The density histograms-derived computerized integrated index (CII) predicts mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Quantitative assessment of the extent of radiological alterations in interstitial lung diseases is a promising field of application that goes beyond the limitations of qualitative scoring. Analysis of density histograms, i.e.

The CXCR4 antagonist R54 targets epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human ovarian cancer cells.

The axis CXCL12-CXCR4 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer where contributes to disease progression. Aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of the newly developed CXCR4 antagonist R54 on human ovarian cancer cells aggressiveness. CXCL12-CXCR4 axis was evaluated in human ovarian cancer cells through proliferation, migration and signaling CXCL12-dependents.

Redesign of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Q binding niche reveals photosynthesis works in the absence of a driving force for Q-Q electron transfer.

An in silico redesign of the secondary quinone electron acceptor (Q) binding pocket of the D1 protein of Photosystem II (PSII) suggested that mutations of the F265 residue would affect atrazine binding. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants F265T and F265S were produced to obtain atrazine-hypersensitive strains for biosensor applications, and the mutants were indeed found to be more atrazine-sensitive than the reference strain IL. Fluorescence and thermoluminescence data agree with a weak driving force and confirm slow electron transfer but cannot exclude an additional effect on protonation of the secondary quinone.

Comprehensive structural investigation of a potent and selective CXCR4 antagonist via crosslink modification.

Macrocyclization presents a valuable strategy for enhancing the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of short bioactive peptides. The exploration of various macrocyclic characteristics, such as crosslinking tethers, ring size, and orientation, is generally conducted during the early stages of development. Herein, starting from a potent and selective C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) cyclic heptapeptide antagonist mimicking the N-terminal region of CXCL12, we demonstrated that the disulfide bridge could be successfully replaced with a side-chain to side-chain lactam bond, which is commonly not enlisted among the conventional disulfide mimetics.

Joint ABS-UKCGG-CanGene-CanVar consensus regarding the use of CanRisk in clinical practice.

Background: The CanRisk tool, which operationalises the Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm (BOADICEA) is used by Clinical Geneticists, Genetic Counsellors, Breast Oncologists, Surgeons and Family History Nurses for breast cancer risk assessments both nationally and internationally. There are currently no guidelines with respect to the day-to-day clinical application of CanRisk and differing inputs to the model can result in different recommendations for practice.

Methods: To address this gap, the UK Cancer Genetics Group in collaboration with the Association of Breast Surgery and the CanGene-CanVar programme held a workshop on 16 of May 2023, with the aim of establishing best practice guidelines.

The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsidic Antigen and Krebs von den Lungen 6 Serum Levels in Predicting COVID-19 Pneumonia Outcome.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a significant threat worldwide, with severe cases leading to hospitalization and death. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of serum nucleocapsid antigen (NAg) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein (KL-6) as biomarkers of severe COVID-19 and to investigate their correlation with clinical, radiological, and biochemical parameters.

Methods: This retrospective study included 128 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a Neapolitan hospital in Italy between October 2020 and July 2021.

Editorial for the Special Issue "Cardiothoracic Imaging: Recent Techniques and Applications in Diagnostics".

Technology is making giant strides and is increasingly improving the diagnostic imaging of both frequent and rare acute and chronic diseases [...

Synthesis of Photoluminescent 2D Self-Assembled Silver Thiolate Nanoclusters for Sensors and Biomolecule Support.

Silver thiolate nanoclusters (Ag NCs) show distinctive optical properties resulting from their hybrid nature, metallic and molecular, exhibiting size-, structure-, and surface-dependent photoluminescence, thus enabling the exploitation of Ag NCs for potential applications in nanobiotechnology, catalysis, and biomedicine. However, tailoring Ag NCs for specific applications requires achieving long-term stability and may involve modifying surface chemistry, fine-tuning ligand composition, or adding functional groups. In this study, we report the synthesis of novel Ag NCs using 2-ethanephenylthiolate (SR) as a ligand, highlight critical points addressing stability, and characterize their optical and structural properties.

The Unveiled Triad: Clinical, Radiological and Pathological Insights into Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DLPD) characterized by complex interstitial lung damage with polymorphic and protean inflammatory aspects affecting lung tissue targets including small airways, the interstitium, alveolar compartments and vascular structures. HP shares clinical and often radiological features with other lung diseases in acute or chronic forms. In its natural temporal evolution, if specific therapy is not initiated promptly, HP leads to progressive fibrotic damage with reduced lung volumes and impaired gas exchange.

Non-A Non-B Acute Aortic Dissection: Is There Some Confusion in the Radiologist's Mind?

Background: The aim of this study is to define and determine the rate of acute non-A-non-B aortic dissections, and to evaluate CT angiography findings and possible complications, as well as to discuss management strategies and currently available therapy. Non-A non-B type of aortic dissection is still a grey area in the radiologist's mind, such that it is not entirely clear what should be reported and completed in terms of this disease.

Methods: A retrospective single-center study including 36 pre-treatment CT angiograms of consecutive patients (mean age: 61 years) between January 2012 and December 2022 with aortic dissection involving the aortic arch with/without the thoracic descending/abdominal aorta (type non-A non-B).

Oligo-metastatic neoPlasms from the gastro-intestinal tract: iDentIfiCaTIon of cliNical and molecular drivers: the PREDICTION study.

Background: Metastatic disease in tumors originating from the gastrointestinal tract can exhibit varying degrees of tumor burden at presentation. Some patients follow a less aggressive disease course, characterized by a limited number of metastatic sites, referred to as "oligo-metastatic disease" (OMD). The precise biological characteristics that define the oligometastatic behavior remain uncertain.

Assessing the association between genetic and phenotypic features of dilated cardiomyopathy and outcome in patients with coronary artery disease.

Aims: To examine the relevance of genetic and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) features of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods And Results: This study includes two cohorts. First, individuals with CAD recruited into the UK Biobank (UKB) were evaluated.

Clinical Applications of Nasal Nitric Oxide in Allergic Rhinitis: A Review of the Literature.

Allergic rhinitis, a common allergic disease affecting a significant number of individuals worldwide, is observed in 25% of children and 40% of adults, with its highest occurrence between the ages of 20 and 40. Its pathogenesis, like other allergic diseases, involves innate and adaptive immune responses, characterized by immunologic hypersensitivity to environmental substances. This response is mediated by type 2 immunity.

Lung Ultrasound, Echocardiography, and Fluid Challenge for the Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension.

Objectives: The differential diagnosis between pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is sometimes difficult despite guidelines-derived standardized step-by-step diagnostic algorithms. We therefore explored the added value of lung ultrasound to a previously validated echocardiographic score of right heart catheterization measurements.

Methods: Patients referred for PH underwent a right heart catheterization, echocardiography, and lung ultrasound before and after rapid infusion of 7 mL/kg of saline.

Beyond Visual Interpretation: Quantitative Analysis and Artificial Intelligence in Interstitial Lung Disease Diagnosis "Expanding Horizons in Radiology".

Diffuse lung disorders (DLDs) and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are pathological conditions affecting the lung parenchyma and interstitial network. There are approximately 200 different entities within this category. Radiologists play an increasingly important role in diagnosing and monitoring ILDs, as they can provide non-invasive, rapid, and repeatable assessments using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).

Electrochemical and Structural Characterization of Lanthanum-Doped Hydroxyapatite: A Promising Material for Sensing Applications.

In the quest to find powerful modifiers of screen-printed electrodes for sensing applications, a set of rare earth-doped CaRE(PO)(OH) (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, and Tm and x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.