Archivio istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Parma
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NIR hyperspectral imaging to identify damage caused by Halyomorpha halys on pears: Automated identification of Regions of Interest related to punctured areas
No full textHalyomorpha halys, commonly known as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), is an emerging pest in pear orchards determining major economic losses. BMSB feeding on fruits close to harvest ripening cause internal damage invisible to the naked eye, therefore undetectable using RGB image acquisition systems. To face this issue, in the present work Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging (NIR-HSI) is proposed as a non-destructive technique to automatically discard damaged fruits in post-harvest sorting lines. In this context, the identification of Regions of Interest (ROIs) ascribable to the punctures is a crucial step affecting the outcomes of supervised classification models. Due to irregular shapes and blurred edges between sound and punctured areas, most popular thresholding techniques are not able to automatically detect the ROIs while, on the other hand, manual thresholding is arbitrary and time consuming on large hyperspectral image datasets. This paper provides an innovative method for the automated ROIs selection based on image data dimensionality reduction (DDR) and image-level classification coupled with spatial feature selection. To this aim, the hyperspectral images were compressed into Common Space Hyperspectrograms (CSH), signals summarising both spatial and spectral information of the original images. The CSH features highly correlated with the presence of BMSB punctures and more frequently selected by interval Partial Least Squares – Discriminant Analysis (iPLS-DA) models allowed the identification of ROIs of punctured areas. Indeed, the reconstruction of the selected features back into the original image domain led to a successful identification of ROIs ascribable to BMSB punctures in an automated and objective way
An Observational Study on the Diagnosis and Antibiotics Prescription in Cats with Lower Urinary Tract Disease by Veterinarians in Italy
No full textFeline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a frequent diagnosis in cats, with bacterial causes constituting a minor percentage of cases. This observational study aimed to assess the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to FLUTD among Italian veterinarians and explore variations in different workplaces. Data were collected via an anonymous survey completed by 317 veterinarians from small clinics (SC), large clinics (LC), and veterinary hospitals (VH). Results revealed that approximately half of respondents relied on clinical signs and urinalysis for diagnosis, while fewer incorporated abdominal ultrasound. Urine culture and sensitivity (UCS) testing was infrequently performed, primarily due to financial and logistical constraints, with higher compliance in VH practitioners. Antimicrobials were widely employed, with enhanced penicillins being the most prescribed class. The frequent empirical use of quinolones raises concern regarding gaps in antimicrobial stewardship. Despite some adherence to the ISCAID guidelines, discrepancies in diagnostic rigor, antimicrobial selection, and treatment duration were observed. Larger facilities demonstrated greater alignment with evidence-based practices, emphasizing the need for widespread education on appropriate antimicrobial use. This study underscores the importance of integrating guideline-based diagnostics and stewardship in managing feline urinary tract diseases
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain Management in Haemophilic Arthropathy: A Systematic Review
No full textIntroduction: Haemophilia is a severe hereditary bleeding disorder affecting ∼1 in 5000 males, caused by deficiencies in coagulation factors VIII or IX. Chronic pain from haemophilic arthropathy (HA), especially in target joints, reduces quality of life (HRQOL), range of motion (ROM) and daily function. While conventional treatment includes replacement therapy and rehabilitation, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary approach with potential pain-relief benefits and fewer side effects. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing chronic pain and improving function and quality of life in people with haemophilia (PWH). Materials and Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024567714). Databases searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. PICO framework: (P) haemophilic patients, (I) acupuncture, (O) pain management. Studies on other coagulation disorders or non-acupuncture therapies were excluded. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI score. Results: Of 514 records (464 PubMed, 40 Scopus, 10 Web of Science), 26 duplicates were removed, and 350 titles were screened. Seven met the inclusion criteria; after quality assessment and availability check, four studies were included. A total of 37 patients (mean age 41.4 years) reported meaningful pain reduction (VAS), reduced analgesic use and improved HRQOL. No significant bleeding events were reported. Conclusion: Acupuncture may provide effective pain relief for haemophilic arthropathy with minimal side effects. However, larger, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its clinical benefits
A numerical homogenization-based methodology to replicate the behavior of patterned adhesive bonded joints
No full textBiochar Applications Did Not Increase Summer Soil Respiration in a European Beech Forest
No full textThis study aimed to assess the impact of different biochar (BCH) applications (0%, 10%, 20%, and 50%, v/v) on soil respiration in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The experiment was conducted over four months during summer 2023. Results revealed that BCH applications did not significantly affect overall soil respiration. On the other hand, soil respiration was positively influenced by soil temperature and soil moisture, the latter only for the 10% and 20% BCH amendments. At higher BCH concentrations (50%), soil respiration was not enhanced by moisture, probably due to soil water saturation and reduced oxygen availability. In conclusion, it appears that BCH does not directly stimulate soil respiration in field conditions, although specific concentrations may improve soil carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the potential for BCH amendments to be employed as a climate-smart forestry strategy in support of carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability in temperate forest ecosystems
Renormalized perturbation theory at field-level: the LSS bootstrap in GridSPT
