New Instruments for Impact Assessment: study of an academic library

This study presents a review of new instruments for the impact assessment of libraries and a case study of the evaluation impact of the Library of the Faculty of Science, University of Porto (FCUP), from the students’ point of view. We con ducted a mixed methods research, i.e., which includes both qualitative data, to describe characteristics, in particular human actions, and quantitative data, represented by numbers that indicate exact amounts which can be statistically manipulated. Applying International Standard ISO16439:2014 (E) - Information and documentation - Methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries, we collected, 20 opinion texts from students of different nationalities, published in «Notícias da Biblioteca», from January 2013 to December 2014 and have conducted seven interviews.

Forage peanut (Arachis spp.) genetic evaluation and selection.

Forage peanut improvement for use in grass?legume mixtures is expected to have a great impact on the sustainability of Brazilian livestock production. Eighteen cloned Arachis spp. ecotypes were evaluated under clipping in a Brazilian Cerrado region and results analysed using a mixed model methodology. The objective was to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters and to select the best ecotypes based on selection index applied on their predicted genotypic value. The traits of total dry-matter (DM) and leaf DM yield presented moderate (0_30 < h2g < 0_50) to high (>0_50) broad-sense heritability, in contrast to the low genetic variability in nutritional quality-associated traits. Ecotypes of Arachis spp. contained average crude protein concentrations of 224 g kg _1 DM in leaves and 138 g kg _1 DM in stems, supporting the potential role of these species to overcome the low protein content in Cerrado pastures. The correlations between yield traits and traits associated with low nutritional value in leaves were consistently significant and positive. Genetic correlations among all the yield traits evaluated during the rainy or dry seasons were significant and positive. The ecotypes were ranked based on selection index. The next step is to validate long-term selection of grass?Arachis in combination with pastures under competition and adjusted grazing in the Cerrado region.

Evaluation of the pathogenetic role of cellular subsets of the Follicular Lymphoma Microenvironment

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a B cell neoplasm, composed of follicle center cells, that accounts for about 20% of all lymphomas, with the highest incidence reported in the USA and western Europe. FL has been considered a virtually incurable disease, with a high response rate alternated with frequent post-therapy relapses or progression towards more aggressive lymphomas. Due to the extreme variability in outcome, many efforts were made to predict prognosis, the need for therapy, and the likelihood of evolution. Even if clinical scores turned out to be robust and easy to use in clinical practice for patient risk stratification, marked heterogeneity in outcome remains within each group and further insights into the biology of FL are needed. The genome-wide approach underscored the pivotal role of the FL microenvironment in the evolution of the disease. In 2004, a landmark study by Dave et al. first described the microenvironment impact on tumor biology. By gene expression profiling they identified two different immune response signatures, involving T-cells and macrophages which seemed to independently predict FL outcome, but their exact is not completely understood and different studies led to variable results. Subsequently, many workgroups identified in amount and distribution pattern of these different cell subsets features which can impact prognosis, this leading to hypothesizing the use of these parameters as surrogate markers of the molecular signature. We aimed to assess the possible contributions of micro-environmental components to FL transformation or progression, its relevance as a prognostic/predictive tool, and its potential role as an innovative therapeutic target. We used immunohistochemical techniques, focusing specifically on macrophages and T-cells subsets, and then found correlations between the presence, proportions, and distribution of these reactive cells and the clinical outcomes leading to the future development of a reliable tool for upfront risk stratification of patients affected by FL.

Impact of Geomatic Techniques on Topo-Bathymetric Surveys for Coastal Analysis

Sandy coasts represent vital areas whose preservation and maintenance also involve economic and tourist interests. Besides, these dynamic environments undergo the erosion process at different levels depending on their specific characteristics. For this reason, defence interventions are commonly realized by combining engineering solutions and management policies to evaluate their effects over time. Monitoring activities represent the fundamental instrument to obtain a deep knowledge of the investigated phenomenon. Thanks to technological development, several possibilities both in terms of geomatic surveying techniques and processing tools are available, allowing to reach high performances and accuracy. Nevertheless, when the littoral definition includes both emerged and submerged beaches, several issues have to be considered. Therefore, the geomatic surveys and all the following steps need to be calibrated according to the individual application, with the reference system, accuracy and spatial resolution as primary aspects. This study provides the evaluation of the available geomatic techniques, processing approaches, and derived products, aiming at optimising the entire workflow of coastal monitoring by adopting an accuracy-efficiency trade-off. The presented analyses highlight the balance point when the increase in performance becomes an additional value for the obtained products ensuring proper data management. This perspective can represent a helpful instrument to properly plan the monitoring activities according to the specific purposes of the analysis. Finally, the primary uses of the acquired and processed data in monitoring contexts are presented, also considering possible applications for numerical modelling as supporting tools. Moreover, the theme of coastal monitoring has been addressed throughout this thesis by considering a practical point of view, linking to the activities performed by Arpae (Regional agency for prevention, environment and energy of Emilia-Romagna). Indeed, the Adriatic coast of Emilia-Romagna, where sandy beaches particularly exposed to erosion are present, has been chosen as a case study for all the analyses and considerations.

