Differential 3-bromopyruvate inhibition of cytosolic and mitochondrial human serine hydroxymethyltransferase isoforms, key enzymes in cancer metabolic reprogramming.

The cytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT1 and SHMT2, respectively) are well-recognized targets of cancer research, since their activity is critical for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis and because of their prominent role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Here we show that 3-bromopyruvate (3BP), a potent novel anti-tumour agent believed to function primarily by blocking energy metabolism, differentially inactivates human SHMT1 and SHMT2. SHMT1 is completely inhibited by 3BP, whereas SHMT2 retains a significant fraction of activity.

Lack of a "Weekend Effect" for Renal Transplant Recipients.

The "weekend (WE) effect" defines the association between WE hospital admissions and higher rate of mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between WE effect and renal transplant recipients (RTRs) using the database of the Emilia-Romagna region (ERR), Italy. We included ERR admissions of RTRs ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ ICD-9-CM] code V420) between 2000 and 2013.

Chronic Psychosocial Stress Impairs Bone Homeostasis: A Study in the Social Isolation Reared Rat.

Chronic psychosocial stress is a key player in the onset and aggravation of mental diseases, including psychosis. Although a strong association between this psychiatric condition and other medical co-morbidities has been recently demonstrated, few data on the link between psychosis and bone homeostasis are actually available. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic psychosocial stress induced by 4 or 7 weeks of social isolation in drug-naïve male Wistar rats could alter bone homeostasis in terms of bone thickness, mineral density and content, as well as markers of bone formation and resorption (sclerostin, cathepsin K, and CTX-I).

Chronotype, gender and general health.

Background: Light-dark alternation has always been the strongest external circadian "zeitgeber" for humans. Due to its growing technological preference, our society is quickly transforming toward a progressive "eveningness" (E), with consequences on personal circadian preference (chronotype), depending on gender as well. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence of possible relationships between chronotype and gender, with relevance on disturbances that could negatively impact general health, including daily life aspects.

Redox proteomic analysis of serum from aortic anerurysm patients: insights on oxidation of specific protein target.

Objectives: oxidative stress is undoubtedly one of the main players in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathophysiology. Recent studies in AAA patients reported an increase in the indices of oxidative damage at the tissue level and in biological fluids coupled with the loss of counter-regulatory mechanisms of protection from oxidative stress. We recently reported, in a proteomic analysis of AAA patient sera, changes in the expression of several proteins exerting important modulatory activities on cellular proliferation, differentiation and response to damage.

The occurrence of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants in Italian organic honeys from different productive areas in relation to potential environmental pollution.

Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and consumer interest is currently oriented towards organic foods. Regarding this, the European Commission establishes that the qualification of organic honey and other beekeeping products as being from organic production is closely bound with the characteristics of hive treatments as well as the quality of the environment. Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed, in particular in the field of organic production systems.

Impact of renal dysfunction on in-hospital mortality of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a single-center Italian study.

Background: We conducted a study, based on discharge hospital sheets [International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM)], in order to evaluate the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), multi-morbidity, and in-hospital mortality (IHM).

Methods: This study included all hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013, recorded in the database of the University Hospital St. Anna of Ferrara.

Impact of comorbidity on outcome in kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective study in Italy.

The aim of this study was to relate in-hospital mortality (IHM), cardiovascular events (CVEs) and non-immunologic comorbidity evaluated on the basis of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codification, in Italian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We evaluated IHM and admissions due to CVEs between 2000 and 2013 recorded in the database of the region Emilia Romagna. The Elixhauser score was calculated for evaluation of non-immunologic comorbidity.

Pears and renal stones: possible weapon for prevention? A comprehensive narrative review.

Urinary stones have been recognized as a human disease since dawn of history and treatment of this condition is reported by Egyptian medical writings. Also, pears have a very long history, being one of the earliest cultivated fruit trees and also known for medicinal use. Urinary tract stone formation represents a common condition and also a significant burden for health care service, due also to possible frequent relapses.

Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism using apixaban - patient perspectives and considerations. Should more attention be given to females?

Background: New oral anticoagulant agents, such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or endoxaban, have recently become for patients an alternative option to conventional treatment in the therapy of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thus, we aimed to review the available information on adverse events (AEs) of apixaban compared to conventional therapy (heparin or vitamin K antagonists) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on patients treated for VTE, with a particular attention to sex subgroups.

Methods: An electronic search in MEDLINE and Embase was performed by using the keywords "apixaban" and "venous thromboembolism".

"Timing" of arrival and in-hospital mortality in a cohort of patients under anticoagulant therapy presenting to the emergency departments with cerebral hemorrhage: A multicenter chronobiological study in Italy.

Therapy with oral anticoagulants (OACs) is a risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage (CH). Although different studies have been undertaken to investigate the timing of the onset of major cardiovascular events, no data exist on temporal patterns of the onset of CH in subjects treated with OACs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the timing of CH in patients treated with OACs.

Autoantibodies Profile in Matching CSF and Serum from AD and aMCI patients: Potential Pathogenic Role and Link to Oxidative Damage.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among the elderly and is characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognition. Amyloid-ß-peptide (Aß) forms senile plaques, which, together with hyperphosphorylated tau-based neurofibrillary tangles, are the hallmarks of AD neuropathology. Evidence support the involvement of immune system in AD progression and current concepts regarding its pathogenesis include the participation of inflammatory and autoimmune components in the neurodegenerative process.

Oxidative signature of cerebrospinal fluid from mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease patients.

Background: Several studies suggest that pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain begin around 10-20 years before the onset of cognitive impairment. Biomarkers that can support early diagnosis and predict development of dementia would, therefore, be crucial for patient care and evaluation of drug efficacy. Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ42, tau, and p-tau are well-established diagnostic biomarkers of AD, there is an urgent need to identify additional molecular alterations of neuronal function that can be evaluated at the systemic level.

Renal disease and accidental falls: a review of published evidence.

Background: The pathogenesis of falling is complex, and identification of risk factors may be essential for prevention. The relationship between renal disease and falls is unclear, and the goal of this study was to collect the available evidence and investigate the relationship between accidental falls and renal dysfunction.

Methods: Electronic searches were performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Ovid SP and Web of Science databases to identify the appropriate literature.

Screening of the chemical composition and bioactivity of Waldheimia glabra (Decne.) Regel essential oil.

Background: This research aimed at improving knowledge as to the chemical composition and the antibacterial and anti-cancer activities of the essential oil of Waldheimia glabra, a wild plant from the Himalayan Mountains.

Results: The results obtained by GC-MS showed that spathulenol, 9-tetradecenol, thujopsene, α-thujone, santolina alcohol and terpinen-4-ol were the main constituents of Waldheimia glabra essential oil. These results were confirmed by HS-SPME GC-MS analysis that also reported high amounts of artemisia alcohol and camphor.

Anti-Proliferative Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract on Human Melanoma A375 Cells.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, while nowadays various rosemary formulations are increasingly exploited by alternative medicine to cure or prevent a wide range of health disorders. Rosemary's bioproperties have prompted scientific investigation, which allowed us to ascertain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytostatic, and cytotoxic activities of crude extracts or of pure components.

A possible relationship between renal impairment and complications development in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective, observational study in Italy.

Background: We investigated the relationship between complications development and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), in a cohort of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients.

Methods: This observational study considered 1284 T2DM outpatients, who had been followed-up for 4.5 ± 1.