Search Results (18)

Introduction: The decline of serum estrogen in postmenopausal women leads to several changes in the vulvovaginal and vesicourethral areas, resulting in the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), characterized by bothersome symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, lack of lubrication, dyspareunia, urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Nevertheless, this condition could also be experienced by younger women affected by hormone-dependent tumors. Although topical estrogens are considered “the gold standard”, hormonal treatments cannot be indicated in cancer survivors. As a result, energy-based devices using radiofrequency and laser technologies have emerged as alternative options. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the benefits of non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency (RF) in women affected by GSM who have contraindications to, did not respond to, or declined local estrogen therapy. Methods: The patients underwent five weekly sessions of second-generation monopolar RF. At baseline and at the fifth session, two validated questionnaires were administered to the patients: the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-19). On the other hand, the vaginal mucosa status was evaluated by clinicians through the Vaginal Health Index (VHI). At the end of the cycle, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire was collected. Results: Based on 44 patients who completed five sessions of radiofrequency, a significant improvement was observed in sexual function according to the FSFI scale (22.9 vs. 38.6; p < 0.001) and in VVA atrophy symptoms, as documented by the VAS score (223 vs. 125; p < 0.001). The mean VHI score increased by 3 points (p < 0.001). Moreover, according to PGI-I, 96% of patients reported a perceived improvement (PGI-I score ≤ 3). Conclusions: Radiofrequency could provide an innovative and safe therapeutic approach for patients suffering from GSM and VVA, especially when hormonal strategies are unsuitable. Full article

HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia (PE) with severe features, are leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. This study investigates the role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and prostacyclin (PGI2) concentrations in endothelial impairment in normotensive pregnant versus PE women within an HIV endemic setting in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The study population (n = 84) was grouped according to pregnancy type, i.e., normotensive (n = 42) and PE (n = 42), and further stratified by HIV status. Clinical factors were maternal age, weight, blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) levels, and gestational age. Plasma concentrations of ADMA and PGI2 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Differences in outcomes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis test together with Dunn’s multiple-comparison post hoc test. The non-parametric data were presented as medians and interquartile ranges. Gravidity, gestational age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly different across the study groups where p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Furthermore, the concentration of ADMA was significantly elevated in PE HIV-positive vs. PE HIV-negative (p = 0.0174) groups. PGI2 did not show a significant difference in PE compared to normotensive pregnancies (p = 0.8826) but was significantly different across all groups (p = 0.0212). An increase in plasma ADMA levels was observed in the preeclampsia HIV-negative group compared to the normotensive HIV-negative group. This is linked to the role played by ADMA in endothelial impairment, a characteristic of PE development. PGI2 levels were decreased in PE compared to the normotensive group regardless of HIV status. These findings draw attention to the importance of endothelial indicators in pathogenesis and possibly early prediction of PE development. Full article

Cheese production is an ancient practice that is associated with the food and cultural identity of different peoples. There are over 500 cheese types globally, including 207 with protected denomination of origin (PDO) and 70 with protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the European Union (EU). Each cheese has various biochemical compositions, production methods, and maturation environments. This study has provided a critical review of the environmental impacts of cheese production, focusing on energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the integration of renewable energy sources as sustainable strategies for this sector. Based on case studies and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, the analysis revealed significant variability in energy use (3.0 to 70.2 MJ/kg) and GHG emissions (up to 22.13 kg CO₂ eq/kg), influenced by factors such as the cheese type, production complexity, system boundaries, and the technological or geographical context. Particular attention was given to heat treatment, refrigeration, and maturation processes, which contribute substantially to the overall energy footprint. The paper also discusses the methodological challenges in LCA studies, including the role of co-product allocation and database limitations. Finally, strategic renewable energy options, such as biogas recovery and solar thermal integration, are discussed as sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of the dairy sector and support its sustainability. Full article

