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In continuously progressive tumor tissues, the causes of cellular stress are multiple: metabolic alterations, nutrient deprivation, chronic inflammation and hypoxia. To survive, tumor cells activate the stress response program, a highly conserved molecular reprogramming proposed to cope with challenges in a hostile environment. Not only cancer cells are affected, but stress responses in tumors also have a profound impact on their normal cellular counterparts: fibroblasts, endothelial cells and infiltrating immune cells. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the interaction between cancer and immune cells, especially in difficult conditions of cellular stress. A growing literature indicates that knowledge of the molecular pathways activated in tumor and immune cells under stress conditions may offer new insights for possible therapeutic interventions. Counter-regulating the stress caused by the presence of a growing tumor can therefore be a weapon to limit disease progression. Here, we review the main pathways activated in cellular stress responses with a focus on immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goji berry is acknowledged for its notable medicinal attributes and elevated free radical scavenger properties. Nevertheless, its susceptibility to mechanical injuries and biological disorders reduces the commercial diffusion of the fruit. A hyperspectral imaging system (HSI) was employed to identify common defects in the Vis-NIR range (400–1000 nm). The sensorial evaluation of visual appearance was used to obtain the reference measurement of defects. A supervised classification model employing PLS-DA was developed using raw and pre-processed spectra, followed by applying a covariance selection algorithm (CovSel). The classification model demonstrated superior performance in two classifications distinguishing between sound and defective fruit, achieving an accuracy and sensitivity of 94.9% and 96.9%, respectively. However, when extended to a more complex task of classifying fruit into four categories, the model exhibited reliable results with an accuracy and sensitivity of 74.5% and 77.9%, respectively. These results indicate that a method based on hyperspectral visible-NIR can be implemented for rapid and reliable methods of online quality inspection securing high-quality goji berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug of abuse, which induces behavioral sensitization following repeated doses. Since METH alters blood pressure, in the present study we assessed whether systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) are sensitized as well. In this context, we investigated whether alterations develop within A1/C1 neurons in the vasomotor center. C57Bl/6J male mice were administered METH (5 mg/kg, daily for 5 consecutive days). Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. We found a sensitized response both to SBP and DBP, along with a significant decrease of catecholamine neurons within A1/C1 (both in the rostral and caudal ventrolateral medulla), while no changes were detected in glutamic acid decarboxylase. The decrease of catecholamine neurons was neither associated with the appearance of degeneration-related marker Fluoro-Jade B nor with altered expression of α-synuclein. Rather, it was associated with reduced free radicals and phospho-cJun and increased heat shock protein-70 and p62/sequestosome within A1/C1 cells. Blood pressure sensitization was not associated with altered arterial reactivity. These data indicate that reiterated METH administration may increase blood pressure persistently and may predispose to an increased cardiovascular response to METH. These data may be relevant to explain cardiovascular events following METH administration and stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently no effective treatment strategy for recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (R/M ACC). Furthermore, recent single-agent and combination immunotherapy trials have failed in unselected ACC cohorts, unlike non-ACC salivary gland cancers. Genomic profiling revealed no actionable targets but NOTCH1 and KDM6A frameshift and CTCF splice site mutations (no MYB/L fusion) with a low tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite stable (MSS) and negative programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were observed. We recommended an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) plus anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) combination based on TMB 2-fold greater-than-median TMB in ACC, tumor harboring multiple immunogenic frameshift or splice site mutations, and PD-L1 negativity. Accordingly, we achieved a complete response in a radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT)-refractory patient with locally recurrent lacrimal gland (LG) ACC and lung metastasis following personalized immunotherapy in combination with integrative therapeutics. Therefore, it is crucial to assess not only conventional immune biomarkers but also patient-specific parameters, especially in "immune-cold" cancer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers are becoming increasingly popular as food products, since they give aroma, color, and visual appeal and are also health-promoting compounds. However, they are a highly perishable product, thus post-harvest technologies are needed to extend their marketability. In this study, active (N2: 100%) and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technologies were applied to