New Insights in Microplastic Cellular Uptake Through a Cell-Based Organotypic Rainbow-Trout () Intestinal Platform.

Microplastics (MPs) in fish can cross the intestinal barrier and are often bioaccumulated in several tissues, causing adverse effects. While the impacts of MPs on fish are well documented, the mechanisms of their cellular internalization remain unclear. A rainbow-trout () intestinal platform, comprising proximal and distal intestinal epithelial cells cultured on an Alvetex scaffold, was exposed to 50 mg/L of MPs (size 1-5 µm) for 2, 4, and 6 h.

CAR-T Therapy Beyond B-Cell Hematological Malignancies.

Despite the advances of CAR-T cells in certain hematological malignancies, mostly from B-cell derivations such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma, a significant portion of other hematological and non-hematological pathologies can benefit from this innovative treatment, as the results of clinical studies are demonstrating. The clinical application of CAR-T in the setting of acute T-lymphoid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, solid tumors, autoimmune diseases and infections has encountered limitations that are different from those of hematological B-cell diseases. To overcome these restrictions, strategies based on different molecular engineering platforms have been devised and will be illustrated below.

In Vitro 3D Models of Haematological Malignancies: Current Trends and the Road Ahead?

Haematological malignancies comprise a diverse group of life-threatening systemic diseases, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Currently available therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and CAR-T cells, are often associated with important side effects and with the development of drug resistance and, consequently, disease relapse. In the last decades, it was largely demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment significantly affects cancer cell proliferation and tumor response to treatment.

Modeling Musculoskeletal Disorders in Zebrafish: Advancements in Muscle and Bone Research.

Zebrafish () have emerged as a valuable model organism for investigating musculoskeletal development and the pathophysiology of associated diseases. Key genes and biological processes in zebrafish that closely mirror those in humans, rapid development, and transparent embryos make zebrafish ideal for the in vivo studies of bone and muscle formation, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal disorders. This review focuses on the utility of zebrafish in modeling various musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as muscle disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Characterization of the Astrocyte Calcium Response to Norepinephrine in the Ventral Tegmental Area.

Astrocytes from different brain regions respond with Ca elevations to the catecholamine norepinephrine (NE). However, whether this noradrenergic-mediated signaling is present in astrocytes from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a dopaminergic circuit receiving noradrenergic inputs, has not yet been investigated. To fill in this gap, we applied a pharmacological approach along with two-photon microscopy and an AAV strategy to express a genetically encoded calcium indicator in VTA astrocytes.

Inherited Thrombocytopenia Related Genes: GPS2 Mediates the Interplay Between ANKRD26 and ETV6.

Mutations in the genes , , and cause three clinically overlapping thrombocytopenias characterized by a predisposition to hematological neoplasms. The gene, which encodes a protein involved in protein-protein interactions, is downregulated by RUNX1 during megakaryopoiesis. Mutations in 5'UTR of ANKRD26, leading to ANKRD26-RT, disrupt this regulation, resulting in the persistent expression of ANKRD26, which leads to impaired platelet biogenesis and an increased risk of leukemia.

Fungal quorum sensing molecules as potential drugs in the treatment of chronic wounds and their delivery.

Introduction: Chronic non-healing wounds have emerged as a significant global healthcare challenge. Biofilm induced wound infections has been widely acknowledged. Despite the advanced understanding of biofilm formation, the existing approaches for diagnosing biofilms in wounds remain considerably suboptimal.

Controlled Nutrient Delivery to Pancreatic Islets Using Polydopamine-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles.

In this study, we designed a nanoscale platform for sustained amino acid delivery to support transplanted pancreatic islets. The platform features mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) loaded with glutamine (G), an essential amino acid required for islet survival and function, and coated with polydopamine (PD). We investigated various PD concentrations (0.

Healthcare Application of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA): Is There Room in the Infectious Disease Setting? A Scoping Review.

: Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a valuable risk analysis tool aimed at predicting the potential failures of a system and preventing them from occurring. Since its initial use, it has also recently been applied to the healthcare setting, which has been made progressively more complex by technological developments and new challenges. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an area that requires effective strategies.

The Beneficial Effects of Lactobacillus Strains on Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Growing evidence suggests that the gut-brain axis influences brain function, particularly the role of intestinal microbiota in modulating cognitive processes. Probiotics may alter brain function and behavior by modulating gut microbiota, with implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this review is to systematically review the current literature exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota and cognitive function in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The Protective Role of the FIFA 11+ Training Program on the Valgus Loading of the Knee in Academy Soccer Players Across a Season.

: Improper neuromuscular control with excessive dynamic valgus loading of the knee has been identified as one of the main anterior cruciate ligament injury risk factors. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the FIFA 11+ training program on the valgus loading of the knee in academy soccer players over a competitive season. : A prospective study was conducted on 85 players.

