hNGF Peptides Elicit the NGF-TrkA Signalling Pathway in Cholinergic Neurons and Retain Full Neurotrophic Activity in the DRG Assay.

In the last decade, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)-based clinical approaches have lacked specific and efficient Tyrosine Kinase A (TrkA) agonists for brain delivery. Nowadays, the characterization of novel small peptidomimetic is taking centre stage in preclinical studies, in order to overcome the main size-related limitation in brain delivery of NGF holoprotein for Central Nervous System (CNS) pathologies. Here we investigated the NGF mimetic properties of the human NGF 1-14 sequence (hNGF1-14) and its derivatives, by resorting to primary cholinergic and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons.

Plaque calcification is driven by different mechanisms of mineralization associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations among markers of mineralization, plaque instability and the main risk factors of atherosclerosis.

Methods And Results: A Tissue MicroArray containing 52 samples of calcified carotid plaques from 52 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were built. TMA serial sections were used to study the expression of inflammatory and mineralization markers (BMP-2, BMP-4, VDR, RANKL, Osteopontin, Sclerostin, β-catenin and calmodulin) by immunohistochemistry.

Regulation of PDE5 expression in human aorta and thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Aneurysms and dissections affecting thoracic aorta are associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction. NO/cGMP signaling pathway in smooth muscle cells has been shown to be affected in sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysms. We analyzed the mRNA levels of PDE5, a cGMP-hydrolyzing enzyme highly expressed in aortic SMCs, that regulates arterious vascular tone by lowering cGMP levels.

Regulation of PDE5 expression in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma.

Background: Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) expression in the normal and pathological prostate is controversial.

Objectives: This study aimed at identifying the cell type/s, if any, expressing PDE5 in human healthy or pathological prostate sections in order to further validate the rationale of PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5i) treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their safety in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer (PCa) surgery.

Materials And Methods: By immunohistochemical analysis, we studied PDE5 expression in tissue microarrays containing sections obtained from healthy, BPH, and PCa samples.

Improving Nausea and Vomiting Post-Elipse Balloon: a Novel Single-Dose Regimen of 300 mg Netupitant/0.5 mg Palonosetron Hydrochloride.

Background: Post intragastric balloon placement symptoms like nausea and vomiting have been the major cause of a high rate of early removal. Common therapy with ondansetron alone, or in combination, with prokinetic agents have been shown to have very little or no effect. Recently, an improved therapy based on aprepitant and ondansetron combination showed a significant improvement in symptoms management.

Single cell transcriptomic analysis of human mesenchymal stem cells reveals limited heterogeneity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells with a superior ability to promote tissue repair by regulating regeneration and inflammation. Effective application of MSCs in disease treatment relies on the production of relatively homogeneous cell population. However, the cellular heterogeneity and the differentiation trajectories of in vitro expanded MSCs remain largely unclear.

Preliminary investigation of predictors of distress in informal caregivers of patients with delirium superimposed on dementia.

Objective: Delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) is common and associated with adverse outcomes. Current evidence indicates that some patients with dementia may recall delirium with distress for them and their caregivers. The aim of this study is to identify predictors of distress in informal caregivers of older patient with DSD.

Evolution Strategies in Transaxillary Robotic Thyroidectomy: Considerations on the First 449 Cases Performed.

Background: In the past 20 years, the fast spread of new surgical technologies has reached an important peak with the advent of the robotic surgery. Many studies have been run about a cosmetic desire to avoid neck scars after thyroid surgery and this has led to the development of remote access robotic thyroidectomy (RT). Among the various RT approaches, unilateral transaxillary access is one of the most widely used, reporting excellent results in terms of feasibility and patient's compliance.

Correction to: The Medial Septum Is Insulin Resistant in the AD Presymptomatic Phase: Rescue by Nerve Growth Factor-Driven IRS Activation.

The authors, due to the change in one of the University name at the affiliation, hereby correct the proof.

Lymphocytes are a major source of circulating soluble dipeptidyl peptidase 4.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4, CD26) is a serine protease that is expressed constitutively by many haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic tissues. It exists as a membrane-associated protein, as well as in an active, soluble form (herein called sDPP4), present at high concentrations in bodily fluids. Despite the proposed use of sDPP4 as a biomarker for multiple diseases, its cellular sources are not well defined.

Outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in dyskeratosis congenita.

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a genetic multisystem disorder with frequent involvement of the bone marrow. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only definitive cure to restore haematopoiesis, even though it cannot correct other organ dysfunctions. We collected data on the outcome of HSCT in the largest cohort of DC (n = 94) patients ever studied.

Reduced cortical folding in multi-modal vestibular regions in persistent postural perceptual dizziness.

Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common functional vestibular disorder that is triggered and sustained by a complex interaction between physiological and psychological factors affecting spatial orientation and postural control. Past functional neuroimaging research and one recent structural (i.e.

