Epicatechin Influence on Biochemical Modification of Human Erythrocyte Metabolism and Membrane Integrity.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the main cells of the blood, perform numerous functions within the body and are in continuous contact with endogenous and exogenous molecules. In this context, the study aims to investigate the effect of epicatechin (EC) (flavan-3-ols) on the erythrocytes, analyzing the protective effect of the molecule and the action exerted on metabolism and RBC membrane. The effect of EC on RBC viability has been evaluated through the change in hemolysis and methemoglobin, assessing caspase 3 activity and performing a cytofluorometric analysis.

Vertical Dimension Control in Two Different Treatment Protocols: Invisalign First and Bite Block-A Retrospective Study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the vertical dimension changes, before and after treatment, in two groups of growing patients, one group treated with clear aligner therapy versus a group treated with Quad-helix and bite-block therapy.

Methods: The studied sample was composed of n. 40 patients (20 females and 20 males with a mean age of 8.

Novel Bioplastic Based on PVA Functionalized with Anthocyanins: Synthesis, Biochemical Properties and Food Applications.

Over the last ten years, researchers' efforts have aimed to replace the classic linear economy model with the circular economy model, favoring green chemical and industrial processes. From this point of view, biologically active molecules, coming from plants, flowers and biomass, are gaining considerable value. In this study, firstly we focus on the development of a green protocol to obtain the purification of anthocyanins from the flower of , based on simulation and on response surface optimization methodology.

Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Chloroquine on Red Blood Cells Metabolism.

Chloroquine (CQ) is a 4-aminoquinoline derivative largely employed in the management of malaria. CQ treatment exploits the drug's ability to cross the erythrocyte membrane, inhibiting heme polymerase in malarial trophozoites. Accumulation of CQ prevents the conversion of heme to hemozoin, causing its toxic buildup, thus blocking the survival of Plasmodium parasites.

Accuracy and Completeness of ChatGPT-Generated Information on Interceptive Orthodontics: A Multicenter Collaborative Study.

: this study aims to investigate the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT in answering questions and solving clinical scenarios of interceptive orthodontics. : ten specialized orthodontists from ten Italian postgraduate orthodontics schools developed 21 clinical open-ended questions encompassing all of the subspecialities of interceptive orthodontics and 7 comprehensive clinical cases. Questions and scenarios were inputted into ChatGPT4, and the resulting answers were evaluated by the researchers using predefined accuracy (range 1-6) and completeness (range 1-3) Likert scales.

Ferroptosis: Emerging Role in Diseases and Potential Implication of Bioactive Compounds.

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is distinguished from other types of death for its peculiar characteristics of death regulated by iron accumulation, increase in ROS, and lipid peroxidation. In the past few years, experimental evidence has correlated ferroptosis with various pathological processes including neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Ferroptosis also is involved in several types of cancer because it has been shown to induce tumor cell death.

Anti-Aggregative and Protective Effects of Vicenin-2 on Heat and Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage on Protein Structures.

Vicenin-2, a flavonoid categorized as a flavones subclass, exhibits a distinctive and uncommon C-glycosidic linkage. Emerging evidence challenges the notion that deglycosylation is not a prerequisite for the absorption of C-glycosyl flavonoid in the small intestine. Capitalizing on this experimental insight and considering its biological attributes, we conducted different assays to test the anti-aggregative and antioxidant capabilities of vicenin-2 on human serum albumin under stressful conditions.

The Sleepiness-Depression Link in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Preliminary Results on the Mediation of Impulsivity.

Background: Emotional impulsivity has been found to be relevant in explaining the association between sleep problems and depressive symptoms, suggesting the potential role of impulsivity as a key underlying mechanism of this link. The objective of this study was to take a preliminary step in understanding the mediating role of impulsivity in the relation between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and depression in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to compare psychological and demographic characteristics between different levels of daytime sleepiness.

Methods: A total of 138 patients with OSAS underwent polygraphic cardiorespiratory monitoring and completed a series of questionnaires investigating perceived sleepiness, depression, impulsivity, and other psychological characteristics.

Upper Airway Characteristics and Morphological Changes by Different MADs in OSA Adult Subjects Assessed by CBCT 3D Imaging.

This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of four different designs of the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and the morphological changes on upper airway characteristics of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients inducted by each of them, detected by Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) 3D imaging. Twenty-two patients were recruited after an OSA diagnosis with PSG. Four different customised and titratable MADs were used and an initial CBCT scan was obtained for each patient.

Catechins and Proanthocyanidins Involvement in Metabolic Syndrome.

Recent studies on natural antioxidant compounds have highlighted their potentiality against various pathological conditions. The present review aims to selectively evaluate the benefits of catechins and their polymeric structure on metabolic syndrome, a common disorder characterized by a cluster of three main risk factors: obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Patients with metabolic syndrome suffer chronic low inflammation state and oxidative stress both conditions effectively countered by flavanols and their polymers.

Tridimensional Changes in Mandibular Arch after Rapid Maxillary Expansion Therapy: A Clinical Study.

: The upper jaw transverse deficit is certainly one of the most common clinical issues in the orthodontic field. It can be due to skeletal or dental factors, and its etiology may be both genetic and environmental. Rapid maxillary expanders (RMEs) are certainly the most effective appliance for upper transverse deficiency correction.

Dental anomalies in an Albanian orthodontic sample: a retrospective study.

Background: To evaluate the prevalence and the distribution of dental anomalies in an Albanian orthodontic sample.

