Evidence for direct dopaminergic connections between substantia nigra pars compacta and thalamus in young healthy humans.

The substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), one of the main dopaminergic nuclei of the brain, exerts a regulatory function on the basal ganglia circuitry via the nigro-striatal pathway but its possible dopaminergic innervation of the thalamus has been only investigated in non-human primates. The impossibility of tract-tracing studies in humans has boosted advanced MRI techniques and multi-shell high-angular resolution diffusion MRI (MS-HARDI) has promised to shed more light on the structural connectivity of subcortical structures. Here, we estimated the possible dopaminergic innervation of the human thalamus via an MS-HARDI tractography of the SNc in healthy human young adults.

Respiratory Viruses in Patients With Hematological Malignancy in Boreal Autumn/Winter 2023-2024: EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA Report.

Community-acquired respiratory viral infections (CARV) significantly impact patients with hematological malignancies (HM), leading to high morbidity and mortality. However, large-scale, real-world data on CARV in these patients is limited. This study analyzed data from the EPICOVIDEHA-EPIFLUEHA registry, focusing on patients with HM diagnosed with CARV during the 2023-2024 autumn-winter season.

Detection of Viable but Nonculturable E. coli Induced by Low-Level Antimicrobials Using AI-Enabled Hyperspectral Microscopy.

Rapid detection of bacterial pathogens is essential for food safety and public health, yet bacteria can evade detection by entering a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under sublethal stress, such as antimicrobial residues. These bacteria remain active but undetectable by standard culture-based methods without extensive enrichment, necessitating advanced detection methods. This study developed an AI-enabled hyperspectral microscope imaging (HMI) framework for rapid VBNC detection under low-level antimicrobials.

Exploring the Dynamic Changes of Brain Lipids, Lipid Rafts, and Lipid Droplets in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease.

Aging induces complex changes in the lipid profiles across different areas of the brain. These changes can affect the function of brain cells and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that while the overall lipid profile in the human brain remains quite steady throughout adulthood, specific changes occur with age, especially after the age of 50.

The Three Pillars of Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review and Novel Analysis of Multi-Omics and Clinical Data.

Glioblastoma is the most fatal and common malignant brain tumor, excluding metastasis and with a median survival of approximately one year. While solid tumors benefit from newly approved drugs, immunotherapy, and prevention, none of these scenarios are opening for glioblastoma. The key to unlocking the peculiar features of glioblastoma is observing its molecular and anatomical features tightly entangled with the host's central nervous system (CNS).

Hyaluronate Protects From Benzalkonium Chloride-Induced Ocular Surface Toxicity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium hyaluronate (SH) on benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-induced toxicity in the ocular surface epithelium and corneal nerves.

Methods: Ocular surface epithelial cells from Balb/c mice were cultured with 0.1% to 0.

Psychological and Clinical Challenges in the Management of Type 1 Diabetes during Adolescence: A Narrative Review.

Adolescence, a critical period of physical and psychological development, presents unique challenges in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management due to endocrinological changes, reduced therapeutic adherence, and elevated susceptibility to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. This narrative review explores the impact of psychological and behavioral factors on glycemic control in adolescents with T1D. We examine the prevalence and influence of mental health disorders, lifestyle factors, harmful behaviors, and social dynamics on diabetes management and glycemic outcomes.

Vaccinations at home: a new strategy to contain vaccine hesitancy? The experience of ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Italy.

Vaccination coverage are generally geographically variable, even within large cities; furthermore, across target population are embedded difficult-to-reach clusters. To address this issue and improve coverage of mandatory vaccinations, a study group explored bringing vaccination at home as an interventional strategy. In a pilot experience, parents of unvaccinated and under vaccinated children of the 2020 birth cohort living in Naples, Italy were contacted by telephone to offer home administration of vaccinations.

Exploring the role of calf circumference as a predisposing factor for intra-hospital delirium: investigating potential gender differences: revealing potential gender variances.

Background: Malnutrition and sarcopenia significantly increase the risk of intra-hospital delirium, particularly among older adults. Given the potential correlation between calf circumference (CC) and these conditions, CC emerges as a promising predisposing factor for delirium. This study aims to investigate the independent association between delirium and anthropometric parameters, focusing on evaluating CC's predictive capacity for intra-hospital delirium risk.

Genicular Artery Embolization: A New Tool for the Management of Refractory Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent cause of chronic pain and disability, particularly affecting women. While traditionally attributed to chronic wear and tear, recent evidence highlights multifactorial pathogenesis involving low-grade inflammation and neoangiogenesis. Current therapeutic options include physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Intrathecal dexamethasone as an adjuvant for spinal anesthesia: a systematic review.

Introduction: Spinal anesthesia is a common anesthetic technique for lower limb and abdominal surgery. Despite its efficacy, its use is limited because of its duration and potential severe side effects, especially in high-risk patients undergoing major surgery. Adjuvants such as dexamethasone offer the potential to prolong the anesthetic effect and reduce the need for local anesthetics while reducing the incidence of serious adverse events.