In addition to the immature edible flower heads, the cultivation of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) generates substantial quantities of by-products, including leaves, stems, and roots, which constitute potential sources of bioactive compounds and prebiotic dietary fiber. Preserving agricultural biodiversity and promoting socioeconomic development are essential for enhancing domestic production and fostering innovation. In the search for new biomolecules with antioxidant properties, this research focused on a globe artichoke landrace at risk of genetic erosion, still cultivated in the northern part of the Lazio region, known as the “Carciofo Ortano”. To investigate the antioxidant properties of various globe artichoke tissues from the “Carciofo Ortano” landrace, methanolic extracts were prepared from the immature main and secondary flower heads, stems, and leaves of representative genotypes of this landrace. Additionally, extracts were obtained from the same tissues of four landraces/clones included in the varietal platform of the PGI “Carciofo Romanesco del Lazio”, which served as reference genotypes: Campagnano, Castellammare, C3, and Grato 1. The antioxidant properties of these extracts were assessed using FRAP, ABTS, DPPH assays, and total phenolic content (TPC). The stem and secondary flower head extracts of two representative “Carciofo Ortano” genotypes and the Grato 1 clone, which have higher phenolic content, demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. These extracts were therefore studied for their chemical profile using HPLC-DAD and SPME-GC/MS analysis. Additionally, the same extracts were investigated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, assessing their effects on ROS levels and the restoration of GSH levels. Furthermore, the in vivo beneficial effects of counteracting oxidative stress were evaluated in high sucrose-fed Drosophila melanogaster, as oxidative stress is a typical hallmark of hyperglycemic status. Overall, the results indicated that the edible immature inflorescences of the “Carciofo Ortano” landrace, along with the byproducts of its cultivation, are sources of raw materials containing biomolecules whose properties can be exploited for further applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Full article

Fatty acids (FAs) are important for cell membrane composition, eicosanoid synthesis, and metabolic processes. Membrane proteins that facilitate FA transport into cells include FA translocase (also known as CD36) and FA transporter proteins (encoded by SLC27A genes). The present study aimed to examine expression profiles of FA transporters in the endometrium of cyclic and early pregnant gilts on days 3 to 20 after estrus and the possible regulation by conceptus signals and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The effect of PUFAs on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and transcript abundance of genes related to FA action and metabolism, angiogenesis, and immune response was also determined. Day after estrus and reproductive status of animals affected FA transporter expression, with greater levels of CD36, SLC27A1, and SLC27A4 observed in pregnant than in cyclic gilts. Conceptus-conditioned medium and/or estradiol-17β stimulated SLC27A1 and CD36 expression. Among PUFAs, linoleic acid decreased SLC27A1 and SLC27A6 mRNA expression, while arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids increased SLC27A4 transcript abundance. Moreover, arachidonic acid stimulated ACOX1, CPT1A, and IL1B expression and increased PGE2 and PGI2 secretion. In turn, α-linolenic acid up-regulated VEGFA, FGF2, FABP4, and PPARG mRNA expression. These results indicate the presence of an active transport of FAs in the porcine endometrium and the role of PUFAs as modulators of the uterine activity during conceptus implantation. Full article

Greek giant beans, also known as “Gigantes Elefantes” (elephant beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L.,) are a traditional and highly cherished culinary delight in Greek cuisine, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity of local producers. However, the issue of food fraud associated with these products poses substantial risks to both consumer safety and economic stability. In the present study, multi-elemental analysis combined with decision tree learning algorithms were investigated for their potential to determine the multi-elemental profile and discriminate the origin of beans collected from the two geographical areas. Ensuring the authenticity of agricultural products is increasingly crucial in the global food industry, particularly in the fight against food fraud, which poses significant risks to consumer safety and economic stability. To ascertain this, an extensive multi-elemental analysis (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Re, Se, Sr, Ta, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Zn, and Zr) was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bean samples originating from Kastoria and Prespes (products with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status) were studied, focusing on the determination of elemental profiles or fingerprints, which are directly related to the geographical origin of the growing area. In this study, we employed a decision tree algorithm to classify Greek “Gigantes Elefantes” beans based on their multi-elemental composition, achieving high performance metrics, including an accuracy of 92.86%, sensitivity of 87.50%, and specificity of 96.88%. These results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in accurately distinguishing beans from different geographical regions based on their elemental profiles. The trained model accomplished the discrimination of Greek “Gigantes Elefantes” beans from Kastoria and Prespes, with remarkable accuracy, based on their multi-elemental composition. Full article

