Publications by authors named "R Ricciarelli"

The corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and the resulting long-term neurological complications in patients, known as long COVID, have renewed interest in the correlation between viral infections and neurodegenerative brain disorders. While many viruses can reach the central nervous system (CNS) causing acute or chronic infections (such as herpes simplex virus 1, HSV-1), the lack of a clear mechanistic link between viruses and protein aggregation into amyloids, a characteristic of several neurodegenerative diseases, has rendered such a connection elusive. Recently, we showed that viruses can induce aggregation of purified amyloidogenic proteins via the direct physicochemical mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation (HEN).

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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that severely impacts the patient's quality of life. Modulating neuroinflammation, which exacerbates the primary injury, and stimulating neuro-regenerative repair mechanisms are key strategies to improve functional recovery. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a second messenger crucially involved in both processes.

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Article Synopsis
  • Curcumin, found in turmeric, is recognized for its potential health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, but its absorption in the body may be too low to be effective.
  • Dietary sources alone may not provide sufficient curcumin levels, leading researchers to explore methods to enhance its bioavailability, such as using nanoparticles.
  • Increasing curcumin levels might boost its health benefits, particularly its antioxidant effects, but it also requires careful monitoring to avoid negative impacts on cellular functions.
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Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) enzymes has been investigated as therapeutic strategy to treat memory problems in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although PDE4D inhibitors are effective in enhancing memory processes in rodents and humans, severe side effects may hamper their clinical use. PDE4D enzymes comprise different isoforms, which, when targeted specifically, can increase treatment efficacy and safety.

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Purpose: This study aimed to describe a rare case of bilateral choroidal effusion following a XEN45 implantation.

Case Report: An 84-year-old man with primary open-angle glaucoma underwent uneventful ab interno XEN45 device implantation in the right eye. The immediate postoperative period was complicated by hypotony and serous choroidal detachment, which were treated and resolved using steroids and cycloplegic drops.

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