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Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the neural pattern activation during mirror therapy (MT) and explore any cortical reorganization and reducing asymmetry of hemispheric activity for upper limb rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. Methods: A box containing a mirror was placed between the arms of the patients to create the illusion of normal motion in the affected limb by reflecting the image of the unaffected limb in motion. We measured the cerebral hemodynamic response using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We enrolled ten right-handed stroke patients. They observed healthy hand movements in the mirror (MT condition) while performing various tasks (MT condition), and then repeated the same tasks with the mirror covered (N-MT condition). Results: Significant activation of some brain areas was observed in the right and left hemiparesis groups for the MT condition, while lower levels of activation were observed for the N-MT condition. The results showed significant differences in hemodynamic response based on oxygenated (HbO) concentrations between MT and N-MT conditions across all tasks in sensorimotor areas. These neural circuits were activated despite the motor areas being affected by the brain injury, indicating that the reflection of movement in the mirror helped to activate them. Conclusions: These results suggest that MT promotes cortical activations of sensory motor areas in affected and non-affected brain sides in subacute post-stroke patients, and it encourages the use of these tools in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted from commonly used devices has been reported to induce oxidative stress in several experimental models. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of sulforaphane, a well-known natural product, in preventing radiation-induced toxic effects caused by a 24 h exposure of SH-SY5Y neuronal-like cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to 2.45 GHz EMR. Cells were exposed to radiation for 24 h in the presence or absence of sulforaphane at different concentrations (5–10–25 µg/mL). Cell viability, mitochondrial activity alterations, the transcription and protein levels of redox markers, and apoptosis-related genes were investigated. Our data showed a reduction in cell viability of both neuronal-like cells and PBMCs caused by EMR exposure and a protective effect of 5 µg/mL sulforaphane. The lowest sulforaphane concentration decreased ROS production and increased the Mitochondrial Transmembrane Potential (Δψm) and the NAD+/NADH ratio, which were altered by radiation exposure. Sulforaphane at higher concentrations displayed harmful effects. The hormetic behavior of sulforaphane was also evident after evaluating the expression of genes coding for Nrf2, SOD2, and changes in apoptosis markers. Our study underlined the vulnerability of neuronal-like cells to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress and the possibility of mitigating these effects by supplementation with sulforaphane. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies about the effects of SFN on these cells when exposed to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound ablation of the ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (VIM) for essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD), targeting is generally performed using a standard atlas-based stereotactic approach. The purpose of our work is to evaluate the anatomic variations in the venous vasculature of the thalamus in patients treated with MRgFUS, as a possible landmark for targeting. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between the obtained thalamotomy lesion and the ipsilateral superior thalamic vein (STV). A total of 36 patients (25 ET and 11 PD) who underwent MRgFUS treatment were evaluated, and the STV was studied with susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) sequences. Based on the axial SWI images, the distance between the STV and the center of the lesion at the presumed site of the VIM was measured in follow-up MRI images one month after treatment. Statistical analysis shows that there is a correlation between the STV and the presumed site of the VIM. The STV visible in SWI could be used as an additional, real-time, and patient-specific anatomical landmark for VIM identification during MR examination and just before and during FUS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that alters chloride transport in mucous membranes. Recent studies have demonstrated that treatment with modulators of the chloride channel reduces inflammatory markers, restoring, among others, the imbalance of lipids. In this study, we analyzed the serum samples of treated and non-treated patients with modulators with Raman spectroscopy. Nineteen (eight treated an eleven non-treated) patients were considered. The main difference between the two groups appeared in the 3020–2800 cm−1 range. A Voigt deconvolution fit was performed, and nine sub-bands were identified. To distinguish between treated and non-treated patients, the area ratio between the CH3 and CH2 vibration modes was calculated for each patient. The results were validated using statistical analyses. In particular, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden index (Y) were calculated (Area Under Curve (AUC): 0.977; Y: 3.30). An ROC curve represents the performance of the classification, illustrating the diagnostic ability of Raman spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that Raman spectroscopy is able to highlight peculiar differences between elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI)-treated