Vaginal vault prolapse is one of the main reasons for reoperation in patients with pelvic organ prolapse. Effective correction of the vaginal apex is essential for lasting repair for these women. Apical suspension of the sacrospinous ligament is probably one of the main vaginal treatments still offered to patients today. We proposed an evaluation of the functional and anatomical results of long-term sacrospinous ligament fixation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 10-year results of sacrospinous ligament suspension as primary repair for apical prolapse and to evaluate long-term side effects. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 10-year follow-up after prolapse repair using sacrospinous ligament suspension. A subjective recurrence was identified as the postoperative occurrence of swelling symptoms based on a particular item on the Italian Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL) questionnaire. An objective recurrence was defined as a postoperative decline to stage II or below in any compartment based on the POP-Q system or the requirement for additional surgery. The assessment of postoperative subjective satisfaction was conducted using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score. Results: In total, 40 patients underwent sacrospinous ligament fixation. Objective recurrence was remarkably high, as it was observed in 17 (56.7%) patients. Subjective recurrence was reported by ten (33.3%) women, and reintervention occurred in two (6.7%) of patients. From the point of view of quality of life, according to the PGI-I, twenty-three (76.7%) patients described some degree of improvement after surgery, four (13.3%) described their status as unmodified, and three (10%) reported some form of worsening after primary treatment. Conclusions: Transvaginal repair with sacrospinous fixation is a long-lasting option for prolapse repair, with improvement in every POP-q parameter. Some degree of anterior recurrence, recurrence of symptoms with swelling, or an overall worsening of quality of life after surgery is possible. Full article

Within the practice of pain management, one of the most commonly encountered events is low back pain. Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a pain syndrome caused by the compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lower back due to lumbar disc herniation, vertebra degeneration, or foramen narrowing. Symptoms of LR include low back pain that propagates toward the legs, numbness, weakness, and loss of reflexes. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term effectiveness of quantum molecular resonance disc decompression and its combination with a percutaneous microdiscectomy using Grasper© forceps (QMRG) in patients with persistent lumbar radiculopathy (LR) in relation to patient physical stress status. The main outcome measures of this prospective observational study were DN4, NRS, ODI, SF12, PGI, CGI, and MOS Sleep Scale. An improvement 12 months post-intervention was observed in patients without physical stress, presenting better overall results. The mean change was over the minimal clinically important difference in 64.3% of outcome measures studied for the whole sample. QMRG appears to be an effective treatment option for LR, but a reduction in physical stress is needed to ensure long-term effectiveness. Full article

The authenticity of probiotic products and fermented foods and beverages that have the status of protected designation of origin (PDO) or geographical indication (PGI) can be assessed via numerous methods. DNA-based technologies have emerged in recent decades as valuable tools to achieve food authentication, and advanced DNA-based methods and platforms are being developed. The present review focuses on the recent and advanced DNA-based techniques for the authentication of probiotic, PDO and PGI fermented foods and beverages. Moreover, the most promising DNA-based detection tools are presented. Strain- and species-specific DNA-based markers of microorganisms used as starter cultures or (probiotic) adjuncts for the production of probiotic and fermented food and beverages have been exploited for valuable authentication in several detection methods. Among the available technologies, propidium monoazide (PMA) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies allow for the on-time quantitative detection of viable microbes. DNA-based lab-on-a-chips are promising devices that can be used for the on-site and on-time quantitative detection of microorganisms. PCR-DGGE and metagenomics, even combined with the use of PMA, are valuable tools allowing for the fingerprinting of the microbial communities, which characterize PDO and PGI fermented foods and beverages, and they are necessary for authentication besides permitting the detection of extra or mislabeled species in probiotic products. These methods, in relation to the authentication of probiotic foods and beverages, need to be used in combination with PMA, culturomics or flow cytometry to allow for the enumeration of viable microorganisms. Full article

