β-Catenin/c-Myc Axis Modulates Autophagy Response to Different Ammonia Concentrations.

Ammonia a by-product of nitrogen containing molecules is detoxified by liver into non-toxic urea and glutamine. Impaired ammonia detoxification leads to hyperammonemia. Ammonia has a dual role on autophagy, it acts as inducer at low concentrations and as inhibitor at high concentrations.

Nutritional Strategies for Battling Obesity-Linked Liver Disease: the Role of Medical Nutritional Therapy in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Management.

Purpose Of Review: This narrative review explores the role of Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) in managing Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It aims to examine the effectiveness of specific nutritional strategies in preventing and treating this obesity-linked liver disease.

Recent Findings: Emerging evidence underscores the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting in reducing liver fat, improving insulin sensitivity, and mitigating inflammation.

A Cost-Effective Computational Strategy for the Electronic Layout Characterization of a Second Generation Light-Driven Molecular Rotary Motor in Solution.

Light-driven molecular rotary motors are nanometric machines able to convert light into unidirectional motions. Several types of molecular motors have been developed to better respond to light stimuli, opening new avenues for developing smart materials ranging from nanomedicine to robotics. They have great importance in the scientific research across various disciplines, but a detailed comprehension of the underlying ultrafast photophysics immediately after photo-excitation, that is, Franck-Condon region characterization, is not fully achieved yet.

Functional rescue of F508del-CFTR through revertant mutations introduced by CRISPR base editing.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, resulting in functional impairment of the encoded ion channel. F508del mutation, a trinucleotide deletion, is the most frequent cause of CF affecting approximately 80% of persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCFs). Even though current pharmacological treatments alleviate the F508del-CF disease symptoms there is no definitive cure.

Macular Pigment Changes and Visual Recovery Following Successful Full-Thickness Macular Hole Closure Using the Inverted Flap Technique.

: This study aimed to assess the role of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in patients with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) compared to healthy controls, evaluating postoperative changes in MPOD and exploring potential correlations with visual outcomes. : This prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study included 16 eyes from FTMH patients who achieved anatomical hole closure following pars plana vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique. Each eye underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including BCVA and intraocular pressure measurements, anterior segment evaluation, fundus examination, and macular assessment with Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT, Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering Inc.

Bayesian Sequential Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial Design for PrEventive Effect of MEditerranean Diet in Children: PEMED Trial Research Protocol.

Childhood nutrition plays an important role in the promotion of long-term health. Introducing solid foods in alignment with the Mediterranean Diet during weaning fosters a preference for healthy foods early in life. However, access to nutritious diets remains a challenge in underserved communities.

Echocardiography in the Ventilated Patient: What the Clinician Has to Know.

Heart and lung sharing the same anatomical space are influenced by each other. Spontaneous breathing induces dynamic changes in intrathoracic pressure, impacting cardiac function, particularly the right ventricle. In intensive care units (ICU), mechanical ventilation (MV) and therefore positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) are often applied, and this inevitably influences cardiac function.

Tendon Anomaly Identification in Prestressed Concrete Beams Based on an Advanced Monitoring MEMS and Data-Driven Detection of Structural Damage.

The growing importance of state assessments in civil engineering has led to intensive research into the development of damage identification methods based on vibrations. Natural frequencies and modal shapes have garnered great interest because modal parameters are invariant of structure. Moreover, thanks to the global nature of modal parameters, their variations are not limited to the location of the damage.

The Role of Simpson Grading System in Spinal Meningioma Surgery: Institutional Case Series, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although its validity has recently been questioned since its introduction, the Simpson grade has remained one of the most relevant factors in estimating the recurrence risk of intracranial meningiomas. This study aims to assess its role in spinal meningiomas through a retrospective analysis of a mono-institutional surgical series and literature meta-analysis.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 1980 to 2023, complemented by a mono-institutional series of 74 patients treated at "Santa Maria delle Grazie" hospital.

Efficacy and Satisfaction of a Chemically Characterized L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Functional Constipation in Healthy Consumers: Preliminary Results of a Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Background/objectives: L. is rich in mucilage and is traditionally used for the management of numerous ailments including gastrointestinal disorders. Functional constipation (FC) is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by defecation anomalies such as infrequent stools, difficulty in stool passage, or both in the absence of pathological abnormalities.

Effect of Proanthocyanidins from Grape Seed Extract on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Background/objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the urinary tract that occurs mainly in men over 40 years of age. Among the natural therapies, proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can treat a wide range of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of pathologies concerning prostate health. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the different bioactivities of a grape seed extract (GSE), rich in polymeric PACs, and its version processed under alkaline conditions (ATGSE), characterized by a higher content of oligomeric PACs, in an animal model of BPH induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone (1 mg/mouse).

Assessing the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in People with Diabetes: Is a Specific NOVA Questionnaire Always Necessary?

Background/objectives: Despite the accumulating evidence on the detrimental impact of UPFs on health, a common limit of the available studies concerns the instruments used to collect information about the consumption of processed foods. Recently, a specific NOVA-FFQ was proposed for the evaluation of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, but it does not allow the simultaneous assessment of energy and nutrient intake. We evaluate the concordance between the NOVA-FFQ and a common questionnaire (EPIC-FFQ) when assessing (1) the intake of foods with different degrees of processing and (2) the relationship between diet composition and cardiometabolic profile.