and non-treated patients, in relation with lipids biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by commonly used devices became an issue for public health because of their harmful effects. Notably, 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure has been associated with DNA damage and alterations in the central nervous system. We here investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cell redox status by using human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which were differentiated to neuronal-like cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were exposed to an antenna emitting 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation for 2, 24, and 48 h. We evaluated cell viability and mitochondrial activity alterations by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), NAD+/NADH ratio, mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene transcript levels. We also investigated apoptosis and autophagy, evaluating B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) gene transcript levels. Cell viability was significantly reduced after 24–48 h of exposure to radiation. ROS levels significantly increased in radiation-exposed cells, compared with controls at all exposure times. ΔΨm values decreased after 2 and 24 h in exposed SH-SY5Y cells, while in PBMCs, values decreased soon after 2 h of exposure. Alterations were also found in the NAD+/NADH ratio, mtTFA, SOD1, LC3 gene expression, and BAX/BCL2 ratio. Our results showed that neuron-like cells are more prone to developing oxidative stress than PBMCs after 2.45 GHz electromagnetic radiation exposure, activating an early antioxidant defense response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for imaging the brain, spinal cord, musculoskeletal system, head and neck, and complex congenital heart malformations; consequentially, the number of MRI scans in patients with implantable electronic devices has simultaneously increased. During the entire length of the MRI exam, patients are exposed to electromagnetic fields with different characteristics (static, low frequency, radiofrequency fields), which are related to different risks. The scarce available literature about MRI-induced heating on cardiac stents suggests that excessive temperature rise occurs only in unfavorable cases. Ideally, RF safety assessment could be performed during the anamnestic process, but this simulation process's results are too slow to be performed before patient MRI examination. In this context, we developed a dedicated measurement set-up by focusing our target on the measurement of the heating of a cardiac stent during an MRI examination. Results for the temperature rise trend along the entire stent length during a clinical MRI protocol are shown together with the local Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values and cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM43°C), in order to ensure the safety of patients with MR-conditional devices, also with a view to not inappropriately preclude their access to MRI scans. The obtained results show that the maximum temperature rise (4.12 °C) is within the limit of 5 °C stated in the stent manual for 15 min of continued scanning with the specific conditions. The maximum temperature rise was in correspondence with the stent tips and calculated SAR confirms the fact that two hotspots are present near the tips of the stent. Finally, the calculated CEM43°C remained well below the proposed threshold for muscle tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In athletic horses, the evaluation of the performance levels is of major importance during training to prevent sports injuries. Raman spectroscopy is an innovative technique that allows for a rapid evaluation of biological fluids. The application of Raman spectroscopy on serum samples collected from five Italian Saddle horses subjected to physical exercise confirms the utility of this technique for the assessment of the levels of serum metabolic biomarkers that cause the central and peripheral fatigue that occur in athletic horses during physical exercise. In particular, in two bands ((1300–1360) cm−1 and (1385–1520) cm−1), the metabolites involved in the insurgence of fatigue were identified. Lipids and tryptophan were identified in the (1300–1360) cm−1 band, and leucine, glycine, isoleucine, lactic acid, tripeptide, adenosine, and beta carotene were identified in the (1385–1520) cm−1 band. The area of each evaluated sub-band was used for evaluating changes in the conformational structure of proteins in sera that may depend on exercise. In conclusion, the application of Raman spectroscopy on blood serum samples represents a useful technique for secondary-structure protein identification to investigate the metabolic changes that occur in athletic horses during physical exercise. The evaluation of the performance levels in athletic horses is of major importance to prevent sports injuries. Raman spectroscopy is an innovative technique that allows for a rapid evaluation of biomolecules in biological fluids. It also permits qualitative and quantitative sample analyses, which lead to the simultaneous determination of the components of the examined biological fluids. On the basis of this, the Raman spectroscopy technique was applied on serum samples collected from five Italian Saddle horses subjected to a standardized obstacle course preceded by a warm-up to evaluate the applicability of this technique for the assessment of central and peripheral fatigue in athletic horses. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture in a vacutainer tube with a clot activator before exercise, immediately after exercise, and 30 min and 1 h after the end of the obstacle course. Observing the obtained Raman spectra, the major changes due to the experimental conditions appeared in the (1300–1360) cm−1 and (1385–1520) cm−1 bands. In the (1300–1360) cm−1 band, lipids and tryptophan were identified; in the (1385–1520) cm−1 band, leucine, glycine, isoleucine, lactic acid, tripeptide, adenosine, and beta carotene were identified. A significant effect of exercise was recorded on all the sub-bands. In particular, a change immediately after exercise versus before exercise was found. Moreover, the mean lactic concentration was positively correlated with the Raman area of the sub-band assigned to lactic acid. In this context, the application of Raman spectroscopy on blood serum samples represents a useful technique for secondary-structure protein identification to investigate the metabolic changes that occur in athletic horses during physical exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meibomitis is an ocular disease which leads to a dysfunction of the meibomian glands. This ophthalmologic disease may cause severe pain and obvious vision loss. The therapeutic protocol used in the treatment of this pathology consists in local and systemic antibiotic therapy. The results obtained using this approach are scarce and, in many cases, result in adverse events. In this study, we propose an alternative and original approach using TECAR therapy in the treatments of meibomitis disease. The endogenous heat produced by the TECAR device produced beneficial effects from both a histological and anatomical point of view. Different parameters (TBUT, interferometry, tear meniscus height, meibography and OCTA) were evaluated before the TECAR treatments, immediately afterwards, and 15 days after the end of the treatments. The obtained results suggest a new possible use of TECAR therapy on ophthalmological patients, opening an innovative scenario in a non-invasive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staff working in Magnetic Resonance environments are mainly exposed to the static and spatially heterogeneous magnetic field. Moreover, workers movements in such environments give slowly time-varying magnetic field that reflects in an induced electric field in conductive bodies, such as human bodies. It is very important to have a practice method to personal exposure assessment, also to create a list of procedures and job descriptions at highest risk of exposure, to provide complete information for the workers. This is important especially for the "workers at particular risk", such as pregnant workers or medical devices wearers. The purpose of this work is to measure the exposure of the staff to time-varying magnetic field in Magnetic Resonance clinical environments, using pocket dosimeter. We present here the assessment of exposure in two different working conditions relative to routine procedures for different kinds of workers. The obtained results show compliance with the safety limits imposed by regulation for controlled exposure conditions. However, during the activity of replacement of the oxygen sensor performed by a maintenance technician, some exposure parameters exceeded the limits, suggesting to pay attention with specific conditions to prevent vertigo or other sensory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The recording of body temperature by rectal temperature assessments is a stressful procedure for cats. For this purpose, alternative methods for using rectal digital thermometers to monitor body temperature were investigated. Skin temperature was recorded in 20 cats, in 5 different body regions, and compared with the rectal temperature. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In veterinary medicine, the gold standard for assessing body temperature is rectal temperature assessment. Considering that this procedure is stressful for many species, in particular for cats, it could be clinically important to consider an alternative approach for the monitoring of core body temperature. The aim of this study was to test if cutaneous temperature measurements by means of different infrared thermometers are in agreement with the most commonly used method for body temperature measurement in cats. The cutaneous temperature was recorded in the jugular, shoulder, rib, flank, and inner thigh, using three different non-contact infrared thermometers (IR1, IR2, and IR3) in 20 cats. The cutaneous temperature was then compared to the rectal temperature, recorded by means of a digital thermometer. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In cats, the use of non-contact infrared thermometers gave no reproducible or constant data to justify their application for the recording of body temperature instead of rectal temperature recording. In addition, the infrared temperature measurement devices generated results that were not in good agreement among themselves, providing a novel result of clinical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare condition characterized by purple discoloration of urine and urine bags. Although it is benign, it represents an alarming symptom to the patients and their relatives because of purple discoloration. We have physically characterized urine and urine bags belonging to a patient suffering from PUBS using an approach that combines Raman spectroscopy (RS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Five "blue" discolored bags and one sterile urine bag, representing the control, were cut into 1 cm2 square samples and analyzed by using RS and SEM + EDX technique. RS enabled us to identify the presence of indigo, a metabolite of tryptophan, while SEM analysis showed the biofilm deposit, probably due to the