Combined treatment with inhibitors of ErbB Receptors and Hh signaling pathways is more effective than single treatment in reducing the growth of malignant mesothelioma both in vitro and in vivo.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare orphan aggressive neoplasia with low survival rates. Among the other signaling pathways, ErbB receptors and Hh signaling are deregulated in MM. Thus, molecules involved in these signaling pathways could be used for targeted therapy approaches.

The Impacts of the Clinical and Genetic Factors on Chronic Damage in Caucasian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of organ damage in a cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to evaluate the roles of clinical and genetic factors in determining the development of chronic damage. Methods: Organ damage was assessed by the SLICC Damage Index (SDI). We analyzed a panel of 17 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of genes already associated with SLE, and we performed a phenotype−genotype correlation analysis by evaluating specific domains of the SDI.

Breastfeeding and humanitarian emergencies: the experiences of pregnant and lactating women during the earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy.

Background: Emergencies have a great impact on infant and young child feeding. Despite the evidence, the recommended feeding practices are often not implemented in the emergency response, undermining infant and maternal health. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnant and lactating women during the earthquake emergency that occurred in L'Aquila on 6 April 2009.

Infections and Smartphone Use in Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review.

Aim: Nurses use their smartphones during the work shift. The objective of this review is to investigate the presence of bacteria on mobile phones and the procedures to disinfect or decontaminate the smartphone and decrease the infection rate.

Method: This systematic review was carried out through a search on the main scientific databases by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Nanoporous Titanium Enriched with Calcium and Phosphorus Promotes Human Oral Osteoblast Bioactivity.

Implant surfaces are known to influence the osseointegration process; therefore, their modifications represent an important subject of investigation. On this basis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of human oral osteoblasts (hOBs) to three different GR4 titanium discs: Machined, double-etched (Osteopore), and double-etched, surface-enriched with calcium and phosphorus (CaP) (Nanopore). The superficial topography was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the sessile drop technique.

Age-related Changes in Cortical Excitability Linked to Decreased Attentional and Inhibitory Control.

Understanding age-related changes in cortical excitability and their relation to cognitive functions will help to improve interventions based on non-invasive brain stimulation that aim to support cognitive function in older adults. Here, we investigate the relationship between cortical excitability, executive function, and underlying neural activity in samples of healthy young and older adults. These participants performed a Simon task during electroencephalogram (EEG) recording.

Medication Adherence in Chronic Older Patients: An Italian Observational Study Using Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5I).

Background: the world population is aging, and the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing. Chronic diseases affect the quality of life of patients and contribute toward increased healthcare costs if patients do not adhere to treatment. This study defines the medication adherence levels of patients with chronic diseases.

Epigenetic Modifications and Non-Coding RNA in Diabetes-Mellitus-Induced Coronary Artery Disease: Pathophysiological Link and New Therapeutic Frontiers.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a glucose metabolism disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a deficit of insulin production and/or action. DM affects more than 1 in 10 adults, and it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for two thirds of the overall deaths in diabetic patients, with coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic cardiomyopathy as the main contributors.

Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Substance Use Disorder Dual Disorder Patients: A Dual Disorder Unit Point of View.

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are often associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adult populations due to multiple neurobiological, genetic, and psychosocial risk factors. This chapter provides a picture of the clinical aspects of adults with both ADHD and SUDs at treatment entry into a Dual Disorder Unit introducing the concept of different types of craving that may lead to substance use and abuse. At treatment entry, the presence of different comorbid SUD clusters, characterized by either stimulants/alcohol or by the use of cannabinoids, has not been shown to influence ADHD-specific symptomatology or severity, despite being crucial for the identification of a specific type of craving.

Regenerative Medicine: Role of Stem Cells and Innovative Biomaterials 2.0.

Regenerative medicine has constantly increased its field of influence over the last few years [...

Development and Validation of a Score for Fibrotic Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Background & Aims: Noninvasive assessment of histological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been an intensive research area over the last decade. Herein, we aimed to develop a simple noninvasive score using routine laboratory tests to identify, among individuals at high risk for NAFLD, those with fibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) defined as NASH, NAFLD activity score ≥4, and fibrosis stage ≥2.

Methods: The derivation cohort included 264 morbidly obese individuals undergoing intraoperative liver biopsy in Rome, Italy.

Photodynamic Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Activity of a New Gel with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid on Infected Titanium Surfaces.

The use of a new gel containing aminolevulinic acid and red light (ALAD-PDI) was tested in order to counteract bacterial biofilm growth on different titanium implant surfaces. The varying antibacterial efficacy of ALAD-PDI against biofilm growth on several titanium surfaces was also evaluated. A total of 60 titanium discs (30 machined and 30 double-acid etched, DAE) were pre-incubated with saliva and then incubated for 24 h with to form bacterial biofilm.

Comparison between Single and Multi-LED Emitters for Photodynamic Therapy: An In Vitro Study on and Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Aim Of The Study: The aim was to evaluate the effects of two LED devices, TL-01 and TL-03 in photodynamic therapy (PDT), on and on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). TL-01, characterized by a single emitter, irradiates one periodontal site at a time, whereas the multi-led device (TL-03) irradiates all vestibular sites of a single arch at a time.