Development of a porcine lactation model for the evaluation of mammary transfer of exogenous molecules - A contribution from the conception project

Around 5 million women give birth each year in Europe and, while breastfeeding, the majority of them may need to take medications, either occasionally or continuously. Unfortunately, there is often scarce evidence of trustworthy information about how a specific molecule might affect the physiology of lactation. This is the reason that brought a European public-private partnership to fund the development of a reliable platform to provide women and health-care professionals a helpful instrument to reduce uncertainty about the effects of medication used during breastfeeding. On April 1st 2019, the ConcePTION project (Grant Agreement n°821520) started to develop such envisaged platform. The 3rd Work Package was in charge of the validation of in vitro, in vivo and in silico lactation models. Between the numerous species currently used in preclinical studies, pigs’ similarities with humans’ anatomy, physiology and genomics make them extremely useful as translational models, when proper veterinary expertise is applied. The ASA team from the University of Bologna, went first to characterize the translational lactation model using the swine species, chosen upon literature review. The aim of this work was to lay the foundations of a porcine lactation model that could be suitable for application within pharmaceutical tests, to study drug transfer through milk prior approval and commercialization. The obtained results highlighted both strengths and critical points of the study design, allowing a significant improvement in the knowledge of pharmacokinetic physiology in lactating mammals. Lastly, this project allowed the assessment of microbial changes in gut resident bacteria of newborns through an innovative in vitro colonic model. Indeed, even if there were no evident adverse effects determined by drug residues in milk, possible alterations in the delicate microbial ecology of newborns’ gastrointestinal tract was considered pivotal, giving its possible impact on the individual health and growth.

Evaluation of the real nutritional value of processed food to improve their effect on health and increase their sustainability

Cured meats and dairy products are criticized for their salt content and synthetic additives. This has led to the development of strategies to reduce and replace these ingredients. Since the food matrix and technological processes can affect the bioaccessibility of nutrients, it is necessary to study their release during digestion to determine the real nutritional value of foods. In the first part of this PhD project, the impact on the nutritional quality of the reduction of sodium content and of the replacement of synthetic nitrates/nitrites with a combination of innovative formulations was evaluated in Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and salami. For this purpose, an in vitro digestion model combined with different analytical techniques was used. The results showed that fatty acids and proteins release increased over time during digestion. At the end of digestion, the innovative formulation/processing did not negatively affect fatty acids release and protein hydrolysis, and led to the formation of bioactive peptides. The excessive intake of sugars is correlated with metabolic diseases. After the intestinal uptake, their release in the blood stream depends on their metabolic fate within the enterocyte. In the second part of this PhD project, the absorption and metabolism of glucose, fructose and sucrose was evaluated using intestinal cell line. A faster absorption of fructose than glucose was observed, and a different modulation of the synthesis/transport of other metabolites by monosaccharides was shown. Intestinal cells were also used to verify the stability and intestinal uptake of vitamins (A and D3) delivered to cells through two vehicles. It was shown that the presence of lipids protected the vitamin from external factors such as light, heat and oxygen, and improved their bioavailability Overall, the results obtained in this PhD project confirmed that considering only the chemical composition of foods is not sufficient to determine their nutritional value.

New knowledge, diagnostic and control tools to limit the impact of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in the Mediterranean aquaculture sector

The role of aquaculture in satisfying the global seafood demand is essential. The expansion of the aquaculture sector and the intensification of its activities have enhanced the circulation of infectious agents. Among these, the nervous necrosis virus (NNV) represents the most widespread in the Mediterranean basin. The NNV is responsible for a severe neuropathological condition named viral nervous necrosis (VNN), impacting hugely on fish farms due to the serious disease-associated losses. Therefore, it is fundamental to develop new strategies to limit the impact of VNN in this area, interconnecting several aspects of disease management, diagnosis and prevention. This PhD thesis project, focusing on aquatic animals’ health, deals with these topics. The first two chapters expand the knowledge on VNN epidemiology and distribution, showing the possibility of interspecies transmission, persistent infections and a potential carrier role for invertebrates. The third study expands the horizon of VNN diagnosis, by developing a quick and affordable multiplex RT-PCR able to detect and simultaneously discriminate between NNV variants, reducing considerably the time and costs of genotyping. The fourth study, with the development of a fluorescent in situ hybridization technique and its application to aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates’ tissues, contributes to expand the knowledge on NNV distribution at cellular level, localizing also the replication site of the virus. Finally, the last study dealing with an in vitro evaluation of the NNV susceptibility to a commercial biocide, stress the importance to implement proper disinfectant procedures in fish farms to prevent virus spread and disease outbreaks.

