Synaptic interactions between perifornical lateral hypothalamic area, locus coeruleus nucleus and the oral pontine reticular nucleus are implicated in the stage succession during sleep-wakefulness cycle

This Document is Protected by copyright and was first published by Frontiers. All rights reserved. it is reproduced with permissionThe perifornical area in the posterior lateral hypothalamus (PeFLH) has been implicated in several physiological functions including the sleep-wakefulness regulation. The PeFLH area contains several cell types including those expressing orexins (Orx; also known as hypocretins), mainly located in the PeF nucleus. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the synaptic interactions between Orx neurons located in the PeFLH area and different brainstem neurons involved in the generation of wakefulness and sleep stages such as the locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus (contributing to wakefulness) and the oral pontine reticular nucleus (PnO) nucleus (contributing to REM sleep). Anatomical data demonstrated the existence of a neuronal network involving the PeFLH area, LC, and the PnO nuclei that would control the sleep-wake cycle. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that PeFLH area had an excitatory effect on LC neurons. PeFLH stimulation increased the firing rate of LC neurons and induced an activation of the EEG. The excitatory effect evoked by PeFLH stimulation in LC neurons was blocked by the injection of the Orx-1 receptor antagonist SB-334867 into the LC. Similar electrical stimulation of the PeFLH area evoked an inhibition of PnO neurons by activation of GABAergic receptors because the effect was blocked by bicuculline application into the PnO. Our data also revealed that the LC and PnO nuclei exerted a feedback control on neuronal activity of PeFLH area. Electrical stimulation of LC facilitated firing activity of PeFLH neurons by activation of catecholaminergic receptors whereas PnO stimulation inhibited PeFLH neurons by activation of GABAergic receptors. In conclusion, Orx neurons of the PeFLH area seem to be an important organizer of the wakefulness and sleep stages in order to maintain a normal succession of stages during the sleep-wakefulness cycl

Patterning soft matter for cell culturing

In the search to understand the interaction between cells and their underlying substrates, life sciences are beginning to incorporate micro and nano-technology based tools to probe, measure and improve cellular behavior. In this frame, patterned surfaces provide a platform for highly defined cellular interactions and, in perspective, they offer unique advantages for artificial implants. For these reasons, functionalized materials have recently become a central topic in tissue engineering. Nanotechnology, with its rich toolbox of techniques, can be the leading actor in the materials patterning field. Laser assisted methods, conventional and un-conventional lithography and other patterning techniques, allow the fabrication of functional supports with tunable properties, either physically, or topographically and chemically. Among them, soft lithography provides an effective (and low cost) strategy for manufacturing micro and nanostructures. The main focus of this work is the use of different fabrication approaches aiming at a precise control of cell behavior, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, through chemically and spatially designed surfaces

Correction: Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing

Correction for 'Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing' by Mirko Maturi et al., Green Chem., 2020, 22, 6212–6224, DOI: 10.1039/D0GC01983F

Evaluation of Ki-67 expression in feline non-ocular melanocytic tumours

Fifty tumours located in skin (n = 33) and mucosae (n = 17) were included. Forty-eight percent and 95% of amelanotic tumours (n = 21) stained positive for Melan A and S100, respectively. Most achromic tumours were mucosal (P  5, Ki-67 > 20% and lack of treatment administration. On multivariable analysis, only tumour histotype and treatment retained prognostic significance. Conclusions Although the majority of feline NOMs behave aggressively, Ki-67 index, together with other parameters, may contribute to prognostic assessment. Prospective studies on homogeneous populations are warranted to identify reliable threshold values for this marker

Loco-regional treatment with temozolomide-loaded thermogels prevents glioblastoma recurrences in orthotopic human xenograft models

