Segmentation methods for quantifying X-ray Computed Tomography based biomarkers to assess hip fracture risk: a systematic literature review.

Background: The success of using bone mineral density and/or FRAX to predict femoral osteoporotic fracture risk is modest since they do not account for mechanical determinants that affect bone fracture risk. Computed Tomography (CT)-based geometric, densitometric, and finite element-derived biomarkers have been developed and used as parameters for assessing fracture risk. However, to quantify these biomarkers, segmentation of CT data is needed.

Beliefs on the ability to regulate negative emotions mediates the effects of competitive anger on task-focused self-efficacy in taekwondo athletes.

Self-efficacy (SE) refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully execute specific tasks and produce desired outcomes. The focused SE on specific sports tasks has been shown to impact athletic performance by interacting with other self-evaluation processes, like self-efficacy beliefs in emotion-related regulation and effective emotion regulation. This study aims at investigating the mediating effect of SE in regulating negative affect in the relationship between anger and taekwondo task-focused SE.

Development of novel CDK9 and CYP3A4 inhibitors for cancer therapy through field and computational approaches.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) have emerged as promising targets in the development of anticancer drugs, presenting a consistent challenge in the quest for potent inhibitors. CDK9 inhibitors can selectively target fast-growing cancer cells by disrupting transcription elongation, which in turn hinders the production of proteins essential for cell cycle progression and survivaŚ. Understanding how CYP3A4 metabolizes specific chemotherapy drugs allows for personalized treatment plans, optimizing drug dosages according to a patient's metabolic profile.

Citrus supplementation in subjective cognitive decline: results of a 36-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Developing interventions for older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has the potential to prevent dementia in this at-risk group. Preclinical models indicate that Citrus-derived phytochemicals could benefit cognition and inflammatory processes, but results from clinical trials are still preliminary. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of long-term supplementation with Citrus peel extract on cognitive performance and inflammation in individuals with SCD.

Adaptive strategies of Listeria monocytogenes: An in-depth analysis of the virulent strain involved in an outbreak in Italy through quantitative proteomics.

Despite the general classification of L. monocytogenes strains as equally virulent by global safety authorities, molecular epidemiology reveals diverse subtypes in food, processing environments, and clinical cases. This study focuses on a highly virulent strain associated with a listeriosis outbreak in Italy in 2022, providing insights through comprehensive foodomics approaches, with a specific emphasis on quantitative proteomics.

Aortic arch replacement in patients with previous repair of acute aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Despite the popularity of the frozen elephant technique procedure in recent years, evidence is scarce regarding its utilization for aortic arch replacement following previous acute aortic dissection repair. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyse clinical outcomes of aortic arch replacement in patients with previous repair of acute aortic dissection.

Methods: A systematic literature search on PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science until March 2024 was performed for studies on open aortic arch replacement with or without frozen elephant technique procedure in adult patients after previous acute aortic dissection repair.

Effects of mesenchymal stromal cells and human recombinant Nerve Growth Factor delivered by bioengineered human corneal lenticule on an innovative model of diabetic retinopathy.

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes in which neurodegeneration has been recently identified as a driving force. In the last years, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and neurotrophins like Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), have garnered significant attention as innovative therapeutic approaches targeting DR-associated neurodegeneration. However, delivering neurotrophic factors directly in the eye remains a challenge.

The inflammatory and oxidative phenotype of gestational diabetes is epigenetically transmitted to the offspring: role of methyltransferase MLL1-induced H3K4me3.

Background And Aims: Hyperglycaemia during gestational diabetes (GD) predisposes women and their offspring to later cardiometabolic disease. The hyperglycaemia-mediated epigenetic changes remain to be elucidated. Methyltransferase MLL1-induced trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) activates inflammatory and oxidative phenotype.

An aged-related structural study of DHPR tetrads in peripheral couplings of human skeletal muscle.

Among the numerous changes that occur in skeletal muscle during aging, the reduced regeneration potential after an injury is largely due to the impaired ability of satellite cells to proliferate and differentiate. Herein, using the freeze-fracture electron microscopy technique, we analyzed both the incidence and size of dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) tetrads (4 particles) in cultured myotubes from a young subject (28 years) after 9 days of differentiation and from an old subject (71 years) after 9 and 12 days of differentiation. Compared to young myotubes, at 9 days of differentiation old myotubes exhibited: i) a lower incidence and a smaller size of DHPR clusters and ii) a lower number of complete tetrads.

Cognitive outcomes and psychological symptoms in an Italian cohort with post-acute COVID-19 condition (PACC).