three edible flower species, namely Begonia grandiflora 'Viking', Tropaeolum majus, and Viola cornuta, stored at 4 °C. Even if the flowers' quality decay occurred differently according to the species, active MAP better maintained petal colors and slowed down the edible flowers' decay than passive MAP by decreasing flower respiration in all three species and sugars consumption in begonia; there was weight loss in nasturtium, and better preserved total phenolic content in begonia and viola. Coupling cold storage with active MAP can be an effective method to extend edible flowers' post-harvest life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have witnessed an uptick in research highlighting the gut microbiota's role as a primary determinant of athletes' health, which has piqued interest in the hypothesis that it correlates with athletes' physical performance. Athletes' physical performances could be impacted by the metabolic activity of the assortment of microbes found in their gut. Intestinal microbiota impacts multiple facets of an athlete's physiology, including immune response, gut membrane integrity, macro- and micronutrient absorption, muscle endurance, and the gut–brain axis. Several physiological variables govern the gut microbiota; hence, an intricately tailored and complex framework must be implemented to comprehend the performance–microbiota interaction. Emerging evidence underscores the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and physical fitness, revealing that athletes who engage in regular physical activity exhibit a richer diversity of gut microbes, particularly within the Firmicutes phylum, e.g., Ruminococcaceae genera, compared to their sedentary counterparts. In elite sport, it is challenging to implement an unconventional strategy whilst simultaneously aiding an athlete to accomplish feasible, balanced development. This review compiles the research on the effects of gut microbiota modulation on performance in sports and illustrates how different supplementation strategies for gut microbiota have the ability to improve athletic performance by enhancing physical capacities. In addition to promoting athletes' overall health, this study evaluates the existing literature in an effort to shed light on how interventions involving the gut microbiota can dramatically improve performance on the field. The findings should inform both theoretical and practical developments in the fields of sports nutrition and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The most common adverse events (AEs) that occurred in response to targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma were appetite loss (adverse event grade 0/1/2/3 = 97/23/55/12), general fatigue (102/31/44/6), hypertension (120/6/40/17), hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (135/21/24/3), proteinuria (140/13/16/14), and hypothyroidism (148/12/23/0). Among these, appetite loss and general fatigue negatively affect overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Increasing AE grades of hypertension, proteinuria, and hypothyroidism were associated with better OS, whereas hypertension, HFS, and hypothyroidism were associated with better PFS. To assess the impact of adverse event (AE) severity, caused by targeted therapy, on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a total of 183 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (40), lenvatinib (57), sorafenib (79), cabozantinib (3), ramucirumab (3), and regorafenib (1) were included in this study. Age-, AFP-, and ALBI score-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of AE grades 1 to 3 versus grade 0 for OS and PFS were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. The linear trend of the HRs was assessed by calculating the p values for this trend. The most common AEs were appetite loss (AE grade 0/1/2/3 = 97/23/55/12), general fatigue (102/31/44/6), hypertension (120/6/40/17), hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (135/21/24/3), proteinuria (140/13/16/14), and hypothyroidism (148/12/23/0). The adjusted HRs for OS of these AEs were 0.532–1.450–2.361 (p for trend 0.037), 1.057–1.691–3.364 (p for trend 0.004), 1.176–0.686–0.281 (p for trend 0.002), 0.639–0.759–1.820 (p for trend 0.462), 1.030–0.959–0.147 (p for trend 0.011), and 0.697–0.609 (p for trend 0.119), respectively. Those for PFS of the corresponding AEs were 0.592–1.073–2.811 (p for trend 0.255), 1.161–1.282–4.324 (p for trend 0.03), 0.965–0.781–0.655 (p for trend 0.095), 0.737–0.623–2.147 (p for trend 0.153), 1.061–0.832–0.800 (p for trend 0.391), and 1.412–0.560 (p for trend 0.081), respectively. Appetite loss and general fatigue negatively affected clinical outcomes, whereas hypertension, HFS, proteinuria, and hypothyroidism had positive effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the genetic causes underlying the juvenile parkinsonism (JP) diagnosed in a girl with several family members diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2). To achieve this, whole-exome sequencing, analysis of CAG repeats, RNA sequencing analysis on fibroblasts, and metabolite identification were performed. As a result, a homozygous missense mutation SNP T>C (rs2254562) in synaptojamin 1 (SYNJ1), which has been implicated in the regulation of membrane trafficking in the synaptic vesicles, was identified. Additionally, we observed overexpression of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), Cdc37, GPX1, and GPX4 and lower expression of ceruloplasmin in the patient compared to the control. We also found changes in sphingolipid, inositol, and inositol phosphate metabolism. These findings help to clarify the mechanisms of JP and suggest that the etiology of JP in the patient may be multifactorial. This is the first report of the rs2254562 mutation in the SYNJ gene identified in a JP patient with seizures and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional cancer therapy strategies, although centered around killing tumor cells, often lead to severe side effects on surrounding normal tissues, thus compromising the chronic quality of life in cancer survivors. