Identification of a novel PPARβ/δ/miR-21-3p axis in UV-induced skin inflammation.

Although excessive exposure to UV is widely recognized as a major factor leading to skin perturbations and cancer, the complex mechanisms underlying inflammatory skin disorders resulting from UV exposure remain incompletely characterized. The nuclear hormone receptor PPARβ/δ is known to control mouse cutaneous repair and UV-induced skin cancer development. Here, we describe a novel PPARβ/δ-dependent molecular cascade involving TGFβ1 and miR-21-3p, which is activated in the epidermis in response to UV exposure. We establish that the passenger miRNA miR-21-3p, that we identify as a novel UV-induced miRNA in the epidermis, plays a pro-inflammatory function in keratinocytes and that its high level of expression in human skin is associated with psoriasis and squamous cell carcinomas. Finally, we provide evidence that inhibition of miR-21-3p reduces UV-induced cutaneous inflammation in ex vivo human skin biopsies, thereby underlining the clinical relevance of miRNA-based topical therapies for cutaneous disorders

Pseudogenes in metazoa: Origin and features

The complete genome sequences with their annotations are a considerable resource in biology, particularly in understanding the global structure of the genetic material at the molecular level. The reason why some eukaryotic genomes contain large quantities of apparently unnecessary DNA, namely pseudogenes, while others seem to invest in more efficient thinning processes or are equipped with protection systems against parasitic elements still remains a mystery. Several genome-wide surveys have been undertaken to identify pseudogenes in the completely sequenced genome, bringing to light some differences both in their amount and distribution. Since pseudogenes are important resources in evolutionary and comparative genomics — as ‘molecular fossils’ — in this paper, a survey on the origins, features, abundance and localisation of the different pseudogenes is reported. As an example of genes producing processed pseudogenes, some experimental data obtained in the authors’ laboratories from the study of a nuclear gene coding for the mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, are also reported

A Virtual Reality Application for Stress Reduction: Design and First Implementation of ERMES Project

Recent studies have shown how Virtual Reality is one of the most effective innovative means for acting on the psychological well-being of patients with different health problems, in situations of isolation, burnout, and under high-stress levels. This paper presents the current state of work on the development of the ERMES project, which involves the creation of immersive, interactive virtual scenarios with the possibility of performing several individuals and participatory therapeutic activities through the use of Virtual Reality, promoting the psychological and physical well-being of patients in hospital wards. In particular, it aimed at providing patients with a tool that allows them to reduce stress levels, by practicing Mindfulness sessions, virtual museum exploration, and Art Therapy activities, with the possibility of safely sharing the experience with other patients.KeywordsVirtual RealityMindfulnessArt TherapyWell-beingVirtual Museu

Trophism and Homeostasis of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Graft Cells during Preservation, with and without Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the homeostasis and trophism of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in vivo in different stages of liver graft donation, in order to understand the effects of graft ischemia and perfusion on LSEC activity in liver grafts. Special attention was paid to grafts that underwent hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE). Forty-seven donors were prospectively enrolled, and two distinct biopsies were performed in each case: one allocation biopsy (at the stage of organ allocation) and one post-perfusion biopsy, performed after graft implant in the recipients. In all biopsies, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analyses were carried out for the endothelial markers CD34, ERG, Nestin, and VEGFR-2. We observed an increase in CD34 immunoreactivity in LSEC during the whole preservation/perfusion period (p < 0.001). Nestin and ERG expression was low in allocation biopsies, but increased in post-perfusion biopsies, in both immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR (p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between ERG positivity and donor age. Our results indicate that LSEC trophism is severely depressed in liver grafts, but it is restored after reperfusion in standard conditions. The execution of HOPE seems to improve this recovery, confirming the effectiveness of this machine perfusion technique in restoring endothelial functions

Role of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with isolated anomalies of the corpus callosum: a multinational study

To assess the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting associated anomalies in fetuses presenting with isolated corpus callosum (CC) anomalies at multiplanar ultrasound (US) evaluation of fetal brain (neurosonography)