Limiting serine availability during tumor progression promotes muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of body weight occurring in about 80% of cancer patients, frequently representing the leading cause of death. Dietary intervention is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy to counteract cancer-induced wasting. Serine is the second most-consumed amino acid (AA) by cancer cells and has emerged to be strictly necessary to preserve skeletal muscle structure and functionality.

Modular anatomic approach to oral tongue carcinoma: functional outcomes and quality of life.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present the long-term functional swallowing outcomes of various surgical approaches to oral tongue/floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma (OTFOMSCC) according to a modular and compartment-based concept previously described elsewhere.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery for OTFOMSCC from January 2017 to April 2023 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Hospital of Bolzano. Functional swallowing outcomes and quality of life (QoL) were assessed through the administration of a scale and questionnaires between 6 months and 1 year postoperatively or after the end of adjuvant therapy, stratifying the results according to the surgical technique used.

Functional tongue reconstruction after compartmental surgery: a schematic model for planning and insetting of the anterolateral thigh free flap.

Purpose: Anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTFF) is a versatile option for tongue reconstruction after cancer resection. Compartmental tongue surgery (CTS) is a surgical technique whose purpose is to remove the entire oncological compartment with the pathways of tumor spread. Extended glossectomies (EG) follow the same surgical steps and anatomical concepts as CTS but extend beyond hemiglossectomy.

Serologic Survey of Brucella spp. in Culled Invasive Alien Mammals from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and in Exposed Consumers.

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. and transmitted from domestic and wild animals to humans. Brucellosis causes important economic losses in livestock, has a significant impact on public health, and may affect the health of wildlife.

Ammonium Zincates as Catalysts for the Microwave-Enhanced Synthesis of Symmetric Piperazines by Regioselective Opening of Aziridines.

2,5-disubstituted N,N'-alkylpiperazines represent an interesting target in organic synthesis both for pharmaceutical or agrochemical applications and as a promising class of ligands in coordination chemistry. We report here a microwave-enhanced synthesis of these compounds starting from non-activated N-alkyl aziridines in the presence of catalytic amounts of simple ammonium metallates. A remarkable TOF of 2787.

Subtotal glossectomy with conservation of the hyo-styloglossus unit (HSU): a new pivotal concept for preserving tongue function in extended glossectomy.

Objective: The local spread of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) follows pathways of dissemination along areas of lesser resistance. In more advanced scenarios, the tumor can extend beyond the hemi-tongue of origin, by passing through the lingual septum and following the fibers of the transverse muscle. This can lead to the invasion of the contralateral extrinsic muscles, the first being the genioglossus and more laterally the hyoglossus.

Ferritin at different iron loading: From biological to nanotechnological applications.

The characterization of the structure of ferritin in solution and the arrangement of iron stored in its cavity are intriguing subjects for both cell biology and applied science, since the protein structure, stability, and easiness of production make it an ideal tool for biomedical applications. We characterized the ferritin structure over a wide range of iron loadings by visible light, X-ray, and neutron scattering techniques. We found that the arrangement of iron ions inside the protein cage resulted in a more disposable arrangement at lower loading factors and then in a crystalline structure.

Inhibitory activity of some short-chain aliphatic aldehydes on pheromone and ammonium carbonate-mediated attraction in olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae.

Background: The olive fruit fly (OFF), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is the main insect pest of olive trees worldwide. Legislation limits to the use of some synthetic larvicidal insecticides is leading to the development of new control options for preventive control of adult flies. In the present study, the biological activity of four short-chain aliphatic aldehydes, namely hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, heptanal and (E)-2-heptenal, previously reported as repellents to the OFF adults was investigated.

Aldehyde-containing clays: a sustainable approach against the olive tree pest, .

A set of organic/inorganic layered materials was obtained by functionalizing a montmorillonite-containing bentonite natural clay with linear aliphatic C or C aldehydes through a cost-effective and technologically simple incipient-wetness deposition method. The solids were investigated by means of a multi-technique approach (X-ray powder diffraction, XRPD, scanning electron microscopy, SEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, elemental analysis and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, ssNMR) to clarify the nature of the deposited organic species and the mode of interaction between the aldehyde and the clay. Since both natural clays and short-chain linear aldehydes find application as alternative strategies in the control of the olive fruit fly, , the hybrid layered materials were tested under real-life conditions and their insect-inhibiting capability was evaluated in open-field trials on olive tree orchards in Tuscany, Central Italy.

Trichinella Infection in Culled Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and Exposure Risk in Humans and Dogs Consuming Wild Boar Meat.

Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae. Consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat represents an important source of human trichinellosis worldwide.

Targeting of tumor cells by custom antigen transfer: a novel approach for immunotherapy of cancer.

In the early stages of carcinogenesis, the transformed cells become "invisible" to the immune system. From this moment on, the evolution of the tumor depends essentially on the genotype of the primitive cancer cells and their subsequent genetic drift. The role of the immune system in blocking tumor progression from the earliest stages is largely underestimated because by the time tumors are clinically detectable, the immune system has already completely failed its task.

The Cuticular Hydrocarbons of Dasineura Oleae Show Differences Between Sex, Adult Age and Mating Status.

In insects, cuticular lipids prevent water loss and act as semiochemicals. Because of their ecological function, the profile change across the insects' sex and development offers insight into insect biology and possible tools for pest management. Here, the first work on cecidomyiid cuticular extracts is proposed considering Dasineura oleae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) males and females at different adult ages (0-12 h, 12-24 h, 24-36 h) and distinct sexual conditions (virgin and mated).