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a secondary signaling molecule that has an array of functions in both tumor and normal cells, including the promotion of cell survival pathways and immune cell modulation in the tumor microenvironment. H2O2 is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) crucial in cellular homeostasis and signaling (at concentrations maintained under nM levels), with increased steady-state levels in tumors relative to their normal tissue counterparts. Increased steady-state levels of H2O2 in tumor cells, make them vulnerable to oxidative stress and ultimately, cell death. Recently, H2O2-producing therapies—namely, pharmacological ascorbate and superoxide dismutase mimetics—have emerged as compelling complementary treatment strategies in cancer. Both pharmacological ascorbate and superoxide dismutase mimetics can generate excess H2O2 to overwhelm the impaired H2O2 removal capacity of cancer cells. This review presents an overview of H2O2 metabolism in the physiological and malignant states, in addition to discussing the anti-tumor and normal tissue-sparing mechanism(s) of, and clinical evidence for, two H2O2-based therapies, pharmacological ascorbate and superoxide dismutase mimetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents heterogeneous and relapsing intestinal conditions with a severe impact on the quality of life of individuals and a continuously increasing prevalence. In recent years, the development of sequencing technology has provided new means of exploring the complex pathogenesis of IBD. An ideal solution is represented by the approach of precision medicine that investigates multiple cellular and molecular interactions, which are tools that perform a holistic, systematic, and impartial analysis of the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and microbiomics sets. Hence, it has led to the orientation of current research towards the identification of new biomarkers that could be successfully used in the management of IBD patients. Multi-omics explores the dimension of variation in the characteristics of these diseases, offering the advantage of understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that affect intestinal homeostasis for a much better prediction of disease development and choice of treatment. This review focuses on the progress made in the field of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, highlighting the limitations, challenges, and also the opportunities associated with the application of genomics and epigenomics technologies in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the non-communicable neurological diseases, epilepsy is characterized by abnormal brain activity with several peripheral implications. The role of peripheral inflammation in the relationship between seizure development and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on sex difference remains still overlooked. Severe early-life infections lead to increased inflammation that can aggravate epilepsy and hepatic damage progression, both related to increased odds of hospitalization for epileptic patients with liver diseases. Here, we induced a post-natal-day 3 (PND3) infection by LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p.) to determine the hepatic damage in a genetic model of young epileptic WAG/Rij rats (PND45). We evaluated intra- and inter-gender differences in systemic and liver inflammation, hepatic lipid dysmetabolism, and oxidative damage related to mitochondrial functional impairment. First, epileptic rats exposed to LPS, regardless of gender, displayed increased serum hepatic enzymes and altered lipid profile. Endotoxin challenge triggered a more severe inflammatory and immune response in male epileptic rats, compared to females in both serum and liver, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepatic immune cell recruitment. Conversely, LPS-treated female rats showed significant alterations in systemic and hepatic lipid profiles and reduced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. The two different sex-dependent mechanisms of LPS-induced liver injury converge in increased ROS production and related mitochondrial oxidative damage in both sexes. Notably, a compensatory increase in antioxidant defense was evidenced only in female rats. Our study with a translational potential demonstrates, for the first time, that early post-natal infections in epileptic rats induced or worsened hepatic disorders in a sex-dependent manner, amplifying inflammation, lipid dysmetabolism, and mitochondrial impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer and oxidative stress are interrelated, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) playing crucial roles in physiological processes and oncogenesis. Excessive ROS levels can induce DNA damage, leading to cancer, and disrupt antioxidant defenses, contributing to diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Antioxidant mechanisms include enzymes and small molecules that