Patient-Nurse Communication in an Oncology Hospital Setting: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Communication is an important aspect in making patients competent to define, process, and manage their disease condition as well as to intercept and satisfy psychosocial needs. Communication between patient and nurse is central to the learning and orientating process since the nurse has the greatest frequency and continuity of relationship with patients and their families. This study aims to investigate the quality of communication between patient and nurse and the factors that promote or hinder effective communication from the oncology patient's perspective within an inpatient hospital setting.

Smart Insulin Pen in Pregnant Women with Type 1 Diabetes: An Encouraging Case Series.

The management of type 1 diabetes in pregnancy with new technologies is challenging. Sometimes the complexity of new-generation systems such as "continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII" and patient or provider preference do not allow their use, so women with type 1 diabetes in pregnancy continue to be treated with subcutaneous multiple-injection insulin therapy using pens. Smart insulin pens are new tools that allow for data collection on insulin dose and time of administration and have additional connectivity features.

The Internet of Things in the Nutritional Management of Patients with Chronic Neurological Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review.

Background/objectives: The Internet of Things (IoT) technology connects objects to the internet, and its applications are increasingly used in healthcare to improve the quality of care. However, the use of IoT for the nutritional management of patients with chronic neurological cognitive impairment is still in development. This scoping review aims to describe the integration of IoT and its applications to support monitoring, interventions, and nutritional education for patients with chronic neurological cognitive impairment.

Knowledge, Barriers, and Future Directions of Vestibular Rehabilitation Practice in Neurorehabilitation: An Italian Survey.

Vestibular rehabilitation, an evidence-based physical therapy approach, plays a crucial role in managing and recovering from gaze and balance disorders, including those of central origin. This study, targeted at the community of Italian healthcare practitioners, is vital in understanding the application of vestibular rehabilitation in neurological disorders and in identifying knowledge gaps, barriers, and future directions. This is a cross-sectional study directed at healthcare professionals involved in neurorehabilitation in Italy.

Job Demands and Resources Shape the Risk of Burnout in Italian Child Neuropsychiatrists.

To evaluate the influence of job demands and resources on burnout risk among Italian pediatric neuropsychiatrists. This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and February 2024 and involved Italian pediatric neuropsychiatrists. The study applied the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to assess the impact of job demands (such as work-family conflict, time pressure, and job uncertainty) and job resources (like organizational support and perceived job meaning) on burnout.

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.

Mapping the local stoichiometry in Cu nanoparticles during controlled oxidation by STEM-EELS spectral imaging.

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) can be coupled with cuprous oxide, combining photoelectrocatalytic properties with a broad-range optical absorption. In the present study, we aimed to correlate changes in morphology, electronic structure and plasmonic properties of Cu NPs at different stages of oxidation. We demonstrated the ability to monitor the oxidation of NPs at the nanometric level using STEM-EELS spectral maps, which were analyzed with machine learning algorithms.

Performance of the accelerated assessment of the European Medicines Agency.

Aims: In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has an accelerated pathway to prioritize approval of medicines. Approved drugs are then assessed by Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies before being made available to patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of the drugs admitted to the EMA accelerated assessment (AA) and scrutinize the downstream HTA procedures regarding these medicines and the final assessment regarding added therapeutic value (ATV).

Carotid artery atherosclerosis: mechanisms of instability and clinical implications.

Cardiovascular disease remains a prominent cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Within this spectrum, carotid artery atherosclerosis is a complex and multifaceted condition, and a prominent precursor of acute ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular events. The intricate interplay among inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, and immune responses participates in the development of lesions, leading to luminal stenosis and potential plaque instability.

Self-Reported Delayed Adverse Events and Flare Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease (AIRD) in Malaysia: Results From the COVAD-2 Study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of self-reported delayed adverse events (DAEs), major AEs, and flares following COVID-19 vaccinations among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) in Malaysia.

Methodology: An electronically validated survey from the COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases (COVAD) study group was distributed in July 2021 to patients with autoimmune diseases and healthy controls (HCs). The survey collected data on DAEs (any AE that persisted or occurred after 7 days of vaccination), any early or delayed major adverse events (MAEs), and flares following COVID-19 vaccination.

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.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: from echocardiographic characteristics to a cardiovascular damage score in a high-risk hypertensive population.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a high prevalence condition, with high rates of hospitalization and mortality. Arterial hypertension is the main risk factor for HFpEF. Among hypertensive patients, alterations in cardiac and vascular morphology identify hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD).

Decoupling Individual Host Response and Immune Cell Engager Cytotoxic Potency.

Immune cell engagers are molecular agents, usually antibody-based constructs, engineered to recruit immune cells against cancer cells and kill them. They are versatile and powerful tools for cancer immunotherapy. Despite the multiplication of engagers tested and accepted in the clinic, how molecular and cellular parameters influence their actions is poorly understood.