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Intensive poultry rearing needs preventive strategies against diseases, several of which are little or not containable by vaccinations. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFAs) and chestnut tannin (CHT), both by-products of two different industrial production chains, are very effective antimicrobials. The inclusion level of these additives in the diet is fundamental because a detrimental effect on the gut microbiome can occur if the dose is too high, compromising the animal welfare and performance. Hence, the aim of this trial was to test the effect of a blend (BL; 1:1, w/w) of SMCFAs (fatty acids from C4:0 to C9:0) and CHT extract (CTE) as feed additive in broiler feeding. One hundred one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (4 replicates; 20 pens; 5 animals per pen): control diet (CON), FAS diet (with 1.5 g/100g on dry matter (DM) of SMCFAs), CTE diet (with 1.5 g/100g on DM of CHT extract), BL1 diet (with 1.5 g/100g on DM of BL), and BL2 diet (with 3.0 g/100g on DM of BL). Among the parameters evaluated (weight gain; feed intake; feed efficiency; dressing out), the only differences were observed for the feed intake. In particular, the feed intake of CON (2.876 kg), FAS (2.773 kg), CTE (2.882 kg), and BL1 (2.858 kg) were comparable while the feed intake of BL2 (2.717 kg) was lower than the other diets except for FAS which was similar (p = 0.0010). The microbial community in the caecum was described by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and was similar between the treatments both in terms of alpha-diversity and beta-diversity. The results of this trial evidenced that no detrimental effect on growth performances or on gut microbiome occurred when birds were fed the blend of SMCFAs and CHT extracts at the inclusion levels tested in this study.HIGHLIGHTS Short- and medium-chain fatty acids and chestnut tannins are alternatives to conventional antimicrobials Natural antimicrobials improve the sustainability of poultry production Short- and medium-chain fatty acids and chestnut tannins did not alter the gut microbiota of broiler

Abstract Background The epigenetic status of patients 6-month post-COVID-19 infection remains largely unexplored. The existence of long-COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), suggests potential long-term changes. Long-COVID includes symptoms like fatigue, neurological issues, and organ-related problems, regardless of initial infection severity. The mechanisms behind long-COVID are unclear, but virus-induced epigenetic changes could play a role. Methods and results Our study explores the lasting epigenetic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in an Italian cohort of 96 patients 6 months after COVID-19 exposure, comparing them to 191 healthy controls. We identified 42 CpG sites with significant methylation differences (FDR

Il Lido di Venezia, lembo di terra emersa tra mare e laguna, è da più di un secolo luogo di villeggiatura privilegiato dei veneziani. A partire dalla nascita del primo stabilimento balneare (1857), le spiagge del Lido sono divenute meta turistica nel Novecento con l’edificazione di importanti hotel di lusso e ville in stile liberty. È in questo clima di fermento che sorge, tra il 1936 e il 1937, la colonia marina “Principi di Piemonte,” su progetto di Daniele Calabi, commissionato dal Comune di Padova, che era interessato ad avere una meta turistica in terra veneziana. Inserita in un lotto di oltre 14.000 metri quadri, la colonia si compone di volumi organizzati attorno a una grande corte ritagliata in una rigida griglia geometrica, originariamente aperta verso il mare. Tuttavia, sono significativi i processi trasformativi che nel tempo hanno modificato l’impianto, arrivando in qualche caso a tradire l’idea del progettista. A partire dall’analisi della documentazione conservata nell’Archivio Progetti dell’Università Iuav di Venezia, l’articolo propone una rilettura dell’iter progettuale e del cantiere, inserendo la colonia nel contesto di sperimentazione e di innovazione di materiali e tecniche costruttive connesso alla stagione dell’autarchia. Lo studio considera infine i meccanismi in atto nel processo di riattivazione del sito che coinvolge stakeholder pubblici e privati, portando a evidenziare quanto le colonie per l’infanzia rappresentino una lente attraverso cui indagare le questioni culturali, tecniche ed economiche della conservazione e della valorizzazione del patrimonio moderno.

Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has impacted many clinical applications across medicine. However, 3D printing for Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) has not yet been reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The current observational cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of half scaled (50% scale) 3D printed (3DP) anatomic models in the pre-procedural planning of MIDCAB. Methods Retrospective analysis included 12 patients who underwent MIDCAB using 50% scale 3D printing between March and July 2020 (10 males, 2 females). Distances measured from CT scans and 3DP anatomic models were correlated with Operating Room (OR) measurements. The measurements were compared statistically using Tukey’s test. The correspondence between the predicted (3DP & CT) and observed best InterCostal Space (ICS) in the OR was recorded. Likert surveys from the 3D printing registry were provided to the surgeon to assess the utility of the model. The OR time saved by planning the procedure using 3DP anatomic models was estimated subjectively by the cardiothoracic surgeon. Results All 12 patients were successfully grafted. The 3DP model predicted the optimal ICS in all cases (100%). The distances measured on the 3DP model corresponded well to the distances measured in the OR. The measurements were significantly different between the CT and 3DP (p

