A Miniaturized Silicon Lab-on-Chip for Integrated PCR and Hybridization Microarray for High Multiplexing Nucleic Acids Analysis.

A silicon lab-on-chip, for the detection of nucleic acids through the integrated PCR and hybridization microarray, was developed. The silicon lab-on-chip manufactured through bio-MEMS technology is composed of two PCR microreactors (each volume 11.2 µL) and a microarray-hybridization microchamber (volume 30 µL), fluidically connected by buried bypass.

A highly sensitive PNA-microarray system for miRNA122 recognition.

Surface chemistry is a fundamental aspect of the development of the sensitive biosensor based on microarray technology. Here, an advanced PNA-microarray system for the detection of miRNA, composed by a multilayered Si/Al/Agarose component, is described. A straightforward optical signal enhancement is achieved thanks to a combination of the Al film mirror effect and the positive interference for the emission wavelength of the Cy5 fluorescent label tuned by the agarose film.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the delivery of platelet microvesicle-derived microRNAs into human breast cancer cell lines.

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent and malignant types of cancer in women, with an increasing morbidity and mortality rate; in particular, treatment of triple negative breast cancer remains a challenge, since the efforts made with targeted therapies were ineffective. Among surrounding cells influencing the biology of cancer cells, platelets are recognizing as novel players. Activated platelets release microvesicles (MVs) that, once delivered to cancer cells, modulate signaling pathways related to cell growth and dissemination; among factors contained in platelet-derived MVs, microRNAs are highly involved in cancer development.

Association Between Atrophy of the Caudate Nuclei, Global Brain Atrophy, Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Mild Parkinsonian Signs in Neurologically and Cognitively Healthy Subjects Aged 45-84 Years: A Crosssectional Study.

Background: Mild Parkinsonian signs (MPS) are commonly seen in aging, and have been related to cerebral Small Vessel Diseases (SVD) with no univocal results.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional relation between MPS and White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, caudate atrophy, and global cerebral atrophy in a large cohort of Neurologically and Cognitively Healthy (NCH) aging individuals.

Method: 1,219 NCH individuals were included in the analysis, and underwent standard brain MRI.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Chemistry of Tasimelteon, a Melatonin Agonist, in Its Anhydrous and Hemihydrate Forms.

Two crystalline forms of tasimelteon, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of non-24-h sleep-wake disorder, have been studied by single crystal and powder diffraction analyses, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, spectroscopic, and optical methods.