Investigating the intrinsic top-down dynamics of deep generative models.

Hierarchical generative models can produce data samples based on the statistical structure of their training distribution. This capability can be linked to current theories in computational neuroscience, which propose that spontaneous brain activity at rest is the manifestation of top-down dynamics of generative models detached from action-perception cycles. A popular class of hierarchical generative models is that of Deep Belief Networks (DBNs), which are energy-based deep learning architectures that can learn multiple levels of representations in a completely unsupervised way exploiting Hebbian-like learning mechanisms.

Sarcoglycans are enriched at the neuromuscular junction in a nerve-dependent manner.

Sarcoglycanopathies are heterogeneous proximo-distal diseases presenting severe muscle alterations. Although there are 6 different sarcoglycan isoforms, sarcoglycanopathies are caused exclusively by mutations in genes coding for one of the four sarcoglycan transmembrane proteins (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) forming the sarcoglycan complex (SGC) in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Little is known about the different roles of the SGC beyond the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) structural role.

Addressing Data Point Homogeneity and Annotation Challenges to Enhance Data-Driven Approaches: The S. aureus NorA Efflux Pump Case Study.

In this study, we analyzed publicly accessible data related to the Staphylococcus aureus NorA protein, a well-known efflux pump involved in antimicrobial resistance. Our analysis revealed several inconsistencies in data annotation, and significant issues concerning the homogeneity across datasets, which compromise the reliability of data-driven approaches aimed at identifying novel Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). To address these challenges, we propose a standardized pipeline for experimental procedures and data annotation, designed to enhance the consistency and quality of EPI datasets submitted to repositories, thereby increasing the utility of publicly available datasets for the discovery of potential EPIs.

Cohort profile: the BangladEsh Longitudinal Investigation of Emerging Vascular and nonvascular Events (BELIEVE) cohort study.

Purpose: Bangladesh has experienced a rapid epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in recent decades. There is, however, limited evidence about multidimensional determinants of NCDs in this population. The BangladEsh Longitudinal Investigation of Emerging Vascular and nonvascular Events (BELIEVE) study is a household-based prospective cohort study established to investigate biological, behavioural, environmental and broader determinants of NCDs.

Safety and efficacy of early initiation of sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors 2 in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aims: Data on the early use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with acute heart failure (HF) are conflicting, and mostly evaluating soft endpoints (i.e., indices of congestion, renal function, ejection fraction, and diuresis).

Awake Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Intensive Care Unit: Challenges and Emerging Concepts.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced treatment for severe respiratory failure. Implantation of ECMO before invasive ventilation or extubation during ECMO has been reported and is becoming increasingly popular. Avoidance of sedation and invasive ventilation during ECMO (commonly referred to as "awake ECMO") may have potential advantages, including a lower rate of delirium, shorter mechanical ventilation time, and the possibility of undergoing early rehabilitation and/or physiotherapy.

Normative percentile values for the TGMD-3 for Italian children aged 3-11+years.

Objectives: Sufficient gross motor skill proficiency is an essential prerequisite for the successful performance of sport-specific skills and physical activities. The Test of Gross Motor Development is the most common tool for assessing motor skills in paediatric populations, however, there is a lack of 'normative' data available against which children's scores can be compared. Normative data would enable the comparison of an individual's motor development to age-standardised norms.

Reducing Quotation Errors in Scientific Manuscripts: A Novel Approach from the Global Andrology Forum.

Purpose: This study investigated 1) the frequency of quotation errors in multi-authored medical manuscripts in andrology, 2) analyzed common types of quotation errors and the methods used to rectify them, and 3) evaluated their impact on manuscript accuracy, credibility, and research conclusions.

Materials And Methods: Twelve manuscripts written by the Global Andrology Forum (GAF) members between 2023 and 2024 were randomly selected for this study. The manuscripts and "Quotation Verification Sheets" were analyzed by senior GAF researchers to detect the number and types of quotation errors.

Selective expression and significance of ACKR2 in lung aerocytes.

Background: ACKR2 is an atypical chemokine receptor that plays a significant role in regulating inflammation by binding to inflammatory CC chemokines and facilitating their degradation. Previous findings suggest that the genetic absence of ACKR2 leads to heightened tumor growth in inflammation-driven models. Conversely, mice lacking ACKR2 exhibit protection against lung metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models.

Maternal physiological calming responses to infant suckling at the breast.

The mother-infant relation is key to infant physical, cognitive and social development. Mutual regulation and cooperation are required to maintain the dyadic system, but the biological foundation of these responses remains to be clarified. In this study, we report the maternal calming responses to infant suckling during breastfeeding.

Comprehensive Genome Profiling for Treatment Decisions in Patients with Metastatic Tumors: Real-World Evidence Meta-Analysis and Registry Data Implementation.

Background: Although precision oncology has rapidly been developed in recent years, its real-world impact and challenges in healthcare implementation remain underexplored. Through a meta-analysis of real-world evidence (RWE), we aimed at investigating the applicability and clinical impact of comprehensive cancer genome profiling (CGP) in cancer patients with metastatic solid tumors.

