Sexual-Sparing Radical Cystectomy in the Robot-Assisted Era: A Review on Functional and Oncological Outcomes.

: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for muscle-invasive and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but it often results in significant functional impairments, including sexual and urinary dysfunction, adversely affecting quality of life (QoL). Sexual-sparing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been introduced to mitigate these effects. This review evaluates the oncological and functional outcomes of sexual-sparing RARC in male and female patients.

High Field MRI in Parotid Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Algorithm.

Imaging of parotid tumors is crucial for surgery planning, but it cannot distinguish malignant from benign lesions with absolute reliability. The aim of the study was to establish a diagnostic MRI algorithm to differentiate parotid tumors. A retrospective study was conducted including all patients with parotid tumors, who underwent 3T-MRI and surgery.

Surgical Technique and Perioperative Outcomes of the "Sapienza" Urology Residency Program's Trocar Placement Configuration During Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP): A Retrospective, Single-Centre Observational Study Comparing Experienced Attendings vs. Post-Graduate Year I-III Residents as Bedside Assistants.

: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) has been standardized over the last 20 years. At our institution, only n = 3 rob arms are used for RARP. In addition, n = 2, 12 mm lap trocars are placed for the bedside assistant symmetrically at the midclavicular lines, which allows for direct pelvic triangulation and greater involvement of the assisting surgeon.

Fecal Calprotectin Determination in a Cohort of Children with Cow's Milk Allergy.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy among children. An oral food challenge (OFC) remains a mainstay of the diagnosis of CMA, especially for the non-IgE-mediated type; however, this test can be risky and time-consuming. Hence, there is a need to identify biomarkers.

Progress and Challenges in Integrating Nutritional Care into Oncology Practice: Results from a National Survey on Behalf of the NutriOnc Research Group.

Introduction: Nutritional care is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing malnutrition and enhancing recovery. Despite growing awareness, the integration of evidence-based nutritional strategies into oncology remains inconsistent. Following a 2020 survey that highlighted critical gaps, the NutriOnc Research Group launched targeted initiatives to raise awareness and improve practices.

Resting-State EEG Alpha Rhythms Are Related to CSF Tau Biomarkers in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease.

Patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (ADMCI) typically show abnormally high delta (<4 Hz) and low alpha (8-12 Hz) rhythms measured from resting-state eyes-closed electroencephalographic (rsEEG) activity. Here, we hypothesized that the abnormalities in rsEEG activity may be greater in ADMCI patients than in those with MCI not due to AD (noADMCI). Furthermore, they may be associated with the diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-tau biomarkers in ADMCI patients.

Differential Expression of Proteins Involved in Skin Barrier Maintenance and Vitamin D Metabolism in Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional, Exploratory Study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder influenced by proteins involved in skin barrier maintenance and vitamin D metabolism. Using an intra-patient design, this study compared protein expression in intra-lesional (IL) and peri-lesional (PL) skin biopsies from AD patients and examined associations between protein levels, vitamin D status, and clinical features. Forty-four biopsies from twenty-two AD patients were analyzed using antibody microarrays targeting twelve proteins.

Special Issue "Effects of Dyslipidemia and Metabolic Syndrome on Cardiac and Vascular Dysfunction".

The global increase in dysmetabolic conditions such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes is becoming a significant healthcare concern [...

Characterization of Mesenchymal and Neural Stem Cells Response to Bipolar Microsecond Electric Pulses Stimulation.

In the tissue regeneration field, stem cell transplantation represents a promising therapeutic strategy. To favor their implantation, proliferation and differentiation need to be controlled. Several studies have demonstrated that stem cell fate can be controlled by applying continuous electric field stimulation.

Brewers' Spent Grain-Derived Arabinoxylan as a Sustainable Filler for Enhanced PHBV Biocomposites.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a highly promising biodegradable and bio-based thermoplastic recognized for its environmental benefits and potential versatility. However, its industrial adoption has been limited due to its inherent brittleness and suboptimal processability. Despite these challenges, PHBV's performance can be tailored for a wide range of applications through strategic modifications, particularly by blending it with other biodegradable polymers or reinforcing it with natural fibers and bio-based fillers.

Cleavable Bio-Based Epoxy Matrix for More Eco-Sustainable Thermoset Composite Components.

Cleavable bio-based epoxy resin systems are emerging, eco-friendly, and promising alternatives to the common thermoset ones, providing quite comparable thermo-mechanical properties while enabling a circular and green end-of-life scenario of the composite materials. In addition to being designed to incorporate a bio-based resin greener than the conventional fully fossil-based epoxies, these formulations involve cleaving hardeners that enable, under mild thermo-chemical conditions, the total recycling of the composite material through the recovery of the fiber and matrix as a thermoplastic. This research addressed the characterization, processability, and recyclability of a new commercial cleavable bio-resin formulation (designed by the R-Concept company) that can be used in the fabrication of fully recyclable polymer composites.

Proline and ROS: A Unified Mechanism in Plant Development and Stress Response?

The proteinogenic amino acid proline plays crucial roles in both plant development and stress responses, far exceeding its role in protein synthesis. However, the molecular mechanisms and the relative importance of these additional functions of proline remain under study. It is well documented that both stress responses and developmental processes are associated with proline accumulation.

Untargeted NMR Study of Metabolic Changes in Processing Tomato Treated with Under Open-Field Conditions and Exposed to Heatwave Temperatures.