Methods: bacterial suspensions and HGFs were incubated for 45 min with Aladent gel (ALAD) containing 5-aminolevulinic acid and then exposed to LED devices (ALAD-PDT), having different distance and timing of irradiation (TL-01 N (0.

Low molecular weight heparin -induced miRNA changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pregnancies with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (uRPL) is a clinical condition for which there is a lack of evidenced-based therapies. However, in clinical practice, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been widely used as an empirical therapy since immune effects have been hypothesized in modulating immune tolerance at the fetal-maternal interface. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in establishing of immune tolerance, at fetal-maternal interface.

Drug Repositioning in Friedreich Ataxia.

Friedreich ataxia is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by insufficient levels of the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. It is a severely debilitating disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected patients and reduces their life expectancy, however, an adequate cure is not yet available for patients. Frataxin function, although not thoroughly elucidated, is associated with assembly of iron-sulfur cluster and iron metabolism, therefore insufficient frataxin levels lead to reduced activity of many mitochondrial enzymes involved in the electron transport chain, impaired mitochondrial metabolism, reduced ATP production and inefficient anti-oxidant response.

A Retrospective Digital Analysis of Contour Changing after Tooth Extraction with or without Using Less Traumatic Surgical Procedures.

Background: The present retrospective analysis aimed to compare two different single tooth extraction surgical approaches in both premolar and molar areas: less traumatic magneto-electrical versus conventional tooth extraction in minimizing the edentulous ridge volume loss.

Methods: In the present retrospective control trial, 48 patients who underwent one-tooth extraction, were allocated either to control (28 sites treated with conventional tooth extraction procedures) or test group (20 subjects treated with less traumatic tooth extraction procedures by tooth sectioning and magnetoelectric roots subluxation). Intraoperatively (during tooth extraction surgery just after the subsequent filling of the alveolar socket with the sterile fast re-absorbable gelatin sponge), and then four months later, contours of the sockets were acquired through a laser intra-oral scanner.

COVID-19 and Physical Distancing Measures: Experience of Psychiatric Professionals in Europe.

A The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the organization of psychiatric care. The present study examines how care professionals experienced this period and faced these new constraints weighing on their professional practices. Based on a qualitative research methodology, 13 group interviews with healthcare professionals working in psychiatric wards were conducted in five countries in western Europe.

Psychomotor Symptoms in Chronic Cocaine Users: An Interpretative Model.

According to the latest estimates, there are around 24.6 million cocaine users worldwide, and it is estimated that around a quarter of the population worldwide has used cocaine at some point in their lifetime. It follows that such widespread consumption represents a major risk for public health.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Depressive Symptoms in Professional Tennis Players.

Objective: A moderate sport activity is considered beneficial for both physical and mental health. On the contrary, different studies have shown that professional players may be more vulnerable to suffer from psychological and/or psychiatric disorders. Given the limited information available, the present study aimed to investigate the possible presence of depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms or disorders in a group of professional tennis players.

Hsa-miR223-3p circulating level is upregulated in Friedreich's ataxia and inversely associated with HCLS1 associated protein X-1, HAX-1.

Frataxin (FXN) deficiency is responsible for Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) in which, besides the characteristic features of spinocerebellar ataxia, two thirds of patients develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that often progresses to heart failure and premature death. Different mechanisms might underlie FRDA pathogenesis. Among them, the role of miRNAs deserves investigations.

Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDM): Model 1 (GM-CSF).

Monocytes/macrophages play critical roles in HIV transmission, viral spread (early in infection), and as a reservoir of virus throughout infection. In the current research area in HIV, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in the biology of monocyte subsets and macrophages and their role in HIV pathogenesis, and as long-lived HIV reservoir. Thus, sensitive and specific techniques are needed to measure the impact of these cells in the establishment of the "hard-core" reservoir, and in their capacity to cause a low-level virus production during cART.

Pleural Mesothelial Cells Modulate the Inflammatory/Profibrotic Response During SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Although lung fibrosis has a major impact in COVID-19 disease, its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. In particular, no direct evidence of pleura implication in COVID-19-related fibrotic damage has been reported so far. In this study, the expression of epithelial cytokeratins and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), specific markers of mesothelial cells (MCs), was analyzed in COVID-19 and unrelated pleura autoptic samples.

Accuracy of controlled attenuation parameter for assessing liver steatosis in individuals with morbid obesity before bariatric surgery.

Background & Aims: The ultrasound-based controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a non-invasive tool widely validated for assessing liver steatosis across different etiologies. However, few studies, with liver biopsy available, have investigated its performance in individuals with morbid obesity. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CAP in participants with morbid obesity from the MAFALDA study before bariatric surgery.

High performance of integrase genotyping on diverse HIV-1 clades circulating in Cameroon: toward a successful transition to dolutegravir-based regimens in low and middle-income countries.

A successful transition to dolutegravir-based regimens in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires an integrase genotyping assay effective on diverse HIV-1 clades. We herein developed and validated an in-house integrase genotyping protocol on plasma samples from 195 HIV-infected patients in Cameroon. Median [IQR] viremia was 23,574 (518-109,235) copies/mL; 128/195 participants had ≥1000copies/mL (i.