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BackgroundThe study investigates the impact of tele-exercise on physical fitness and psychological well-being in healthy individuals. Tele-exercise, facilitated by technology, offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional exercise, particularly beneficial during restricted in-person interactions.MethodsIn this study, 52 participants were divided into three groups: athletes, women, and young adults. They took part in an eight-week tele-exercise program, either synchronously or asynchronously. Physical fitness was evaluated using tests such as the 2-Minute Step and Curl Up Test, while psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).ResultsSignificant improvements in physical fitness and psychological well-being were observed in post-intervention across all groups, regardless of training mode. In the fitness tests, a significant improvement was obtained in the 2-Minute-Step (p = 0.004), in the curls up (p = 0.017), and in squats test (p = 0.004). In the forward bending test, the increment was very close to the significance (p = 0.051). In the psychological well-being tests, both PGWBI and WHO-5 scores increased after the training (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001 respectively) with no significant change in the PSS-10 score. The study found that tele-exercise can effectively introduce physical activity to previously inactive individuals and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors.ConclusionsThe TELEexe4ALL project demonstrates the potential of tele-exercise to improve physical fitness and psychological well-being. The study suggests that tele-exercise is a feasible and well-accepted approach for enhancing overall wellness in healthy populations.

The emergence of tele-exercise as a response to the impact of technology on physical activity has opened up new possibilities for promoting physical health. By integrating innovative technologies and open-source platforms, tele-exercise encourages people to stay active. In our latest analysis, we delved into the scientific literature surrounding the use of tele-exercise technologies in training healthy individuals. After conducting an extensive search on the PubMed database using the keywords “tele-exercise” and “physical activity” (from 2020 to 2023), we identified 44 clinical trials that were applicable to tele-exercise, but less than 10% of them were aimed at healthy individuals, precisely 9.09% (four out of forty-four studies analyzed). Our review highlights the potential of tele-exercise to help maintain physical fitness and psychological well-being, especially when traditional fitness facilities are not an option. We also underscore the importance of interoperability, standardization, and the incorporation of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and neuroscience into the development of tele-exercise platforms. Nevertheless, despite these promising benefits, research has shown that there is still a significant gap in the knowledge concerning the definition and evaluation of training parameters for healthy individuals. As a result, we call for further research to establish evidence-based practices for tele-exercise in the healthy population.

Probiotics have shown the potential to counteract the loss of muscle mass, reduce physical fatigue, and mitigate inflammatory response following intense exercise, although the mechanisms by which they work are not very clear. The objective of this review is to describe the main harmful effects of alcohol on skeletal muscle and to provide important strategies based on the use of probiotics. The excessive consumption of alcohol is a worldwide problem and has been shown to be crucial in the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), for which, to date, the only therapy available is lifestyle modification, including cessation of drinking. In ALD, alcohol contributes significantly to the loss of skeletal muscle, and also to changes in the intestinal microbiota, which are the basis for a series of problems related to the onset of sarcopenia. Some of the main effects of alcohol on the skeletal muscle are described in this review, with particular emphasis on the “gut-liver-muscle axis”, which seems to be the primary cause of a series of muscle dysfunctions related to the onset of ALD. The modulation of the intestinal microbiota through probiotics utilization has appeared to be crucial in mitigating the muscle damage induced by the high amounts of alcohol consumed.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) constitutes a noteworthy subset of head and neck cancers, contributing to about 4.5% of all malignancies. Its clinical behavior and characteristics exhibit variations contingent upon the specific anatomical site affected, with the glottis, supraglottis, and subglottis emerging as the most prevalent locations. Notably, squamous cell carcinoma represents a predominant histological type, accounting for 85% to 95% of all laryngeal cancers. The gender disparity is evident, with a higher incidence among males, exhibiting a ratio of 3.9:1. Moreover, disparities among racial groups are observed, as African American patients tend to manifest the condition at a younger age, coupled with lower overall survival rates compared to their Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian counterparts. The primary etiological factors implicated in the onset of laryngeal cancer are tobacco and alcohol consumption, with a direct correlation to the intensity and duration of usage. Importantly, the risk diminishes gradually following cessation, necessitating a substantial period of at least 15 years for a return to baseline rates. Given the diverse nature of laryngeal SCC, treatment modalities are tailored based on the specific site and stage of the disease. Therapeutic interventions, such as radiotherapy, transoral laser microsurgery, open horizontal partial laryngectomy, or total laryngectomy, are employed with the overarching goal of preserving organ function. This study delves into the intricate realm of laryngeal SCC, specifically exploring the involvement of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in disease progression. This research meticulously examines the expression levels of Hsp10, Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 in dysplastic and benign tissue samples extracted from the right vocal cord, utilizing immunohistochemistry analysis. The focal point of the investigation revolves around unraveling the intricate role of these molecular chaperones in tissue differentiation mechanisms and cellular homeostasis, particularly within the inflammatory milieu characteristic of the tumor phenotype. The findings from this study serve as a robust histopathological foundation, paving the way for more in-depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms governing the contribution of the four chaperones to the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the larynx. Additionally, the data gleaned from this research hint at the potential of these four chaperones as valuable biomarkers, not only for diagnostic purposes but also for prognostication and ongoing patient monitoring. As our understanding of the molecular intricacies deepens, the prospect of targeted therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment strategies for laryngeal SCC becomes increasingly promising.