Reproductive and condition parameters’ dependency on immune status in seasonally reproducing ruminants such as red deer have not been outlined to date. We determined T and B blood lymphocytes; the concentration of IgG, cAMP, haptoglobulin, and 6-keto-PGF1α in blood plasma; and the mRNA and protein expression of PG endoperoxide synthase 2, 5-lipoxygenase, PGE2 synthase (PGES), PGF2α synthase (PGFS), PGI2 synthase (PGIS), leukotriene (LT)A4 hydrolase, and LTC4 synthase (LTC4S) in the uterine endo- and myometrium, on the 4th (N = 7) and 13th (N = 8) days of the estrous cycle, in anestrus (N = 6) and pregnancy (N = 8) in hinds. An increase in CD4+ T regulatory lymphocyte percentage during the estrous cycle and anestrus compared with pregnancy was recorded; the opposite effect was observed for CD21+ B cells (p < 0.05). cAMP and haptoglobin concentration were elevated during the cycle, as was IgG on the fourth day of the cycle, whereas 6-keto-PGF1α concentration was the highest in pregnancy, and the nearest in anestrus similarly were LTC4S, PGES, PGFS, and PGIS protein expression in the endometrium (p < 0.05). We showed an interaction between the immune system activation and AA-metabolite production in the uterus throughout different reproductive stages. IgG, cAMP, haptoglobin, and 6-keto-PGF1α concentrations are valuable candidates for markers of reproductive status in hinds. The results help expand our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying seasonal reproduction in ruminants. Full article

Inappropriate prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) has been widely reported, often lacking initial exclusion of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and evaluation of gastric functional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of gastric functional tests to define the acid output, as well as HP status, in order to better direct PPI therapy prescription. Dyspeptic patients without alarm symptoms from a primary care population were evaluated. For each patient, serum Pepsinogen I (PGI) and II (PGII), gastrin 17 (G17) and anti-HP IgG antibodies (Biohit, Oyj, Finland) were determined. For each subject, data were collected regarding symptoms, past medical history of HP infection, and PPI use. Therapeutic response to PPIs was determined according to PGI and G17 values, where G17 > 7 in the presence of elevated PGI and absence of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) was considered an adequate response. Among 2583 dyspeptic patients, 1015/2583 (39.3%) were on PPI therapy for at least 3 months before serum sampling, and were therefore included in the study. Active HP infection and CAG were diagnosed in 206 (20.2%) and 37 (3.6%) patients, respectively. Overall, an adequate therapeutic response to PPIs was observed in 34.9%, reaching 66.7% at the highest dose. However, 41.1% and 20.4% of patients showed low (G17 1-7) or absent (G17 < 1) response to PPI, regardless of the dosage used. According to gastric functional response, most patients currently on PPI maintenance therapy lack a proper indication for continuing this medication, either because acid output is absent (as in CAG) or because gastrin levels fail to rise, indicating absence of gastric acid negative feedback. Lastly, HP eradication is warranted in all patients, and gastric function testing ensures this pathogen is sought for and adequately treated prior to initiating long-term PPI therapy. Full article

The accurate estimation and monitoring of phenology is necessary for modern agricultural industries. For crops with short phenology occurrence times, such as rice, Sentinel-1 can be used to effectively monitor the growth status in different phenology periods within a short time interval. Therefore, this study proposes a method to monitor rice phenology based on growth curve simulation by constructing a polarized growth index (PGI) and obtaining a polarized growth curve. A recursive neural network is used to realize the classification of phenology and use it as prior knowledge of rice phenology to divide and extract the phenological interval and date of rice in 2021. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of neural network phenological interval division reaches 93.5%, and the average error between the extracted and measured phenological date is 3.08 days, which proves the application potential of the method. This study will contribute to the technical development of planning, management and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure related to phenology. Full article

