Fluorescence-based absolute quantification of near-infrared probes in tissue extracts for biodistribution analyses.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of fluorescent contrast agents for clinical applications. For the development of a fluorescent probe, it is crucial to evaluate its safety profile, including biodistribution. Specific methods need to be developed for the absolute quantification of fluorescent probes in tissue specimens from animals administered with test compounds in the framework of biodistribution/efficacy/toxicity studies.

Selection of RNA aptamers targeting hypoxia in cancer.

Hypoxia plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and it is recognised as a major factor affecting patient clinical outcome. Therefore, the detection of hypoxic areas within the tumour micro-environment represents a useful way to monitor tumour growth and patients' responses to treatments, properly guiding the choice of the most suitable therapy. To date, non-invasive hypoxia imaging probes have been identified, but their applicability is strongly limited due to an inadequate resistance to the low oxygen concentration and the acidic pH of the tumour micro-environment.

Extracellular circulating miRNAs as stress-related signature to search and rescue dogs.

Our research explores serum extracellular circulating miRNAs (ecmiRNAs) involved in dog stress response immediately after the search and rescue (SAR) of missing people. The experimental plan considers four arduous SAR simulations. The SAR dogs are trained by the Alpine School of the Military Force of Guardia di Finanza (Passo Rolle, Italy).

How Do Avalanche Dogs (and Their Handlers) Cope with Physical Exercise? Heart Rate Changes during Endurance in a Snowy Environment.

This study aimed to assess the heart rate (HR) responses of avalanche SAR dogs and handlers under working field conditions. Thirteen SAR units (dogs and handlers) performed an exercise () consisting of approximately 5.5 km of rough tracks through deep snow, at an altitude of 1991-2250 m.

Biotin oligonucleotide labeling reactions: A method to assess their effectiveness and reproducibility.

The strong molecular interaction between biotin and streptavidin is widely used in the growing field of nucleic acid nanotechnology. Several biotin labeled oligonucleotide tools have been developed for the detection of biological molecules as well as for protein purification. For these reasons, biotinylation can be considered one of the main chemical reactions for nucleic acid labeling.