Primary Cauda Equina Lymphoma Mimicking Meningioma.

: Spinal cord lymphomas represent a minority of extranodal lymphomas and often pose diagnostic challenges by imitating primary spinal tumors or inflammatory/infective lesions. This paper presents a unique case of primary cauda equina lymphoma (PCEL) and conducts a comprehensive review to delineate the clinical and radiological characteristics of this rare entity. : A 74-year-old male presented with progressive paresthesia, motor weakness, and symptoms indicative of cauda equina syndrome.

Heavy Metals in Follicular Fluid Affect the Ultrastructure of the Human Mature Cumulus-Oocyte Complex.

It is known that exposure to heavy metal such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has several adverse effects, particularly on the human reproductive system. Pb and Cd have been associated with infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, they have been associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and impairment of the development of the fetus.

Self-assembly of glycoprotein nanostructured filaments for modulating extracellular networks at long range.

The intriguing capability of branched glycoprotein filaments to change their hierarchical organization, mediated by external biophysical stimuli, continues to expand understanding of self-assembling strategies that can dynamically rearrange networks at long range. Previous research has explored the corresponding biological, physiological and genetic mechanisms, focusing on protein assemblies within a limited range of nanometric units. Using direct microscopy bio-imaging, we have determined the morpho-structural changes of self-assembled filament networks of the zona pellucida, revealing controlled levels of structured organizations to join distinct evolved stages of the oocyte (Immature, Mature, and Fertilized).

Retinoic acid and proteotoxic stress induce AML cell death overcoming stromal cell protection.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients bearing the ITD mutation in the tyrosine kinase receptor FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) present a poor prognosis and a high risk of relapse. FLT3-ITD is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and generates intrinsic proteotoxic stress. We devised a strategy based on proteotoxic stress, generated by the combination of low doses of the differentiating agent retinoic acid (R), the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (B), and the oxidative stress inducer arsenic trioxide (A).

Sorcin promotes migration in cancer and regulates the EGF-dependent EGFR signaling pathways.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the main tumor drivers and is an important therapeutic target for many cancers. Calcium is important in EGFR signaling pathways. Sorcin is one of the most important calcium sensor proteins, overexpressed in many tumors, that promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, malignant progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Effects of Simulated Microgravity In Vitro on Human Metaphase II Oocytes: An Electron Microscopy-Based Study.

The Gravity Force to which living beings are subjected on Earth rules the functionality of most biological processes in many tissues. It has been reported that a situation of Microgravity (such as that occurring in space) causes negative effects on living beings. Astronauts returning from space shuttle missions or from the International Space Station have been diagnosed with various health problems, such as bone demineralization, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning, and vestibular and sensory imbalance, including impaired visual acuity, altered metabolic and nutritional status, and immune system dysregulation.

A New Strong-Acid Free Route to Produce Xanthan Gum-PANI Composite Scaffold Supporting Bioelectricity.

Conductive hybrid xanthan gum (XG)-polyaniline (PANI) biocomposites forming 3D structures able to mimic electrical biological functions are synthesized by a strong-acid free medium. In situ aniline oxidative chemical polymerizations are performed in XG water dispersions to produce stable XG-PANI pseudoplastic fluids. XG-PANI composites with 3D architectures are obtained by subsequent freeze-drying processes.

Ultrastructural Evaluation of Mouse Oocytes Exposed In Vitro to Different Concentrations of the Fungicide Mancozeb.

Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide, considered to be an endocrine disruptor. In vivo and in vitro studies evidenced its reproductive toxicity on mouse oocytes by altering spindle morphology, impairing oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo implantation. Mancozeb also induces dose-dependent toxicity on the ultrastructure of mouse granulosa cells, including chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing, and vacuolization.

Deeply in Plasticenta: Presence of Microplastics in the Intracellular Compartment of Human Placentas.

Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. They have been found almost everywhere they have been searched for and recent discoveries have also demonstrated their presence in human placenta, blood, meconium, and breastmilk, but their location and toxicity to humans have not been reported to date. The aim of this study was twofold: 1.

Oxidative stress and visual system: a review.

Different types of tissues respond differently to the action of oxidative stress. The visual system is very sensitive to oxidative action due to continuous exposure to light. In consideration of the growing interest of scientific studies towards various compounds endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we performed a review of the literature focusing on the use of some antioxidant molecules for the treatment of conditions affecting the visual system.

