Novel Therapeutics and Upcoming Clinical Trials Targeting Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health burden despite significant therapeutic advances accomplished over the last decades. It is widely and increasingly recognized that systemic inflammation not only represents a major cardiovascular risk and prognostic factor but also plays key pathogenic roles in CVD development and progression. Despite compelling preclinical evidence suggesting large potential of anti-inflammatory pharmacological interventions across numerous CVDs, clinical translation remains incomplete, mainly due to (1) yet undefined molecular signaling; (2) challenges of safety and efficacy profile of anti-inflammatory drugs; and (3) difficulties in identifying optimal patient candidates and responders to anti-inflammatory therapeutics, as well as optimal therapeutic windows.

The Relationship Between Nurses' Digital Health Literacy and Their Educational Levels, Professional Roles, and Digital Attitudes: A Cluster Analysis Based on a Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: The current study aimed to identify digital health literacy levels among nurses with respect to their education, role and attitude towards digital technologies.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Through convenience sampling, all Registered Nurses, managers/leaders and nurse researchers employed in Hospitals, University Hospitals and Districts were recruited and surveyed using an online questionnaire.

Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation Induces Resistance Training-Like Adaptations in Human Skeletal Muscle: Potential Role of KLHL41.

Skeletal muscle mass plays a pivotal role in metabolic function, but conditions such as bed rest or injury often render resistance training impractical. The beta-adrenergic receptor has been highlighted as a potential target to promote muscle hypertrophy and treat atrophic conditions. Here, we investigate the proteomic changes associated with beta-adrenergic-mediated muscle hypertrophy, using resistance training as a hypertrophic comparator.

NMR Metabolite Profiling and Antioxidant Properties of Spartan, Jewels, Misty, and Camelia Blueberries.

The health-promoting properties of blueberries are widely recognized and are mainly attributed to anthocyanins. However, fruit's chemical composition includes also other components and strongly depends on varieties and climatic conditions. Here, H NMR metabolite profiling and biological activity of four blueberry cultivars (Spartan, Jewels, Misty, Camelia) grown in Central Italy over two years were reported.

Cu-ZnO Embedded in a Polydopamine Shell for the Generation of Antibacterial Surgical Face Masks.

A new easy protocol to functionalize the middle layer of commercial surgical face masks (FMs) with Zn and Cu oxides is proposed in order to obtain antibacterial personal protective equipment. Zinc and copper oxides were synthesized embedded in a polydopamine (PDA) shell as potential antibacterial agents; they were analyzed by XRD and TEM, revealing, in all the cases, the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). PDA is a natural polymer appreciated for its simple and rapid synthesis, biocompatibility, and high functionalization; it is used in this work as an organic matrix that, in addition to stabilizing NPs, also acts as a diluent in the functionalization step, decreasing the metal loading on the polypropylene (PP) surface.

Rice Husk as Raw Material in Synthesis of NaA (LTA) Zeolite.

The present work deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of a Na-A (LTA) zeolite using rice husk as a starting material. The focus was on defining the most favorable conditions for the synthesis of zeolite Na-A from rice husk in order to economize on both energy (i.e.

Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Skeletal Muscle of Sedentary Adult Mice: A Pilot Study.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are ubiquitous in industrialized environments due to the continuous use of electrical devices. Our previous studies demonstrated that ELF-EMFs affect muscle cells by modulating oxidative stress and enhancing myogenesis. This pilot study investigated these effects on the skeletal muscles of sedentary adult mice, assessing physiological responses to ELF-EMF exposure and potential modulation by antioxidant supplementation.

The Diagnostic Potential of Non-Invasive Tools for Oral Cancer and Precancer: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to analyse the published evidence for the use of non-invasive methods for the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

Methods: The literature was systematically searched through several databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Additional exploration was performed through cross-checks on the bibliographies of selected reviews.

Dopamine and Serotonin Transporter Genes Regulation in Highly Sensitive Individuals during Stressful Conditions: A Focus on Genetics and Epigenetics.

: Coping with stress is essential for mental well-being and can be critical for highly sensitive individuals, characterized by a deeper perception and processing of stimuli. So far, the molecular bases characterizing high-sensitivity traits have not been completely investigated and gene × environment interactions might play a key role in making some people more susceptible than others. : In this study, 104 young adult university students, subjects that might face overwhelming experiences more than others, were evaluated for the genetics and epigenetics of dopamine () and serotonin () transporter genes, in addition to the expression of miR-132, miR-491, miR-16, and miR-135.

3D Models Currently Proposed to Investigate Human Skin Aging and Explore Preventive and Reparative Approaches: A Descriptive Review.

Skin aging is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that progressively impair skin functionality over time. Investigating the skin aging process requires thorough research using innovative technologies. This review explores the use of in vitro human 3D culture models, serving as valuable alternatives to animal ones, in skin aging research.

Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Tumors.

Oxidative stress is the result of the imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which are produced by several endogenous and exogenous processes, and antioxidant defenses consisting of exogenous and endogenous molecules that protect biological systems from free radical toxicity. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the aging process, contributing to the accumulation of cellular damage over time. Oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules, leads to DNA alterations, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in cellular senescence, immune system and tissue dysfunctions, and increased susceptibility to age-related pathologies, such as inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Unraveling the Protective Role of Oleocanthal and Its Oxidation Product, Oleocanthalic Acid, against Neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation is a critical aspect of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This study investigates the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of oleocanthal and its oxidation product, oleocanthalic acid, using the BV-2 cell line activated with lipopolysaccharide. Our findings revealed that oleocanthal significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of inflammatory genes, counteracted oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide, and increased cell phagocytic activity.

Anti-proliferative 2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazoles targeting VEGFR-2: Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies.

In this study, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of six new thiadiazole derivatives designed as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The most promising compound, 18b, demonstrated promising inhibitory activity against VEGFR-2, with an IC value of 0.165 µg/mL.

Effect of Physical Activity Behaviors, Team Sports, and Sitting Time on Body Image and Exercise Dependence.

This study aimed to evaluate whether the type and degree of physical activity commitment (i.e., team sport athletes, highly active individuals, sedentary behavior) influence body image and exercise behavior.

Lost in translation: Inconvenient truths on the utility of mouse models in Alzheimer's disease research.

The recent, controversial approval of antibody-based treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is fueling a heated debate on the molecular determinants of this condition. The discussion should also incorporate a critical revision of the limitations of preclinical mouse models in advancing our understanding of AD. We critically discuss the limitations of animal models, stressing the need for careful consideration of how experiments are designed and results interpreted.

Illness representation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A preliminary narrative medicine study.

Background: The development of personalized interventions aimed at coping with multiple sclerosis is enriched by the understanding of patients' representations of the illness.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patients' illness representations versus contextual factors (i.e.

NAD Metabolism and Mitochondrial Activity in the Aged Oocyte: Focus on the Effects of NAMPT Stimulation.

The ovary experiences an age-dependent decline starting during the fourth decade of life. Ovarian aging is the predominant factor driving female reproductive aging. Modern trend to postpone childbearing age contributes to reduced fertility and natality worldwide.