Archivio istituzionale della Ricerca - Università degli Studi di Parma
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Valorisation of saffron floral by-products through fermentation: a focus on the antimicrobial activity
No full textSaffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus L. flowers, and after their removal, the remaining 80 % of the flower, including stamens and tepals, are discarded. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the fermentability of saffron by-products and their valorisation through the recovery of antimicrobial extracts. To evaluate the fermentability of saffron by-products, a Design of Experiment was applied and the growth ability of 20 microbial strains, mainly lactic acid bacteria and one yeast, was tested. The best-adapted strains (Limosi-lactobacillus fermentum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Pediococcus acidilactici) were selected, and the antimicrobial activity of extracts from the fermented matrices was evaluated against Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. After the extraction process, especially the extracts obtained from the fermented matrices showed antimicrobial activity (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values ranged between 50 and 25 mg/mL). To test the reproducibility of the fermentation and the antimicrobial activity of fermented matrices, by-products from different Mediterranean countries, collected in different years and subjected to different post-harvest treatments, were evaluated. The growth ability observed in the different matrices was comparable and in line with the predicted model as the antimicrobial activity
Genetic parameters for somatic cell score, differential somatic cell count, and milk electrical conductivity in dairy buffaloes
No full textUnderstanding the genetic architecture of economically important traits in dairy buffaloes is essential for implementing genetic selection and breeding strategies aimed at improving the productivity and profitability of dairy buffalo farming. Our objective was to estimate genetic parameters of udder health indicators, that is, electrical conductivity (EC), total somatic cell score (SCS), and differential somatic cell count (DSCC), in Mediterranean buffalo populations. Data were collected from six dairy commercial herds located in the Basilicata Region (Italy) including 14,571 records from 1501 Mediterranean buffaloes. Covariance components and genetic parameters were estimated using a multi-trait animal model by a Bayesian inference approach. The animal model accounted for the systematic effects of herd, days in milk (DIM), parity order, year-season of calving, year-season of sampling, milk yield class, and temperature–humidity index (THI) as well as the random effects of additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. The heritability estimates (95% credibility interval) for EC, SCS and DSCC were 0.18 (0.12–0.23), 0.11 (0.05–0.17) and 0.085 (0.04–0.12), respectively. The genetic correlations were all positive and ranged from 0.045 (−0.26 to 0.32) (DSCC-EC) and 0.76 (0.55–0.92) (DSCC-SCS). Our findings highlighted that udder health indicators have additive genetic variation which is potentially exploitable for breeding purposes. However, the response to genetic selection will likely be slow, so selection should be practiced jointly with improvements in animal husbandry and environmental conditions
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 5,5-diphenyl-3-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione
No full textThe new phenytoin analogue 5,5-diphenyl-3-(2-propyn-1-yl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione, C18H14N2O2 (3), was obtained through an alkylation reaction with propargyl bromide via the phase-transfer catalysis method, and its structure was determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The asymmetric unit of 3 consists of two independent molecules differing mainly in the orientation of the propynyl group. Each molecule forms an inversion dimer through pairs of N2-H2 center dot center dot center dot O2 hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is further consolidated by C-H center dot center dot center dot O and C-H center dot center dot center dot pi interactions. The contributions of the different interactions towards the crystal packing were further analysed using Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots, showing that the largest contribution comes from the H center dot center dot center dot H contacts (45%)
Kernel shape renormalization explains output-output correlations in finite Bayesian one-hidden-layer networks
No full textFinite-width one hidden layer networks with multiple neurons in the readout layer display nontrivial outputoutput correlations that vanish in the lazy-training infinite-width limit. In this manuscript we leverage recent progress in the proportional limit of Bayesian deep learning (that is the limit where the size of the training set P, and the width of the hidden layers N are taken to infinity keeping their ratio alpha = P/N finite) to rationalize this empirical evidence. In particular, we show that output-output correlations in finite fully connected networks are taken into account by a kernel shape renormalization of the infinite-width NNGP kernel, which naturally arises in the proportional limit. We perform accurate numerical experiments both to assess the predictive power of the Bayesian framework in terms of generalization, and to quantify output-output correlations in finite-width networks. By quantitatively matching our predictions with the observed correlations, we provide additional evidence that kernel shape renormalization is instrumental to explain the phenomenology observed in finite Bayesian one-hidden-layer networks
Aristidea III: or. 47,48 e una forma di 'superlativo popolare' (con considerazioni sulla semantica di πῶς τί; e πῶς τι; a partire da Platone)
