Nationwide Screening Unveils Endemic Presence in Northern Italy, Mainly Affecting Dice Snakes: Evidence from Contemporary and Historical Snake Samples.

Ophidiomycosis, caused by the keratinophilic fungus (Oo), is an emerging threat to snake populations, yet its epidemiology in Europe remains underexplored. We investigated the distribution of Oo across free-ranging snake populations in Italy, integrating both recent field samples and historical museum specimens. Our survey involved 423 snakes representing 17 species from 17 regions, with Oo detected in 32 snakes from five different species.

Mechanisms of ossification of the entheses in spondyloarthritis physiopathogenic aspects and possible therapeutic implication.

This review examines the molecular mechanisms driving structural damage in Spondyloarthritis (SpA), a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by new bone formation that can lead to partial or complete spinal ankylosis. We explore the complex interplay between inflammation, mechanical stress, and bone metabolism in SpA, focusing on key signaling pathways and cytokines that contribute to disease progression. The review analyzes both structural and inflammatory aspects, particularly the role of enthesis biology and the impact of mechanical factors.

The Role of Gliosis in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes: New Insights.

Methods: Baseline and 6-months measurements included Snellen acuity (SA), central retinal thickness (CRT), the presence of microcystic macular edema (MME), outer retinal cysts (ORC), disruptions of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) and quantitative analysis on MC-SLO were analyzed. The study primarily evaluated postoperative SA improvement, CRT reduction, and the prevalence of ERM remnants. Additionally, the relationship between gliotic components and postoperative outcomes was analyzed.

Paediatric extra-axial myxopapillary ependymoma: what to expect? Case report and literature review.

Extra-axial ependymomas are rare tumours, and myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is the most common subtype in children, often misdiagnosed as other sacral lesions. MPEs are considered low-grade tumours, but relapse with distant metastasis is frequent. Therefore, therefore a proper diagnosis and subsequent follow-up are warranted.

Reproductive Traits and Hatchling Characteristics of the Endemic Sardinian Grass Snake (): First Field Data, with Screening for .

The Sardinian grass snake, , is an island-endemic subspecies with a restricted and highly fragmented distribution confined to Sardinia, Italy. Information on its reproductive biology and wild offspring remain scarce in the scientific literature. This present study reports the first recorded data on a clutch of eggs laid by a wild melanistic female that exhibited lethargy when observed basking, prompting a brief period of health monitoring and screening for the presence of the pathogenic fungus (Oo).

Update on diagnosis and management of radiation retinopathy.

Purpose Of Review: Radiation retinopathy is a vision-threatening complication of radiotherapy involving the eye or surrounding structures. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, and utilization of new diagnostic imaging tools for radiation retinopathy. It will also focus on the current prophylaxis approaches to prevent or delay the development of radiation-related side effects and treatment strategies once radiation retinopathy occurs.

Clinical practice guidelines for switching or deprescribing hypnotic medications for chronic insomnia: Results of European neuropsychopharmacology and sleep expert's consensus group.

Introduction: Current guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Pharmacological recommendations by European guidelines for the treatment of insomnia disorder include positive GABAergic modulators such as short and medium acting benzodiazepines and "Z-drugs" (eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem, zopiclone), dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs; daridorexant), melatonin receptor agonists (melatonin 2 mg prolonged release - PR). Given the chronic nature of insomnia, the presence of non-responders to some treatments it is often necessary switching between various therapeutic approaches and medications.

Evaluation of single-dose umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cell injection immediately and 7 days after spinal cord trauma in mice.

Study Design: Experimental study utilizing a standardized Balb C mouse model.

Objectives: Evaluate histological changes and motor function recovery in the acute and subacute phases of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in mice using human Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells.

Methods: Forty mice were divided into five groups, with two receiving human Umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells immediately after SCI and after 7 days, and three control groups.

N-Substituted-5- [(2,5-Dihydroxybenzyl)amino]salicylamides as Lavendustin Analogs: Antiproliferative Activity, COMPARE Analyses, Mechanistic, Docking, ADMET and Toxicity Studies.

Target cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors; 5-([2,5-Dihydroxybenzyl]amino)salicylamides (Compounds 1-11) were examined for potential anticancer activity, with a trial to assess the underlying possible mechanisms. Compounds were assessed at a single dose against 60 cancer cell lines panel and those with the highest activity were tested in the five-dose assay. COMPARE analysis was conducted to explore potential mechanisms underlying their biological activity.

Serum Lipids Alterations in Patients Under Systemic JAK Inhibitors Treatments in Dermatology: Clinical Aspects and Management.

: Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have significantly advanced the treatment of various dermatological conditions by modulating the JAK-STAT signalling pathway. While these inhibitors have proven effective, they also pose challenges due to associated increase in serum lipid levels and relative potential cardiovascular risks. This perspective work aims to discuss the implications of these lipid alterations proposing management strategies for patients with dermatological disorders under JAKi treatments.

Prevalence of in Amphibians in Northwestern Italy's Protected Areas.

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus (Bd), is a significant threat to global amphibian populations, leading to widespread declines and extinctions. In the spring of 2023, Bd presence was detected in different amphibian species within two protected areas near Turin, Piedmont, Italy, following an unusual mortality event among the common toad (). Histological and molecular analyses confirmed Bd infection in a deceased sp.

