https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/907 2026-09-14T02:03:59Z 2026-09-14T02:03:59Z Baio, Raffaele Molisso, Giovanni Caruana, Christian Di Mauro, Umberto Intilla, Olivier Pane, Umberto D’Angelo, Costantino Campitelli, Antonio Pentimalli, Francesca Sanseverino, Roberto https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148796 2026-08-31T10:09:55Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: “Could patient age and gender, along with mass size, be predictive factors for benign kidney tumors?” : A retrospective analysis of 307 consecutive single renal masses treated with partial or radical nephrectomy Authors: Baio, Raffaele; Molisso, Giovanni; Caruana, Christian; Di Mauro, Umberto; Intilla, Olivier; Pane, Umberto; D’Angelo, Costantino; Campitelli, Antonio; Pentimalli, Francesca; Sanseverino, Roberto Abstract: Due to the increased use of common and non-invasive abdominal imaging techniques over the last few decades, the diagnosis of about 60% of renal tumors is incidental. Contrast-enhancing renal nodules on computed tomography are diagnosed as malignant tumors, which are often removed surgically without first performing a biopsy. Most kidney nodules are renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after surgical treatment, but a non-negligible rate of these nodules may be benign on final pathology; as a result, patients undergo unnecessary surgery with an associated significant morbidity. Our study aimed to identify a subgroup of patients with higher odds of harboring benign tumors, who would hence benefit from further diagnostic examinations (such as renal biopsy) or active surveillance. We performed a retrospective review of the medical data, including pathology results, of patients undergoing surgery for solid renal masses that were suspected to be RCCs (for a total sample of 307 patients). Owing to the widespread use of common and non-invasive imaging techniques, the incidental diagnosis of kidney tumors has become increasingly common. Considering that a nonnegligible rate of these tumors is found to be benign after surgery at pathological examination, it is crucial to identify features that can correctly diagnose a mass as benign or not. According to our study results, female sex and tumor size ≤ 3 cm were independent predictors of benign disease. Contrary to that demonstrated by other authors, increasing patient age was also positively linked to a greater risk of malign pathology.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Habtegebriel, Haileeyesus Tazart, Zakaria Farrugia, Claude Valdramidis, Vasilis https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143309 2026-02-02T07:08:48Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Storage stability and antioxidant activity of astaxanthin and beta-carotene as affected by the architecture of O/W emulsions of milk proteins Authors: Habtegebriel, Haileeyesus; Tazart, Zakaria; Farrugia, Claude; Valdramidis, Vasilis Abstract: Astaxanthin and β-carotene are among the potential anti-oxidant carotenoids with strong health promoting features. However, their sensitivity to light, heat and mechanical forces limit their application in food processing and storage conditions. The design of food matrix system, such as emulsions, that could prevent them from exposure to environmental factors will be utmost importance to slow down their degradation. In this study, O/W emulsion systems containing sunflower oil were prepared by applying ultrasound treatment and using different stabilizers (i.e. whey protein isolate (WPI) and sodium caseinate; NaCAS), co-surfactants (pectin and lecithin) while their performance against physical and chemical stability were investigated. The WPI– lecithin system produced emulsion droplets with Average diameter in the range of 560–2900 nm with a zeta-potential in the range of (−31) – (−34) mV, whereas the NaCAS – lecithin systems produced emulsion droplets with average diameter in the range of 230–240 nm and zeta potential of (−44) – (−48) mV. These values have a direct effect on the physical stability and chemical stability of the carotenoids in the emulsions. Astaxanthin was found to be more sensitive than β-carotene to ultrasound processing conditions. The designed emulsion systems slowed down the degradation of the carotenoids and maintained their DPPH scavenging properties during storage with astaxanthin loaded emulsions exhibiting better DPPH activity than β-carotene loaded emulsions.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Bosica, Giovanna Abdilla, Roderick https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140715 2025-10-29T14:46:42Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: N-unsubstituted dihydropyridines and pyridones via multicomponent synthesis under a bio-derived heterogeneous catalyst Authors: Bosica, Giovanna; Abdilla, Roderick Abstract: In our exploration of metal-free and cost-effective heterogeneous catalysts for MCRs, we identified a novel system: piperazine immobilized within an agar matrix, functioning as a recyclable and reusable catalyst. This system efficiently facilitates the synthesis of dihydropyridines (DHPs) via one-pot condensation of dimedone, aldehydes, ammonium acetate, and various active methylene compounds—specifically malononitrile, acetophenone, or Meldrum's acid. A broad range of products was obtained, underscoring the versatility of the methodology. Notably, our prior investigations demonstrated this catalyst's efficacy in synthesizing N-aryl-substituted DHPs, affirming its general applicability. Additionally, fluorescence and UV absorption studies, along with in-depth characterization using 2D NMR spectroscopy, were conducted to confirm the structure and peak assignments of the synthesized products.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Magri, David C. Johnson, Alex D. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/140251 2025-10-17T09:02:54Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Naphthalimide–organometallic hybrids as multi-targeted anticancer and luminescent cellular imaging agents Authors: Magri, David C.; Johnson, Alex D. Abstract: 1,8-Naphthalimides with an organometallic moiety with anticancer and luminescence or photoactive properties are reviewed. Primarily highlighted are 1,8-naphthalimide complexes with iron, platinum, and ruthenium, while honourable mentions are given to iridium, rhenium and rhodium complexes. The cytotoxicity, mechanism of action and cell selectivity of the compounds are discussed alongside their photophysical properties for monitoring interactions with biomolecules, most notably DNA, by absorption, fluorescence and dichroism spectroscopy. The luminescence properties provide additional insight regarding the cellular uptake and location of the intelligent agents within both cancer and healthy cells. The versatility of this emerging hybrid class of molecules earmarks them as multi-functional therapeutic and cellular imaging agents. The review concludes with suggestions for designing more effective multi-targeting cytotoxic agents with improved biocompatibility and imaging in hopes of enhancing their clinical potential.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z