mitigate ROS damage. However, cancer cells often exploit oxidative conditions to evade apoptosis and promote tumor growth. Antioxidant therapy has shown mixed results, with timing and cancer-type influencing outcomes. Multifunctional drugs targeting multiple pathways offer a promising approach, reducing side effects and improving efficacy. Recent research focuses on sulfur-nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives for their dual antioxidant and anticancer properties, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy in oncology. The newly synthesized compounds often do not demonstrate both antioxidant and anticancer properties simultaneously. Heterocyclic rings are typically combined with phenyl groups, where hydroxy substitutions enhance antioxidant activity. On the other hand, electron-withdrawing substituents, particularly at the p-position on the phenyl ring, tend to enhance anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and improved patient survival in recent years, AML therapy still remains a clinical challenge. For this reason, it is important to search for new therapies that will enable the achievement of remission. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved three mutant IDH (mIDH) inhibitors for the treatment of AML. However, the use of mIDH inhibitors in monotherapy usually leads to the development of resistance and the subsequent recurrence of the cancer, despite the initial effectiveness of the therapy. A complete understanding of the mechanisms by which IDH mutations influence the development of leukemia, as well as the processes that enable resistance to mIDH inhibitors, may significantly improve the efficacy of this therapy through the use of an appropriate synergistic approach. The aim of this literature review is to present the role of IDH1/IDH2 mutations in the pathogenesis of AML and the results of clinical trials using mIDH1/IDH2 inhibitors in AML and to discuss the challenges related to the use of mIDH1/IDH2 inhibitors in practice and future prospects related to the potential methods of overcoming resistance to these agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the growing demand for algae in Western countries is due to their richness in nutrients and bioactive compounds, and their use as ingredients for foods, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fertilizers, biofuels,, etc. Evaluation of the qualitative characteristics of algae involves assessing their physicochemical and nutritional components to determine their suitability for specific end uses, but this assessment is generally performed using destructive, expensive, and time-consuming traditional chemical analyses, and requires sample preparation. The hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique has been successfully applied in food quality assessment and control and has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional biochemical methods. In this study, the nutritional profile (proteins, lipids, and fibers) of seventeen edible macro- and microalgae species widely grown throughout the world were investigated using traditional methods. Moreover, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging device and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms were used to develop multi-species models for proteins, lipids, and fibers. The predictive power of the models was characterized by different metrics, which showed very high predictive performances for all nutritional parameters (for example, R2 = 0.9952, 0.9767, 0.9828 for proteins, lipids, and fibers, respectively). Our results demonstrated the ability of SWIR hyperspectral imaging coupled with ANN algorithms in quantifying biomolecules in algal species in a fast and sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin introduced through the diet with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and antioxidant activities. Today, this vitamin is integrated into the treatment of many inflammatory pathologies. However, there is increasing evidence of possible use in treating autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. We reviewed the literature to delve deeper into the rationale for using vitamin C in treating this type of pathology. There is much evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation for treating autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and neoplasms, particularly hematological neoplastic diseases. Vitamin C integration regulates the cytokines microenvironment, modulates immune response to autoantigens and cancer cells, and regulates oxidative stress. Moreover, integration therapy has an enhanced effect on chemotherapies, ionizing radiation, and target therapy used in treating hematological neoplasm. In the future, integrative therapy will have an increasingly important role in preventing pathologies and as an adjuvant to standard treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperspectral imaging was used to predict the total polyphenol content in low-temperature stressed tomato seedlings for the development of a multispectral image sensor. The spectral data with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 5 nm were merged to obtain FWHMs of 10 nm, 25 nm, and 50 nm using a commercialized bandpass filter. Using the permutation importance method and regression coefficients, we developed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression models by setting the band number to ≥11, ≤10, and ≤5 for each FWHM. The regression model using 56 bands with an FWHM of 5 nm resulted in an R2 of 0.71, an