Robot-assisted upper limb therapy for personalized rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders of movement development that may cause activity limitations. In this context, robot-assisted therapy might play a key role in clinical management. This comprehensive systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of robotic systems in improving upper limb (UL) functions in children with CP.

Esketamine Treatment Trajectory of Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression in the Mid and Long-Term Run: Data from REAL-ESK Study Group.

Introduction/objective: Data on long-term treatment with Esketamine Nasal Spray (ESKNS) in real-world patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD) is scarce. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of ESK-NS treatment at 6 and 12-month follow-ups.

Methods: This is part of an observational, retrospective, multicentric Italian study (REAL-ESK study).

Preretinal abnormal tissue before and after pars plana vitrectomy in macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a multimodal imaging study.

Purpose: To quantitatively explore preretinal abnormal tissue (PAT) in macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) before and after surgery.

Methods: In this case-series study, PAT was detected by en-face optical coherence tomography images with custom slabs in eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy and SF6 for macula-on RRD.Main outcome measures were PAT area at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up, and its relative change.

Chemoimmunotherapy-Resistant Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Managed With I-125 Brachytherapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the management of chemoimmunotherapy-resistant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) with iodine-125 (I-125) brachytherapy.

Methods: A 36-year-old man presented to the clinic with biopsy-proven OSSN that covered ∼70% of the corneal surface and extended to the 6 o'clock position of the inferior limbus of the OS. The visual acuity was 20/20 in the OD and 20/40 in the affected OS.

PI-RADS in Predicting csPCa: A Comparison Between Academic and Nonacademic Centers.

Introduction: The introduction of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has revolutionized prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, enhancing the localization of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and guiding targeted biopsies. However, significant disparities in the execution, interpretation, and reporting of prostate MRI examinations across centers necessitate greater standardization and accuracy. This study compares the diagnostic efficacy of mpMRI from academic and nonacademic centers in detecting csPCa and identifies factors associated with csPCa detection.

Laboratory validation of a simplified DNA extraction protocol followed by a portable qPCR detection of M. tuberculosis DNA suitable for point of care settings.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a treatable and curable disease, and yet remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Diagnosis is essential to reducing the number of cases and starting treatment, but costly tests and equipments that require complex infrastructure hamper their widespread use as a tool to contain the disease in vulnerable populations as well countries lacking resources. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop new technological approaches to molecular methods as well as screening tests that can be rapidly conducted among people presenting to a health facility to differentiate those who should have further diagnostic evaluation for TB from those who should undergo further investigation for non-TB diagnoses.

Choroidal and Choriocapillaris OCT-A Analysis in Patients Affected by Active Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To analyze choroidal and choriocapillaris changes in eyes affected by active unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods: A total of 17 eyes suffering from naïve CSC were enrolled. In addition, 17 healthy fellow eyes were analyzed, and 10 eyes were enrolled as controls.

Effect of a driving pressure-limiting strategy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to community-acquired pneumonia: the STAMINA randomised clinical trial.

Background: This study aimed to assess whether a driving pressure-limiting strategy based on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration according to best respiratory system compliance and tidal volume adjustment increases the number of ventilator-free days within 28 days in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: This is a multi-centre, randomised trial, enrolling adults with moderate to severe ARDS secondary to community-acquired pneumonia. Patients were randomised to a driving pressure-limiting strategy or low PEEP strategy based on a PEEP:FiO table.

OCT analysis and MPOD assessment in patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa.

This study aimed to analyze Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) parameters and Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) changes in patients affected by Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Eighteen eyes of 18 patients suffering from early-stage RP were enrolled in our observational study. 18 eyes of 18 patients age and gender matched were enrolled as controls.

Second Primary Malignant Neoplasms in Survivors of Retinoblastoma in a Single Ocular Oncology Practice.

Introduction: A retrospective review of patients treated for retinoblastoma who developed a non-pineoblastoma second primary malignant neoplasm (SPMN) was performed.

Methods: The demographics, clinical features and treatments for retinoblastoma, pathologic types of non-pineoblastoma second primary malignant neoplasm (SPMN), intervals between the retinoblastoma diagnosis and treatment and diagnosis of non-pineoblastoma SPMN, treatment provided for the SPMN, and the survival outcomes of the patients were evaluated.

Results: Of 550 patients treated initially for retinoblastoma, this series used the 15 (2.

Development and preliminary evaluation of a novel preoperative index for quantitative analysis of photoreceptor loss in full-thickness macular holes.

Purpose: To identify novel quantitative parameters for evaluating photoreceptor loss in full-thickness macular holes (FTMH), exploring their potential clinical impact on postoperative functional and anatomical recovery.

Methods: This pilot study enrolled 38 eyes from 38 patients diagnosed with FTMH. Preoperatively, eyes underwent analysis and were subsequently followed for six months post-surgery.

Choroidal and Choriocapillaris Changes after Photodynamic Therapy and Subthreshold Micropulse Laser Treatment for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

: The aim of the present study is to analyze choroidal and choriocapillaris structural and functional changes in eyes affected by Central serous chorioretinopathy after Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Subthreshold Micropulse laser (SML) treatment. : Forty-two eyes of forty-two patients were analyzed in this observational study. Twenty-four patients underwent SML treatment, whereas eighteen patients were treated with PDT.