Methods: For this retrospective study, a sample of panoramic radiographs (PR) of n. 779 (456 F and 323 M, mean age of 15.

The Neuroprotective Potentiality of Flavonoids on Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to its spread, has become a global health priority, and is characterized by senile dementia and progressive disability. The main cause of AD and other neurodegenerations (Huntington, Parkinson, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) are aggregated protein accumulation and oxidative damage. Recent research on secondary metabolites of plants such as polyphenols demonstrated that they may slow the progression of AD.

Saliva Analysis of pH and Antioxidant Capacity in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may be associated with and activates the stress response system, and variation in the physiological antioxidant capacity of body fluids. Our aim was to evaluate the variation of pH and antioxidant capacity on the saliva of obstructive sleep apnea subjects (OG) compared to a control group (CG).

Method: Fifty subjects with moderate/severe OSAS were recruited in Tor Vergata Hospital and compared with 20 healthy subjects CG.

Implication of COVID-19 on Erythrocytes Functionality: Red Blood Cell Biochemical Implications and Morpho-Functional Aspects.

Several diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders) affect the morpho-functional aspects of red blood cells, sometimes altering their normal metabolism. In this review, the hematological changes are evaluated, with particular focus on the morphology and metabolic aspects of erythrocytes. Changes in the functionality of such cells may, in fact, help provide important information about disease severity and progression.

Pharmacology and toxicology of tannins.

Tannins are an interesting class of polyphenols, characterized, in almost all cases, by a different degree of polymerization, which, inevitably, markedly influences their bioavailability, as well as biochemical and pharmacological activities. They have been used for the process of tanning to transform hides into leather, from which their name derives. For several time, they have not been accurately evaluated, but now researchers have started to unravel their potential, highlighting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, as well as their involvement in cardiovascular, neuroprotective and in general metabolic diseases prevention.

Molecular Basis of Interactions between the Antibiotic Nitrofurantoin and Human Serum Albumin: A Mechanism for the Rapid Drug Blood Transportation.

Nitrofurantoin is an antimicrobial agent obtained through the addition of a nitro group and a side chain containing hydantoin to a furan ring. The interactions of the antibiotic with human serum albumin (HSA) have been investigated by fluorescence, UV-VIS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and protein-ligand docking studies. The fluorescence studies indicate that the binding site of the additive involves modifications of the environment around Trp214 at the level of subdomain IIA.

Health Benefits Related to Tree Nut Consumption and Their Bioactive Compounds.

Long-term studies with regular tree nut consumption have indicated positive outcomes for multiple health benefits. Here, we review the beneficial effects of tree nuts, highlighting the impact on glucose modulation, body weight management, cardiovascular risk, inflammation, oxidative stress, cognitive performance, and gut microbiota. Nuts are important sources of nutrients and phytochemicals, which, together with a healthy lipid profile, could help prevent certain chronic diseases, protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve cognitive performance, thus reducing the impact of aging and neurodegeneration.

Enamel interproximal reduction during treatment with clear aligners: digital planning versus OrthoCAD analysis.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the amount of interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) provided on ClinCheck software with the amount of IPR carried out by the orthodontist during treatment with clear aligners.

Methods: 30 subjects (14 males, 16 females; mean age of 24.53 ± 13.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Palatal Morphology, and Aortic Dilatation in Marfan Syndrome Growing Subjects: A Retrospective Study.

The main cause of mortality in Marfan syndrome (MS) is aortic disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in MS, and it is also associated with cardiovascular risk and maxillary deformities. The aim of this research was to analyze the possible relations between OSA, palatal morphology, and aortic root diameters in growing subjects.

Sleep Bruxism and SDB in Albanian Growing Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible correlation between sleep bruxism and risk factors of developing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in a sample of growing subjects and to assess parental awareness about sleep bruxism in their children. The sample was composed of 310 subjects (173 females and 137 males), with a mean age of 8.9 years, attending "Ndre Mjeda" school of Tirana (Albania).

Sleep Disordered Breathing: An Epidemiological Study among Albanian Children and Adolescents.

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) comprises a group of diseases characterized by alterations in the frequency and/or depth of breathing during sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of SDB in a group of Albanian children and adolescents and to describe its social, physiological, psychological, sleep-related, and anthropometric risk factors, in relation to the sociodemographic situation. A total of 6087 participants (mean age: 10.

Evaluation of Anthocyanin Profile, Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Flowers.

Lemon bottlebrush ( (Curtis) Skeels) is one of the most common ornamental plants, diffused worldwide, and characterized by the presence of flowers with an intense red/purple coloration. There is increasing interest in the use and application of anthocyanins for their unique structural/chemical features in both food and pharmaceutical applications. RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis of an enriched fraction of acidified methanolic extract of flowers allow the possibility of identifying, for the first time, the presence of four anthocyanins: cyanidin-3,5--diglucoside (cyanin), peonidin-3,5--diglucoside (peonin), cyanidin-3--glucoside, and cyanidin-coumaroylglucoside-pyruvic acid.

Gelatinolytic activity in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of growing patients with Marfan syndrome: a case-control study.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the gelatinolytic activity in the saliva and gingival crevicular fluid from a sample group of subjects with Marfan syndrome.

Methods: Two groups were analyzed in this case-control study. A group of 28 subjects with Marfan syndrome (MG) was recruited from the Centre for Rare Disease, Marfan Clinic of Tor Vergata University Hospital.