Two- and Three-Dimensional In Vitro Models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases: State-of-the-Art and Applications.

In vitro models play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease (PD and AD). Traditionally, 2D cell cultures have been instrumental in elucidating the cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Cultured cells derived from patients or animal models provide valuable insights into the pathological processes at the cellular level.

Sequential Obtention of Blood-Brain Barrier-Permeable Non-Polar and Polar Compounds from L. and Labill. with Neuroprotective Purposes.

This study investigates the biorefinery approach to extracting blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable compounds from Labill. and L. for neuroprotective purposes.

T Cell-Specific Inactivation of the PI3K p110α Catalytic Subunit: Effect in T Cell Differentiation and Antigen-Specific Responses.

Class IA PI3K p110δ and p110α subunits participate in TCR and costimulatory receptor signals involved in T cell-mediated immunity, but the role of p110α is not completely understood. Here, we analyzed a mouse model of the Cre-dependent functional inactivation of p110α (kinase dead) in T lymphocytes (p110αKD-T, KD). KD mice showed increased cellularity in thymus and spleen and altered T cell differentiation with increased number of CD4CD8 DP thymocytes, enhanced proportion of CD4 SP lymphocytes linked to altered apoptosis, lower Treg cells, and increased AKT and ERK phosphorylation in activated thymocytes.

Enrichment of RedoxifibromiR miR-21-5p in Plasma Exosomes of Hypertensive Patients with Renal Injury.

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) emerged as powerful regulators of fibrotic processes, "fibromiRs", and can also influence the expression of genes responsible for the generation of reactive oxygen species, "redoximiRs". We aimed to investigate whether plasma exosomes from hypertensive and diabetes patients are enriched in fibromiRs and redoximiRs using deep sequencing technology and their association with relevant signalling pathways implicated in oxidative stress and fibrogenesis by GO terms and KEGG pathways. RNA-Seq analysis from P-EXO identified 31 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in patients compared to controls, of which 77% are biofluid specific.

Advances in Gene Therapy for Rare Diseases: Targeting Functional Haploinsufficiency Through AAV and mRNA Approaches.

Most rare diseases (RDs) encompass a diverse group of inherited disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. A significant proportion of these diseases are driven by functional haploinsufficiency, which is caused by pathogenic genetic variants. Currently, most treatments for RDs are limited to symptom management, emphasizing the need for therapies that directly address genetic deficiencies.

Daily Lipolysis Gene Expression in Male Rat Mesenteric Adipose Tissue: Obesity and Melatonin Effects.

Melatonin is involved in various functions such as the timing of circadian rhythms, energy metabolism, and body mass gain in experimental animals. However, its effects on adipose tissue lipid metabolism are still unclear. This study analyzes the effects of melatonin on the relative gene expression of lipolytic proteins in rat mesenteric adipose tissue and free fatty acid (FFA) and glycerol plasma levels of male Wistar rats fed a high-fat (HFD) or maintenance diet.

Ecometabolomics of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (): The Impact of Age on Metabolomic Profiles.

To investigate the impact of age on the metabolomic profile of loggerhead sea turtles (), this study analyzed 100 plasma samples of individuals across two age groups-50 post-hatchlings and 50 juveniles-from various locations along the Mediterranean coastline. Both targeted and untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed on the samples. Our results demonstrated a significant age-related effect on the metabolomic profiles in both analyses.

Neuroprotective Effects of VEGF-B in a Murine Model of Aggressive Neuronal Loss with Childhood Onset.

In recent decades, the scientific community has faced a major challenge in the search for new therapies that can slow down or alleviate the process of neuronal death that accompanies neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to identify an effective therapy using neurotrophic factors to delay the rapid and aggressive cerebellar degeneration experienced by the Purkinje Cell Degeneration (PCD) mouse, a model of childhood-onset neurodegeneration with cerebellar atrophy (CONDCA). Initially, we analyzed the changes in the expression of several neurotrophic factors related to the degenerative process itself, identifying changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B (VEGF-B) in the affected animals.

Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

The proteomic analysis of serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) could be a useful tool for studying the pathophysiology of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), as well as for biomarker discovery. To characterize the proteomic composition of serum EVs in patients with CD and UC to identify biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with pathogenesis and activity. Methods: Serum EVs were enriched and analyzed in patients with quiescent CD, active CD (aCD), quiescent UC, active UC (aUC), and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 30 per group).

Metabolic Reprogramming at the Edge of Redox: Connections Between Metabolic Reprogramming and Cancer Redox State.

The importance of redox systems as fundamental elements in biology is now widely recognized across diverse fields, from ecology to cellular biology. Their connection to metabolism is particularly significant, as it plays a critical role in energy regulation and distribution within organisms. Over recent decades, metabolism has emerged as a relevant focus in studies of biological regulation, especially following its recognition as a hallmark of cancer.

Au Acyclic (Amino)(N-Pyridinium)carbenoids: Synthesis via Addition of 2-PySeCl to Au-Bound Isonitriles, Structures, and Cytotoxicity.

In this study, we report the first example of acyclic (amino)(N-pyridinium)carbenoid gold(III) complexes synthesized via a coupling reaction between 2-pyridylselenyl chloride and Au(I)-bound isonitriles. The reaction involves an initial oxidative addition of the Se-Cl moiety to Au(I), followed by the nucleophilic addition of the pyridine fragment to the isonitrile's C≡N bond, furnishing a metallacycle. Importantly, this is the first example of the pyridine acting as a nucleophile towards metal-bound isonitriles.

Enhancing Therapy Adherence: Impact on Clinical Outcomes, Healthcare Costs, and Patient Quality of Life.