BackgroundThe distribution of ovarian tumour characteristics differs between germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and non-carriers. In this study, we assessed the utility of ovarian tumour characteristics as predictors of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity, for application using the American College of Medical Genetics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) variant classification system.MethodsData for 10,373 ovarian cancer cases, including carriers and non-carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants, were collected from unpublished international cohorts and consortia and published studies. Likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for the association of ovarian cancer histology and other characteristics, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity. Estimates were aligned to ACMG/AMP code strengths (supporting, moderate, strong).ResultsNo histological subtype provided informative ACMG/AMP evidence in favour of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity. Evidence against variant pathogenicity was estimated for the mucinous and clear cell histologies (supporting) and borderline cases (moderate). Refined associations are provided according to tumour grade, invasion and age at diagnosis.ConclusionsWe provide detailed estimates for predicting BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity based on ovarian tumour characteristics. This evidence can be combined with other variant information under the ACMG/AMP classification system, to improve classification and carrier clinical management.

Abstract The aims of this study were to investigate the use of the peach palm by-products - PPBs (shell and sheaths) as substrate to Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation, evaluate its composition, and the antioxidant properties. The cultivation conditions were defined varying the C:N ratio and moisture content, using as substrate PPBs, and for comparison, a control medium of sawdust was used. P. ostreatus produced in these substrates and a commercial sample were evaluated as composition and antioxidant properties; in these last analyzes it was previous defined how to extract the highest content of phenolic compounds (TPC). The highest yield of P. ostreatus (24.47% wet basis, w.b.) was obtained using the PPB with C:N of 69.14 and moisture of 86.2% (w w-1); yield higher than that found in the control medium (17.15% w.b.). The protein content of commercial mushroom (28 g 100 g-1, dry basis - d.b.) was higher than the cultivated samples (16 g 100 g-1, d.b). In the mushroom samples the contents of ashes, lipids and dietary fibers ranged between 6.09 and 6.92 g 100g-1, d.b, 1.22 to 1.72 g 100g-1, d.b and 39.46 and 43.24 g 100g-1, d.b, respectively. The best condition for TPC extraction was: 38.8 min, using 29.4% (v v-1) of ethanol. P. ostreatus cultivated in PPBs showed the highest contents of TPC, phenolic acids (gallic, vanillic, trans-cinnamic, ferulic and coumaric), and antioxidant activity. Therefore, PPB is a low-cost alternative to mushrooms cultivation with high nutritional value, avoiding environmental problems of its incorrect disposal.

This paper aims to incorporate Greimassian semiotics of passions in current cognitive science. Concepts such as passional codes, the canonical passional schema, and other central Greimassian notions in the domain of passions are mapped against ideas such as frames and layers of meaning within cognitive science. By integrating the two fields artificially kept apart, the authors endeavour to show how the resulting synergy could shed new light on the study of passions.

Sibling female and male Chihuahuas were evaluated for a 9-month history of tachypnea that failed to respond to fenbendazole, doxycycline, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and prednisone. Physical examination identified tachypnea, hyperpnea, and harsh bronchovesicular lung sounds. Fundic examination disclosed diffuse chorioretinitis, manifested as multifocal chorioretinal granulomas in the female dog and occasional chorioretinal scars in the male dog. Thoracic radiographs indicated moderate to severe interstitial to broncho-interstitial infiltrates in both dogs. Serum and urine antigen and antibody testing in the female dog failed to identify infectious agents, but cytologic assessment of hepatic lymph node, liver, and splenic aspirates identified Pneumocystis trophozoites. Infection was confirmed in both dogs by 28S rRNA PCR sequencing from multiple tissue samples. The female dog responded well to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but the male dog was euthanized because of liver failure, presumably related to antimicrobial treatment.

Abstract Background BRCA1:c.5017_5019del (p.His1673del) is a founder variant relatively frequent in Northern Italy. Despite previous suggestion of pathogenicity, variant classification in public databases is still conflicting, needing additional evidence. Methods Maximum likelihood penetrance of breast/ovarian and other cancer types was estimated using full pedigree data from 53 informative Italian families. The effect of the variant on BRCA1‐ABRAXAS1 interaction was assessed using a GFP‐fragment reassembly‐based PPI assay. Results were combined with additional data from multiple sources to classify the variant according to ACMG/AMP classification rules specified for BRCA1/2. Results Variant‐carriers displayed increased risk for ovarian cancer (HR = 33.0, 95% CI = 7.0–155.0; cumulative risk at age 70 = 27.6%, 95% CI = 12.6–40.0%) but not for breast cancer (HR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.2–2.2). An increased risk of uterine cancer (HR = 8.0, 95% CI = 1.03–61.6) emerged, warranting further evaluation. Likelihood‐ratio in favor of pathogenicity was 98898642.82 under assumption of standard BRCA1 breast and ovarian penetrance, and 104240832.84 after excluding breast cancer diagnoses (based on penetrance results). Functional analysis demonstrated that the variant abrogates the BRCA1‐ABRAXAS1 binding, supporting the PS3 code assignment within the ACMG/AMP rule‐based model. Collectively, these findings allowed to classify the variant as pathogenic. Conclusion Pathogenicity of BRCA1:c.5017_5019del(p.His1673del) has been confirmed; however, breast cancer risk in Italian families is not increased, unlike in families from other countries and in carriers of most BRCA1 pathogenic variants. The knowledge of atypical risk profiles for this and other variants will pave the way for personalized management based on specific genotype.

