Precision Metal Nanoclusters Meet Proteins: Crafting Next-Gen Hybrid Materials.

Metal nanoclusters (NCs), owing to their atomic precision and unique molecule-like properties, have gained widespread attention for applications ranging from catalysis to bioimaging. In recent years, proteins, with their hierarchical structures and diverse functionalities, have emerged as good candidates for functionalizing metal NCs, rendering metal NC-protein conjugates with combined and even synergistically enhanced properties featured by both components. In this Perspective, we explore key questions regarding why proteins serve as complementary partners for metal NCs, the methodologies available for conjugating proteins with metal NCs, and the characterization techniques necessary to elucidate the structures and interactions within this emerging bionano system.

Physical activity and metabolic syndrome in primary care patients in Spain.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between self-reported physical activity and the components of premorbid metabolic syndrome in patients treated in primary care according to sex.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on a sample of 2,359 patients without cardiovascular disease or diabetes, included in the cohort of the IBERICAN study. Using ANOVA models and adjusting for age, economic status, employment situation, level of education, adherence to a Mediterranean diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption, we estimated the association of the variables blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood glucose and waist circumference with the self-reported level of physical activity (sedentary, moderate, high, very high).

A novel model of central precocious puberty disease: Paternal MKRN3 gene-modified rabbit.

Background: Makorin ring finger protein 3 gene (MKRN3) gene mutation is the most common genetic cause of central precocious puberty (CPP) in children. Due to the lack of ideal MKRN3-modified animal model (MKRN3-modified mice enter puberty only 4-5 days earlier than normal mice), the related research is limited.

Methods: Therefore, the MKRN3-modified rabbit was developed using CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) gene editing technology.

Recent Advances in Nanoenzymes Based Therapies for Glioblastoma: Overcoming Barriers and Enhancing Targeted Treatment.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and malignant brain tumor originating from glial cells, characterized by high recurrence rates and poor patient prognosis. The heterogeneity and complex biology of GBM, coupled with the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), significantly limit the efficacy of traditional therapies. The rapid development of nanoenzyme technology presents a promising therapeutic paradigm for the rational and targeted treatment of GBM.

Galectin-1-Induced Tumor Associated Macrophages Repress Antitumor Immunity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Recruitment of Tregs.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are commonly considered accomplices in tumorigenesis and tumor development. However, the precise mechanism by which tumor cells prompt TAMs to aid in evading immune surveillance remains to be further investigated. Here, it is elucidated that tumor-secreted galectin-1 (Gal1) conferred immunosuppressive properties to TAMs.

Endocytosis mediated by megalin and cubilin is involved in enamel development.

Background: Endocytosis of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) by ameloblasts is a key process in the mineralization of enamel during the maturation stage of amelogenesis. However, the relevant receptor mediating endocytosis of EMPs is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore potential endocytic receptors involved in this process.

Experimental study on the preventive effect of Anemarrhena rhizome on pregnancy loss and the incidence rate of cleft palate in A/J mice.

Pregnancy loss is a significant concern worldwide, encompassing miscarriage and stillbirth. Miscarriage, defined as the loss of a baby before 28 weeks of gestation, accounts for approximately 15% of pregnancies. Stillbirth, occurring at or after 28 weeks of gestation, affects nearly 2.

Research progress on N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in osteosarcoma: functions, mechanisms, and potential clinical applications.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most commonly diagnosed primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Despite significant advancements in therapeutic strategies against OS over the past few decades, the prognosis for this disease remains poor, largely due to its high invasiveness and challenges associated with its treatment. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications of RNAs, and many studies have highlighted its crucial role in OS.

RNase T2 deficiency promotes TLR13-dependent replenishment of tissue-protective Kupffer cells.

Lysosomal stress due to the accumulation of nucleic acids (NAs) activates endosomal TLRs in macrophages. Here, we show that lysosomal RNA stress, caused by the lack of RNase T2, induces macrophage accumulation in multiple organs such as the spleen and liver through TLR13 activation by microbiota-derived ribosomal RNAs. TLR13 triggered emergency myelopoiesis, increasing the number of myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow and spleen.

Dysfunctional mitochondrial bioenergetics sustains drug resistance in cancer cells.

Resistance to drugs is one of the major issues affecting the response to pharmacological treatments for tumors. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the development of cancer drug resistance (CDR), and several approaches to overcome it have been suggested. However, the biological basis of CDR remains unclear.

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zirconium Dioxide Nanoparticles from : Applications in Dye Degradation, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity.

Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their excellent bioavailability, low toxicity, and diverse applications in the medical and industrial fields. In this study, ZrO NPs were synthesized using zirconyl oxychloride and the aqueous leaf extract of as a stabilizing agent. Analytical techniques, including various spectroscopy methods and electron microscopy, confirmed the formation of aggregated spherical ZrO NPs, ranging from 15 to 30 nm in size, with mixed-phase structure composed of tetragonal and monoclinic structures.

Research on Red/Near-Infrared Fluorescent Carbon Dots Based on Different Carbon Sources and Solvents: Fluorescence Mechanism and Biological Applications.

Fluorescent carbon dots, especially red/near-infrared-emitting CDs, are becoming increasingly important in the field of biomedicine. This article reviews the synthesis, fluorescence mechanisms, and biological applications of R/NIR-CDs, emphasizing the importance of carbon source and solvent selection in controlling their optical properties. The formation process of CDs is classified, and the fluorescence mechanisms of CDs are summarized, involving carbon core states, surface states, molecular states, and cross-linking enhanced emission effects.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Surgical Neonatal Nursing Workload Tool for an Italian Context: The Italian Winnipeg Surgical Complex Assessment of Neonatal Nursing Needs Tool.

