Fatty acid binding protein 5 inhibitors as novel anticancer agents against metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed among men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite recent advancements in early diagnosis of PCa, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the most common treatment of PCa. Docetaxel (DTX) and Cabazitaxel (CTX) are two of the most extensively used drugs for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose and GlicoPro Eyedrops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: In Vitro and Clinical Study.

Introduction: Artificial tear substitutes are key elements in the first-line treatment of dry eye disease (DED). We hypothesized that GlicoPro, a new multimolecular complex based on proteins, sulfured and unsulfured glycosaminoglycans and opiorphin, was able to significantly improve the effect of hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) eyedrops in treating DED.

Methods: We performed an in vitro experiment and a clinical study, comparing an HPMC + GlicoPro-based to an HPMC-based ophthalmic formulation (similar kinematic viscosity and comparable HPMC concentration).

Acute neurological regression following fever as presenting sign of pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2D ( mutation).

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2D (PCH2D) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding O-phosphoseryl-tRNA:selenocysteinyl-tRNA synthase (; chromosome 4p15.2). This is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of selenoproteins, which act in maintaining antioxidant systems.

Evaluation of Biological Properties and Beneficial Effects for a Sustainable and Conscious Exploitation of Snails.

In recent decades, there has been significant worldwide interest in the emergence of a new invasive species known as . This is due to its dangerous habits for the environment, its biological characteristics and the fact that it is the intermediate host of several nematode parasites, such as . This land snail species is native to tropical African countries, but has been introduced, accidentally or deliberately, to other parts of the world to be used for different purposes and is now established in a large part of the tropics.

A global soil spectral grid based on space sensing.

Soils provide a range of essential ecosystem services for sustaining life, including climate regulation. Advanced technologies support the protection and restoration of this natural resource. We developed the first fine-resolution spectral grid of bare soils by processing a spatiotemporal satellite data cube spanning the globe.

West Nile virus non-structural protein 1 promotes amyloid Beta deposition and neurodegeneration.

Recent observations highlight a notable surge in West Nile Virus (WNV) infections in Europe that can lead to neuroinvasive consequences associated with neurodegeneration, mainly triggered by WNV Non-Structural protein 1 (NS1). During viral replication, various protein-protein interactions take place, allowing viral proteins to interact with host factors. NS1 is actively secreted in the bloodstream by infected cells and is known to affect endothelial permeability and host immune response.

Novel FAP-Targeted Heptamethine Cyanines for NIRF Imaging Applications.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a pan-cancer target that is useful for imaging, ideally all epithelial cancers. This work aimed to develop, characterize, and validate two novel FAP-targeted probes for optical imaging, both in and . IRDye800CW and FNIRTag heptamethine cyanines were conjugated to the NH precursor of the well-known FAP inhibitor FAPI-46, which is widely employed in nuclear medicine.

A rare case of malignant melanoma presenting as anterior-superior mediastinal mass.

Mediastinum, as site for malignant melanoma, is extremely rare, both as a primary or metastatic lesion. We present an extremely rare case of primary melanoma presenting as an anterior-superior mediastinal mass in a 65 years-old woman who went to the hospital for neurological symptoms due to unknown metastatic brain melanomas.

New Record of and Confirmed Occurrence of (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) as Parasitoids of (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Italy.

(Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is recorded here for the first time in Italy as a parasitoid of the whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most invasive alien pests of exotic species. originating from the Oriental region, has established a global presence. Monitoring of the whitefly and its parasitoids was conducted in the southern areas of Italy, providing crucial insights into their distribution and interactions.

Glycosylation Pathways Targeted by Deregulated miRNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with a multifactorial aetiology including both genetic and epigenetic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in ASD and may influence metabolic pathways. Glycosylation (the glycoconjugate synthesis pathway) is a necessary process for the optimal development of the central nervous system (CNS).

The Role of the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire in Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Treatment Management for Portuguese-Speaking Populations.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of fibrotic plaques within the penile connective tissue, leading to abnormal curvature, pain, and erectile dysfunction, profoundly affecting patients' physical and psychological well-being. The Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) is a validated instrument designed to assess key aspects of the disease, including pain, sexual function, and psychosocial impact. This narrative review underscores the importance of translating and culturally adapting the PDQ into Portuguese to enhance its applicability for Portuguese-speaking populations.

Effects of injectable trace minerals (Se, Zn, Cu, and Mn) administration on the immune response elicited by primary intranasal modified-live virus vaccination in dairy calves.

The objective was to determine the effects of injectable trace minerals (ITM, containing Se, Cu, Zn & Mn) administered at the time of primary intranasal (IN) modified-live virus (MLV) vaccination of young dairy calves on the serum neutralizing antibody (SNA) titers to Bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV1), Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and Bovine Parainfluenza type 3 virus (BPIV); cytokine expression in peripheral white blood cells, and BHV1-specific IgA titers in nasal secretions following the vaccination. A total of 60 calves (1 month old) were administered an IN MLV vaccine containing BHV1, BRSV, BPIV (Inforce 3) and randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: ITM (n = 30; Multimin90, containing Se, Cu, Zn, and Mn) or SAL (n = 30; sterile saline). There was a consistent decay in virus-specific SNA titers in both groups.

DAG-MAG-ΒHB: A Novel Ketone Diester Modulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Microglial Cells in Response to Beta-Amyloid and Low Glucose AD-like Conditions.

