From Psychoactivity to Antimicrobial Agents: Multifaceted Applications of Synthetic Cathinones and Extracts.

The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the global drug market since the 2000s has posed major challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Among these, synthetic cathinones have gained prominence due to their stimulant effects on the central nervous system, leading to widespread recreational use. These compounds, often marketed as alternatives to illicit stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, have been linked to numerous cases of intoxication, addiction and death.

Bioimaging marine crustacean brain: quantitative comparison of micro-CT preparations in an Alpheid snapping shrimp.

Non-invasive bioimaging techniques like X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), combined with contrast-enhancing techniques, allow the 3D visualization of the central nervous system , without the destruction of the sample. However, quantitative comparisons of the most common fixation and contrast-enhancing protocols are rare, especially in marine invertebrates. Using the snapping shrimp () as a model, we test three common fixation and staining agents combinations to prepare specimens prior to μCT scanning.

Dynamic Expression of Genes Encoding Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzymes (E2s) During Neuronal Differentiation and Maturation: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The ubiquitination process plays a crucial role in neuronal differentiation and function. Numerous studies have focused on the expression and functions of E3 ligases during these different stages, far fewer on E2 conjugating enzymes. In mice, as in humans, these E2s belong to 17 conjugating enzyme families.

Treating Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Whole Lifespan Perspective.

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, affecting attention, memory, and executive function and contributing significantly to the burden of the disorder. These deficits often begin before the onset of psychotic symptoms and persist throughout life, making their treatment essential for improving outcomes and functionality. This work aims to explore the impact of these impairments at different life stages and the interventions that have been developed to mitigate their effects.

QCD challenges from pp to AA collisions: 4th edition.

This paper is a write-up of the ideas that were presented, developed and discussed at the fourth International Workshop on QCD Challenges from pp to AA, which took place in February 2023 in Padua, Italy. The goal of the workshop was to focus on some of the open questions in the field of high-energy heavy-ion physics and to stimulate the formulation of concrete suggestions for making progresses on both the experimental and theoretical sides. The paper gives a brief introduction to each topic and then summarizes the primary results.