Activation of the kynurenine pathway identified in individuals with covert hepatic encephalopathy.

Background: HE is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver disease characterized by systemic elevation in ammonia and proinflammatory cytokines. These neurotoxins cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neuroinflammation, which can activate the kynurenine pathway (KP). This results in dysregulated production of neuroactive KP metabolites, such as quinolinic acid, which is known to cause astrocyte and neuronal death.

End-procedural adherence to recommended hemodynamic targets does not improve the outcome of elective tips in cirrhotic patients.

Background Aims: In clinical practice, the reduction of porto-caval pressure gradient (PCPG) following trans-jugular intra-hepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) does not always meet the recommendation of current guidance. We evaluated the impact of different degrees of PCPG reduction, measured at the end of an elective TIPS, on ascites control, recurrence of portal hypertension-related bleeding (PHRB) and survival.

Approach And Results: Cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS for refractory ascites (RA) or for the secondary prophylaxis of PHRB were consecutively enrolled.

Sleep timing in flies from "adolescence" to adulthood.

The aim of the present study was to assess sleep timing in at different ages, within the setting of an enforced schedule of varying light-dark stimuli, simulating light exposure variations between four typical office and one spent outside by a human, for a total of 30 days. Locomotor activity recording started when male flies were 3 days old. Flies exhibited a bimodal activity pattern, with a morning and an evening peak, and clear anticipation of the and transitions.

Validation and TaqMan Conversion of a Molecular Chronotype Assessment Approach.

The present study aimed to develop a TaqMan genotyping card for molecular chronotype assessment based on a predictive panel of 35 previously identified genetic variants. A reliable TaqMan assay was successfully developed for 33 out of the 35 chronotype-predictive variants. The resulting TaqMan genotyping card was utilized to genetically characterize 196 new individuals (in addition to the previously studied 96) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was utilized for their phenotypical chronotype assessment.

Assessing evidence in translational chronobiology: The cases of Daylight Saving Time and road safety, and of school start times and sleep duration.

One of the main challenges in translating chronobiology research into clinical practice is represented by differences in how basic scientists and clinicians evaluate evidence. The workshop "Assessing Evidence in Translational Chronobiology," which was held at the University of Surrey in June 2023, addressed this issue by bringing together basic scientists and clinicians to evaluate evidence on two specific topics: the impact of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on road traffic accidents and the relationship between delayed school start times (SSTs) and sleep duration in high school students. A comprehensive literature search was conducted for discussions during the workshop, which is presented in this review.