Maria L Bacci

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This study looked at how Roe deer adapt their reproductive processes during different seasons, specifically focusing on their testes. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 18 male deer before and after their mating season. They found that after the mating season, the deer had increased levels of certain antioxidant genes, which help protect cells from damage, while some genes related to blood vessel formation decreased, particularly one named Thrombospondin 1, which typically inhibits this process. Who this helps: This research helps wildlife biologists and conservationists understand reproduction in Roe deer, which can aid in managing their populations and habitats.

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This study developed a reliable method to measure levels of the heart medication propranolol and its metabolite in pig blood. Researchers found that when they gave five pigs propranolol, the drug was quickly absorbed, with peak levels around 112 ng/mL after about 1.14 hours, but the expected metabolite was not detected at all, indicating pigs process the drug differently than humans. This research is important because it creates a valuable tool for studying medicine in pigs, which can help advance veterinary care and biomedical research models. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and researchers studying drug effects in pigs.

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Researchers studied a way to create a new type of heart scaffold from pig heart tissue that could help fix problems with current heart devices. They found that their method successfully removed cells while keeping the important structure and materials needed for heart pacing intact. This is significant because it could lead to better heart replacements that work with the body more naturally and effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart issues who need safer and more effective treatments.

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This study looked at how inside-out submitochondrial particles (IO-SMPs) can protect heart mitochondria from damage. The researchers found that IO-SMPs prevented the opening of a harmful pathway in mitochondria taken from pig hearts after they had been removed, showing a significant protective effect. This matters because preventing this pathway could help treat heart-related issues caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially improving heart health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions and their doctors.

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Researchers developed a new method to enhance liver machine perfusion by incorporating special stem cells called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). In tests with rats and pigs, the livers treated with this new method showed better results: they produced more bile, had lower levels of damage and inflammation, and demonstrated improved energy function. This advancement could lead to better outcomes for livers before transplant surgery, making them healthier and more effective for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting liver transplants.

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This study looked at a new type of gene therapy for Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that causes vision loss. Researchers tested this therapy in large animals and found it to be both safe and effective. Specifically, in a pig model of the disease, they reduced harmful substance levels by using the therapy, and in monkeys, they noted only mild inflammation and good delivery of the treatment to eye cells. Who this helps: This helps patients with Stargardt disease and other genetic eye conditions.

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This study looked at the reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality of male European eels, both wild-caught and farmed. Researchers found that farmed eels had higher sperm concentration and better motility compared to their wild counterparts, and they measured testosterone levels in the sperm for the first time. Understanding these differences is important for improving breeding techniques for this critically endangered species. Who this helps: This benefits conservationists and researchers working to preserve European eels.

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Researchers studied a new type of injection that uses graphene oxide to improve vision in animal models of Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a condition that causes blindness. They found that a single injection of these nanoimplants helped blind rats and pigs respond to light better, with noticeable improvements in their vision even in low light, without causing inflammation. This is important because it shows potential for a new treatment option for people with RP, a condition that currently has very few effective therapies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Retinitis pigmentosa and similar retinal diseases.

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This study explored how a type of medication called non-selective beta-blockers can help fight infections in both animals and humans. In experiments with young pigs, those treated with propranolol (a non-selective beta-blocker) were able to clear an E. coli infection significantly faster than those who did not receive the medication. Additionally, in a review of almost 93,000 orthopedic surgery patients, those taking non-selective beta-blockers had a 71.7% lower risk of getting healthcare-associated infections compared to those on other treatments. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery and at risk for infections.

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This study examined how a specific DNA segment between two proteins, CRX and NRL, affects the production of a vital protein called rhodopsin, which is important for vision. Researchers found that the sequence and length of this DNA segment (22 base pairs) directly influence how much rhodopsin is produced. Changes to this DNA segment led to variations in rhodopsin levels, which shows that the DNA plays a critical role in gene expression regulation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with retinal disorders, as understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments.

