New Plant Extracts Exert Complementary Anti-Hair Loss Properties in Human In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models.

Background: Hair loss is linked to dysfunction of the growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and rest (telogen) phases of the hair follicle (HF) cycle.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of a Silybum marianum extract (SME), manganese PCA (MnPCA), and a Lespedeza capitata extract (LCE) on markers of hair growth and anchorage in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), and to investigate the ability of a topical serum containing these active ingredients to improve HF growth in an ex vivo human scalp skin model.

Methods: In HFDPCs, we assessed receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation; quantified versican, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Dickkopf-1 (DDK1) secretion; and evaluated 5α-reductase (5αR) activity.

Preclinical pharmacology of patient-derived extracellular vesicles for the intraoperative imaging of tumors.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the plasma of oncological patients exhibit significant tumor-targeting properties, unlike those from healthy individuals. We have previously shown the feasibility of formulating the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) with patient-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) for selective delivery to neoplastic tissue. This staining protocol holds promise for clinical application in intraoperative tumor margin imaging, enabling precise neoplastic tissue resection.

Comparing single- and multi-post labeling delays for the measurements of resting cerebral and hippocampal blood flow for cerebrovascular testing in midlife adults.

Objectives: To assess the reliability and validity of measuring resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hippocampal CBF using a single-post-labeling delay (PLD) and a multi-PLD pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) protocol for cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) testing.

Methods: 25 healthy, midlife adults (57 ± 4 years old) were imaged in a Siemens Prisma 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Resting CBF and hippocampal CBF were assessed using two pCASL protocols, our modified single-PLD protocol (pCASL-MOD) to accommodate the needs for CVR testing and the multi-PLD Human Connectome Project (HCP) Lifespan protocol to serve as the reference control (pCASL-HCP).

Neutron instrument concepts for a high intensity moderator at the European spallation source.

In the course of the Horizon 2020 project HighNESS, a second moderator concept has been developed for the European Spallation Source, which complements the currently built moderator and is optimized for high intensity with a large viewable surface area. In this work we introduce conceptual designs for neutron instruments for condensed matter research designed to make optimal use of the capabilities of this moderator. The focus is on two concepts for small-angle neutron scattering and one neutron imaging instrument, which are intended to complement corresponding instruments that are already under construction at the European Spallation Source.

Unveiling the acute neurophysiological responses to strength training: An exploratory study on novices performing weightlifting bouts with different motor learning models.

Currently, there is limited evidence regarding various neurophysiological responses to strength exercise and the influence of the adopted practice schedule. This study aimed to assess the acute systemic effects of snatch training bouts, employing different motor learning models, on skill efficiency, electric brain activity (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and perceived exertion as well as mental demand in novices. In a within-subject design, sixteen highly active males (mean age: 23.

Design and validation of a reporter mouse to study the dynamic regulation of TFEB and TFE3 activity through imaging techniques.

TFEB and TFE3 belong to the MiT/TFE family of transcription factors that bind identical DNA responsive elements in the regulatory regions of target genes. They are involved in regulating lysosomal biogenesis, function, exocytosis, autophagy, and lipid catabolism. Precise control of TFEB and TFE3 activity is crucial for processes such as senescence, stress response, energy metabolism, and cellular catabolism.

Exploratory study of the acute and mid-term effects of using a novel dynamic meeting environment (Aeris) on cognitive performance and neurophysiological responses.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the acute and mid-term effects of the dynamic aeris-meeting- environment on brain activity, cognitive performance, heart rate variability (HRV), sleepiness, mental workload (EEG-MWI), as well as local experienced discomfort (LED) in healthy adults. Twenty-four healthy adults (16 females, age: 25.2 ± 3.

Compliance between Food and Feed Safety: Eight-Year Survey (2013-2021) of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk and Aflatoxin B1 in Feed in Northern Italy.

Aflatoxins (AFs) are fungal metabolites that are found in feed and food. When ruminants eat feed contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), it is metabolised and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is excreted in the milk. Aflatoxins can result in hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive effects.

Sex-Specific Microglial Responses to Glucocerebrosidase Inhibition: Relevance to GBA1-Linked Parkinson's Disease.

