiettivo quello di misurare la percezione del sito da parte dei visitatori durante la campagna di scavo 2017 (il monitoraggio è stato svolto in collaborazione con l’Ufficio turistico comunale). Nel biennio successivo, le attività della ‘Scuola di Archeologia e Comunità’ hanno sviluppato tali rilevazioni attraverso la realizzazione di un questionario strutturato, con il quale si è inteso misurare la percezione, primariamente da parte degli abitanti di Luogosanto, della consistenza e del valore del proprio patrimonio culturale a partire dai resti ascrivibili ad età medievale. L’elaborazione dei dati emersi dal monitoraggio e dai questionari fornisce elementi interessanti per favorire una costruzione partecipata dell’identità comunitaria fondata sul patrimonio culturale locale e alcuni riferimenti per esaminare l’impatto della presenza di uno scavo archeologico ‘aperto’ in un determinato territorio

Bone fragility: current reviews ar1d clinical features

Bone strength is determined by a number of important factors, including bone mass and bone shape. A reduction in bone strength is clearly related to fracture. Bone fragility results from a reduction in bone mass and density. If there is a reduction in the connectivity of bone and impact from a mechanical load occurs, bone will fracture. Rather than considering bone fragility as being the result of a reduced amount of bone, we recognize that bone fragility is the result of changes in the material and structural properties of bone. A b tter understanding of the contribution of each component of the material composition and structure, and how these interact to maintain whole bone strength is obtained by the study of metabolic bone diseases. Disorders of collagen, of mineral content composition and distribution, disorders of remodelling and other diseases produce abnormalities in the material composition and structure that lead to bone fragilit

The Use of Probiotic Strains in Caries Prevention: A Systematic Review

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