Methods: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for RWE studies on CGP and matched therapies in metastatic solid tumors (publication period: 2012-2023).

Green solid lipid nanoparticles by coacervation of fatty acids: An innovative cosmetic ingredient for the delivery of anti-age compounds through the skin.

The constant exposure of the skin to internal and external stimuli drives towards skin aging and lost in skin hydration and elasticity. Chronic low-grade inflammation, called inflammaging, and oxidative stress are the leading causes of this phenomenon. Fatty acid coacervation is a preparation method for Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs), which does not employ solvents, and is associated to low energy consumption.

Characterisation of periorbital mechanical allodynia in the reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model in mice: The role of the Schwann cell TRPA1/NOX1 signalling pathway.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex and multifaceted condition characterized by a range of clinical symptoms, including widespread pain and a strong association with migraine headaches. Recent findings have underscored the role of oxidative stress and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel in migraine and FM. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the comorbidity between migraine and FM are unclear.

Macular Atrophy in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Topic: Macular atrophy incidence in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.

Clinical Relevance: Macular atrophy is a significant event that may occur in eyes with neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF therapy.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO, CRD42024474924).

The critical role of the variable domain in driving proteotoxicity and aggregation in full-length light chains.

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common systemic amyloid disease characterized by abnormal accumulation of amyloid fibrils derived from immunoglobulin light chains (LCs). Both full-length (FL) LCs and their isolated variable (VL) and constant (CL) domains contribute to amyloid deposits in multiple organs, with the VL domain predominantly forming the fibril core. However, the role and interplay of these domains in amyloid aggregation and toxicity are poorly understood.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy for monitoring drug delivery: Unlocking the developmental phases of embryos.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has emerged as a transformative imaging technique in the study of drug delivery and embryonic development, offering high-resolution, real-time visualization with minimal phototoxicity. This review examines the application of LSFM in tracking drug pharmacokinetics, tissue-specific targeting, and drug efficacy during critical phases of embryonic development. Recent advancements in fluorescent labeling and machine learning integration have enabled more precise monitoring of drug release, distribution, and interaction with developing tissues.

Molecular responses of Mytilus coruscus hemocytes to lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan as revealed by 4D-DIA based quantitative proteomics analysis.

Mytilus are sessile filter feeders that live in close contact with numerous marine microorganisms. Hemocytes, the immunocompetent cells of Mytilus, participate in the immune response in a very efficient manner. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN) follow specific microbe/pathogen-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs or PAMPs) and are involved in immune stimulation in host cells.

Anatomical and functional changes after internal limiting membrane peeling.

Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling has been an acceptable step in vitrectomy surgeries for various retinal diseases such as macular hole, chronic macular edema following epiretinal membrane (ERM), and vitreoretinal traction. Despite all the benefits, this procedure has some side effects, which may lead to structural damage and functional vision loss. Light and dye toxicity may induce reversible and irreversible retina damage, which will be observed in postoperative optical coherence tomography scans.

Hemp tea waste-immobilized lipase for the synthesis of alkyl oleates in solvent free systems.

This study explores the immobilization of lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) on hemp tea waste to catalyze the esterification of oleic acid with primary aliphatic C2-C12 alcohols. in a solvent-free system. The immobilization method employed was adsorption, chosen for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to preserve enzyme activity.

Insights into the formation of pullulan nanofilm and its feasibility as probiotic-resided oral fast dissolving carrier.

Oral fast dissolving films represent a novel dosage form for probiotics. To reduce the dependence of film preparation on synthetic materials, a polysaccharide-based oral fast dissolving nanofilm for probiotics was fabricated through pullulan (PUL) electrospinning. An electrospinnability map of PUL with varying physical properties was developed, identifying a molecular weight of 200 kDa and a concentration of 20 % as suitable conditions for achieving favorable fiber morphology.

Polysaccharide degradation in an Antarctic bacterium: Discovery of glycoside hydrolases from remote regions of the sequence space.

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are enzymes involved in the degradation of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. The sequence space of GHs is rapidly expanding due to the increasing number of available sequences. This expansion paves the way for the discovery of novel enzymes with peculiar structural and functional properties.

Measuring the impact of hospitalisation for infectious diseases on the quality of life of older patients in four European countries: the AEQUI longitudinal matched cohort study (2020-2023).

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of hospitalisation for infectious diseases on the Health-Related Quality of life (HRQOL), multidimensional frailty, and functioning of older patients, we conducted a longitudinal matched cohort study in four European countries.

Methods: HRQOL, frailty, and functioning were assessed using validated questionnaires at inclusion, at discharge, and up to six months later (M6) in patients aged over 65 years hospitalised for severe acute respiratory or bloodstream infections, and matched controls hospitalised for non-infectious conditions. Comparative analyses employed multilevel mixed-effect linear or logistic models to assess changes from inclusion.