Ultrastructural Evaluation of the Human Oocyte at the Germinal Vesicle Stage during the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

After its discovery in 1825 by the physiologist J.E. Purkinje, the human germinal vesicle (GV) attracted the interest of scientists.

Ultrastructure of mitochondria of human oocytes in different clinical conditions during assisted reproduction.

Infertility affects around 8% of couples with a slight change in percentage in the last years. Despite the significant efforts made in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in handling this disorder, oocyte quality remains a crucial factor for a positive outcome. A better understanding of the dynamics underlying oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development remains one of the main areas for progress in the ARTs field.

Does in vitro application of pentoxifylline have beneficial effects in assisted male reproduction?

Application of nonspecific phosphodiesterases inhibitors, such as pentoxifylline (PTX), is a strategy utilised to aid sperm selection from immotile sperm samples prior to ICSI. No extensive studies have yet been performed to verify the safety of the clinical outcomes of ICSI after PTX administration. In this article, we summarise the data reported in the literature that assess the implication of in vitro usage of PTX on sperm parameters, as well as clinical outcomes during assisted male reproduction programme.

Pre-Implantation Mouse Embryos Cultured In Vitro under Different Oxygen Concentrations Show Altered Ultrastructures.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies routinely utilize different culture media and oxygen (O) concentrations to culture human embryos. Overall, embryos cultured under physiological O tension (5%) have improved development compared to embryos cultured under atmospheric O conditions (20%). The mechanisms responsible for this remain unclear.

The effect of low and ultra-low oxygen tensions on mammalian embryo culture and development in experimental and clinical IVF.

Unlabelled: Over the last forty years, many trials have been performed using mammalian embryo cultures with reduced oxygen tension (O) to encourage proper embryo development and increase the success rate for fertilization (IVF) outcome. Even if the use of atmospheric O (20%) affects embryo development and intracellular redox balance, the use of low (5% O, physiologic) and ultra-low (close or less to 5% O) O applied to embryo culture is still under debate. Numerous studies in various mammalian species have shown that embryo development improves when culturing embryos under low O, although culture conditions are not the only factors involved in the success of IVF.

Repeated hyperstimulation affects the ultrastructure of mouse fallopian tube epithelium.

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is routinary used in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to increase the yields of mature oocytes. The possibility that patients with a history of failures or poor-responders may develop side-effects following these treatments is still debated. Epidemiological studies reported controversial results about pregnancy outcome and the risk of developing gynecological cancers.

Association between Female Reproductive Health and Mancozeb: Systematic Review of Experimental Models.

Mancozeb is a widely used fungicide approved for use in agriculture in many countries with long persistence in the environment and consequent bioaccumulation in tissues and biological fluids. Despite the large amount of studies published in recent years, the relationship between mancozeb exposure and female reproductive health is not fully elucidated. In order to summarize current evidence on mancozeb exposure and female reproductive disease, we performed a systematic review of literature.

Type of protein supplement in cryopreservation solutions impacts on the degree of ultrastructural damage in frozen-thawed human oocytes.

Protein sources used as supplements of IVF culture media are known to have several implications for the function and stability of embryo culture environment. In fact, they i) transport biologically active molecules ii) chelate heavy metals, iii) regulate media pH, iii) scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iv) attenuate osmotic stress to which cells are exposed in sub-optimal culture conditions. Instead, their specific relevance to the formulation of cryopreservation solutions used for gamete and embryo cryopreservation remains uncertain.

The impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on ICSI outcome in cases of donated oocytes.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in oocyte donation cycles and correlate it with the sperm parameters, the male characteristics, the embryo quality and the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods: A total of 150 couples participating in an oocyte donation program were included in the study. Sperm samples were assessed by conventional sperm analysis.

Oxygen concentration alters mitochondrial structure and function in in vitro fertilized preimplantation mouse embryos.

Study Question: Does the oxygen concentration in the culture medium [either physiologic (5%) or atmospheric (20%)] affect mitochondrial ultrastructure and function in preimplantation mouse embryos generated by IVF?

Summary Answer: Embryos cultured in 20% oxygen show increased mitochondrial abnormalities compared to embryos cultured in 5% oxygen.

What Is Known Already: ART are widely used and have resulted in the birth of more than 8 million children. A variety of media and oxygen concentrations are used to culture embryos.

Cleavage-stage embryo micromanipulation in the clinical setting.

Unlabelled: Embryo micromanipulation was developed after introduction of microinjection to overcome infertility. Embryo micromanipulation may be performed at any embryo stage from pronuclear to blastocyst. The technique started out as basic and turned out to be increasingly more complex.