RMSE of 3.99 mg/g, and an RE of 9.04%, whereas the model developed using the spectral data of only 5 bands with a FWHM of 25 nm (at 519.5 nm, 620.1 nm, 660.3 nm, 719.8 nm, and 980.3 nm) provided an R2 of 0.62, an RMSE of 4.54 mg/g, and an RE of 10.3%. These results show that a multispectral image sensor can be developed to predict the total polyphenol content of tomato seedlings subjected to low-temperature stress, paving the way for energy saving and low-temperature stress damage prevention in vegetable seedling production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), as essential amino acids, engage in various physiological processes, such as protein synthesis, energy supply, and cellular signaling. The liver is a crucial site for BCAA metabolism, linking the changes in BCAA homeostasis with the pathogenesis of a variety of liver diseases and their complications. Peripheral circulating BCAA levels show complex trends in different liver diseases. This review delineates the alterations of BCAAs in conditions including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatitis C virus infection, and acute liver failure, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these changes. A significant amount of clinical research has utilized BCAA supplements in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the efficacy of BCAA supplementation in clinical practice remains uncertain and controversial due to the heterogeneity of studies. This review delves into the complicated relationship between BCAAs and liver diseases and tries to untangle what role BCAAs play in the occurrence, development, and outcomes of liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of metastatic melanoma has been revolutionised by immunotherapy, yet a significant number of patients do not respond, and many experience autoimmune adverse events. Associations have been reported between patient outcome and monocyte subsets, whereas vitamin C (ascorbate) has been shown to mediate changes in cancer-stimulated monocytes in vitro. We therefore investigated the relationship of ascorbate with monocyte subsets and epigenetic modifications in patients with metastatic melanoma receiving immunotherapy. Patients receiving immunotherapy were compared to other cancer cohorts and age-matched healthy controls. Ascorbate levels in plasma and peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocyte subtype and epigenetic markers were measured, and adverse events, tumour response and survival were recorded. A quarter of the immunotherapy cohort had hypovitaminosis C, with plasma and PBMC ascorbate levels significantly lower than those from other cancer patients or healthy controls. PBMCs from the immunotherapy cohort contained similar frequencies of non-classical and classical monocytes. DNA methylation markers and intracellular ascorbate concentration were correlated with monocyte subset frequency in healthy controls, but correlation was lost in immunotherapy patients. No associations between ascorbate status and immune-related adverse events or tumour response or overall survival were apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine (METH) exposure increases locomotor sensitization. However, no study has explored the occurrence of cardiovascular sensitization. The present study, carried out in mice, analyzed the following: (i) METH sensitization extending to systolic blood pressure (SBP); (ii) a potential correlation between ambulatory and cardiovascular sensitization; and (iii) morphological alterations within meso-striatal, meso-limbic and pontine catecholamine systems including c-fos expression. Locomotor activity, SBP and occurrence of morphological alterations of catecholaminergic neurons were assessed in C57Bl/6J mice following daily i.p. injections of either saline or METH (1, 2 or 5 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days and following 6 days of withdrawal. Reiterated exposure to the lower doses of METH (1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg) produced in mice locomotor sensitization without altering SBP. In contrast, repeated treatment with the highest dose of METH (5 mg/kg) produced sensitization of SBP in the absence of locomotor sensitization. No morphological alterations but increases in c-fos expression within neurons of locus coeruleus and nucleus accumbens were detected. The present data suggest that METH produces plastic changes that extend beyond the motor systems to alter autonomic regulation. This cardiovascular sensitization occurs independently of locomotor sensitization. The persistency of increased blood pressure may underlie specific mechanisms operating in producing hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid, plays a crucial role as a water-soluble nutrient within the human body, contributing to a variety of metabolic processes. Research findings suggest that increased doses of VC demonstrate potential anti-tumor capabilities. This review delves into the mechanisms of VC absorption and its implications for cancer management. Building upon these foundational insights, we explore modern delivery systems for VC, evaluating its use in diverse cancer treatment methods. These include starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT), electrothermal therapy, immunotherapy, cellular reprogramming, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and various combination therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) market has steadily grown due to the increasing demand of health-conscious consumers of products with health-promoting