Epigenetic investigation into circulating microRNA 197-3p in sera from patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma and workers ex-exposed to asbestos.

The epigenetic role of microRNAs is established at both physiological and pathological levels. Dysregulated miRNAs and their targets appear to be a promising approach for innovative anticancer therapies. In our previous study, circulating miR-197-3p tested dysregulated in workers ex-exposed to asbestos (WEA).

Therapy-Induced Stromal Senescence Promoting Aggressiveness of Prostate and Ovarian Cancer.

Cancer progression is supported by the cross-talk between tumor cells and the surrounding stroma. In this context, senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment contribute to the development of a pro-inflammatory milieu and the acquisition of aggressive traits by cancer cells. Anticancer treatments induce cellular senescence (therapy-induced senescence, TIS) in both tumor and non-cancerous cells, contributing to many detrimental side effects of therapies.

Interaction of imidazolium-based ionic liquids with supported phospholipid bilayers as model biomembranes.

The cytotoxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) has been receiving attention in the context of the biological and environmental impact of their vast field of applications. It has been ascertained that the cell membrane is the main target of ILs when they interact with microorganisms, cells and bacteria; nevertheless, studies at the micro- and nano-scale aiming at better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of toxicity of ILs are lacking. In this work, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the impact of room-temperature ILs on the mechanical, morphological and electrostatic properties of solid-supported DOPC phospholipid bilayers, taken as models of biomembranes.

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of ("jambù", Asteraceae), with a View to the Development of Bioinsecticides and Acaricides.

Human pathologies, environmental pollution, and resistance phenomena caused by the intensive use of chemical pesticides have shifted the attention of the agrochemical industries towards eco-friendly insecticides and acaricides. (L.) R.

SHMT2-mediated mitochondrial serine metabolism drives 5-FU resistance by fueling nucleotide biosynthesis.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a key component of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). 5-FU efficacy is established by intracellular levels of folate cofactors and DNA damage repair strategies. However, drug resistance still represents a major challenge.

Neurological Disease-Affected Patients, including Multiple Sclerosis, Are Poor Responders to BKPyV, a Human Polyomavirus.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by immune dysregulations. Different viruses may act as MS triggering agents. MS patients respond differently to distinct viruses.

Recent progress in the chemistry of 12-membered pyridine-containing tetraazamacrocycles: from synthesis to catalysis.

This article provides an overview (non-comprehensive) of the recent developments regarding pyridine-containing 12-membered tetraazamacrocycles with pyclen or Py2N2 backbones and their metal complexes from 2017 to the present. Firstly, the syntheses of newly described ligands and complexes with relevance to medicine are described. The second part deals with the reactivity of complexes bearing these ligands and their uses in catalysis.

Differential impact of cold and hot tea extracts on tyrosine phosphatases regulating insulin receptor activity: a focus on PTP1B and LMW-PTP.

Purpose: The impact of tea constituents on the insulin-signaling pathway as well as their antidiabetic activity are still debated questions. Previous studies suggested that some tea components act as Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors. However, their nature and mechanism of action remain to be clarified.

Infestation of the gall midge provides first evidence of induced plant volatiles in olive leaves.

In this study, we present the first characterization of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) released from infested olive leaves. The gall midge is a specific pest of and endemic of the Mediterranean Basin, an area in which severe outbreaks currently occurred. Little is known about the damage caused by the pest and the relationship with its host.

Discrimination is not just Black and White in romantic relationships: A consideration of perspective taking and self-expansion.

Interracial relationships can satisfy our human need for interpersonal bonds, but face adversity due to racial discrimination. This adversity is not parallel for the involved partners, however, in ways that have implications for relationship outcomes. As such, in the current research, we considered that discrimination may provide an avenue for positive self-expansion for a White partner, insofar as they use it to learn more about their partner's worldview and experience.

Sanguinarine Inhibits the 2-Ketogluconate Pathway of Glucose Utilization in .

Interfering with the ability of pathogenic bacteria to import glucose may represent a new promising antibacterial strategy, especially for the treatment of infections occurring in diabetic and other hyperglycemic patients. Such patients are particularly susceptible to infections caused by a variety of bacteria, among which opportunistic pathogens like . In , glucose can be directly imported into the cytoplasm or after its periplasmic oxidation into gluconate and 2-ketogluconate (2-KG).

Climate Change and Major Pests of Mediterranean Olive Orchards: Are We Ready to Face the Global Heating?

Evidence of the impact of climate change on natural and agroecosystems is nowadays established worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean Basin, an area known to be very susceptible to heatwaves and drought. is one of the main income sources for the Mediterranean agroeconomy, and it is considered a sensitive indicator of the climate change degree because of the tight relationship between its biology and temperature trend. Despite the economic importance of the olive, few studies are nowadays available concerning the consequences that global heating may have on its major pests.

Natural α-Glucosidase and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors: A Source of Scaffold Molecules for Synthesis of New Multitarget Antidiabetic Drugs.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a group of metabolic disorders that leads to acute and long-term serious complications and is considered a worldwide sanitary emergence. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents about 90% of all cases of diabetes, and even if several drugs are actually available for its treatment, in the long term, they show limited effectiveness. Most traditional drugs are designed to act on a specific biological target, but the complexity of the current pathologies has demonstrated that molecules hitting more than one target may be safer and more effective.