ComBat models for harmonization of resting-state EEG features in multisite studies.

Objective: Pooling multisite resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG) datasets may introduce bias due to batch effects (i.e., cross-site differences in the rsEEG related to scanner/sample characteristics).

NMR Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Properties of Spartan, Jewels, Misty, and Camelia Blueberries.

The health-promoting properties of blueberries are widely recognized and are mainly attributed to anthocyanins. However, fruit's chemical composition includes also other components and strongly depends on varieties and climatic conditions. Here, H NMR metabolite profiling and biological activity of four blueberry cultivars (Spartan, Jewels, Misty, Camelia) grown in Central Italy over two years were reported.

Brain metastasis mimicking a cavernous angioma as initial presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Summary: Brain metastases as the first clinical presentation of a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are exceptional, while cavernous angiomas are common cerebral malformations. We report the case of a 36-year-old male with an incidental brain lesion mimicking a cavernous angioma on MRI. Gamma knife radiosurgery was performed, but after 6 months, the patient developed neurological symptoms, and a repeat brain MRI revealed a significant increase in the mass.

Cu-ZnO Embedded in a Polydopamine Shell for the Generation of Antibacterial Surgical Face Masks.

A new easy protocol to functionalize the middle layer of commercial surgical face masks (FMs) with Zn and Cu oxides is proposed in order to obtain antibacterial personal protective equipment. Zinc and copper oxides were synthesized embedded in a polydopamine (PDA) shell as potential antibacterial agents; they were analyzed by XRD and TEM, revealing, in all the cases, the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). PDA is a natural polymer appreciated for its simple and rapid synthesis, biocompatibility, and high functionalization; it is used in this work as an organic matrix that, in addition to stabilizing NPs, also acts as a diluent in the functionalization step, decreasing the metal loading on the polypropylene (PP) surface.

Role of Lung Ultrasound in the Detection of Lung Sequelae in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies demonstrated the effectiveness of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a frontline tool in diagnosing and managing acute SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. However, its role in detecting post-COVID-19 lung sequelae remains to be fully determined. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in identifying lung parenchymal damage, particularly fibrotic-like changes, following COVID-19 pneumonia, comparing its performance to that of CT.

Photon-Counting Computed Tomography Angiography of Carotid Arteries: A Topical Narrative Review with Case Examples.

Photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) represents a paradigm shift from conventional CT imaging, propelled by a new generation of X-ray detectors capable of counting individual photons and measuring their energy. The first part of this narrative review is focused on the technical aspects of PCCT and describes its key advancements and benefits compared to conventional CT but also its limitations. By synthesizing the existing literature, the second part of the review seeks to elucidate the potential of PCCT as a valuable tool for assessing carotid artery disease.

The Effects of Cancer Immunotherapy on Fertility: Focus on Hematological Malignancies.

In recent years, cancer management has benefitted from new effective treatments, including immunotherapy. While these therapies improve cancer survival rates, they can alter immune responses and cause long-term side effects, of which gonadotoxic effects and the potential impact on male and female fertility are growing concerns. Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR-T, can lead to elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and immune-related adverse events that may exacerbate fertility problems.

Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Tumors.

Oxidative stress is the result of the imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are produced by several endogenous and exogenous processes, and antioxidant defenses consisting of exogenous and endogenous molecules that protect biological systems from free radical toxicity. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the aging process, contributing to the accumulation of cellular damage over time. Oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules, leads to DNA alterations, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in cellular senescence, immune system and tissue dysfunctions, and increased susceptibility to age-related pathologies, such as inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Anti-proliferative 2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazoles targeting VEGFR-2: Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies.

In this study, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of six new thiadiazole derivatives designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The most promising compound, 18b, demonstrated promising inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2, with an IC value of 0.165 µg/mL.

Illness representation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A preliminary narrative medicine study.

Background: The development of personalized interventions aimed at coping with multiple sclerosis is enriched by the understanding of patients' representations of the illness.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patients' illness representations versus contextual factors (i.e.

NAD Metabolism and Mitochondrial Activity in the Aged Oocyte: Focus on the Effects of NAMPT Stimulation.

The ovary experiences an age-dependent decline starting during the fourth decade of life. Ovarian aging is the predominant factor driving female reproductive aging. Modern trend to postpone childbearing age contributes to reduced fertility and natality worldwide.

The degenerate coding of psychometric profiles through functional connectivity archetypes.

Introduction: Degeneracy in the brain-behavior code refers to the brain's ability to utilize different neural configurations to support similar functions, reflecting its adaptability and robustness. This study aims to explore degeneracy by investigating the non-linear associations between psychometric profiles and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC).

Methods: The study analyzed RSFC data from 500 subjects to uncover the underlying neural configurations associated with various psychometric outcomes.

Cold atmospheric plasma activated media selectively affects human head and neck cancer cell lines.

Objective: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel approach for cancer treatment. It can be used to treat liquids-plasma-activated media (PAM)-which are then transferred to the target as an exogenous source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The present study aimed at chemically characterizing different PAM and assessing their in vitro selectivity against head and neck cancer cells (HNC).

Valorization of grape pomace extracts against cranberry, elderberry, rose hip berry, goji berry and raisin extracts: Phytochemical profile and in vitro biological activity.

The circular economy is gaining attention around the world as a sustainable approach to tackling environmental problems, promoting more responsible management of resources. The aim of this work is the valorization of grape pomace as a waste product of agrifood chain. We prepared decoction (DC), ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extracts (UAE and MAE respectively) of grape pomace, determining their phytochemical profile (using HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS), antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects.

Searching for Linearity: Reconstructive Processes Reverse Temporal Scrambling in Memory for Movie Scenes.

Meaning-making and temporal memory are closely intertwined, yet we still do not know how the overall understanding of complex events affects retrospective temporal judgments. The present study investigated the effect of a manipulation of the temporal linearity of a narrative on the subsequent memory-for-time performance. Participants indicated the time of occurrence of short video clips extracted from a previously encoded movie on a horizontal timeline representing the movie duration.

Drug design of tyrosinase inhibitors.

This copper-containing enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step for the melanin skin pigment bioproduction. Tyrosinase inhibitors can be exploited as skin whitening agents and food preservatives, opening new scenarios in food, cosmetics, agriculture and medicine. Despite the availability of natural inhibitors (hydroquinone, α-arbutin, kojic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid, resveratrol, caftaric acid, valonea tannin, chrysosplenetin and phenylethyl resorcinol), several synthetic compounds were proposed to overcome side effects and to improve the efficacy of natural agents.