Anthropic cut marks in extinct megafauna bones from the Pampean region (Argentina) at the last glacial maximum.

The initial peopling of South America is a topic of intense archaeological debate. Among the most contentious issues remain the nature of the human-megafauna interaction and the possible role of humans, along with climatic change, in the extinction of several megamammal genera at the end of the Pleistocene. In this study, we present the analysis of fossil remains with cutmarks belonging to a specimen of Neosclerocalyptus (Xenarthra, Glyptodontidae), found on the banks of the Reconquista River, northeast of the Pampean region (Argentina), whose AMS 14C dating corresponds to the Last Glacial Maximum (21,090-20,811 cal YBP).

The potential of cannabinoids in managing cancer-related anorexia in older adults: a systematic review of the literature.

Background And Objectives: Anorexia of aging (AoA) is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by a multifactorial decline in appetite and reduced food intake associated with the aging process. This systematic review aims to investigate the use and outcomes of cannabinoids in addressing AoA, with the goal of providing a comprehensive understanding and discussing their potential integration into daily clinical practice.

Methods: A thorough search of databases (Embase Ovid, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) identified 6100 studies.

Getting old in the desired gender: a systematic review on aging diseases in transgender people.

Introduction: The growing demographic presence of the transgender (TGD) population has sparked an increase in clinical investigations focusing on the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in adults with gender dysphoria. Despite this surge in studies, there remains a significant gap in the literature regarding the health status of older TGD individuals. This review aims to assess prevalent pathological conditions within the TGD population, specifically concentrating on aging-related diseases investigated to date.

Restoration of Pulmonary Compliance after Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery Using a Recruitment Maneuver.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that an alveolar recruitment maneuver can restore lung compliance to initial values after laparoscopic gynecological surgery.

Methods: A total of 31 patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecological surgery were enrolled. Protective mechanical ventilation was applied, and the radial artery was catheterized in all patients.

The burden of radiation exposure in congenital heart disease: the Italian cohort profile and bioresource collection in HARMONIC project.

Background: The European-funded Health Effects of Cardiac Fluoroscopy and Modern Radiotherapy in Pediatrics (HARMONIC) project aims to improve knowledge on the effects of medical exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) received during childhood. One of its objectives is to build a consolidated European cohort of pediatric patients who have undergone cardiac catheterization (Cath) procedures, with the goal of enhancing the assessment of long-term radiation-associated cancer risk. The purpose of our study is to provide a detailed description of the Italian cohort contributing to the HARMONIC project, including an analysis of cumulative IR exposure, reduction trend over the years and an overview of the prospective collection of biological samples for research in this vulnerable population.

Computational Modeling of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors: Insights into Dendritic Signal Amplification Mechanisms.

Dendritic structures play a pivotal role in the computational processes occurring within neurons. Signal propagation along dendrites relies on both passive conduction and active processes related to voltage-dependent ion channels. Among these channels, extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate channels (exNMDA) emerge as a significant contributor.

The Interplay between Glioblastoma Cells and Tumor Microenvironment: New Perspectives for Early Diagnosis and Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) stands out as the most tremendous brain tumor, constituting 60% of primary brain cancers, accompanied by dismal survival rates. Despite advancements in research, therapeutic options remain limited to chemotherapy and surgery. GBM molecular heterogeneity, the intricate interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME), and non-selective treatments contribute to the neoplastic relapse.

New Perspectives in the Association between Anthropometry and Mortality: The Role of Calf Circumference.

Aims: Considering the impact of sarcopenia on mortality, and the difficulty to assessment of body composition, the hypothesis of the study is that calf circumference (CC) is closely related to mortality in older patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the potential role of CC to predict mortality in old individuals at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge from hospital.

Methods: Patients aged >65 years were recruited for this retrospective study from September 2021 to March 2022.

Is sarcopenia a real concern in ankylosing spondylitis? A systematic literature review.

Purpose: Sarcopenia is a condition defined as loss of muscle mass and strength, associated with poor functional performance and disability. Sarcopenia can be exacerbated or worsened in presence of inflammation, sedentary lifestyle and cytokine imbalance, thus it frequently occurs in people affected by rheumatic diseases. This systematic literature review aims to explore the association between sarcopenia and spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its most frequent manifestation, i.

Lupin as Ingredient in Durum Wheat Breadmaking: Physicochemical Properties of Flour Blends and Bread Quality.

The popularity of adding pulse flours to baked goods is growing rapidly due to their recognised health benefits. In this study, increasing amounts (3, 7, 10, and 15%) of white lupin flour ( L.) and of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin ( L.

Peripheral and central neurobiological effects of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) in neuropathic pain: a systematic review.

Botulinum toxin (BoNT), a presynaptic inhibitor of acetylcholine (Ach) release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is a successful and safe drug for the treatment of several neurological disorders. However, a wide and recent literature review has demonstrated that BoNT exerts its effects not only at the "periphery" but also within the central nervous system (CNS). Studies from animal models, in fact, have shown a retrograde transport to the CNS, thus modulating synaptic function.