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This study looked at how nine different essential oils affect pig sperm during storage. Researchers found that three oils (Satureja montana, Pelargonium graveolens, and Lavandula angustifolia) had the most negative effects on the sperm, while two oils (Cymbopogon nardus and Eucalyptus globulus) were better tolerated. Understanding these effects is important as it can lead to safer alternatives for storing pig semen, which may also inform broader medical research for both animals and humans. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and farmers in animal breeding.

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This study looked at whether inhaling lavender essential oil could make pigs happier and healthier. Researchers found that pigs exposed to lavender were calmer, had fewer skin and tail injuries, and showed signs of reduced stress levels. Additionally, the lavender affected the bacteria in their noses, though it reduced the diversity of these microbes. This is important because improving the welfare of pigs in farming can lead to better overall health and productivity. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and animal welfare advocates by promoting healthier and less stressed pigs.

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This study looked at a new type of brain monitoring device called electrocorticography, used for detecting seizures. Researchers created a flexible electrode array that can fold up like origami, allowing it to be implanted through a small hole in the skull rather than requiring a large opening. They found that their 32-electrode device can successfully expand once implanted, covering a large area of the brain for better monitoring, which was tested in lab experiments and on pigs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy who need seizure monitoring but want less invasive surgery.

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This study looked at how special proteins called mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) can protect hearts donated after circulatory death from damage during the transplantation process. The researchers found that treating the hearts with MSC-EVs significantly reduced cell damage, with fewer signs of injury compared to untreated hearts—specifically, they noted less swelling and structural damage in mitochondria, and slower increases in heart injury markers. This matters because it could improve the success of heart transplants from these donors, helping to address the shortage of available organs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients waiting for heart transplants by potentially increasing the quality and availability of donor hearts.

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This study looked at how the antibiotic amoxicillin affects the gut and milk bacteria of Göttingen Minipigs, which are a good model for understanding how medications impact mothers and their milk. Researchers found that while the gut bacteria were significantly altered by the antibiotic, the milk bacteria showed only minor changes, with some types decreasing and others increasing. This is important because it suggests that milk may remain relatively stable during antibiotic treatment, which could help us understand breastfeeding in women on medications. Who this helps: This helps new mothers and healthcare providers who are concerned about the effects of antibiotics on breastfeeding.

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Researchers studied the effects of different environmental settings on hormone levels in Wistar rats by measuring substances in their hair. They found no significant differences in hormone levels between groups after three months, but female rats had higher levels of all measured steroids (corticosterone and DHEA) compared to males. This matters because it helps to understand how living conditions can affect stress and health in animals over time. Who this helps: This helps researchers and animal caregivers improve living conditions for laboratory animals.

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Researchers have developed a small new device called Artificial Diuresis-1 (AD1) to help patients who have too much fluid in their bodies. In animal tests, the device successfully removed 1,500 mL of fluid over several hours without causing serious problems, and it was easy to use and accurate. This is important because it suggests that the device could be used safely in various healthcare settings, even at home, to help manage fluid overload in patients. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with fluid overload, especially those who need treatment outside of a hospital.

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This study examined how different types of sperm activation liquids and temperatures affect the movement of sperm in European eels, a fish that is critically endangered. Researchers found that sperm showed the best movement (about 51.8% motility) when activated with artificial sea water or a specific commercial product called Actifish® at a cooler temperature of 4°C. In contrast, using tank water at a warmer temperature of 20°C resulted in the poorest sperm movement (only 38.1% motility), suggesting that not just temperature, but also the type of activation liquid used, is important for successful breeding. Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists, fish breeders, and efforts to save the endangered European eel.

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This study looked at how age and the changing seasons affect hormone levels in the semen of male pigs, specifically focusing on three hormones: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol (CORT), and testosterone (TEST). Researchers found that older boars had significantly higher levels of all three hormones, with the highest hormone levels occurring in the summer, suggesting that warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours boost these hormone concentrations. Understanding these effects is important because it can help improve pig breeding and reproduction strategies by taking into account seasonal changes. Who this helps: This benefits pig farmers and veterinary professionals working with breeding programs.