This descriptive article explores the use of smart devices for health and wellness in the context of telehealth, highlighting rapidly evolving technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Key innovations, benefits, challenges, and opportunities related to the adoption of these technologies are outlined. The article provides a descriptive and accessible approach to understanding the evolution and impact of smart devices in the tele-exercise reality. Nowadays, technological advances provide solutions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The habits of the general population have also changed over the past few years. Hence, there is a need to investigate this issue and draw the attention of the scientific community to this topic by describing the benefits and challenges associated with each topic. If individuals no longer go to exercise, the exercise must go to their homes instead.

AbstractPurpose: This article illustrates the replication of asthma and COPD conditions in a laboratory setting and the potential applications of this methodology.Introduction: Biologic drugs have been shown to enhance the treatment of severe asthma and COPD. Monoclonal antibodies against specific targets have dramatically changed the management of these conditions. Although the inflammatory pathways of asthma and COPD have already been clearly outlined, alternative mechanisms of action remain mostly unexplored. They could provide additional insights into these diseases and their clinical management.Aims: In vivo or in vitro models have thus been developed to test alternative hypotheses. This study describes sophisticated ex vivo models that mimic the response of human respiratory mucosa to disease triggers, aiming to narrow the gap between laboratory studies and clinical practice.Results: These models successfully replicate crucial aspects of these diseases, such as inflammatory cell presence, cytokine production, and changes in tissue structure, offering a dynamic platform for investigating disease processes and evaluating potential treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies. The proposed models have the potential to enhance personalized medicine approaches and patient-specific treatments, helping to advance the understanding and management of respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of tele-exercise as a response to the impact of technology on physical activity has opened up new possibilities for promoting physical health. By integrating innovative technologies and open-source platforms, tele-exercise encourages people to stay active. In our latest analysis, we delved into the scientific literature surrounding the use of tele-exercise technologies in training healthy individuals. After conducting an extensive search on the PubMed database using the keywords "tele-exercise" and "physical activity" (from 2020 to 2023), we identified 44 clinical trials that were applicable to tele-exercise, but less than 10% of them were aimed at healthy individuals, precisely 9.09% (four out of forty-four studies analyzed). Our review highlights the potential of tele-exercise to help maintain physical fitness and psychological well-being, especially when traditional fitness facilities are not an option. We also underscore the importance of interoperability, standardization, and the incorporation of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and neuroscience into the development of tele-exercise platforms. Nevertheless, despite these promising benefits, research has shown that there is still a significant gap in the knowledge concerning the definition and evaluation of training parameters for healthy individuals. As a result, we call for further research to establish evidence-based practices for tele-exercise in the healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Robotic neck dissection surgery allows less invasiveness to significantly improve the aesthetic impact even though it does not compromise the principles of radical cancer procedure. Objective The aim of our work is to describe our personal experience with robotic neck dissection surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted by analyzing 10 patients subjected to a robotic neck dissection surgery. In the period from August 2012 to December 2018, these patients have been treated exclusively with robotic lateral-cervical dissection. Five of them were subjected to robotic-assisted transaxillary neck dissection (RATAND) and the other 5 treated with robotic-assisted retroauricular neck dissection (RARAND), then the surgical results have been compared with 5 similar dissections performed by open neck dissection (OND). Results The average surgical time of RATAND was estimated in 166 minutes, the average surgical time of RARAND was estimated in 153 minutes and the average surgical time of OND was estimated in 48 minutes. Both robotic techniques are valid from the oncological and aesthetic point of view, but in terms of surgical time, they are much longer than the open technique. Conclusions In terms of the post-operative decree, in our opinion, the retroauricular technique is more rapid for the purposes of recovery.