No full textAristid. 47,48 has been variously corrected and interpreted by Dindorf, Keil and later editors. After careful reevaluation of the passage, it is proposed to print the text as transmitted by A (Laur. Plut. 60.3) but placing πῶς τί; in quotation marks: the expression—examined in detail in the paper—is attested in late Plato and is identifiable as a sort of colloquial superlative form. This ‘popular’ form of superlative, widely documented in Greek (cf. νῦν ἔναγχος, νῦν ἄρτι, ἄρτι νυνί and the like), consists of juxtaposing two different but related-meaning words, which merge, so to speak, into a semantic unicum with enhanced meaning
Imaging Derived Holograms Improve Surgical Outcome in Inexperienced Surgeons: A Meta-Analysis
No full text: BackgroundMixed reality (MR) is an emerging technology that has been employed in medicine, providing a holographic representation of patient anatomy.PurposeThe aim of this review is to examine the use of imaging-derived holograms in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.Research DesingA literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to June 2023, a total of 31 studies were included. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis.ResultsMR has been extensively used in orthopedic surgery, spinal surgery, and interventional procedures for pain management. A 3D model is derived from DICOM images and superimposed on the surgical field. The procedure's accuracy has yielded remarkable results, especially for operators with less surgical experience. Furthermore, this technology minimises the need for intra-procedure imaging, thus reducing radiation exposure.ConclusionThe meta-analysis showed an impact of MR in reducing operatory time and improving inexperienced surgeons' accuracy
Innovative teaching methodologies: Keyword-based analysis to monitor the trends of the last decade
No full textThe techniques employed to enhance the art of teaching are several and must account for various factors, some of which are specific to the subject matter, while others are related to external conditions, such as social characteristics. This study examines the current landscape of innovative teaching methodologies by identifying: (i) the primary fields where these methodologies are applied, (ii) the most active countries in adopting these methods, and (iii) the main types of techniques utilized. Although other reviews exist on this topic, this research primarily focuses on methodologies used in the engineering field and identifies the key countries that are most responsive to these innovative approaches. Through keyword-based analysis and the application of statistical methods, it was found that the leading methodologies in growth are gamification, virtual reality (VR), and project- or problem-based learning. Additionally, their use in doctoral and postgraduate programs remains underexplored, presenting opportunities for future research
PML localization in tumor associated macrophages as a prognostic marker in triple negative breast cancer
No full textTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive and metastatic subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. Outcomes for TNBC patients vary widely, suggesting this classification encompasses different cancers with distinct histological, genomic, and immunological profiles, leading to variable prognoses. The tumor microenvironment, particularly the expression and localization of promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), can influence patient outcomes by modulating inflammation. The beneficial prognostic role of increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in TNBC is well-established. In this retrospective study, we found that PML expression in tumor cells is inversely related to the presence of TILs and is associated with poorer outcomes. Patients with disease recurrence exhibited higher levels of TAMs with predominantly nuclear-localized PML, in contrast to patients who showed complete recovery. The accumulation of PML in the nucleus reduces its presence at ER-mitochondria contact sites, impairing its interaction with the NLRP3 inflammasome and leading to increased IL-1β secretion. This promotes a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment as seen in patients with adverse outcomes. Our findings suggest that both PML expression in cancer cells and its localization in TAMs can serve as additional prognostic factors, highlighting the potential of PML as a therapeutic target in TNBC
Geological, Mineralogical, and Alteration Insights of the Intermediate-Sulfidation Epithermal Mineralization in the Sidi Aissa District, Northern Tunisia
No full textThe Sidi Aissa Pb-Zn-(Ag) District, located within the Nappe Zone of northern Tunisia, has been reinterpreted as a typical intermediate-sulfidation (IS) epithermal mineralization system based on field observations and lithogeochemical analyses. Previously described as vein-style Pb-Zn deposits, the local geological framework is dominated by extensional normal faults forming half-grabens. These faults facilitated the exhumation of deep Triassic autochthonous rocks and the extrusion of 8-Ma rhyodacites and Messinian basalts. These structures, functioning as pathways for magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, facilitated the upward migration of acidic fluids, which interacted with the surrounding wall rocks, forming a subsurface alteration zone. The mineralization, shaped by Miocene extensional tectonics and magmatic activity, occurred in three stages: early quartz-dominated veins, an intermediate barite-rich phase, and late-stage supergene oxidation. Hydrothermal alteration, characterized by silicification, argillic, and propylitic zones, is closely associated with the deposition of base metals (Pb, Zn) and silver. The mineral assemblage, including barite, galena, sphalerite, and quartz, reflects dynamic processes such as fluid boiling, mixing, and pressure changes