Berberine decorated zinc oxide loaded chitosan nanoparticles a potent anti cancer agent against breast cancer.

Breast cancer ranks as the second leading reason of cancer mortality among females globally, emphasizing the critical need for novel anticancer treatments. In current work, berberine-zinc oxide conjugated chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using various characterization techniques. The cytotoxic effects of CS-ZnO-Ber NPs on MCF-7 cells were assessed using the MTT assay.

Natural infection and diversity of hemotropic mycoplasmas in free-ranging Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) and margay cat (Leopardus wiedii) populations in Southern Brazil.

Hemoplasma infection significantly impacts felines health, yet there is a research gap regarding free-ranging wild small felids. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hemoplasma in Leopardus geoffroyi and Leopardus wiedii in southern Brazil. For this purpose, we conducted molecular research for Mycoplasma spp.

Contribution of Nuclear Fragmentation to Dose and RBE in Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy.

Variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon radiotherapy may be calculated using several models, including the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM), stochastic MKM (SMKM), repair-misrepair-fixation (RMF) model, and local effect model I (LEM), which have not been thoroughly compared. In this work, we compared how these four models handle carbon beam fragmentation, providing insight into where model differences arise. Monoenergetic and spread-out Bragg peak carbon beams incident on a water phantom were simulated using Monte Carlo.

Postprandial Aminoacidemia Following the Ingestion of Alternative and Sustainable Proteins in Humans: A Narrative Review.

There is a pressing need to expand the production and consumption of alternative protein sources from plants, fungi, insects, and algae from both nutritional and sustainability perspectives. It is well known that the postprandial rise in plasma amino acid concentrations and subsequent muscle anabolic response is greater after the ingestion of animal-derived protein sources, such as dairy, meat, and eggs, than plant-based proteins. However, emerging evidence shows that a similar muscle anabolic response is observed-despite a lower and slower postprandial aminoacidemia-after the ingestion of alternative protein sources compared with animal-derived protein sources.

Joint Analysis of Cardiovascular Control and Shear Wave Elastography to Determine Carotid Plaque Vulnerability.

: Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is one of the main causes of stroke, and the vulnerability of plaque has been proved to be a determinant. A joint analysis of shear wave elastography, a radiofrequency echo-based wall tracking technique for arterial stiffness evaluation, and of autonomic and baroreflex function is proposed to noninvasively, preoperatively assess plaque vulnerability in asymptomatic CAS patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. : Elastographic markers of arterial stiffness were derived preoperatively in 78 CAS patients (age: 74.

Role of Copper and Zinc Ions in the Hydrolytic Degradation of Neurodegeneration-Related Peptides.

Spontaneous cleavage reactions normally occur in vivo on amino acid peptide backbones, leading to fragmentation products that can have different physiological roles and toxicity, particularly when the substrate of the hydrolytic processes are neuronal peptides and proteins highly related to neurodegeneration. We report a hydrolytic study performed with the HPLC-MS technique at different temperatures (4 °C and 37 °C) on peptide fragments of different neuronal proteins (amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein) in physiological conditions in the presence of Cu and Zn ions, two metal ions found at millimolar concentrations in amyloid plaques. The coordination of these metal ions with these peptides significantly protects their backbones toward hydrolytic degradation, preserving the entire sequences over two weeks in solution, while the free peptides in the same buffer are fully fragmented after the same or even shorter incubation period.

Human Serum Albumin and Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles as Carriers of 10-(2'-Pyrimidyl)-3,6-diazaphenothiazine: In Vitro Spectroscopic Studies.

Human serum albumin (HSA) plays a fundamental role in the human body, including the transport of exogenous and endogenous substances. HSA is also a biopolymer with a great medical and pharmaceutical potential. Due to nontoxicity and biocompatibility, this protein can be used as a nanocarrier.

Gender Differences Are a Leading Factor in 5-Year Survival of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis over Antifibrotic Therapy Reduction.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease with a median survival of 3-5 years. Antifibrotic therapies like pirfenidone and nintedanib slow progression, but the outcomes vary. Gender may influence disease presentation, progression, and response to treatment.