Microglia are heterogenous cells characterized by distinct populations each contributing to specific biological processes in the nervous system, including neuroprotection. To elucidate the impact of sex-specific microglia heterogenicity to the susceptibility of neuronal stress, we video-recorded with time-lapse microscopy the changes in shape and motility occurring in primary cells derived from mice of both sexes in response to pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic stimulations. With this morpho-functional analysis, we documented distinct microglia subpopulations eliciting sex-specific responses to stimulation: male microglia tended to have a more pro-inflammatory phenotype, while female microglia showed increased sensitivity to conduritol-B-epoxide (CBE), a small molecule inhibitor of glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme encoded by the GBA1 gene, mutations of which are the major risk factor for Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Thermal and Postural Effects on Fluid Mixing and Irrigation Patterns for Intraventricular Hemorrhage Treatment.

Intraventricular hemorrhage is characterized by blood leaking into the cerebral ventricles and mixing with cerebrospinal fluid. A standard treatment method involves inserting a passive drainage catheter, known as an external ventricular drain (EVD), into the ventricle. EVDs have common adverse complications, including the occlusion of the catheter, that may lead to permanent neural damage or even mortality.

Increased Sensitivity of Computed Tomography Scan for Neoplastic Tissues Using the Extracellular Vesicle Formulation of the Contrast Agent Iohexol.

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic medical imaging modality commonly used to detect disease and injury. Contrast agents containing iodine, such as iohexol, are frequently used in CT examinations to more clearly differentiate anatomic structures and to detect and characterize abnormalities, including tumors. However, these contrast agents do not have a specific tropism for cancer cells, so the ability to detect tumors is severely limited by the degree of vascularization of the tumor itself.

An Eight-Year Survey on Aflatoxin B1 Indicates High Feed Safety in Animal Feed and Forages in Northern Italy.

Aflatoxins (AFs) remain the main concern for the agricultural and dairy industries due to their effects on the performances and quality of livestock production. Aflatoxins are always unavoidable and should be monitored. The objective of this paper is to bring to light a significant volume of data on AF contamination in several animal feed ingredients in Northern Italy.

Acute Effects of Various Movement Noise in Differential Learning of Rope Skipping on Brain and Heart Recovery Analyzed by Means of Multiscale Fuzzy Measure Entropy.

In search of more detailed explanations for body-mind interactions in physical activity, neural and physiological effects, especially regarding more strenuous sports activities, increasingly attract interest. Little is known about the underlying manifold (neuro-)physiological impacts induced by different motor learning approaches. The various influences on brain or cardiac function are usually studied separately and modeled linearly.

Always Pay Attention to Which Model of Motor Learning You Are Using.

This critical review considers the epistemological and historical background of the theoretical construct of motor learning for a more differentiated understanding. More than simply reflecting critically on the models that are used to solve problems-whether they are applied in therapy, physical education, or training practice-this review seeks to respond constructively to the recent discussion caused by the replication crisis in life sciences. To this end, an in-depth review of contemporary motor learning approaches is provided, with a pragmatism-oriented clarification of the researcher's intentions on fundamentals (what?), subjects (for whom?), time intervals (when?), and purpose (for what?).

Sex-Specific Brain Responses to Imaginary Dance but Not Physical Dance: An Electroencephalography Study of Functional Connectivity and Electrical Brain Activity.

To date, most neurophysiological dance research has been conducted exclusively with female participants in observational studies (i.e., participants observe or imagine a dance choreography).

Dietary essential amino acids restore liver metabolism in ovariectomized mice via hepatic estrogen receptor α.

In female mammals, the cessation of ovarian functions is associated with significant metabolic alterations, weight gain, and increased susceptibility to a number of pathologies associated with ageing. The molecular mechanisms triggering these systemic events are unknown because most tissues are responsive to lowered circulating sex steroids. As it has been demonstrated that isoform alpha of the estrogen receptor (ERα) may be activated by both estrogens and amino acids, we test the metabolic effects of a diet enriched in specific amino acids in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.

Laparoscopic dorsal subsegmentectomy 8: Exploit the 3d technology to plan liver resection, and predict intraparenchymal pedicles. A case report. (With video explanation).