Background: A neuroinflammatory disease such as Alzheimer's disease, presents a significant challenge in neurotherapeutics, particularly due to the complex etiology and allostatic factors, referred to as CNS stressors, that accelerate the development and progression of the disease. These CNS stressors include cerebral hypo-glucose metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impairment of neuronal autophagy, hypoxic insults and neuroinflammation. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of DAG-MAG-ΒHB, a novel ketone diester, in mitigating these risk factors by sustaining therapeutic ketosis, independent of conventional metabolic pathways.

Simultaneous Concentration and T Mapping of Brain Metabolites by Fast Multi-Echo Spectroscopic Imaging.

The purpose of this study was to produce metabolite-specific T and concentration maps in a clinically compatible time frame. A multi-TE 2D MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) experiment (multi-echo single-shot MRSI [MESS-MRSI]) deployed truncated and partially sampled multi-echo trains from single scans and was combined with simultaneous multiparametric model fitting. It was tested in vivo for the brain in five healthy subjects.

Development of Receptor Desolvation Scoring and Covalent Sampling in DOCK 6: Methods Evaluated on a RAS Test Set.

Molecular docking methods are widely used in drug discovery efforts. RAS proteins are important cancer drug targets, and are useful systems for evaluating docking methods, including accounting for solvation effects and covalent small molecule binding. Water often plays a key role in small molecule binding to RAS proteins, and many inhibitors─including FDA-approved drugs─covalently bind to oncogenic RAS proteins.

Dynamical complexity of postural control system in autism spectrum disorder: a feasibility study of linear and non-linear measures in posturographic analysis of upright posture.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication with restricted and repetitive behavior. Postural and motor disturbances occur more often in ASD, in comparison to typically developing subjects, affecting the quality of life. Linear and non-linear indexes derived from the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP) while subjects stand on force platforms are commonly used to assess postural stability.

Associations of HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms and increased HLA-G expression with gastric cancer susceptibility and prognosis.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a serious health concern and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology involving both genetic and epigenetic factors. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G 3'UTR polymorphisms and the expression of HLA-G in both tumor tissues and plasma samples from patients with GC in the Tunisian population.

Methods: HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms (14pb Insertion/deletion and + 3142C/G) were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Sanger sequencing.

Mutations in Mig6 reduce inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig6) is a cellular inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that binds directly to the EGFR kinase domain and interferes with signaling. Reduced Mig6 expression is correlated with increased EGFR activity in multiple cancer models. Here, we investigated whether disease-associated point mutations could reduce the inhibitory potency of Mig6.

Why might fears and worries persist after a pain education-grounded multimodal intervention for chronic back pain? A qualitative study.

Introduction: The effect of pain education (PE) on pain intensity and function diminishes after a few months in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). One possible explanation is the return of underlying fears and worries related to the condition.

Objective: To explore topics related to participants' beliefs and feelings that might explain why fears and worries persist after a PE-grounded intervention for CLBP.

Colovesical Fistula in a Kidney Transplant Patient: A Fatal Outcome.

Colovesical fistula (CVF) is a rare but potentially serious condition characterized by abnormal communication between the colon and the bladder. This pathology can result from inflammatory diseases, malignancies, or previous surgical interventions, with a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. CVF is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals, such as renal transplant recipients, due to their increased susceptibility to infections and surgical complications.

Advancements in coupled processes numerical models: Upscaling aperture fields using spatial continuity.

Fluid flow through fractured geological media is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, resource management, and energy exploration. Numerical models commonly employ fracture surface representations and aperture distribution models to simulate these processes. However, conventional statistical approaches often overlook the inherent spatial continuity and directionality within fracture data, impacting the accuracy of aperture geometry and subsequent flow simulations.

Photoinitiator-free light-mediated crosslinking of dynamic polymer and pristine protein networks.

Light-based patterning of synthetic and biological hydrogels enables precise spatial and temporal control over the formation of chemical bonds. However, photoinitiators are typically used to generate free radicals, which are detrimental to human cells. Here, we report a photoinitiator- and radical-free method based on -nitrobenzyl alcohol (NBA) photolysis, which gives rise to highly reactive nitroso and benzaldehyde groups.

A Contactless Low-Carbon Steel Magnetostrictive Torquemeter: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation.

Torque measurement is a key task in several mechanical and structural engineering applications. Most commercial torquemeters require the shaft to be interrupted to place the sensors between the two portions of the shaft where a torque has to be measured. Contactless torquemeters based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect represent an effective alternative to conventional ones.

Fragment and torsion biasing algorithms for construction of small organic molecules in proteins using DOCK.

The computational construction of small organic molecules (de novo design), directly in a protein binding site, is an effective means for generating novel ligands tailored to fit the pocket environment. In this work, we present two new methods, which aim to improve de novo design outcomes using (1) biasing algorithms to prioritize selection and/or acceptance of fragments and torsions during growth, and (2) parallel-based clustering and pruning algorithms to remove duplicate molecules as candidate fragment are added. Large-scale testing encompassing thousands of simulations were employed to interrogate the methods in terms of multiple metrics which include numbers of duplicate molecules generated, pairwise-similarity, focused library reconstruction rates, fragment and torsion frequencies, fragment and torsion rank scores, interaction energy and drug-likeness scores, and 3D pose comparisons.