effects. Recently, a growing interest in developing ecological and environmentally friendly extraction methods has led to investigating extraction procedures to obtain a higher extraction yield using a lower amount of solvents and energy. Herein, a new extraction procedure was developed to obtain an enriched pomegranate food supplement by using the peels of pomegranate, cultivar "Dente di Cavallo" and its juice. The extraction was performed through a non-conventional extraction technique like SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice as a solvent, and peels as a matrix. The extract was analysed by a combined approach based on LCESI/QExactive/MS/MS and NMR analysis, and its chemical profile was compared with those of pomegranate juice and of the extract obtained from peels by SLDE-Naviglio by using ethanol:H2O. The LC-MS analysis highlighted the presence of hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, ellagic acid and phenol glucoside derivatives, while 1H NMR analysis completed the profile by detecting the primary metabolites. The LC-MS and 1H NMR analysis indicated that the extract obtained by SLDE-Naviglio using ethanol and pomegranate juice was enriched in the bioactives as confirmed by the highest phenolic, tannin and flavonoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Palliative care (PC) utilization remains low among pancreatic cancer patients. This study explores the association of PC with mental health service and pharmacotherapy utilization among pancreatic cancer patients.Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on a sample of patients in the United States with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer using Electronic Health Record data from Optum's Integrated Claims-Clinical data set. Subsequent diagnoses of anxiety and depression and PC consultation encounters were determined using ICD-9/10 codes. Adjusted associations of mental health treatments with PC and patient characteristics were quantified using multiple logistic regression. Results: Among newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients (n = 4029), those with PC consultations exhibited a higher prevalence of anxiety (33.9% vs. 22.8%) and depression (36.2% vs. 23.2%). Mental health service use and pharmacotherapy varied, with the highest utilization among patients having both anxiety and depression. Treatment pattern was also influenced by age (aOR 1.832 for age <55 vs. 65–70 years). Notably, PC consultations showed no significant effect on the likelihood of documented treatment. Discussion: Our study emphasizes underutilization of PC and MH treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. These findings imply a crucial need for further investigation into palliative care's role in addressing mental health concerns among pancreatic cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer ranks as the 10th most prevalent cancer globally with an increasing incidence. Radical cystectomy combined with urinary diversion represents the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, offering a range of techniques tailored to patient factors. Overall, urinary diversions are divided into non-continent and continent. Among the first category, cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal conduit represent the most common procedures while in the second category, it could be possible to describe another subclassification which includes ureterosigmoidostomy, continent diversions requiring catheterization and orthotopic voiding pouches and neobladders. In this comprehensive review, urinary diversions are described in their technical aspects, providing a summary of almost all alternatives to urinary diversion post-radical cystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) impairs survival and diminishes quality of life in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In this study, we aimed to investigate the safety and the efficacy of earlier alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with HOCM. Methods: A total of 47 patients with mildly symptomatic HOCM (NYHA II) and having poor functional capacity despite maximal tolerated medical therapy were included. Results: The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 14, and 57% of the patients were male. All clinical endpoint targets including 30 d mortality (1% vs. 0% p < 0.01), 30 d adverse complications (10% vs. 0% p < 0.01), 30 d complete heart block resulting in need for permanent pacemaker (10% vs. 4.2% p < 0.01), more than moderate residual mitral regurgitation (5% vs. 2.1% p < 0.01), repeat procedure rate (10% vs. 4.2% p < 0.01), improvement of (NYHA) class (90% vs. 95.7% p < 0.01), rest and provoked (LVOT) gradient < 50 mmHg (90% vs. 97.8% p < 0.01) were significantly reached. Conclusions: In patients with mildly symptomatic HOCM (NYHA II), earlier ASA may be performed as an effective and safe procedure in experienced centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About forty years after its first application, digital image correlation (DIC) has become an established method for measuring surface displacements and deformations of objects under stress. To date, DIC has been used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies to biomechanically characterise biological samples in order to reveal biomimetic principles. However, when surfaces of samples strongly deform or twist, they cannot be thoroughly traced. To overcome this challenge, different DIC setups have been developed to provide additional sensor perspectives and, thus, capture