The microbiome research field has rapidly evolved over the last few decades, becoming a major topic of scientific and public interest. The gut microbiota (GM) is the microbial population living in the gut. The GM has many functions, such as maintaining gut homeostasis and host health, providing defense against enteric pathogens, and involvement in immune system development. Several studies have shown that GM is implicated in dysbiosis and is presumed to contribute to neurodegeneration. This review focuses mainly on describing the connection between the intestinal microbiome alterations (dysbiosis) and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases to explore the mechanisms that link the GM to nervous system health, such as the gut-brain axis, as well as the mitochondrial, the adaptive humoral immunity, and the microvesicular pathways. The gut-brain communication depends on a continuous bidirectional flow of molecular signals exchanged through the neural and the systemic circulation. These pathways represent a possible new therapeutic target against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Progress in this context is desperately needed, considering the severity of most neurodegenerative diseases and the current lack of effective treatments.

In regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, the possibility to: (I) customize the shape and size of scaffolds, (II) develop highly mimicked tissues with a precise digital control, (III) manufacture complex structures and (IV) reduce the wastes related to the production process, are the main advantages of additive manufacturing technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. Specifically, this technique, which uses suitable hydrogel-based bioinks, enriched with cells and/or growth factors, has received significant consideration, especially in cartilage tissue engineering (CTE). In this field of interest, it may allow mimicking the complex native zonal hyaline cartilage organization by further enhancing its biological cues. However, there are still some limitations that need to be overcome before 3D bioprinting may be globally used for scaffolds’ development and their clinical translation. One of them is represented by the poor availability of appropriate, biocompatible and eco-friendly biomaterials, which should present a series of specific requirements to be used and transformed into a proper bioink for CTE. In this scenario, considering that, nowadays, the environmental decline is of the highest concerns worldwide, exploring naturally-derived hydrogels has attracted outstanding attention throughout the scientific community. For this reason, a comprehensive review of the naturally-derived hydrogels, commonly employed as bioinks in CTE, was carried out. In particular, the current state of art regarding eco-friendly and natural bioinks’ development for CTE was explored. Overall, this paper gives an overview of 3D bioprinting for CTE to guide future research towards the development of more reliable, customized, eco-friendly and innovative strategies for this field of interest.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) constitutes a noteworthy subset of head and neck cancers, contributing to about 4.5% of all malignancies. Its clinical behavior and characteristics exhibit variations contingent upon the specific anatomical site affected, with the glottis, supraglottis, and subglottis emerging as the most prevalent locations. Notably, squamous cell carcinoma represents a predominant histological type, accounting for 85% to 95% of all laryngeal cancers. The gender disparity is evident, with a higher incidence among males, exhibiting a ratio of 3.9:1. Moreover, disparities among racial groups are observed, as African American patients tend to manifest the condition at a younger age, coupled with lower overall survival rates compared to their Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian counterparts. The primary etiological factors implicated in the onset of laryngeal cancer are tobacco and alcohol consumption, with a direct correlation to the intensity and duration of usage. Importantly, the risk diminishes gradually following cessation, necessitating a substantial period of at least 15 years for a return to baseline rates. Given the diverse nature of laryngeal SCC, treatment modalities are tailored based on the specific site and stage of the disease. Therapeutic interventions, such as radiotherapy, transoral laser microsurgery, open horizontal partial laryngectomy, or total laryngectomy, are employed with the overarching goal of preserving organ function. This study delves into the intricate realm of laryngeal SCC, specifically exploring the involvement of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in disease progression. This research meticulously examines the expression levels of Hsp10, Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 in dysplastic and benign tissue samples extracted from the right vocal cord, utilizing immunohistochemistry analysis. The focal point of the investigation revolves around unraveling the intricate role of these molecular chaperones in tissue differentiation mechanisms and cellular homeostasis, particularly within the inflammatory milieu characteristic of the tumor phenotype. The findings from this study serve as a robust histopathological foundation, paving the way for more in-depth analyses of the underlying mechanisms governing the contribution of the four chaperones to the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the larynx. Additionally, the data gleaned from this research hint at the potential of these four chaperones as valuable biomarkers, not only for diagnostic purposes but also for prognostication and ongoing patient monitoring. As our understanding of the molecular intricacies deepens, the prospect of targeted therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment strategies for laryngeal SCC becomes increasingly promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epithelial–mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) is a morphofunctional entity involved in the maintenance of the homeostasis of airways as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The “muco-microbiotic layer” (MML) is the innermost layer of airways made by microbiota elements (bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi) and the surrounding mucous matrix. The MML homeostasis is also crucial for maintaining the healthy status of organs and its alteration is at the basis of airway disorders. Nanovesicles produced by EMTU and MML elements are probably the most important tool of communication among the different cell types, including inflammatory ones. How nanovesicles produced by EMTU and MML may affect the airway integrity, leading to the onset of asthma and COPD, as well as their putative use in therapy will be discussed here.