Towards a more sustainable aquaculture: diets effects and environmental impact of aquaculture from a microbiome perspective

There is a lot of interest to optimize aquaculture production due to its overexploitation of marine resources, ocean pollution and habitat destruction. Since feed production is one of the greatest issues in aquaculture, feeding strategy optimization is important. The study of several different feed additives or supplementation is important to secure optimal growth, gut health, and function in farmed fish. Feed additives are typically supplied to ensure good health and to help the animal ward off pathogens during both normal and challenging conditions, which could stress animals and promote insurgence of pathologies or pathogens invasions. In this context has an increasing interest the study of host associated microbiome to understand the influence of novel functional feed on the health and physiology of animals. To achieve a more sustainable aquaculture sector, show a great importance the understanding of the environmental impact of this human activity in terms of habitat destruction, ocean pollution and reduction marine environments biodiversity. Marine microbiomes, either free-living or associated with multicellular hosts, is acquiring an increasing interest because their role in supporting the functioning and biodiversity of marine ecosystems, providing essential ecological services. Becoming extremely important to understand how these activities can affect marine microbiomes by altering their function and diversity. In this thesis work, we were able to present a comprehensive evaluation of different functional feeds assessing their effects in terms of growth and gut health of three fish species, Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio). We also explored the impact of Aquaculture on the surrounding marine microbiomes, using Patella caerulea as a model holobionts. Finally, we provided a synoptical study on the microbiomes of the water column and surface sediments in North-Western Adriatic Sea (Italy), providing the finest-scale mapping of marine microbiomes in the Mediterranean Sea.

Evaluation Of The Radiopacity Of Esthetic Root Canal Posts.

The radiopacity of esthetic root canal posts may impair the assessment of their fit to the root canal when using radiographic images. This study determined in vitro the radiographic density of esthetic root canal posts using digital images. Thirty-six roots of human maxillary canines were assigned to six groups (N=6 per group): Reforpost (RP); Aestheti-Plus (AP); Reforpost MIX (RPM); D.T. Light Post (LP); Reforpost Radiopaque (RPR); and White Post DC (WP). Standardized digital images of the posts were obtained in different conditions: outside the root canal, inside the canal before and after cementation using luting material, and with a tissue simulator. Analysis of variance was used to compare the radiopacity mean values among the posts outside the root canal and among the posts under the other conditions, and the t unpaired test to compare the radiopacity between the posts and the dentin, and between the posts and the root canal space. There was no statistically significant difference in radiopacity between RP and RPM, and LP and WP. AP posts showed radiopacity values significantly lower than those for dentin. No statistically significant difference was found between posts (RP and AP) and the root canal space. A statistically significant difference was observed between the luted and non-luted posts; additionally, luted posts with and without tissue simulator showed no significant differences. Most of the cement-luted posts analyzed in this study were distinguishable from the density of adjacent dentin surfaces, allowing radiographic confirmation of the fit of the post in the canal. The success of using esthetic root canal posts depends mainly on the fit of the post within the canal.[1] The radiopacity of a post allows for radiographic imaging to be used to determine the fit, an important factor in a clinical perspective.

Otoneurological Evaluation: Current Good Practice.

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Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Resection Of Pituitary Adenomas: Preliminary Evaluation Of Consecutive Cases.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery has gained increasing acceptance by otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. In many centers throughout the world, this technique is now routinely used for the same indications as conventional microsurgical technique for pituitary tumors. To present a surgical experience of consecutive endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas. In this study, consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas submitted to endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery were evaluated regarding the rate of residual tumor, functional remission, symptoms relief, complications, and tumor size. Forty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated; 17 had functioning adenomas, seven had GH producing tumors, five had Cushing's disease, and five had prolactinomas. Of the functioning adenomas, 12 were macroadenomas and five were microadenomas; 30 cases were non-functioning macroadenomas. Of the patients with functioning adenomas, 87% improved. 85% of the patients with visual deficits related to optic nerve compression progressed over time. Most of the patients with complaints of headaches improved (76%). Surgical complications occurred in 10% of patients, which included with two carotid lesions, two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and one death of a patient with a previous history of complications. Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery is a feasible technique, yielding good surgical and functional outcomes, and low morbidity.

Microbial Evaluation Of Traumatized Teeth Treated With Triple Antibiotic Paste Or Calcium Hydroxide With 2% Chlorhexidine Gel In Pulp Revascularization.