No full textWe present a first step toward field-level cosmological inference beyond the standard ACDM model, focusing on optimizing precision tests in the nonlinear regime of large-scale structure (LSS). As an illustrative case, we study the model-independent "bootstrap" coefficient of the second-order perturbation theory (PT) kernel for matter in real space, which we use as a proxy for new physics effects in the nonlinear sector. We discuss in details the ultraviolet (UV) cutoff dependence induced by discretizing fields on a grid, which requires proper renormalization to eliminate grid artifacts. We formulate a Wilsonian perturbative framework in which the evolution from a UV theory defined at a high cutoff Aug down to lower cutoffs is computed analytically, even beyond the validity of a derivative expansion. Within this framework, we develop an extended version of the GridSPT code incorporating the bootstrap parameterization and demonstrate how cutoff-independent predictions can be achieved through the inclusion of appropriate counterterms. We validate our approach at third-and fifth-order in PT, emphasizing the importance of higher-derivative contributions for unbiased parameter extraction. Our framework is readily extendable to biased tracers and redshift-space distortions
Effect of Non-Thermal Treatments of Clear Apple Juice on Exogenous Pectinases
No full textPulsed electric field (PEF) and high-pressure processing (HPP) are non-thermal treatments, developed to ensure preservation of food products whilst maintaining taste and valuable nutrients. In this study, we investigated their potential for the inactivation of 3 commercial exogenous pectinases (polygalacturonase, pectin transeliminase, pectin esterase) commonly used in juice processing for clarification of juices. The inactivation of these enzymes after processing is mandatory by European law. Clear apple juice was treated with both non-thermal processing methods, as well as with thermal pasteurization as the standard method. For HPP, 3 pressures (250, 450, and 600 MPa) and different holding times (from 2 to 12 min) were tested. For PEF, 3 electric field intensities (10, 13, and 15 kV/cm) and different specific energy values (from 121 to 417 kJ/kg). Standard thermal pasteurization resulted in a complete inactivation of all tested pectinases. HPP treatment only showed marginal effects on polygalacturonase and pectin transeliminase at the highest pressure and holding times, which are beyond levels used in industrial settings. For PEF, dependence upon high electric field strength and specific energy values was evident; however, here too, the effect was only moderate at the levels attainable within the scope of this study. Assuming a continued linear relationship, usable results could be achieved in an industrial setting, albeit under more extreme conditions
PhotoNodes Protocol: A Multicenter Prospective Study for the Assessment of Proper Lymphadenectomy in Minimally Invasive Gastric Cancer Surgery Using Intraoperative Photographs
No full textIntroduction: In gastric cancer surgery, an adequate D2 lymphadenectomy is associated with improved cancer-specific survival. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of a new score (PhotoNodes Score [PNS]) conceived to rate the quality of lymphadenectomy in minimally invasive gastrectomy. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the inter-observer agreement among the reviewers assigning the score. The secondary outcome was the association between PNS and survival. Methods: This is a multicentric observational prospective study enrolling patients undergoing minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer with D2 lymphadenectomy. A set of laparoscopic/robotic images will be collected from each patient. Based on each set of images, the quality of lymphadenectomy performed will be rated with the new PNS by three surgeons. Fleiss’ Kappa measure of agreement will be used to study the rating agreement among examining surgeons. The PNS score will correlate with disease-free and overall survival. Conclusion: The spread of minimally invasive approaches in oncologic gastric surgery made the collection of intraoperative images easier; for this reason, we believe that PNS could represent a new and efficient tool to assess the quality of D2 lymphadenectomy in clinical practice. The PhotoNodes study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT 06466902
Biotechnological Phytocomplex of Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC. Enhances Collagen Biosynthesis In Vitro and Improves Skin Elasticity In Vivo
No full textBackground: Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC., commonly known as Japanese pepper, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia. Its berries are widely used as a spice, known for imparting a distinctive, tingly numbing sensation. Biologically, Z. piperitum has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is studied for its potential benefits in pain relief and digestive health. This study proposed a novel biotechnological Z. piperitum phytocomplex (ZPP) obtained by plant cell culture for skin health, specifically targeting collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix stability, and resilience against cellular stress. Given the bioactivity of Z. piperitum, we aimed to analyze its efficacy as a sustainable alternative for skin-supportive applications in cosmetics and supplements. Methods: ZPP was produced through stable plant cell cultures, yielding a lignan-rich (3.02% w/w) phytocomplex. Human fibroblasts (HFFs) were treated with varying ZPP concentrations to assess cellular viability, collagen metabolism, and ECM-related enzyme activities, both under normal and cell stress conditions. The in vivo assessment was performed by measuring biophysical skin parameters such as hydration, elasticity, and roughness in female volunteers for a period of six weeks. Results: In vitro, ZPP exhibited non-cytotoxicity at all concentrations tested. Under hyperosmotic stress, ZPP reduced cellular damage, suggesting enhanced resilience. ZPP upregulated lysyl oxidase (LOX) protein levels, critical for collagen cross-linking and ECM stability, with protective effects observed under oxidative/inflammatory conditions. Additionally, ZPP selectively inhibited collagenase, attenuating collagen breakdown, though antioxidant activity was modest. In vivo evaluation highlighted improved skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness. Conclusions: ZPP shows promise as a biotechnological agent for skin health, particularly in supporting collagen integrity, ECM stabilization, and cellular resilience under stress. While further studies are needed to explore its full efficacy, especially for aging and environmentally stressed skin, these findings highlight ZPP’s potential as a new ingredient for cosmetic formulations aimed at skin care and the treatment of alterations caused by aging or environmental conditions