Background: Stomach diseases are an important sector of gastroenterology, including proliferative benign; premalignant; and malignant pathologies of the gastric mucosa, such as gastritis, hyperplastic polyps, metaplasia, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. There are data showing quantitative changes in chaperone system (CS) components in inflammatory pathologies and tumorigenesis, but their roles are poorly understood, and information pertaining to the stomach is scarce. Here, we report our findings on one CS component, the chaperone Hsp60, which we studied first considering its essential functions inside and outside mitochondria. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical experiments for Hsp60 in different samples of gastric mucosa. Results: The data obtained by quantitative analysis showed that the average percentages of Hsp60 were of 32.8 in normal mucosa; 33.5 in mild-to-moderate gastritis; 51.8 in severe gastritis; 58.5 in hyperplastic polyps; 67.0 in intestinal metaplasia; 89.4 in gastric dysplasia; and 92.5 in adenocarcinomas. Noteworthy were: (i) the difference between dysplasia and adenocarcinoma with the other pathologies; (ii) the progressive increase in Hsp60 from gastritis to hyperplastic polyp, gastric dysplasia, and gastric carcinoma; and (iii) the correlation of Hsp60 levels with histological patterns of cell proliferation and, especially, with tissue malignancy grades. Conclusions: This trend likely reflects the mounting need for cells for Hsp60 as they progress toward malignancy and is a useful indicator in differential diagnosis, as well as the call for research on the mechanisms underpinning the increase in Hsp60 and its possible roles in carcinogenesis.

Hsp60 is one of the most ancient and evolutionarily conserved members of the chaperoning system. It typically resides within mitochondria, in which it contributes to maintaining the organelle’s proteome integrity and homeostasis. In the last few years, it has been shown that Hsp60 also occurs in other locations, intracellularly and extracellularly, including cytosol, plasma-cell membrane, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Consequently, non-canonical functions and interacting partners of Hsp60 have been identified and it has been realized that it is a hub molecule in diverse networks and pathways and that it is implicated, directly or indirectly, in the development of various pathological conditions, the Hsp60 chaperonopathies. In this review, we will focus on the multi-faceted role of this chaperonin in human cancers, showing the contribution of intra- and extracellular Hsp60 in cancer development and progression, as well as the impact of miRNA-mediated regulation of Hsp60 in carcinogenesis. There are still various aspects of this intricate biological scenario that are poorly understood but ongoing research is steadily providing new insights and we will direct attention to them. For instance, we will highlight the possible applications of the Hsp60 involvement in carcinogenesis not only in diagnosis, but also in the development of specific anti-cancer therapies centered on the use of the chaperonin as therapeutic target or agent and depending on its role, pro- or anti-tumor.

Exosomal heat shock proteins (Hsps) are involved in intercellular communication both in physiological and pathological conditions. They play a role in key processes of carcinogenesis including immune system regulation, cell differentiation, vascular homeostasis and metastasis formation. Thus, exosomal Hsps are emerging biomarkers of malignancies and possible therapeutic targets. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are patients aged 15–39 years. This age group, placed between pediatric and adult oncology, pose a particular challenge for cancer management. New biomarkers of cancer growth and progression as well as prognostic factors are desperately needed in AYAs. In this review, we attempted to summarize the current knowledge on the role of exosomal Hsps in selected solid tumors characteristic for the AYA population and/or associated with poor prognosis in this age group. These included malignant melanoma, brain tumors, and breast, colorectal, thyroid, hepatocellular, lung and gynecological tract carcinomas. The studies on exosomal Hsps in these tumors are limited; however; some have provided promising results. Although further research is needed, there is potential for future clinical applications of exosomal Hsps in AYA cancers, both as novel biomarkers of disease presence, progression or relapse, or as therapeutic targets or tools for drug delivery.