Adherence to therapy, defined as the extent to which a patient follows prescribed therapeutic recommendations, is a pivotal factor in the effective management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. This review highlights the profound influence of adherence on clinical outcomes, healthcare costs, and patient quality of life. Despite its critical importance, non-adherence remains a pervasive challenge globally, contributing to suboptimal treatment results, higher rates of complications, increased hospitalizations, and substantial healthcare expenditures.

Association of Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits with Body and Visceral Fat Values in Spanish Workers.

: The accumulation of fat in the body, especially visceral fat, is associated with various cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and fatty liver. The reasons for the accumulation of this fat are diverse. Some studies, also in the working population, have shown a clear association between sociodemographic variables and health habits with scales that assess overweight and obesity.

Relationship Between Perilesional Skin Condition and Survival in Terminally Ill Patients with Pressure Ulcers.

In the context of palliative care, the aim is to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life, with particular attention to PUs, which have a significant impact on quality of life and survival. This study examines the relationship between perilesional skin condition and survival in terminally ill patients with pressure ulcers (PUs). A descriptive and observational study was conducted in two hospitals in Valencia with a sample of 100 terminally ill patients.

Hemoadsorption in Multiorgan Failure Due to Viscerocutaneous Loxoscelism.

: The bite of the Loxosceles spider is a public health problem around the world, mainly in Latin America. The viscerocutaneous presentation is related to the inoculation of toxins (phospholipase-D) that generates a systemic inflammatory reaction with a subsequent increase in cytokines and chemokines. Hemoadsorption is proposed as a therapy that allows for the removal of the toxin and modulation of the inflammatory response in this disease.

Catastrophizing as a Predictor for Pain Perception and Disability Among Patients Undergoing Spinal Cord Stimulation.

: The International Society for Modulation defines persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS-type 2), formerly known as failed back surgery syndrome, as a condition where patients continue to experience pain or develop new pain following spinal surgery intended to alleviate back or lower-limb discomfort. PSPS-type 2 is characterized by pain and significant disability, affecting quality of life. Spinal cord stimulation has proven effective in treating this syndrome, although the role of psychological factors, such as pain catastrophizing and central sensitization, remain unclear.

Chitosan's Ability to Remove the Smear Layer-A Systematic Review of Ex Vivo Studies.

: This systematic review aimed to compare the effect of chitosan in smear layer removal with other commonly used chelators during root canal treatment. : The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Ex vivo studies performed in non-endodontically treated extracted human permanent teeth with a fully formed apex, in which sodium hypochlorite was the main irrigant and chitosan was used as final irrigation to observe its capacity to remove the smear layer using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), were included.

I/D Genotype and Risk of Non-Contact Injury in Moroccan Elite Athletes: A Pilot Study.

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in , the gene encoding the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has been suggested as a genetic variation that can influence exercise performance and risk of injury in elite athletes. The I allele has been associated with enhanced endurance performance and with reduced inflammation, while the D allele has been associated with improved performance in strength and power activities. However, the role of this genetic variant in the incidence of non-contact injury is underexplored.

Group Psychological Therapy Program in Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease and Anxious-Depressive Symptoms.

: Anxiety and depression are significant mental health concerns for individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD). As group therapy has proven to be a valuable and effective treatment option for managing anxiety and depression, the aim of this study was to determine its effects on patients with CHD and anxious-depressive symptoms. : We used non-pharmacological psychological group intervention, of six weekly sessions of 90 min each, administered by trained personnel, in adult patients with CHD.

Development of a Predictive Model of Occult Cancer After a Venous Thromboembolism Event Using Machine Learning: The CLOVER Study.

: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be the first manifestation of an underlying cancer. This study aimed to develop a predictive model to assess the risk of occult cancer between 30 days and 24 months after a venous thrombotic event using machine learning (ML). : We designed a case-control study nested in a cohort of patients with VTE included in a prospective registry from two Spanish hospitals between 2005 and 2021.

Beyond Microbial Variability: Disclosing the Functional Redundancy of the Core Gut Microbiota of Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream from a Bayesian Network Perspective.

The significant microbiota variability represents a key feature that makes the full comprehension of the functional interaction between microbiota and the host an ongoing challenge. To overcome this limitation, in this study, fish intestinal microbiota was analyzed through a meta-analysis, identifying the core microbiota and constructing stochastic Bayesian network (BN) models with SAMBA. We combined three experiments performed with gilthead sea bream juveniles of the same hatchery batch, reared at the same season/location, and fed with diets enriched on processed animal proteins (PAP) and other alternative ingredients (NOPAP-PP, NOPAP-SCP).

Aquatic Invertebrate Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight Against Aquaculture Pathogens.

The intensification of aquaculture has escalated disease outbreaks and overuse of antibiotics, driving the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a promising alternative due to their rapid, broad-spectrum activity, low AMR risk, and additional bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antifouling properties. AMPs derived from aquatic invertebrates, particularly marine-derived, are well-suited for aquaculture, offering enhanced stability in high-salinity environments.

Lower Semen Quality Among Men in the Modern Era-Is There a Role for Diet and the Microbiome?

The prevalence of infertility is increasing worldwide; poor nutrition, increased sedentary lifestyles, obesity, stress, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and advanced age of childbearing may contribute to the disruption of ovulation and influence oocyte and sperm quality and overall reproductive health. Historically, infertility has been primarily attributed to female factors, neglecting the importance of male fertility; this has resulted in an incomplete understanding of reproductive health. Male factors account for 40-50% of infertility cases.

Key Insights into Respiratory Virus Testing: Sensitivity and Clinical Implications.

Acute respiratory infections are a significant challenge in primary care and hospital settings. Viruses are the most common etiology and the overlapping symptomatology among major respiratory viruses, such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus, requires the use of diagnostic tests that deliver early and accurate results. With the increasing availability of rapid antigen tests (RATS), it is tempting to prefer them over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.