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This research reviewed multiple studies to see if giving antibiotics to pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (breaking of the water before labor) improves health outcomes for mothers and babies. The analysis included 21 studies, finding that antibiotics helped to delay birth by at least 7 days and reduced the risk of infection in the uterus for mothers, while also lowering the chances of serious infections in newborns like sepsis. This matters because a longer pregnancy can lead to better health for both the mother and the baby. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women at risk of premature birth and their babies.

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This study looked at a new device that uses ultrasound waves to break down calcium deposits on heart valves, specifically targeting the problems caused by calcified aortic valves. Researchers found that this device successfully ruptured calcium deposits in human heart valve samples and was safe when tested in pigs. This is important because it could lead to less invasive treatments for patients with calcified aortic valves, potentially avoiding more complicated surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients with calcific aortic valve disease and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how well juvenile pigs can see by measuring their visual acuity using a method called pattern electroretinography (p-ERG). The researchers found that the pigs had a mean visual acuity score of 5.7 cycles per degree (cpd) at 16 weeks old, which increased to 6.2 cpd by 19 weeks old. Understanding pig vision is important because it can help improve research on eye diseases and treatments that could also work for humans. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on eye health treatments.

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This study looked at how the antibiotic amoxicillin from a mother pig affects the gut bacteria of her newborn piglets. The researchers found that while the antibiotic changed the types of bacteria present, it didn’t reduce the overall diversity of the microbes. Specifically, good bacteria like Lactobacillaceae decreased, while harmful bacteria such as Enterococcaceae increased, which could lead to health issues for the piglets. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and veterinarians by providing insights into the impact of antibiotic use on piglet health.

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This study focused on creating and testing a small, wireless sensor that monitors the health of buildings and bridges. The researchers developed a device that can measure vibrations and send important information without needing a lot of power, making it nearly self-sufficient. The sensors were tested both in a lab and in real-world conditions during extreme weather to ensure they work accurately and reliably. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and construction companies by providing them with reliable tools to monitor and maintain infrastructure.

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This research paper looks at how medications taken by breastfeeding mothers might transfer into their breast milk and affect infants. The authors reviewed different non-clinical methods, including laboratory tests and computer models, that can help predict which medications are safe during breastfeeding. They found that while some models are promising, they often lack the necessary data to be fully reliable. This is important because it can help mothers continue breastfeeding while safely taking needed medications, reducing the risk of stopping either therapy or breastfeeding. Who this helps: This research helps breastfeeding mothers and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different animal species produce milk and its composition, focusing on which species could best help us understand how drugs might pass through milk to human babies. The researchers found that minipigs are the best choice for these studies because they share important similarities with humans in milk production and can be ethically managed in research. This is important for ensuring the safety of breastfeeding when it comes to medications. Who this helps: Patients, especially breastfeeding mothers who may need medications.

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This study looked at how melatonin is produced in the testes of roe deer bucks during the mating season (rut) and after it. Researchers found that melatonin levels and the genes responsible for its production were present in both periods, but no clear link was found between melatonin and the decline in testosterone levels after mating. This is important because it provides new insights into how seasonal changes affect deer reproduction, which can help improve wildlife management and conservation efforts. Who this helps: This helps wildlife biologists and conservationists working with deer populations.

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This research focused on creating a lab model using pig cells from mammary glands to better understand how medications might affect breast tissue during breastfeeding. Scientists developed a technique to isolate and grow these cells, which showed they can form a solid barrier and are capable of transporting drugs. This research is important because it provides a way to study the safety of drugs for breastfeeding mothers, which has been a poorly understood area. Who this helps: This benefits breastfeeding mothers and healthcare providers who need better information about medication safety.

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This study looked at how certain brain cells in the Raphe Pallidus region affect the body's functions in pigs. Researchers found that stimulating these cells increased heart rate from 99 to 174 beats per minute and raised blood pressure significantly. These findings are important because if this process can be safely applied to humans, it could lead to new treatments that induce a state similar to hibernation, which might help in various medical situations. Who this helps: Patients needing advanced medical care or recovery strategies.

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This study looked at the hormone levels of cortisol and progesterone in wild pregnant red deer in Italy. Researchers found that the blood levels of progesterone varied significantly, ranging from 1.9 to 7.48 ng/mL, while hair levels showed different values between 41.68 and 153.57 pg/mg. Understanding these hormone levels is important for better insights into the reproductive health and physiology of red deer during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps wildlife biologists and conservationists studying deer populations.