Background: Eryptosis is a physiological, apoptosis-like death of injured erythrocytes crucial to prevent premature haemolysis and the pathological sequalae generated by cell-free haemoglobin. When dysregulated, the process is associated to several inflammatory-based pathologies. 4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) is an endogenous signalling molecule at physiological levels and, at higher concentrations, is involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory-based diseases. This work evaluated whether HNE could induce eryptosis in human erythrocytes. Methods: Measurements of phosphatidylserine, cell volume, intracellular oxidants, Ca++, glutathione, ICAM-1, and ceramide were assessed by flow cytometry. Scanning electron microscopy evaluated morphological alterations of erythrocytes. Western blotting assessed caspases. PGE2 was measured by ELISA. Adhesion of erythrocytes on endothelial cells was evaluated by gravity adherence assay. Results: HNE in the concentration range between 10–100 µM induces eryptosis, morphological alterations correlated to caspase-3 activation, and increased Ca++ levels. The process is not mediated by redox-dependent mechanisms; rather, it strongly depends on PGE2 and ceramide. Interestingly, HNE induces significant increase of erythrocytes adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) that are in turn dysfunctionated as evident by overexpression of ICAM-1. Conclusions: Our results unveil a new physiopathological role for HNE, provide mechanistic details of the HNE-induced eryptosis, and suggest a novel mechanism through which HNE could exert pro-inflammatory effects.

Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 are chaperones that play a crucial role in cellular homeostasis and differentiation, but they may be implicated in carcinogenesis. Follicular neoplasms of the thyroid include follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma. The former is a very frequent benign encapsulated nodule, whereas the other is a nodule that infiltrates the capsule, blood vessels and the adjacent parenchyma, with a tendency to metastasize. The main objective was to assess the potential of the Hsps in differential diagnosis and carcinogenesis. We quantified by immunohistochemistry Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 on thin sections of human thyroid tissue with follicular adenoma or follicular carcinoma, comparing the tumor with the adjacent peritumoral tissue. Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 were increased in follicular carcinoma compared to follicular adenoma, while Hsp27 showed no difference. Histochemical quantification of Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 allows diagnostic distinction between follicular adenoma and carcinoma, and between tumor and adjacent non-tumoral tissue. The quantitative variations of these chaperones in follicular carcinoma suggest their involvement in tumorigenesis, for instance in processes such as invasion of thyroid parenchyma and metastasization.

Dysbiosis has been associated with the onset of several chronic autoimmune or inflammatory pathologies (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases—IBD), because of its primary role in the establishment of a chronic inflammatory process leading to tissue damage. Inflammatory bowel diseases can even involve areas far away from the gut, such as the extraintestinal manifestations involving the oral cavity with the onset of aphthous-like ulcers (ALU). Studies carried out on animal models have shown that intestinal dysbiosis may be related to the development of autoimmune diseases, even if the mechanisms involved are not yet well known. The aim of this paper is to verify the hypothesis that in inflammatory bowel diseases patients, aphthous-like ulcers are the result of the concomitance of intestinal dysbiosis and other events, e.g., the microtraumas, occurring in the oral mucosa, and that ex adiuvantibus therapy with probiotics can be employed to modify the natural course of the aphthous-like ulcers.

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies have demonstrated important links between air pollution and asthma. Amongst these pollutants, environmental cigarette smoke is a risk factor both for asthma pathogenesis and exacerbation. As the barrier to the inhaled environment, the bronchial epithelium is a key structure that is exposed to cigarette smoke.ObjectivesSince primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from asthmatic donors are more susceptible to oxidant-induced apoptosis, we hypothesized that they would be susceptible to cigarette smoke-induced cell death.MethodsPBECs from normal and asthmatic donors were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE); cell survival and apoptosis were assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and protective effects of antioxidants evaluated. The mechanism of cell death was evaluated using caspase inhibitors and immunofluorescent staining for apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF).ResultsExposure of PBEC cultures to CSE resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cell death. At 20% CSE, PBECs from asthmatic donors exhibited significantly more apoptosis than cells from non-asthmatic controls. Reduced glutathione (GSH), but not ascorbic acid (AA), protected against CSE-induced apoptosis. To investigate mechanisms of CSE-induced apoptosis, caspase-3 or -9 inhibitors were tested, but these failed to prevent apoptosis; in contrast, CSE promoted nuclear translocation of AIF from the mitochondria. GSH reduced the number of nuclear-AIF positive cells whereas AA was ineffective.ConclusionOur results show that PBECs from asthmatic donors are more susceptible to CSE-induced apoptosis. This response involves AIF, which has been implicated in DNA damage and ROS-mediated cell-death. Epithelial susceptibility to CSE may contribute to the impact of environmental tobacco smoke in asthma.