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system and the diagnosis is often dismal. GBM pharmacological treatment is strongly limited by its intracranial location beyond the blood–brain barrier (BBB). While Temozolomide (TMZ) exhibits the best clinical performance, still less than 20% crosses the BBB, therefore requiring administration of very high doses with resulting unnecessary systemic side efects. Here, we aimed at designing new negative temperature‐responsive gel formulations able to locally release TMZ beyond the BBB. The biocompatibility of a chitosan‐β‐glycerophosphate‐based thermogel (THG)‐containing mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (THG@SiO2) or polycaprolactone microparticles (THG@PCL) was ascertained in vitro and in vivo by cell counting and histological examination. Next, we loaded TMZ into such matrices (THG@SiO2‐TMZ and THG@PCL‐TMZ) and tested their therapeutic potential both in vitro and in vivo, in a glioblastoma resection and recurrence mouse model based on orthotopic growth of human cancer cells. The two newly designed anticancer formulations, consisting in TMZ‐silica (SiO2@TMZ) dispersed in the thermogel matrix (THG@SiO2‐TMZ) and TMZ, spray‐dried on PLC and incorporated into the thermogel (THG@PCL‐TMZ), induced cell death in vitro. When applied intracranially to a resected U87‐MG‐Red‐FLuc human GBM model, THG@SiO2‐TMZ and THG@PCL‐ TMZ caused a signifcant reduction in the growth of tumor recurrences, when compared to untreated controls. THG@SiO2‐TMZ and THG@PCL‐TMZ are therefore new promising gel‐based local therapy candidates for the treatment of GBM

Early diagnosis of bladder cancer by photoacoustic imaging of tumor-targeted gold nanorods

Detection and removal of bladder cancer lesions at an early stage is crucial for preventing tumor relapse and progression. This study aimed to develop a new technological platform for the visualization of small and flat urothelial lesions of high-grade bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS). We found that the integrin alpha 581, overexpressed in bladder cancer cell lines, murine orthotopic bladder cancer and human bladder CIS, can be exploited as a receptor for targeted delivery of GNRs functionalized with the cyclic CphgisoDGRG peptide (Iso4). The GNRs@Chit-Iso4 was stable in urine and selectively recognized alpha 581 positive neoplastic urothelium, while low frequency ultrasound-assisted shaking of intravesically instilled GNRs@Chit-Iso4 allowed the distribution of nanoparticles across the entire volume of the bladder. Photoacoustic imaging of GNRs@Chit-Iso4 bound to tumor cells allowed for the detection of neoplastic lesions smaller than 0.5 mm that were undetectable by ultrasound imaging and bioluminescence

The effects of psychoeducational family intervention on coping strategies of relatives of patients with bipolar i disorder: Results from a controlled, real-world, multicentric study

Background: Psychoeducational family intervention (PFI) has been proven to be effective in improving the levels of family burden and patients\u2019 personal functioning in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders (BDs). Less is known about the impact of PFI on relatives\u2019 coping strategies in BD. Methods: A multicenter, controlled, outpatient trial funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and coordinated by the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Campania \u201cLuigi Vanvitelli\u201d has been conducted in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD-I) and their key relatives consecutively recruited in 11 randomly selected Italian community mental health centers. We aim to test the hypothesis that PFI improves problem-oriented coping strategies in relatives of BD-I patients compared to the Treatment As Usual (TAU) group. Results: The final sample was constituted of 123 patients and 139 relatives. At baseline assessment (T0), the vast majority of relatives already adopted problem-oriented coping strategies more frequently than the emotion-focused ones. At the end of the intervention, relatives receiving PFI reported a higher endorsement of adaptive coping strategies, such as \u201cmaintenance of social interests\u201d (odds ratio [OR]=0.309, CI=0.04\u20130.57; p=0.023), \u201cpositive communication with the patient\u201d (OR=0.295, CI=0.13\u20130.46; p=0.001), and \u201csearching for information\u201d (OR=0.443, CI=0.12\u20130.76; p=0.007), compared to TAU relatives, after controlling for several confounders. As regards the emotion-focused coping strategies, relatives receiving the experimental intervention less frequently reported to adopt \u201cresignation\u201d (OR=-0.380, CI=-0.68 to -0.08; p=0.014) and \u201ccoercion\u201d (OR=-0.268, CI=-0.46 to -0.08; p=0.006) strategies, compared to TAU relatives. Conclusion: PFI is effective in improving the adaptive coping strategies of relatives of BD-I patients, but further studies are needed for evaluating the long-term benefits of this intervention

The role of cognitive reserve and clinical symptoms in the association between genetic liability for educational attainment and functioning in first-episode psychosis: a mediation analysis