Revascularization outcome depends on microbial elimination because apical repair will not happen in the presence of infected tissues. This study evaluated the microbial composition of traumatized immature teeth and assessed their reduction during different stages of the revascularization procedures performed with 2 intracanal medicaments. Fifteen patients (7-17 years old) with immature teeth were submitted to the revascularization procedures; they were divided into 2 groups according to the intracanal medicament used: TAP group (n = 7), medicated with a triple antibiotic paste, and CHP group (n = 8), dressed with calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gel. Samples were taken before any treatment (S1), after irrigation with 6% NaOCl (S2), after irrigation with 2% chlorhexidine (S3), after intracanal dressing (S4), and after 17% EDTA irrigation (S5). Cultivable bacteria recovered from the 5 stages were counted and identified by means of polymerase chain reaction assay (16S rRNA). Both groups had colony-forming unit counts significantly reduced after S2 (P < .05); however, no significant difference was found between the irrigants (S2 and S3, P = .99). No difference in bacteria counts was found between the intracanal medicaments used (P = .95). The most prevalent bacteria detected were Actinomyces naeslundii (66.67%), followed by Porphyromonas endodontalis, Parvimonas micra, and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which were detected in 33.34% of the root canals. An average of 2.13 species per canal was found, and no statistical correlation was observed between bacterial species and clinical/radiographic features. The microbial profile of infected immature teeth is similar to that of primarily infected permanent teeth. The greatest bacterial reduction was promoted by the irrigation solutions. The revascularization protocols that used the tested intracanal medicaments were efficient in reducing viable bacteria in necrotic immature teeth.

Impact Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Pharmacological Treatment On Transrectal Prostate Biopsy Adverse Effects.

Background. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) pharmacological treatment may promote a decrease in prostate vascularization and bladder neck relaxation with theoretical improvement in prostate biopsy morbidity, though never explored in the literature. Methods. Among 242 consecutive unselected patients who underwent prostate biopsy, after excluding those with history of prostate biopsy/surgery or using medications not for BPH, we studied 190 patients. On the 15th day after procedure patients were questioned about symptoms lasting over a week and classified according to pharmacological BPH treatment. Results. Thirty-three patients (17%) were using alpha-blocker exclusively, five (3%) 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor exclusively, twelve (6%) patients used both medications, and 140 (74%) patients used none. There was no difference in regard to age among groups (P = 0.5). Postbiopsy adverse effects occurred as follows: hematuria 96 (50%), hematospermia 53 (28%), hematochezia 22 (12%), urethrorrhagia 19 (10%), fever 5 (3%), and pain 20 (10%). There was a significant negative correlation between postbiopsy hematuria and BPH pharmacological treatment with stronger correlation for combined use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and alpha-blocker over 6 months (P = 0.0027). Conclusion. BPH pharmacological treatment, mainly combined for at least 6 months seems to protect against prostate biopsy adverse effects. Future studies are necessary to confirm our novel results.

Evaluation Of Different Treatment Methods Against Denture Stomatitis: A Randomized Clinical Study.

The aim of this clinical study was to determine the efficacy of Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) against denture stomatitis (DS). Fifty patients with DS were randomly assigned into 3 groups to receive 2% miconazole, placebo, or 2% U tomentosa gel. DS level was recorded immediately, after 1 week of treatment, and 1 week after treatment. The clinical effectiveness of each treatment was measured using Newton's criteria. Mycologic samples from palatal mucosa and prosthesis were obtained to determinate colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) and fungal identification at each evaluation period. Candida species were identified with HiCrome Candida and API 20C AUX biochemical test. DS severity decreased in all groups (P < .05). A significant reduction in number of CFU/mL after 1 week (P < .05) was observed for all groups and remained after 14 days (P > .05). C albicans was the most prevalent microorganism before treatment, followed by C tropicalis, C glabrata, and C krusei, regardless of the group and time evaluated. U tomentosa gel had the same effect as 2% miconazole gel. U tomentosa gel is an effective topical adjuvant treatment for denture stomatitis.

Design, Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Hybrid Bioisoster Derivatives Of N-acylhydrazone And Furoxan Groups With Potential And Selective Anti-trypanosoma Cruzi Activity.

Hybrid bioisoster derivatives from N-acylhydrazones and furoxan groups were designed with the objective of obtaining at least a dual mechanism of action: cruzain inhibition and nitric oxide (NO) releasing activity. Fifteen designed compounds were synthesized varying the substitution in N-acylhydrazone and in furoxan group as well. They had its anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity in amastigotes forms, NO releasing potential and inhibitory cruzain activity evaluated. The two most active compounds (6, 14) both in the parasite amastigotes and in the enzyme contain the nitro group in para position of the aromatic ring. The permeability screening in Caco-2 cell and cytotoxicity assay in human cells were performed for those most active compounds and both showed to be less cytotoxic than the reference drug, benznidazole. Compound 6 was the most promising, since besides activity it showed good permeability and selectivity index, higher than the reference drug. Thereby the compound 6 was considered as a possible candidate for additional studies.