The Medial Septum Is Insulin Resistant in the AD Presymptomatic Phase: Rescue by Nerve Growth Factor-Driven IRS Activation.

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) are key modulators of learning and memory and are high energy-demanding neurons. Impaired neuronal metabolism and reduced insulin signaling, known as insulin resistance, has been reported in the early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has been suggested to be "Type 3 Diabetes." We hypothesized that BFCN may develop insulin resistance and their consequent failure represents one of the earliest event in AD.

Anxiolytic Therapy: A Paradigm of Successful Mitochondrial Pharmacology.

The complex biochemistry and dynamic structure of mitochondria have prevented them from being prominent pharmacological targets. New mechanistic understanding of cholesterol transport and associated neurosteroidogenesis is providing evidence on therapeutic outcomes in mental disorders that is achievable via mitochondrial pharmacology. This warrants general attention on mitochondrial pharmacology to inform therapies.

Nanodiagnostics and Nanodelivery Applications in Genetic Alterations.

Background: Genetic alterations cause Hereditary Diseases (HDs) with a wide range of incidences. Some, like cystic fibrosis, occur frequently (1/1,000 newborns), whilst others, such as Pompe disease and other metabolic disorders are very rare (1/100,000 newborns). They are well under the threshold of 1/3,000, denoted by the European Community as Rare Diseases (RDs).

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) and its properties in oral diseases.

Health promotion strategies and lifestyle changes are important in disease prevention. Oral health has received a large amount of attention previously as it is a fundamental component of general health and it contributes to the quality of life. Therefore, the study of associations between diet, health and the presence of bioactive compounds in food is receiving a substantial amount of attention.

A role for TSPO in mitochondrial Ca homeostasis and redox stress signaling.

The 18 kDa translocator protein TSPO localizes on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Systematically overexpressed at sites of neuroinflammation it is adopted as a biomarker of brain conditions. TSPO inhibits the autophagic removal of mitochondria by limiting PARK2-mediated mitochondrial ubiquitination via a peri-organelle accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Responsiveness and Minimal Important Changes of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire in Subjects With Mild Adolescent and Moderate Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation.

Study Design: Single-center, prospective study.

Objective: Evaluating the responsiveness and minimal important changes (MICs) for the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and adult idiopathic scoliosis (AS).

Summary Of Background Data: Despite the SRS-22 properties have been investigated in various different languages, there is still a lack of information concerning responsiveness and MIC, limiting the use of SRS-22 for clinical and research purposes.

Androgens and Hypertension in Men and Women: a Unifying View.

Purpose Of Review: This review was designed to revaluate the androgen role on the mechanisms of hypertension and cardiovascular risks in both men and women. Sex steroids are involved in the regulation of blood pressure, but pathophysiological mechanism is not well understood. Androgens have an important effect on metabolism, adipose and endothelial cell function, and cardiovascular risk in both men and women.

Management of missing second premolars using miniscrews: an elective solution for critical anchorage conditions.

Growing patients with congenital missing second premolars should be accurately evaluated in order to establish an appropriate treatment plan. The decision whether to close or maintain spaces in dental arches caused by missing teeth should be based on the consideration of biomechanical factors and the aesthetic traits of individual patients. Accordingly, the choice of closing spaces requires an adequate consideration of biomechanical principles in order to avoid detrimental effects on the occlusion and profile.

Use of clear aligners in open bite cases: an unexpected treatment option.

In open bite case treatments, a proper diagnostic differentiation is essential in determining the appropriate corrective procedures. Dental open bites are generally more responsive to treatment with orthodontics alone, whereas skeletal open bites often require a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Patient selection and treatment principles for non-surgical open bite treatment routinely include fixed appliances both labial or lingual.

Risk Factors for Coarctation of the Aorta on Prenatal Ultrasound: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is still challenging and affected by high rates of false-positive diagnoses. The aim of this study was to ascertain the strength of association and to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of different ultrasound signs in predicting CoA prenatally.

Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched.

Erectile Dysfunction in Individuals with Neurologic Disability: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study.

Objective: Neurogenic erectile dysfunction can be broadly defined as an inability to sustain or maintain a penile erection due to neurologic impairment. Sexual problems can occur due to any lesion affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and causes of erectile dysfunction in a group of hospital inpatients suffering from neurologic disorders.

Responsiveness of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in Italian subjects with chronic low back pain undergoing motor and cognitive rehabilitation.

Purpose: The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) is a commonly used measure for the assessment of kinesiophobia related to spinal diseases. The Italian version showed satisfactory psychometric properties, but its responsiveness has not yet been evaluated. This observational study is aimed at evaluating the responsiveness and minimal important changes (MICs) for the TSK in subjects with chronic low back pain.