Mice with 16p11.2 Deletion and Duplication Show Alterations in Biological Processes Associated with White Matter.

Deletion and duplication in the human 16p11.2 chromosomal region are closely linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism spectrum disorder. Data from neuroimaging studies suggest white matter microstructure aberrations across these conditions.

Control of BKPyV-DNAemia by a Tailored Viro-Immunologic Approach Does Not Lead to BKPyV-Nephropathy Progression and Development of Donor-Specific Antibodies in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation.

Polyomavirus BK (BKPyV)-associated nephropathy (BKPyV-nephropathy) remains a significant cause of premature kidney allograft failure. In the absence of effective antiviral treatments, current therapeutic approaches rely on immunosuppression (IS) reduction, possibly at the risk of inducing alloimmunity. Therefore, we sought to explore the long-term effects of a tailored viro-immunologic surveillance and treatment program for BKPyV on the development of alloimmunity and kidney graft outcome.

Thyme Essential Oil as a Potential Tool Against Common and Re-Emerging Foodborne Pathogens: Biocidal Effect on Bacterial Membrane Permeability.

Over the past decade, foodborne diseases have become a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people globally. Major pathogens like spp., , , and contaminate food and cause several infections.

DNA Damage Response Mutants Challenged with Genotoxic Agents-A Different Experimental Approach to Investigate the and Genes.

DNA damage response (DDR) is a highly conserved and complex signal transduction network required for preserving genome integrity. DNA repair pathways downstream of DDR include the tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase1 (TDP1) enzyme that hydrolyses the phosphodiester bond between the tyrosine residue of topoisomerase I (TopI) and 3'-phosphate end of DNA. A small TDP1 subfamily, composed of TDP1α and TDP1β, is present in plants.

Hallmarks of DNA Damage Response in Germination Across Model and Crop Species.

DNA damage response (DDR) contributes to seed quality by guarding genome integrity in the delicate phases of pre- and post-germination. As a key determinant of stress tolerance and resilience, DDR has notable implications on the wider scale of the agroecosystems challenged by harsh climatic events. The present review focuses on the existing and documented links that interconnect DDR efficiency with an array of molecular hallmarks with biochemical, molecular, and physiological valence within the seed metabolic networks.

Elevated Kappa Index in the Absence of Cerebrospinal Fluid IgG Oligoclonal Bands: Contribution of Intrathecal IgM and IgA Synthesis.

The kappa index is a well-established marker of intrathecal synthesis (IS) of immunoglobulin (Ig). Routinely used for diagnostic aims, IgG IS, which can be assessed quantitatively (ad hoc formulas) or qualitatively (oligoclonal bands, OCBs), may fail in detecting a humoral immune response within the central nervous system (CNS). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the kappa index for its ability to detect the presence of CNS humoral immunity and to associate it with a distinct group of disorders, in the absence of IgG IS/OCBs.

The Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance in and New Strategies to Fight It.

is considered one of the prioritized ESKAPE microorganisms for the research and development of novel treatments by the World Health Organization, especially because of its remarkable persistence and drug resistance. In this review, we describe how this can be acquired by the enzymatic degradation of antibiotics, target site modification, altered membrane permeability, multidrug efflux pumps, and their ability to form biofilms. Also, the evolution of drug resistance in , which is mainly driven by mobile genetic elements, is reported, with particular reference to plasmid-associated resistance, resistance islands, and insertion sequences.

Radiographic and Clinical Results of Combined Bone and Soft-Tissue Tailored Surgeries for Hip Dislocation and Subluxation in Cerebral Palsy.

Background/objectives: The aim of the study is to present middle-term results of tailored bone and soft-tissue surgeries in subluxated and dislocated hips in children affected by cerebral palsy.

Methods: A total of 87 medical records belonging to 73 children affected by CP, treated with combined soft-tissue releases, VDO, and pelvic osteotomy, were reviewed retrospectively. Radiological measurements of AI, RI, and NSA were obtained before surgery, postoperatively, at 12 and 24 months after surgery.