Background: Polygenic risk scores for educational attainment (PRSEA), cognitive reserve (CR), and clinical symptoms are associated with psychosocial functioning in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying their complex interaction is yet to be explored. This study aimed to assess the mediating role of CR and clinical symptoms, both negative (NS) and positive (PS), on the interrelationship between PRSEA and functionality, one year after a FEP.Methods: A total of 162 FEP patients underwent clinical, functional, and genetic assessments. Using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary results, PRSEA were constructed for each individual. Two mediation models were explored. The parallel mediation model explored the relationship of PRSEA with functionality through CR and clinical symptoms, NS, and PS. The serial mediation model tested a causal chain of the three mediators: CR, NS and PS. Mediation analysis was performed using the PROCESS function V.4.1 in SPSS V.22.Results: A serial mediation model revealed a causal chain for PRSEA > CR > NS > Functionality (β=-0.35, 95%CI [-0.85, -0.04], pConclusions: Both CR and NS mediate the relationship between PRSEA and functionality at one-year follow-up, using serial mediation analysis. This may be relevant for prevention and personalized early intervention to reduce illness impact and improve functional outcomes in FEP patients.</p

Conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: patient awareness and needs. results from an online survey in Italy and Germany

Background: Few studies have investigated the experiences of patients around the conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). ManTra is a mixed-method, co-production research project conducted in Italy and Germany to develop an intervention for newly-diagnosed SPMS patients. In previous project actions, we identified the needs and experiences of patients converting to SPMS via literature review and qualitative research which involved key stakeholders.Aims: The online patient survey aimed to assess, on a larger and independent sample of recently-diagnosed SPMS patients: (a) the characteristics associated to patient awareness of SPMS conversion; (b) the experience of conversion; (c) importance and prioritization of the needs previously identified.Methods: Participants were consenting adults with SPMS since &lt;= 5 years. The survey consisted of three sections: on general and clinical characteristics; on experience of SPMS diagnosis disclosure (aware participants only); and on importance and prioritization of 33 pre-specified needs.Results: Of 215 participants, those aware of their SPMS diagnosis were 57% in Italy vs. 77% in Germany (p = 0.004). In both countries, over 80% of aware participants received a SPMS diagnosis from the neurologist; satisfaction with SPMS disclosure was moderate to high. Nevertheless, 28-35% obtained second opinions, and 48-56% reported they did not receive any information on SPMS. Participants actively seeking further information were 63% in Germany vs. 31% in Italy (p &lt; 0.001).Variables independently associated to patient awareness were geographic area (odds ratio, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.78 for Central Italy; OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.58 for Southern Italy [vs. Germany]) and activity limitations (OR 7.80, 95% CI 1.47-41.37 for dependent vs. autonomous patients).All pre-specified needs were scored a lot or extremely important, and two prioritized needs were shared by Italian and German patients: "physiotherapy" and "active patient care involvement." The other two differed across countries: "an individualized health care plan" and "information on social rights and policies" in Italy, and "psychological support" and "cognitive rehabilitation" in Germany.Conclusions: Around 40% of SPMS patients were not aware of their disease form indicating a need to improve patient-physician communication. Physiotherapy and active patient care involvement were prioritized in both countries

Negative symptoms and sex differences in first episode schizophrenia: What's their role in the functional outcome? A longitudinal study

Introduction: Negative symptoms (NS) include asociality, avolition, anhedonia, alogia, and blunted affect and are linked to poor prognosis. It has been suggested that they reflect two different factors: diminished expression (EXP) (blunted affect and alogia) and amotivation/pleasure (MAP) (anhedonia, avolition, asociality). The aim of this article was to examine potential sex differences among first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and analyze sex-related predictors of two NS symptoms factors (EXP and MAP) and functional outcome. Material and methods: Two hundred and twenty-three FES (71 females and 152 males) were included and evaluated at baseline, six-months and one-year. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the effects of time and sex on NS and a multiple linear regression backward elimination was performed to predict NS factors (MAP-EXP) and functioning. Results: Females showed fewer NS (p = 0.031; Cohen's d = −0.312), especially those related to EXP (p = 0.024; Cohen's d = −0.326) rather than MAP (p = 0.086), than males. In both male and female group, worse premorbid adjustment and higher depressive symptoms made a significant contribution to the presence of higher deficits in EXP at one-year follow-up, while positive and depressive symptoms predicted alterations in MAP. Finally, in females, lower deficits in MAP and better premorbid adjustment predicted better functioning at one-year follow-up (R2 = 0.494; p < 0.001), while only higher deficits in MAP predicted worse functioning in males (R2 = 0.088; p = 0.012). Conclusions: Slightly sex differences have been found in this study. Our results lead us to consider that early interventions of NS, especially those focusing on motivation and pleasure symptoms, could improve functional outcomes