Introduction: Laparoscopic liver surgery is spreading, encouraged by technical and technological improvement. Both the obligated narrow space and the difficulty to modify it lead to a more complex approach to the lesions located in the posterosuperior portion of the liver. Surgical strategies such as the Caudal approach or the Diamond technique could ameliorate surgical procedure, but these areas remain a challenge and are still classified as complex.

Electrical Brain Activity and Its Functional Connectivity in the Physical Execution of Modern Jazz Dance.

Besides the pure pleasure of watching a dance performance, dance as a whole-body movement is becoming increasingly popular for health-related interventions. However, the science-based evidence for improvements in health or well-being through dance is still ambiguous and little is known about the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. This may be partly related to the fact that previous studies mostly examined the neurophysiological effects of imagination and observation of dance rather than the physical execution itself.

Differential Somatic Cell Count as a Marker for Changes of Milk Composition in Cows with Very Low Somatic Cell Count.

The recent availability of a high-throughput milk analyzer performing a partial differential somatic cell count (DSCC) opened new opportunities in investigations on bovine udder health. This analyzer has a potential limitation on the accuracy of measurements when the somatic cell count (SCC) is below 50,000 cells/mL, values characterizing a good proportion of lactating cows in many herds. We obtained data for cows below this threshold, assessed the repeatability of these measurements and investigated the relationship between DSCC and udder health, milk composition and yield.

Inhibition of SIRT1 deacetylase and p53 activation uncouples the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive actions of NSAIDs.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been proposed as chemopreventive agents for many tumours; however, the mechanism responsible for their anti-neoplastic activity remains elusive and the side effects due to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition prevent this clinical application.

Methods: Molecular biology, in silico, cellular and in vivo tools, including innovative in vivo imaging and classical biochemical assays, were applied to identify and characterise the COX-independent anti-cancer mechanism of NSAIDs.

Results: Here, we show that tumour-protective functions of NSAIDs and exisulind (a sulindac metabolite lacking anti-inflammatory activity) occur through a COX-independent mechanism.

Extracellular vesicles enhance the targeted delivery of immunogenic oncolytic adenovirus and paclitaxel in immunocompetent mice.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), are naturally occurring cargo delivery tools with the potential to be used as drug vehicles of single agents or combination therapies. We previously demonstrated that human lung cancer cell-derived EVs could be used for the systemic delivery of oncolytic virus (OVs) and chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX), leading to enhanced anti-tumor effects in nude mice. In the current work, we evaluated the biodistribution of EVs by using bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging technologies, thus proving the ability of these EVs-formulations to specifically target the neoplasia, while leaving other body tissues unaffected.

Systemic Administration and Targeted Delivery of Immunogenic Oncolytic Adenovirus Encapsulated in Extracellular Vesicles for Cancer Therapies.

Oncolytic viruses (OV) are engineered to infect, replicate in and kill cancer cells. Currently, the OV therapeutic approach is mainly restricted to neoplasia amenable to direct local administration of viral particles, while the possibility of a systemic delivery of cancer-tropic viruses would extend the OV application to the treatment of metastatic neoplasia. Herein, we applied imaging to demonstrate that cancer tropism is achieved when OV are encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles (EV) administered intravenously (i.

Sex-Specific Features of Microglia from Adult Mice.

Sex has a role in the incidence and outcome of neurological illnesses, also influencing the response to treatments. Neuroinflammation is involved in the onset and progression of several neurological diseases, and the fact that estrogens have anti-inflammatory activity suggests that these hormones may be a determinant in the sex-dependent manifestation of brain pathologies. We describe significant differences in the transcriptome of adult male and female microglia, possibly originating from perinatal exposure to sex steroids.

In vivo imaging of early signs of dopaminergic neuronal death in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.

The Parkinson's disease (PD) evolves over an extended period of time with the onset occurring long before clinical signs begin to manifest. Characterization of the molecular events underlying the PD onset is instrumental for the development of diagnostic markers and preventive treatments, progress in this field is hindered by technical limitations. We applied an imaging approach to demonstrate the activation of Nrf2 transcription factor as a hallmark of neurodegeneration in neurotoxin-driven models of PD.