Geographical Indications (GIs) can increase producer margins and contribute to local economic development, but the extent to which they do so depends on the nature of consumer demand. A Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) considers the value that consumers place on a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in comparison with a leading manufacturer’s brand, as well as the importance of taste variations. Based on an application of DCE to sausages in Hungary, results indicate that a PGI can generate value to consumers exceeding that conveyed by the leading manufacturer’s brand. Consumers’ taste preferences, however, may not be consistent with the specification of GI products. Latent Class (LC) and Random parameter Latent Class (RLC) analyses identify two consumer segments, with the majority of consumers (71%-LC, 65%-RLC) classified as traditionalists, who most value the GI label, while a minority (29%-LC, 35%-RLC) is brand conscious, for whom the GI status is less salient. Both theoretical and business implications for GI marketing and club branding are drawn. Full article

(1) Background: This study examined outcomes of second-line ATOMS implantation after failure of the fixed male sling (FMS) AdVance/AdVance XP. (2) Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort analysis was carried out in men implanted with an ATOMS between 2011 and 2020 after failure of an AdVance/AdVance XP. Success was assessed on the basis of objective (dryness, 0–1 pad/24 h or >20 g/24 h pad test) and subjective results (PGI-I). We performed the Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression, and multivariate analysis. (3) Results: The study included 88 patients from 9 centers with a mean age of 71.3 years. No Clavien–Dindo > II complications occurred within the first 3 months after ATOMS implantation. A total of 10 cases (9%) required revision in the ensuing clinical course. After a mean follow-up of 42.5 months, 76.1% achieved social continence, and 56.8% used no pads at all. Mean urine leakage/24 h dropped from 422 g (3.9 pads) to 38 g (0.69 pads) and the mean ICIQ-SF decreased from 16.25 to 5.3 (p < 0.0001). PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures) showed improvement in 98.9% of cases, and 63.6% gave a “very much better” PGI-I rating. Multivariate analysis identified a lower probability of achieving maximum satisfaction for the following factors: the AdVance XP as first-line therapy (OR 0.35), a lower ICIQ-SF question 1 (OR 0.26), status post-irradiation (OR 0.14), and more severe pain prior to ATOMS implantation (OR 0.51). (4) Conclusions: Implantation of an ATOMS is an effective and safe second-line treatment option for recurrent urinary incontinence after implantation of an AdVance/AdVance XP sling. High patient satisfaction was demonstrated in a long-term follow-up. Full article

Waterford Blaa is one of only four Irish food products granted protected geographical (PGI) status by the European Commission. This study aimed to determine whether cultural background/product familiarity, gender, and/or age impacted consumer liking of three Waterford Blaa products and explored product acceptability between product-familiar and product-unfamiliar consumer cohorts in Ireland and the UK, respectively. Familiarity with Blaa impacted consumer liking, particularly with respect to characteristic flour dusting, which is a unique property of Waterford Blaa. UK consumers felt that all Blaas had too much flour. Blaa A had the heaviest amount of flouring and was the least preferred for UK consumers, who liked it significantly less than Irish consumers (p < 0.05). Flavour was also important for UK consumers. Blaa C delivered a stronger oven baked odour/flavour compared to Blaa A and was the most preferred by UK consumers. Irish consumer liking was more influenced by the harder texture of Blaa B, which was their least preferred product. Age and gender did not impact liking for Blaas within Irish consumers, but gender differences were observed among UK consumers, males liking the appearance significantly more than females. This is the first paper comparing Waterford Blaa liking of naïve UK consumers with Irish consumers familiar with the product. Full article