Rising temperatures due to climate change may affect the quality of open-field cultivated processing tomatoes by altering the nutrient content. Bioinoculants are growing in popularity as a nature-based strategy to mitigate these environmental stresses. Untargeted quantitative NMR spectroscopy was leveraged to characterize the metabolome of tomato fruits exposed to abiotic stress during the year 2022, which was marked by unexpected high temperatures and low rainfall compared to the year 2021 with average conditions.

Poly(Acrylic Acid)/TiO Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Paper Artwork Cleaning and Protection.

Paper-based artworks are prone to natural aging processes driven by chemical and biological processes. Numerous treatments have been developed to mitigate deterioration and prevent irreversible damage. In this study, we investigated the use of poly(acrylic acid)/TiO composite hydrogels, combining their cleaning and protective functions in a minimally invasive treatment.

Prevalence and functional impact of chronotropic incompetence in amyloid cardiomyopathy: a multicentre analysis.

Background: Little evidence is available about heart rate (HR) response to exercise as well as its relationship with functional capacity in amyloid cardiomyopathy. Then, in a multicentre cohort of patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy, we investigated the prevalence of chronotropic incompetence (CI) and its relationships with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variables.

Methods: Data from 172 outpatients with amyloid cardiomyopathy who performed a maximal CPET and who had no significant rhythm disorders were analysed.

The periplasmic protein HslJ is the first-line of defense against oxidative stress in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant threat globally, causing infections primarily in healthcare settings, with high mortality rates. Its adaptability to antibiotic resistance and tolerance to various stresses, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), contribute to its persistence in healthcare environments. Previous evidence suggested that the periplasmic heat shock protein, HslJ-like protein (ABUW_2868), could be involved in oxidative stress defense in A.

Serial systemic immune inflammation indices: markers of acute migraine events or indicators of persistent inflammatory status?

Background: Migraine is the most common complex neurological disorder, affecting over a billion people worldwide. Neurogenic inflammation has long been recognized as a key factor in the pathophysiology of migraine though little research has been directed to investigating whether inflammation is greatest in migraine with aura or without, and whether inflammation is a permanent state in migraine or whether is an event related transitory state. Thus, the primary aim of this single-centre, retrospective study was to explore the potential clinical utility of the Serial Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Indices (SSIIi) as a comparative measure of duration and severity of inflammation derived from routine blood cell counts in migraine patients with aura and no-aura both within an acute inpatient setting and as outpatients.

Aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles enable oligonucleotide delivery into muscle stem cells to promote regeneration of dystrophic muscles.

Inefficient targeting of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), also called satellite cells, represents a major bottleneck of current therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies, as it precludes the possibility of promoting compensatory regeneration. Here we describe a muscle-targeting delivery platform, based on gold nanoparticles, that enables the release of therapeutic oligonucleotides into MuSCs. We demonstrate that AuNPs conjugation to an aptamer against α7/β1 integrin dimers directs either local or systemic delivery of microRNA-206 to MuSCs, thereby promoting muscle regeneration and improving muscle functionality, in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Predicting mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement using AI-based fully automated left atrioventricular coupling index.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated assessment of left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) can provide incremental value above other traditional risk factors for predicting mortality among patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA) before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients with severe AS who underwent CCTA examination before TAVR between September 2014 and December 2020. An AI-prototype software fully automatically calculated left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic volumes and LACI was defined by the ratio between them.

Chrononutrition patterns and their association with body weight: Differences across multiple chronotypes.

Introduction: In recent years, the focus of research on obesity and its management has expanded beyond traditional dietary factors to include the timing of food intake - in relation to the body's circadian rhythms - known as chrononutrition. However, chrononutrition patterns remain largely unexplored in low-medium income countries. Our study aimed to investigate the association between chrononutrition patterns and BMI.

From feeling chilly to burning up: How thermal signals shape the physiological state of the body and impact physical, emotional, and social well-being.

This review examines the role of thermal interoception-awareness of body temperature-in shaping physiological states and its impact on physical, emotional, and social well-being. We describe the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in thermal processing and environmental heat exchange and how thermal interoception influences both autonomic and behavioral responses, contributing to survival and homeostasis. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of thermal signals and thermoregulation in determining higher-order cognitive and emotional functions, such as regulating sleep patterns and activity levels, monitoring physical well-being, regulating emotions, and even social interactions.

Exploring the Intersection of Hegemonic Masculinity, Sexuality, and Addiction in Men: A Qualitative Study.

In our society, as well as in many other parts of the world, sexuality is shaped through gender-differentiated socialization. This process compels individuals to align their desires, behaviors, emotions, and thoughts with the expectations of normative sexuality, especially hegemonic heterosexuality. The primary objective of this current research was to examine the influence of hegemonic masculinity on the sexuality of men struggling with addiction.

Neuropsychological test performance in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: We sought to characterize the cognitive profile among individuals with mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) to help guide future clinical criteria.

Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis included MCI-LB studies with cognitive data from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (January 1990 to March 2023). MCI-LB scores were compared to controls, MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) groups with random-effects models.

Circumferential nerve wrapping with muscle autograft: a modified strategy of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

Microvascular decompression is considered a first-line treatment in classical trigeminal neuralgia. Teflon is the material commonly used. The use of autologous muscle has been occasionally reported.