AbaComplex Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Adipose Tissue Browning: Implications for Obesity and Glucose Regulation.

Adipose tissue, particularly white adipose tissue (WAT), plays a central role in energy storage and metabolic regulation. Excess WAT, especially visceral fat, is strongly linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The browning of WAT, whereby white fat cells acquire characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) with enhanced thermogenic capacity, represents a promising strategy to enhance metabolic health.

Probing the Effects of Chemical Modifications on Anticoagulant and Antiproliferative Activity of Thrombin Binding Aptamer.

Thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) is one of the best-known G-quadruplex (G4)-forming aptamers that efficiently binds to thrombin, resulting in anticoagulant effects. TBA also possesses promising antiproliferative properties. As with most therapeutic oligonucleotides, chemical modifications are critical for therapeutic applications, particularly to improve thermodynamic stability, resistance in biological environment, and target affinity.

Combining Postural Sway Parameters and Machine Learning to Assess Biomechanical Risk Associated with Load-Lifting Activities.

: Long-term work-related musculoskeletal disorders are predominantly influenced by factors such as the duration, intensity, and repetitive nature of load lifting. Although traditional ergonomic assessment tools can be effective, they are often challenging and complex to apply due to the absence of a streamlined, standardized framework. Recently, integrating wearable sensors with artificial intelligence has emerged as a promising approach to effectively monitor and mitigate biomechanical risks.

Validity of Wearable Inertial Sensors for Gait Analysis: A Systematic Review.

: Gait analysis, traditionally performed with lab-based optical motion capture systems, offers high accuracy but is costly and impractical for real-world use. Wearable technologies, especially inertial measurement units (IMUs), enable portable and accessible assessments outside the lab, though challenges with sensor placement, signal selection, and algorithm design can affect accuracy. This systematic review aims to bridge the benchmarking gap between IMU-based and traditional systems, validating the use of wearable inertial systems for gait analysis.

Relationship Between Left Atrial Strain and Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Stress Echocardiography.

Interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging methods is growing. Left atrial strain (LAS) is among recently developed echocardiographic parameters. LAS represents an index of tissue deformation of the left atrium (LA).

α-Olefin Oligomerization Mediated by Group 4 Metallocene Catalysts: An Extreme Manifestation of the Multisite Nature of Methylaluminoxane.

Group 4 metallocenes are competent catalysts for the oligomerization of higher α-olefins. Among the many chemical and physical variables of importance in the process, one is the choice of cocatalyst (activator). The impact of various activators on the performance of a representative catalyst, (nBuCp)ZrCl, in the oligomerization of 1-octene was thoroughly investigated; in particular, the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the oligomers was determined by means of high-resolution high performance liquid chromatography (HR-HPLC).

Multilateral Use of Dandelion in Folk Medicine of Central-Eastern Europe.

Background: Dandelion ( sect. , also referred to as F.H.

Combined Effects of Microgravity and Chronic Low-Dose Gamma Radiation on Microgreens.

Plants in space face unique challenges, including chronic ionizing radiation and reduced gravity, which affect their growth and functionality. Understanding these impacts is essential to determine the cultivation conditions and protective shielding needs in future space greenhouses. While certain doses of ionizing radiation may enhance crop yield and quality, providing "functional food" rich in bioactive compounds, to support astronaut health, the combined effects of radiation and reduced gravity are still unclear, with potential additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions.

Genetic Relationships and Molecular Signatures of Divergence in Traditional Landraces and Morphotypes of .

is a complex species incorporating a great variety of vegetable types, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and others. Southern Italy, and especially the Puglia region, is rich in landraces. In this study, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was applied to a germplasm panel of 82 samples, mostly landraces and some commercial varieties, belonging to various morphotypes of .

Correction: Ullah et al. Natural Polyphenols for the Preservation of Meat and Dairy Products. 2022, , 1906.

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Antimicrobial Activity and Mode of Action of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Silver(I) Complexes.

Silver drugs have played a vital role in human healthcare for the treatment of infections for many centuries. Currently, due to antibiotic resistance, a potential scenario or the application of silver complexes may arise as substitutes for conventional antibiotics. In this perspective, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been selected as carrier molecules for silver ions.

Evaluation of the Effects of Autologous Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membranes for Treating Chronic Wounds: A Prospective Study.

(1) Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes for treating chronic cutaneous wounds in dogs. (2) Methods: Chronic wounds unresponsive to conventional treatments were assessed on digital photographs and classified using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT). Each lesion was treated with L-PRF membranes.

Effects of a Cannabinoid-Based Phytocomplex (Pain Relief) on Chronic Pain in Osteoarthritic Dogs.

Twenty-one adult crossbreed dogs with chronic pain due to severe osteoarthrosis were enrolled in the study (placebo vs. treatment groups). The dogs in the experimental group received the dietary supplement (Pain Relief, Giantec, Isernia, Italy) for 30 days to evaluate its effects on metabolism and pain relief.