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This study looked at how a substance called iodoacetic acid affects the eyes of pigs, which are a good model for human eye diseases. Researchers found that while iodoacetic acid led to the loss of certain types of light-sensing cells in the retina, it did not harm other important parts of the visual system, meaning the optic pathways remained functional. This finding is important because it helps improve the effectiveness of testing eye prosthetics and treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with retinal diseases and researchers developing vision restoration technologies.

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This study looked at the testicular cycle of roe deer, focusing on how certain proteins (gelatinases) and factors (like VEGF) influence testicle size and testosterone levels throughout the year. Researchers found that after the breeding season, the weight of the testes and testosterone levels dropped, while a specific protein that helps break down tissues (proMMP2) increased. Understanding these changes is important because it can help explain how deer adapt their reproductive functions to seasonal changes. Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife biologists and conservationists studying deer populations.

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This study looked at how safe tea tree and rosemary essential oils are for the uterine lining of pigs. Researchers tested different concentrations of these oils and found that low amounts (0.2-0.4 mg/mL) did not harm the uterine tissue, indicating these oils could be a safe alternative to antibiotics in livestock breeding. This is important because it can help reduce antibiotic use in farming, addressing antibiotic resistance issues. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians in the livestock industry.

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This study looked at a new type of retinal implant made from a special plastic to help restore vision in blind patients, using domestic pigs as test subjects. Researchers found that one version of the implant caused significant problems, while another version made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) showed promise by preserving vision in the pigs after surgery. This matters because it paves the way for developing retinal prosthetics that could safely help people with degenerative eye conditions. Who this helps: Patients with degenerative retinal diseases.

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This study looked at the levels of three hormones—testosterone, DHEA, and corticosterone—in the hair of male lab mice to see how these levels relate to stress and social living conditions. Researchers found average hormone levels of 6.42 pg/mg for testosterone, 23.16 pg/mg for DHEA, and 502.1 pg/mg for corticosterone, with older mice showing higher testosterone and DHEA, but lower corticosterone. This matters because it can help improve how we care for lab mice by using hair hormone levels to assess their welfare and whether they are living in good social conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and animal care staff who work with lab mice.

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This study created a new pig model to look at how acid damages the esophagus and to test medical devices aimed at treating acid reflux. The researchers found that while the esophagus showed a larger decrease in function during acid exposure, it recovered better with saline than with acid. Importantly, the damaged esophagus absorbed more dye, indicating significant harm, and the results were consistent and reliable. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers who develop treatments for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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Researchers tested a new medical product called AL2106, designed to protect the esophagus from damage caused by stomach acid. In their experiments, AL2106 reduced tissue permeability by over 60%, scoring 8.4 compared to 23.2 in untreated tissue, while another product on the market, sodium alginate, scored 3.6. Importantly, AL2106 maintained its protective effects even after it was washed, unlike sodium alginate, which had a reduced effect afterwards. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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This study focused on understanding the substances released by pig mesenchymal stem cells from blood vessels, particularly how these substances change when the cells are stimulated with a compound called LPS. The researchers found that the secretions from unstimulated cells contained high levels of proteins that help with immune responses, and these levels mostly stayed the same or increased when LPS was present. Notably, the secretions helped promote the growth of new blood vessels in lab tests, especially after LPS stimulation, highlighting their potential use in treatments for regenerative medicine. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing new therapies for healing and tissue regeneration.

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This study looked at how substances from pig vascular cells, known as conditioned medium, affect nerve cells in the intestines of pigs and guinea pigs when exposed to harmful bacteria. The researchers found that this medium helped protect the nerve cells from damage, leading to more healthy glial cells in the cultures treated with both the medium and bacteria. In the pig samples, there were more nerve cells compared to the guinea pig samples, suggesting the pig cells may be more beneficial in this context. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases by exploring new treatment options.