Framing and Management of Migraines in Women: An Expert Opinion on Challenges, Current Approaches, and Future Multidisciplinary Perspectives.

Migraines are a common neurological disorder that significantly impact women, especially during their reproductive years. Hormonal, neurological, and lifestyle factors shape migraine patterns, with fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause influencing migraine prevalence and severity. This expert opinion explores current challenges, therapeutic strategies, and future directions for personalized care, addressing the limited inclusion of women in clinical research across different life stages.

Development of a nasal spray based on cyclodextrin/hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose for the prevention of viral respiratory infections.

The work aims to develop mucoadhesive and thermo-responsive in situ gelling systems, using hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose (Sangelose, SG) and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivatives, for preventing viral respiratory infections. Eight SG/CD systems with varying CD concentrations were evaluated for rheological properties, mucoadhesiveness, spreadability and sprayability via nasal devices; cytotoxicity was in vitro investigated on reconstituted nasal epithelia. Additionally, droplet size distribution and spray deposition were assessed for the most promising systems.

The role of non-respiratory arousals in residual daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: An analysis of the European Sleep Apnea Database registry.

Study Objectives: To assess the impact of the non-respiratory arousal burden at baseline polysomnography (PSG) on residual daytime sleepiness in positive airway pressure (PAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: We included OSA patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry with available arousal data who had at least 2 treatment follow-up visits. The primary outcome was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score under PAP.

The Long-Term Immunity of a Microneedle Array Patch of a SARS-CoV-2 S1 Protein Subunit Vaccine Irradiated by Gamma Rays in Mice.

Background/objectives: COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent severe disease, but unequal distribution, especially in low- and middle-income countries, has led to vaccine-resistant strains. This highlights the urgent need for alternative vaccine platforms that are safe, thermostable, and easy to distribute. This study evaluates the immunogenicity, stability, and scalability of a dissolved microneedle array patch (MAP) delivering the rS1RS09 subunit vaccine, comprising the SARS-CoV-2 S1 monomer and RS09, a TLR-4 agonist peptide.

Post-Vaccination Anaphylaxis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/objectives: Vaccines have been recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions. However, vaccine-associated anaphylaxis, although rare, is a serious adverse reaction. The incidence of anaphylaxis related to non-COVID-19 vaccines in adults remains underreported.

Vaccinating in Different Settings: Best Practices from Italian Regions.

Background: The success of vaccination programs depends on a complex interplay of logistical, social, and structural factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the different approaches to vaccine administration implemented by several Italian regions since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods: After careful qualitative review of information gathered from scientific articles, official reports (grey literature), contact with regional health authorities, and local health departments, five vaccination strategies across several Italian regions focusing on alternative vaccine providers and/or settings were identified.

Circular Economy Applied to Sludge Minimization: The STAR Project.

The management of biological sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) poses a significant environmental challenge due to increasing sludge production and the presence of emerging pollutants. This study investigates an innovative solution by integrating a thermophilic aerobic membrane reactor (TAMR) into the sludge treatment line of a medium-size WWTP, aiming to minimize biological sludge output while enhancing resource recovery. The study involved a six-month monitoring of an industrial-scale TAMR system, assessing the reduction in volatile solids (VSs) in thickened sludge and evaluating the compatibility of TAMR residues with conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Advancing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed surgical procedure that has evolved significantly due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. As demand for THA grows, reliable tools are essential to enhance diagnosis, preoperative planning, surgical precision, and postoperative rehabilitation. AI applications in orthopedic surgery offer innovative solutions, including automated hip osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis, precise implant positioning, and personalized risk stratification, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The Need for Standardized Guidelines for the Use of Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) in the Early Diagnosis of Sepsis.

Sepsis is a complex and potentially life-threatening syndrome characterized by an abnormal immune response to an infection, which can lead to organ dysfunction, septic shock, and death. Early diagnosis is crucial to improving prognosis and reducing hospital management costs. This narrative review aims to summarize and evaluate the current literature on the role of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a diagnostic biomarker for sepsis, highlighting its advantages, limitations, and potential clinical applications.