Abstract This observational study aimed retrospectively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and severity of the disease in southern Brazil. All new cases diagnosed with HNSCC from March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and from March 11, 2020 to March 10, 2021 (COVID-19) were included. The data collected were: date of the histopathological diagnosis, sociodemographic data, place of residence, data related to the tumor (location of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and TNM clinical staging), time elapsed between the diagnosis and treatment initiation. There was no significant difference in the number of new diagnoses in the COVID-19 group (n=45) compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (n=47). There was also no statistical difference regarding patients’ sociodemographic profile, time between diagnosis and treatment, and overall TNM staging. However, the clinical N classification was more severe in the COVID-19 group (p=0.021). Patients diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic were 4.05 times more likely to have the N-stage more advanced (95% CI:1.62 – 10.12). Although there was no reduction in the number of new diagnosis of HNSCC during COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosed cases showed lymph node metastasis in more advanced stages.

The Goro Lagoon, located at the southern edge of the Po River Delta, is considered a major European site for clam farming. Following the advent of the Manila Clam ‘revolution’ in the 1980s, the local community transitioned from traditional fishing to a mono-focalised ecological infrastructure focused on aquaculture. However, in the last decade, anthropogenic climate alterations have severely impacted the lagoon and its industrial system, triggering a series of accelerated proliferations of macroalgae and non-indigenous species – the Atlantic Blue Crab being the most prominent one. The article investigates the eco-cultural entanglement of the Goro Lagoon and critically explores the multispecies correspondences that excited its biosocial becoming. Thus, the concept of ‘arrangement’ is employed to question both local representations of clam farming and the feral disturbances endangering its feasibility. Finally, ethical and political implications are discussed in light of the cultural expectations of controllability embedded in the technocratic administration of the lagoon.

Abstract Following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, some patients develop lingering neurologic symptoms of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC) that commonly include fatigue and “brain fog.” PASC symptoms are also linked with reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, but GH treatment has not been tested to relieve symptoms. We enrolled 13 adults with neurologic PASC symptoms and peak stimulated GH secretion less than 10 ng/mL (glucagon stimulation) in a pilot study to receive 9 months of daily GH injections and an additional 3 months of off‐treatment assessment. We compared peak stimulated GH secretion at baseline and 12 months and assessed measures of cognition, metabolism, body composition, and physical performance over the first 6 months of treatment. Patient‐reported outcomes of fatigue, quality of life, sleep, and mood were recorded at baseline and compared with timepoints at 6, 9, and 12 months. GH treatment was associated with significantly improved scores for Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Quality of Life Assessment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults, Profile of Mood States, and Beck Depression Inventory‐II, with no significant change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Six months of adjunct GH treatment was not associated with significant changes in cognition, body composition, resting energy expenditure, or physical performance. Peak stimulated GH secretion was not altered at 12 months following 9 months of GH treatment. GH treatment significantly improved neurologic symptoms in PASC patients but cognition, sleep, and physical performance were not significantly altered.

O objetivo deste estudo é problematizar uma ideia de método no campo educacional, tomada como um modelo prescritivo para garantir a finalidade de um processo educativo. Para tal fim, coloca em jogo dois arquivos estéticos: os documentários Gaga - o amor pela dança e Fall After Newton, com vistas a discutir o caráter agonístico de qualquer método, por meio da exploração da dimensão contingencial, e portanto performativa, da criação. O trabalho aciona um deslocamento estratégico da ideia de método para a de procedimento, a partir da articulação dos campos da arte; da filosofia de Gilles Deleuxe e Félix Guattari e dos estudos da performance, e aponta para a indiscernibilidade entre método e prática.

Abstract Background Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA, liquid biopsy) is a powerful tool to detect molecular alterations. However, depending on tumor characteristics, biology and anatomic localization, cfDNA detection and analysis may be challenging. Gliomas are enclosed into an anatomic sanctuary, which obstacles the release of cfDNA into the peripheral blood. Therefore, the advantages of using liquid biopsy for brain tumors is still to be confirmed. The present study evaluates the ability of liquid biopsy to detect IDH1 mutations and its correlation with survival and clinical characteristics of glioma patients. Methods Blood samples obtained from glioma patients were collected after surgery prior to the adjuvant therapy. cfDNA was extracted from plasma and IDH1 p.R132H mutation analysis was performed on a digital droplet PCR. χ2-test and Cohen k were used to assess the correlation between plasma and tissue IDH1 status, while Kaplan Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were applied to survival analysis. Statistical calculations were performed by MedCalc and GraphPad Prism software. Results A total of 67 samples were collected. A concordance between IDH1 status in tissue and in plasma was found (p = 0.0024), and the presence of the IDH1 mutation both in tissue (138.8 months vs 24.4, p