Advantages and limitations of orbital rim resection in transorbital endoscopic approach: an anatomical study.

Background: Endoscopic transorbital approach (eTOA) has been recently proposed as an alternative skull base approach. However, its feasibility for deeper lesions can be hampered by a reduced surgical maneuverability. Aim of this study is to consider how its extension through orbital rim resection can overcome this limitation, and to compare two different techniques for its removal.

Signaling pathways and bone marrow microenvironment in myelodysplastic neoplasms.

Key signaling pathways within the Bone Marrow Microenvironment (BMM), such as Notch, Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C (PI-PLCs), Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β), and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), play a vital role in the progression of Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS). Among the various BMM cell types, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are particularly central to these pathways. While these signaling routes can independently affect both MSCs and Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs), they most importantly alter the dynamics of their interactions, leading to abnormal changes in survival, differentiation, and quiescence.

Anatomical Measurements of the Malar Bone for Safe Zygomatic Implant Placement: A Study on Donated Bodies.

: The malar bone provides an anchorage point for zygomatic implants, avoiding invasive reconstructive surgeries in the fixed rehabilitation of fully edentulous and severely atrophic maxillae. The limited bone volume, however, requires precise implant placement to prevent complications related to nearby anatomical structures. This observational cross-sectional study aims to measure the malar and zygomatic arch bones and their distances from critical anatomical landmarks to guide surgeons in safe zygomatic implant placement.

Enhancing Gene Delivery in NB-4 Cells: Overcoming Transduction and Selection Challenges.

Efficient gene transduction and cell viability are critical factors in genetic manipulation for research and therapeutic purposes. In this study, we explored the challenges associated with transducing the NB-4 cell line, a well-established model for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), using lentiviral vectors. While the initial transduction efficiency in NB-4 cells reached approximately 30%, we observed a significant decrease in cell viability, a phenomenon not observed in other acute leukemia cell lines such as THP-1 cells.

Structural Variants at the LMNB1 Locus: Deciphering Pathomechanisms in Autosomal Dominant Adult-Onset Demyelinating Leukodystrophy.

Objective: We aimed to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying autosomal dominant adult-onset demyelinating leukodystrophy (ADLD), and to understand the genotype/phenotype correlation of structural variants (SVs) in the LMNB1 locus.

Background: Since the discovery of 3D genome architectures and topologically associating domains (TADs), new pathomechanisms have been postulated for SVs, regardless of gene dosage changes. ADLD is a rare genetic disease associated with duplications (classical ADLD) or noncoding deletions (atypical ADLD) in the LMNB1 locus.

The involvement of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: An update.

Unlabelled: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common disabling pathologies, characterized by joint pain and reduced function, significantly worsening the quality of life. Even if important progresses have been made in OA research, little is yet known about the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying OA. Understanding dysregulated signaling networks and their crosstalk in OA may offer a strong opportunity for the development of combined targeted therapies.

Signaling Role of Pericytes in Vascular Health and Tissue Homeostasis.

Pericytes are multipotent cells embedded within the vascular system, primarily surrounding capillaries and microvessels where they closely interact with endothelial cells. These cells are known for their intriguing properties due to their heterogeneity in tissue distribution, origin, and multifunctional capabilities. Specifically, pericytes are essential in regulating blood flow, promoting angiogenesis, and supporting tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

Nuclear Phospholipids and Signaling: An Update of the Story.

In the last three decades, the presence of phospholipids in the nucleus has been shown and thoroughly investigated. A considerable amount of interest has been raised about nuclear inositol lipids, mainly because of their role in signaling acting. Here, we review the main issues of nuclear phospholipid localization and the role of nuclear inositol lipids and their related enzymes in cellular signaling, both in physiological and pathological conditions.

Dissecting human anatomy learning process through anatomical education with augmented reality: AEducAR 2.0, an updated interdisciplinary study.

Anatomical education is pivotal for medical students, and innovative technologies like augmented reality (AR) are transforming the field. This study aimed to enhance the interactive features of the AEducAR prototype, an AR tool developed by the University of Bologna, and explore its impact on human anatomy learning process in 130 second-year medical students at the International School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Bologna. An interdisciplinary team of anatomists, maxillofacial surgeons, biomedical engineers, and educational scientists collaborated to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the study's objectives.

Detection of Cancer Stem Cells in Normal and Dysplastic/Leukemic Human Blood.

The hierarchical organization of the leukemic stem cells (LSCs) is identical to that of healthy counterpart cells. It may be split into roughly three stages: a small number of pluripotent stem cells at the top, few lineage-restricted cells in the middle, and several terminally differentiated blood cells at the bottom. Although LSCs can differentiate into the hematopoietic lineage, they can also accumulate as immature progenitor cells, also known as blast cells.

Deciphering signaling pathways in hematopoietic stem cells: the molecular complexity of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and leukemic progression.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes, a heterogeneous group of hematological disorders, are characterized by abnormalities in phosphoinositide-dependent signaling, epigenetic regulators, apoptosis, and cytokine interactions within the bone marrow microenvironment, contributing to disease pathogenesis and neoplastic growth. Comprehensive knowledge of these pathways is crucial for the development of innovative therapies that aim to restore normal apoptosis and improve patient outcomes.