presence of microorganisms, and the EDX measurements exhibited the elemental composition of the bags. In particular, urine bags before and after the presence of PUBS urine showed an increase of ~32% of Cl, ~33% of O, ~667% of Ca, ~65% of Al and Mg, while C decreased by about 41%. Our results, to be taken as a proof-of-principle study, are promising for the aim to characterizing the urine bags in a flexible, inexpensive, and comprehensive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flour investigation, in terms of physical and chemical pollutants and mineral content, is of great interest, in view of its high consumption for nutritional purposes. In this study, eleven types of flour (five samples for each one), coming from large retailers and employed by people for different cooking food purposes, were investigated through high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, in order to estimate natural (40K) and anthropogenic (137Cs) radioisotope specific activity and thus, to assess the radiological risk due to the flour ingestion. Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively-coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were also employed to evaluate any possible heavy metal contamination and the mineral composition, and to perform multivariate statistical analysis to deduce the flour authenticity. The evaluation of dose levels due to flour ingestion was performed, for the age category higher than 17 years, taking into account the average yearly consumption in Italy and assuming this need to be satisfied from a single type of flour as a precaution. All obtained results are under the allowable level set by Italian legislation (1 mSv y−1), thus excluding the risk of ionizing radiation effects on humans. As far as heavy metal contamination is concerned, Cd and Pb concentrations turned out to be lower than the threshold values, thus excluding their presence as pollutants. Finally, the multivariate statistical analysis allowed to unambiguously correlate flour samples to their botanical origin, according to their elemental concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose here a spectroscopic method to diagnose and differentiate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) with pediatric onset, in a complete noninvasive way without performing any duodenal biopsy. In particular, the Raman technique was applied to proteic extract from fecal samples in order to achieve information about molecular vibrations that can potentially furnish spectral signatures of cellular modifications occurring as a consequence of specific pathologic conditions. The attention was focused on the investigation of the amide I region, quantitatively accounting the spectral changes in the secondary structures by applying deconvolution and curve-fitting. Inflammation is found to give rise to a significant increasing of the nonreducible (trivalent)/reducible (divalent) cross-linking ratio R of the protein network. This parameter revealed an excellent marker in order to distinguish IBD subjects from non-IBD ones, and, among IBD patients, to differentiate between UC and CD. The proposed methodology was validated by statistical analysis using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The clinical relevance of this experiment is to demonstrate that PMMA lenses have a moderate resistance to laser treatment if they are hit by a low number of spots, but significant structural changes occur when a higher number of spots reach their surface. The effect of multiple laser spots on IOLs is relevant even because this is what may happen in procedures carried out by residents at their early stages of training. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser may cause intraocular lenses (IOLs) damages. Therefore, the effects of Nd:YAG laser on IOLs were evaluated. Twenty-four IOLs (copolymer of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and 2-ethoxyethylmethacrylate) were used. For scanning electron microscope (SEM), twelve IOLs were divided into three groups: Group 1, controls; Group 2, IOLs treated with two laser spots (YC-1800 Nidek Nd:YAG laser set at 1.2 mJ); and Group 3, IOLs treated with six laser spots. All IOLs were critical point dried in CO2 and viewed in a Zeiss EVO LS10 SEM. For Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), four IOLs of each group were examined with a Jeol JMC-6000 SEM. With SEM, Group 1 IOLs showed well-preserved size, shape and surface. Group 2 IOLs exhibited normal shape and margins, a peripheral furrow with irregular blebs, straight clefts and holes on the wrinkled surface. Group 3 IOLs were swollen and broken into two or three parts. With SEM and EDX, Group 1 and the undamaged surfaces of Groups 2 and 3 showed evident carbon and oxygen peaks, while, in the damaged areas, both atoms were significantly reduced. Nd:YAG laser induced evident changes in IOLs morphology and organic alterations in their chemistry: great care during posterior capsule opacification treatment is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in the number of endothelial cells after cataract operations with phacoemulsification by using a balanced salt solution (BSS) at standard temperature (about 20 °C) and at 2.7 °C. Two groups, comprising 214 individuals in total, participated in this study; patients were operated on using BSS bottle at about 20 °C and 2.7 °C in the first and second groups, respectively. All operations were conducted by the same surgeon and in similar conditions. One month after the operations, endothelial cells in the two groups were checked. For patients in Group 2, an important reduction in the loss of endothelial cells was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic and histopathological features of the cornea of a Polish patient with Gelatinous Drop-like Corneal Dystrophy (GDCD) and the molecular composition with Raman spectroscopy of corneal deposits were examined. A 62 year-old Polish woman was diagnosed with GDCD and underwent penetrating corneal transplant. A blood sample was collected, and genetic analysis was performed. The cornea was processed for light microscopy and Raman analysis. The genetic exam revealed a previously undescribed homozygous 1-base pair deletion in exon 1 of TACSTD2 gene (c.185delT), resulting in a frame shift causing a premature stop codon. When compared with a control cornea, in GDCD cornea stained with PAS evident deposits were present over the anterior stroma, with apple green birefringence under polarized light. Raman spectroscopy showed peculiar differences between normal and GDCD cornea, consisting in peaks either of different height or undetectable in the normal cornea and related to amyloid. The possible causative role of the novel mutation was discussed and Raman spectroscopy as a further morphological tool in the evaluation of corneal dystrophies, characterized by the deposition of abnormal materials, was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease (CD) is diagnosed by a combination of specific serology and typical duodenal lesions. The histological confirmation of CD, mandatory in the majority of patients with suspected CD, is based on invasive and poorly tolerated procedures, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. In this study we propose an alternative and non-invasive methodology able to confirm the diagnosis of CD based on the analysis of serum samples using the Raman spectroscopy technique. Three different bands centered at 1650, 1450 and 1003 cm−1 have been considered and the A1450/A1003 and A1650/A1003 ratios have been computed to discriminate between CD and non-CD subjects. The reliability of the methodology was validated by statistical analysis using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The Youden index was also determined to obtain optimal cut-off points. The obtained results highlighted that the proposed methodology was able to distinguish between CD and non-CD subjects with 98% accuracy. The optimal cut-off points revealed, for both the A1450/A1003 and A1650/A1003 ratios, high values of sensitivity and specificity (>95.0% and >92.0% respectively), confirming that Raman spectroscopy may be considered a valid alternative to duodenal biopsy and demonstrates spectral changes in the secondary structures of the protein network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at preparing and characterizing solid lipid nanoparticles loading rutin (RT-SLNs) for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases. Phospholipon 80H® as a solid lipid and Polysorbate 80 as surfactant were used for the SLNs preparation, using the solvent emulsification/diffusion method. We obtained spherical RT-SLNs with low sizes, ranging from 40 to 60 nm (hydrodynamic radius) for the SLNs prepared starting from 2% and 5% (w/w) theoretical amount. All prepared formulations showed negative zeta-potential values. RT was efficiently encapsulated within SLNs, obtaining high encapsulation efficiency and drug content percentages, particularly for SLNs prepared with a 5% theoretical amount of RT. In vitro release profiles and analysis of the obtained data applying different kinetic models revealed Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of RT release from the SLNs. The morphology of RT-SLNs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the interactions between RT and the lipid matrix were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, evidencing spectral modifications of characteristic bands of RT due to the establishment of new interactions. Finally, antioxidant activity assay on human glioblastoma astrocytoma (U373) culture cells showed a dose-dependent activity for RT-SLNs, particularly at the highest assayed dose (50 μM), whereas the free drug showed the lesser activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idebenone (IDE) is an antioxidant drug active at the level of the central nervous system (CNS), whose poor water solubility limits its clinical application. An IDE/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (IDE/HP-β-CD) inclusion complex was investigated by combining experimental methods and theoretical approaches. Furthermore, biological in vitro/ex vivo assays were performed. Phase solubility studies showed an AL type diagram, suggesting the presence of a 1:1 complex with high solubility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed us to detect the morphological changes upon complexation. The intermolecular interactions stabilizing the inclusion complex were experimentally characterized by exploring the complementarity of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR) with mid-infrared light, Fourier-transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. From the temperature evolution of the O–H stretching band of the complex, the average enthalpy ΔHHB of the hydrogen bond scheme upon inclusion was obtained. Two-dimensional (2D) rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) analysis and computational studies involving molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation demonstrated the inclusion of the quinone ring of IDE inside the CD ring. In vitro/ex vivo studies evidenced that complexation produces a protective effect of IDE against the H2O2-induced damage on human glioblastoma astrocytoma (U373) cells and increases IDE permeation through the excised bovine nasal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]