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This study looked at the eye fluid (vitreous humor) in pigs to understand how it changes in healthy and degenerating conditions, specifically when photoreceptors, the light-sensing cells in the eye, are damaged. Researchers collected samples from 30 pigs—17 healthy and 13 with induced photoreceptor degeneration—and found a total of 40 different molecules. They discovered that in the damaged eyes, levels of glucose and glutamine increased, while many critical molecules like lactate and several amino acids decreased, highlighting the metabolic changes that occur due to eye damage. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers studying eye diseases and developing treatments.

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This study looked at how tea tree oil and its main ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, affect pig sperm cells. Researchers found that higher concentrations of tea tree oil decreased the sperm's ability to move, while terpinen-4-ol was less harmful and impacted the sperm's membrane strength. This matters because understanding how natural substances affect reproductive cells is essential before they can be safely used in treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and veterinarians working on animal reproduction.

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This study explored how drugs pass into human breast milk to better understand the safety of medication use during breastfeeding. Researchers found that current methods, like lab tests on cells and animal studies, can help predict how much of a drug ends up in breast milk, which is crucial for ensuring infant safety during breastfeeding. This matters because a lack of information often leads mothers to stop breastfeeding, losing the many health benefits that breastfeeding provides to infants. Who this helps: Mothers who breastfeed and their infants.

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This study looked at how well essential oils from tea tree and rosemary plants can fight bacteria in samples of pig semen stored in the fridge for up to five days. The researchers found that at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml, both oils worked similarly to a standard antibiotic, ampicillin, in reducing bacterial growth. This is important because as antibiotic resistance increases, using natural compounds could provide alternatives to traditional antibiotics in animal reproduction. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians in the pig industry looking for safer ways to manage bacterial infections.

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This study looked at how well certain sperm characteristics can predict pig fertility on a small Northern Italian farm. Researchers analyzed 33 sperm samples from 235 sows, resulting in 167 successful deliveries and 1,734 piglets. They found that a higher number of sperm and better sperm movement were linked to more successful pregnancies, while the quality of the sperm's acrosome, which helps in fertilization, was related to the size of the litters. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for pig farmers aiming to improve breeding success.

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This study focused on finding a reliable way to test vision in pigs, which are often used in eye research because their eyes are similar to humans'. Researchers developed two tests: an obstacle course and a temperament test. They found that pigs with vision problems took longer and had more collisions while navigating the obstacle course compared to those with normal vision, while the temperament test helped in assessing stress levels during experiments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and veterinarians working with pigs in medical studies.

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This study looked at the levels of testosterone and cortisol in the hair of wild roe deer bucks before and after their mating season, known as the rut. Researchers found that testosterone levels were higher during the rut, while cortisol levels were lower after the rut, indicating how these hormones fluctuate with the deer's breeding cycle. Understanding these hormone levels helps us learn about the reproductive health of roe deer, which is important for wildlife management and conservation efforts. Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife biologists and conservationists working with roe deer populations.

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This study looked at how eating bread made from einkorn wheat affects pigs' gut health and blood sugar levels. The researchers found that after eating einkorn bread, pigs had lower insulin levels and healthier gut bacteria compared to when they ate standard wheat bread. In particular, the einkorn bread helped produce more beneficial short-chain fatty acids and improved overall gut metabolism, indicating it may support better digestive health. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for healthier dietary options and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effects of essential oils from two plants, Thymbra capitata and Rosmarinus officinalis, on pig sperm. The researchers found that the essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis was safe for sperm up to a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL, while Thymbra capitata started harming the sperm at the lowest concentration tested (0.2 mg/mL) and completely killed the sperm at 0.4 mg/mL. Understanding how these oils affect sperm is important for potential future uses in reproductive medicine, such as improving fertility treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking fertility treatments and doctors working in reproductive health.

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Researchers investigated a way to silence a specific gene called rhodopsin (RHO), which is important for vision and can cause issues like retinitis pigmentosa when mutated. They found that using a transcription factor called KLF15 to target RHO in pig cells successfully reduced RHO activity without affecting other genes, and this approach also reversed vision problems in a mouse model of the disease. This matters because it shows a new method for treating certain genetic eye diseases with minimal side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with retinitis pigmentosa and other related vision disorders.