Complexity of care, adequate staffing levels, and workflow are key factors affecting nurses' workloads. There remain notable gaps in the current evidence regarding clinical complexity classification and related staffing adjustment, limiting the capacity for optimal staffing practices. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Winnipeg Surgical Complex Assessment of Neonatal Nursing Needs Tool (WANNNT-SC) for an Italian context to allow the assessment of newborns admitted to NICUs.

Debriefing Methodologies in Nursing Simulation: An Exploratory Study of the Italian Settings.

As part of simulation-based learning, it is well known that debriefing plays a crucial role; ineffective debriefing can lead to a reiteration of errors in decision-making and a poor understanding of one's limitations, compromising the learner's psychological safety and making future simulated learning experiences less effective. In Italy, although simulation has been used in nursing education for more than 20 years, there is a general lack of data regarding the elements of debriefing. An exploratory, cross-sectional, multicenter nationwide study was conducted to identify current debriefing practices in Italian simulation-based nursing education.

Electrodepositing Ag on Anodized Stainless Steel for Enhanced Antibacterial Properties and Corrosion Resistance.

Antibacterial stainless steels have been widely used in biomedicine, food, and water treatment. However, the current antibacterial stainless steels face challenges in balancing corrosion resistance and antibacterial effectiveness, limiting their application range and lifespan. In this study, an oxide layer sealed with antibacterial Ag particles was constructed on the surface of 304 stainless steel through anodizing and electrodeposition, and the process parameters were optimized for achieving long-term antibacterial properties.

LC-MS-Based Global Metabolic Profiles of Alternative Blood Specimens Collected by Microsampling.

Blood microsampling (BμS) has recently emerged as an interesting approach in the analysis of endogenous metabolites but also in metabolomics applications. Their non-invasive way of use and the simplified logistics that they offer renders these technologies highly attractive in large-scale studies, especially the novel quantitative microsampling approaches such as VAMs or qDBS. Herein, we investigate the potential of BµS devices compared to the conventional plasma samples used in global untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics of blood.

Advances in RNA-Based Therapeutics: Challenges and Innovations in RNA Delivery Systems.

Nucleic acids, as carriers of genetic information, have found wide applications in both medical and research fields, including gene editing, disease diagnostics, and drug development. Among various types of nucleic acids, RNA offers greater versatility compared to DNA due to its single-stranded structure, ability to directly encode proteins, and high modifiability for targeted therapeutic and regulatory applications. Despite its promising potential in biomedicine, RNA-based medicine still faces several challenges.

Toward Customizable Smart Gels: A Comprehensive Review of Innovative Printing Techniques and Applications.

New production technologies have transformed modern engineering fields, including electronics, mechanics, robotics, and biomedicine. These advancements have led to the creation of smart materials such as alloys, polymers, and gels that respond to various stimuli. This review focuses on smart materials (SMs), including their variety and fabrication techniques, that can be used to construct three- or four-dimensional structures.

Decoding Urinary Tract Infection Trends: A 5-Year Snapshot from Central Portugal.

Introduction: This study analyzes urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a hospital in Central Portugal over a five-year period, focusing on bacterial prevalence, patient demographics, and antibiotic resistance patterns. This investigation aims to provide insights that can guide improved infection control and treatment strategies.

Methods: A total of 6161 positive urine cultures collected over five years were examined, with particular emphasis on 2019 due to a peak in infection rates.

Impact of High Glucose on Bone Collagenous Matrix Composition, Structure, and Organization: An Integrative Analysis Using an Ex Vivo Model.

Diabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disorder linked to numerous systemic complications, including adverse effects on skeletal health, such as increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Emerging evidence suggests that high glucose may disrupt the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone, potentially altering its composition and organization. Collagen, the primary organic component of the ECM, is critical for maintaining structural integrity and biomechanical properties.

Blockade of TIPE2-Mediated Ferroptosis of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Achieves the Full Potential of Combinatory Ferroptosis and Anti-PD-L1 Cancer Immunotherapy.

Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has attained unprecedented clinical success, the tolerance and immune suppression mechanisms evolved by tumor cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME) hinder its maximum anti-cancer potential. Ferroptosis therapy can partially improve the efficacy of ICB, but it is still subject to immune suppression by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the TME. Recent research suggests that an MDSC blockade can unleash the full therapeutic potential of the combined therapy of ferroptosis and ICB in liver cancer treatment.

A Survey of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of a Sample of Albanian Medical Students in Relation to Occupational Exposure to Biological Agents.

(1) Background: Exposure to blood carries the risk of transmission of many infectious diseases. Healthcare workers (HCWs), including hospital-based medical students, face high and often under-reported rates of exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries. Previous studies have shown that students' knowledge of infection control varies, highlighting the importance of pre-placement training.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging as Neurologic Predictor in Patients Affected by Traumatic Brain Injury: Scoping Review.

: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a variant of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), enables a neuroanatomical microscopic-like examination of the brain, which can detect brain damage using physical parameters. DTI's application to traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the potential to reveal radiological features that can assist in predicting the clinical outcomes of these patients. What is the ongoing role of DTI in detecting brain alterations and predicting neurological outcomes in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and/or diffuse axonal injury? : A scoping review of the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Brain Stimulation Techniques in Research and Clinical Practice: A Comprehensive Review of Applications and Therapeutic Potential in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a range of motor and non-motor symptoms (NMSs) that significantly impact patients' quality of life. This review aims to synthesize the current literature on the application of brain stimulation techniques, including non-invasive methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS), and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), as well as invasive approaches like deep brain stimulation (DBS). We explore the efficacy and safety profiles of these techniques in alleviating both motor impairments, such as bradykinesia and rigidity, and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive decline, depression, and impulse control disorders.