larger parts of an object's surface. Herein, we discuss current solutions for this multi-perspective DIC, and we present our own approach to a 360° DIC system based on a single stereo-camera setup. Using this setup, we are able to characterise the desiccation-driven opening mechanism of two woody Hakea fruits over their entire surfaces. Both the breaking mechanism and the actuation of the two valves in predominantly dead plant material are models for smart materials. Based on these results, an evaluation of the setup for 360° DIC regarding its use in deducing biomimetic principles is given. Furthermore, we propose a way to improve and apply the method for future measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The current study examined the correlations between platelet count (PC), spleen diameter (SD), and their ratio to establish a non-invasive technique for predicting the presence of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. (2) Methods: The current study was an observational study conducted in the Gastroenterology Department at IMS and SUM Hospital from November 2019 to November 2021. Consecutive cirrhotic patients without a history of gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled in the study, and the esophageal varices were assessed. The patients underwent the necessary tests, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, liver function testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and full hemograms. All these parameters were analyzed statistically through SPSS version 23, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. (3) Results: There were significant differences between cases with and without esophageal varices in the following parameters: PC, SD and their ratio, hemoglobin, and ALT level. The PC/SD ratio of ≤ 1400 was associated with a sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 80.8%, and a positive predictive value of 82.56% in predicting the presence of oesophageal varices, as per receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis in our study. (4) Conclusions: Esophageal varices can be predicted non-invasively using the platelet count, spleen diameter, and PC/SD ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The involvement of the prefrontal cortical dopaminergic system in the psychopathology of epilepsies and comorbid conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) still needs to be explored. We used autoradiography to study the D1-like (D1DR) and D2-like (D2DR) receptor binding density in the prefrontal cortex of normal Wistar rats and Wistar-derived strains with generalized convulsive and/or non-convulsive epilepsy. WAG/Rij rats served as a model for non-convulsive absence epilepsy, WAG/Rij-AGS as a model of mixed convulsive/non-convulsive form, and KM strain was a model for convulsive epilepsy comorbid with an ASD-like behavioral phenotype. The prefrontal cortex of rats with any epileptic pathology studied demonstrated profound decreases in binding densities to both D1DR and D2DR; the effects were localized in the primary and secondary anterior cingulate cortices, and adjacent regions. The local decreased D1DR and D2DR binding densities were independent of (not correlated with) each other. The particular group of epileptic rats with an ASD-like phenotype (KM strain) displayed changes in the lateral prefrontal cortex: D1DR were lowered, whereas D2DR were elevated, in the dysgranular insular cortex and adjacent regions. Thus, epilepsy-related changes in the dopaminergic system of the rat archeocortex were localized in the medial prefrontal regions, whereas ASD-related changes were seen in the lateral prefrontal aspects. The findings point to putative local dopaminergic dysfunctions, associated with generalized epilepsies and/or ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy represents a condition in which abnormal neuronal discharges or the hyperexcitability of neurons occur with synchronicity, presenting a significant public health challenge. Prognostic factors, such as etiology, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, the type and number of seizures before treatment, as well as the initial unsatisfactory effects of medications, are important considerations. Although there are several third-generation antiepileptic drugs currently available, their multiple side effects can negatively affect patient quality of life. The inheritance and etiology of epilepsy are complex, involving multiple underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Different neurotransmitters play crucial roles in maintaining the normal physiology of different neurons. Dysregulations in neurotransmission, due to abnormal transmitter levels or changes in their receptors, can result in seizures. In this review, we address the roles played by various neurotransmitters and their receptors in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Furthermore, we extensively explore the neurological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of epilepsy, along with its risk factors. Furthermore, we highlight the new therapeutic targets, along with pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies currently employed in the treatment of epileptic syndromes, including drug interventions employed in clinical trials related to epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and are associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Their pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, with protein-calorie malnutrition, systemic inflammation, reduced glycogen stores