Background: We aim to investigate the proportion of patients (pts) with long-term cognitive outcomes (CO) of PACC and identify associated features.

Methods: We assessed participants through a neuropsychological assessment. The chi-square test was used for comparisons according with time of NPA (within or beyond 6 months since COVID19) and with previously hospitalization status (hospitalized patients, PH; not hospitalized patients, nPH).

Identification of lipid senolytics targeting senescent cells through ferroptosis induction.

Cellular senescence is a key driver of the aging process and contributes to tissue dysfunction and age-related pathologies. Senolytics have emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention to extend healthspan and treat age-related diseases. Through a senescent cell-based phenotypic drug screen, we identified a class of conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically α-eleostearic acid and its methyl ester derivative, as novel senolytics that effectively killed a broad range of senescent cells, reduced tissue senescence, and extended healthspan in mice.

Micropulse Laser versus Eplerenone for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A 12-Month Comparison.

Introduction: To compare the long-term efficacy of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (NSML) and continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

Methods: This retrospective observational study included 44 eyes with cCSC (EPL: n = 26; NSML: n = 18). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subretinal fluid (SRF) height, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated over 12 months.

Development and preliminary evaluation of a novel preoperative index for quantitative analysis of photoreceptor loss in full-thickness macular holes.

Purpose: To identify novel quantitative parameters for evaluating photoreceptor loss in full-thickness macular holes (FTMH), exploring their potential clinical impact on postoperative functional and anatomical recovery.

Methods: This pilot study enrolled 38 eyes from 38 patients diagnosed with FTMH. Preoperatively, eyes underwent analysis and were subsequently followed for six months post-surgery.

The Effect of Acute High-Altitude Exposure on Oral Pathogenic Bacteria and Salivary Oxi-Inflammatory Markers.

The environment can alter the homeostasis of humans and human microbiota. Oral health is influenced by high altitude through symptoms of periodontitis, barodontalgia, dental barotrauma, and a decrease in salivary flow. Microbiota and inflammatory state are connected in the oral cavity.

Symptomatic Vitreous Opacities: Exploring the Mismatch between Clinical Observation of Vitreous Alterations and Self-Reported Symptoms.

To assess the mismatch between the clinical observation of vitreous alterations and self-reported symptoms in young patients complaining of symptomatic vitreous opacities (SVO). The ophthalmic medical records of young patients presenting primarily with SVO were retrospectively evaluated. Symptoms severity was assessed using a questionnaire.

Biological Response of Treatment with Saffron Petal Extract on Cytokine-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Caco-2/Human Leukemia Monocytic Co-Culture Model.

The pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves complex mechanisms, including immune dysregulation, gut microbiota imbalances, oxidative stress, and defects in the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. Current treatments for IBD often have significant limitations and adverse side effects, prompting a search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Natural products with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have demonstrated potential for IBD management.

Different Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Patterns of Diseased Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery versus Internal Thoracic Artery.

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are typically implied in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and progression, especially in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our objective was to investigate the oxidative stress and inflammation burden directly associated with atherosclerotic plaque in patients with stable coronary disease undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Specifically, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were compared in blood samples obtained from the atherosclerotic left anterior descending artery (LAD) and blood samples obtained from the healthy left internal thoracic artery (LITA), used as a bypass graft, within the same patient.

Visual and anatomical evaluation of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser versus photodynamic therapy in managing chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To compare the visual and anatomical results of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (nSML) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods: Patients who underwent either half-dose PDT or nSML for the management of chronic CSCR were included in this study. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits after nSML or PDT.

Characterization and topographical analysis of choroidal caverns in young and healthy individuals.

Purpose: To describe and clarify a possible pathogenetic origin for choroidal caverns in young healthy individuals through a topographical analysis using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation of 44 healthy volunteers (44 eyes), aged 20-32 years with no systemic or ocular comorbidities. The topographical analysis of choroidal caverns was performed through a 15 × 15 mm volumetric scan cube using SS-OCTA (PLEX Elite 9000).

Overview and potential role of omega-3 in COVID-19.

Obesity is a modifiable inflammatory commodity that has been linked to higher morbidity and mortality to those that contract novel viruses, such as H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2. Loss of life and the high cost of obesity highlights the need to focus on preventative measures. This article will discuss obesity as a crucial comorbid inflammatory condition during COVID-19 pandemic, focus on the mechanisms that may contribute to the likely benefits of omega-3 and provide potential recommendations to promote strategies for wellness.