Anatomical Study of the Application of a Galeo-Pericranial Flap in Oral Cavity Defects Reconstruction.

Oral cavity defects occur after resection of lesions limited to the mucosa, alveolar gum, or minimally affecting the bone. Aiming at esthetical and functional improvements of intraoral reconstruction, the possibility of harvesting a new galeo-pericranial free flap was explored. The objective of this study was to assess the technical feasibility of flap harvesting through anatomical dissections and surgical procedure simulations.

Lamin B1 as a key modulator of the developing and aging brain.

Lamin B1 is an essential protein of the nuclear lamina that plays a crucial role in nuclear function and organization. It has been demonstrated that lamin B1 is essential for organogenesis and particularly brain development. The important role of lamin B1 in physiological brain development and aging has only recently been at the epicenter of attention and is yet to be fully elucidated.

Emerging Roles of Phospholipase C Beta Isozymes as Potential Biomarkers in Cardiac Disorders.

Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes represent crucial participants in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells, including the cardiac sarcolemmal (SL) membrane of cardiomyocytes. They are responsible for the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P) into 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P), both essential lipid mediators. These second messengers regulate the intracellular calcium (Ca) concentration, which activates signal transduction cascades involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte activity.

Nuclear Phosphoinositides as Key Determinants of Nuclear Functions.

Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are signalling messengers representing less than five per cent of the total phospholipid concentration within the cell. Despite their low concentration, these lipids are critical regulators of various cellular processes, including cell cycle, differentiation, gene transcription, apoptosis and motility. PPIns are generated by the phosphorylation of the inositol head group of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns).

Understanding the Ultra-Rare Disease Autosomal Dominant Leukodystrophy: an Updated Review on Morpho-Functional Alterations Found in Experimental Models.

Autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) is an ultra-rare, slowly progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of white matter in the central nervous system (CNS). Several years after its first clinical description, ADLD was found to be caused by coding and non-coding variants in the LMNB1 gene that cause its overexpression in at least the brain of patients. LMNB1 encodes for Lamin B1, a protein of the nuclear lamina.

Phospholipases in Gliomas: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives from Bench to Bedside.

Phospholipases are essential intermediaries that work as hydrolyzing enzymes of phospholipids (PLs), which represent the most abundant species contributing to the biological membranes of nervous cells of the healthy human brain. They generate different lipid mediators, such as diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidic acid, and arachidonic acid, representing key elements of intra- and inter-cellular signaling and being involved in the regulation of several cellular mechanisms that can promote tumor progression and aggressiveness. In this review, it is summarized the current knowledge about the role of phospholipases in brain tumor progression, focusing on low- and high-grade gliomas, representing promising prognostic or therapeutic targets in cancer therapies due to their influential roles in cell proliferation, migration, growth, and survival.

A miRNA screening identifies miR-192-5p as associated with response to azacitidine and lenalidomide therapy in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background: miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are linked to cancer development and progression. miRNA profiles are currently studied as new prognostic factors or therapeutic perspectives. Among hematological cancers, myelodysplastic syndromes at higher risk of evolution into acute myeloid leukemia are treated with hypomethylating agents, like azacitidine, alone or in combination with other drugs, such as lenalidomide.

Effects of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine on the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to targeted therapies.

Approaches to improve pancreatic cancer therapy are essential as this disease has a very bleak outcome. Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). PDAC is a cancer which is difficult to effectively treat as it is often detected late in the disease process.

Anatomical Laser Microdissection of the Ileum Reveals mtDNA Depletion Recovery in A Mitochondrial Neuro-Gastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) Patient Receiving Liver Transplant.

mitochondrial neuro-gastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by thymidine phosphorylase (TP) enzyme defect. The absence of TP activity induces the imbalance of mitochondrial nucleotide pool, leading to impaired mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and depletion. Since mtDNA is required to ensure oxidative phosphorylation, metabolically active tissues may not achieve sufficient energy production.

Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders: From Leaky Barriers Microanatomical Changes to Biochemical Processes.

Background: The gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system are distinct because of evident morpho-functional features. Nonetheless, evidence indicates that these systems are bidirectionally connected through the gut-brain axis, defined as the signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, which plays in concert with the gut microbiota, i.e.

Roles of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Axis in Arteriovenous Fistula.

Renal failure is a worldwide disease with a continuously increasing prevalence and involving a rising need for long-term treatment, mainly by haemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the favourite type of vascular access for haemodialysis; however, the lasting success of this therapy depends on its maturation, which is directly influenced by many concomitant processes such as vein wall thickening or inflammation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive AVF maturation and failure can highlight new or combinatorial drugs for more personalized therapy.

Impact of phospholipase C β1 in glioblastoma: a study on the main mechanisms of tumor aggressiveness.

Glioblastoma represents the most lethal brain tumor in adults. Several studies have shown the key role of phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1) in the regulation of many mechanisms within the central nervous system suggesting PLCβ1 as a novel signature gene in the molecular classification of high-grade gliomas. This study aims to determine the pathological impact of PLCβ1 in glioblastoma, confirming that PLCβ1 gene expression correlates with glioma's grade, and it is lower in 50 glioblastoma samples compared to 20 healthy individuals.