and hormonal imbalances all well reported. The direct contribution of portal hypertension to these driving factors is however not widely documented in the literature. This review details the specific mechanisms by which portal hypertension directly contributes to the development of malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis. We summarise the existing literature describing treatment strategies that specifically aim to reduce portal pressures and their impact on nutritional and muscle outcomes, which is particularly relevant to those with end-stage disease awaiting liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate is a temperature-sensitive fruit during postharvest storage. If exposed to cold temperatures above its freezing point for a long time, it will suffer from cold stress. Failure to pay attention to the symptoms that may occur during storage will result in significant damage. Identifying pomegranates susceptible to cold damage in a timely manner requires considerable skill, time and cost. Therefore, non-destructive and real-time methods offer great benefits for commercial producers. To this end, the purpose of this study is the non-destructive identification of healthy frozen pomegranates. First, healthy pomegranates were collected, and hyperspectral images were acquired using a hyperspectral camera. Then, to ensure that enough frozen pomegranates were collected for model training, all samples were kept in cold storage at 0 °C for two months. They were then transferred to the laboratory and hyperspectral images were taken from all of them again. The dataset consisted of frozen and healthy images of pomegranates in a ratio of 4:6. The data was divided into three categories, training, validation and test, each containing 1/3 of the data. Since there is a class imbalance in the training data, it was necessary to increase the data of the frozen class by the amount of its difference with the healthy class. Deep learning networks with ResNeXt, RegNetX, RegNetY, EfficientNetV2, VisionTransformer and SwinTransformer architectures were used for data analysis. The results showed that the accuracies of all models were above 99%. In addition, the accuracy values of RegNetX and EfficientNetV2 models are close to one, which means that the number of false positives is very small. In general, due to the higher accuracy of EfficientNetV2 model, as well as its relatively high precision and recall compared to other models, the F1 score of this model is also higher than the others with a value of 0.9995. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue that focuses on new advances in food processing and storage. It highlights the importance of constantly generating knowledge about the effects of technological treatments and storage on food components and properties. The issue includes studies on various topics such as the effects of heat treatment, canning, pulsed electric field technology, and the preservation of pomegranate and tomato. It also explores the development of new ingredients, additives, and manufacturing processes to meet consumer demands for innovative foods. The document provides summaries of several research studies, including the effects of adding guar gum and locust bean gum to rice starch gel, the culinary properties of aquafaba in French egg-free baked meringues, the development of vegan bonbons enriched with lyophilized peach powder, and the comparison of different extraction methods for obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from Lavandula pedunculata. These studies contribute to the development of alternative ingredients and food products that cater to diverse dietary preferences and promote sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

Spain is one of the main contributors to global pomegranate production. Pomegranate presents a challenge for preservation at suboptimal temperatures. Preserving this fruit for an extended period is challenging due to its susceptibility to chilling injury (CI). For this reason, we have examined different postharvest treatments to extend the pomegranate shelf life and their potential impact on reducing CI. For this reason, two postharvest treatments have been applied: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1000 nL L−1 1-MCP) and methyl jasmonate vapors (0.01 mM MeJA), a natural elicitor found in many plant organs that induces a wide range of physiological processes, including the activation of defense mechanisms against stress. Following the application of these treatments and subsequent fruit storage at 2 °C for 90 days, maintenance of firmness and membrane integrity was observed. Additionally, a positive synergic effect was observed in these quality traits when combining both substances (1-MCP + MeJA), especially with regard to delaying weight loss, the external color evolution, and total polyphenol accumulation. On the other hand, MeJA treatment alone or in combination with 1-MCP also increased the anthocyanin content in arils, thereby enhancing the fruit quality. In general, the best results were observed when these two different technologies were applied as a combined treatment, especially in terms of maintaining quality traits such as fruit firmness and total acidity and reducing weight loss and CI. This is the first time that these two substances have been tested together in any fruit species, and their simultaneous application in the same container represents an innovative approach that could be an interesting tool for commercial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]