Nonequilibrium electron energy distribution in Au under subpicosecond laser irradiation: A kinetic study

We have performed a kinetic study of the electron dynamic relaxation inside a Au film subjected to a subpicosecond laser pulse. For this purpose, we have developed a time-dependent numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation for the electrons inside the film considering the collision integrals due to electron–electron and electron–phonon collisions and a perturbation term due to the laser pulse. Our results show that, after the pulse excitation, electron distributions are very far from equilibrium. Therefore it is not possible, especially in the first part of the temporal evolution, to describe the relaxation of the electron distribution through a two-temperature model

The pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Understanding the pathophysiogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) largely rests on the use of modelsof status epilepticus (SE), as in the case of the pilocarpine model. The main features of TLE are: (i) epilepticfoci in the limbic system; (ii) an “initial precipitating injury”; (iii) the so-called “latent period”; and (iv)the presence of hippocampal sclerosis leading to reorganization of neuronal networks. Many of thesecharacteristics can be reproduced in rodents by systemic injection of pilocarpine; in this animal model, SEis followed by a latent period and later by the appearance of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs). Theseprocesses are, however, influenced by experimental conditions such as rodent species, strain, gender, age,doses and routes of pilocarpine administration, as well as combinations with other drugs administeredbefore and/or after SE. In the attempt to limit these sources of variability,we evaluated themethodologicalprocedures used by several investigators in the pilocarpine model; in particular, we have focused on thebehavioural, electrophysiological and histopathological findings obtained with different protocols. Weaddressed the various experimental approaches published to date, by comparing mortality rates, onset ofSRSs, neuronal damage, and network reorganization. Based on the evidence reviewed here, we proposethat the pilocarpine model can be a valuable tool to investigate the mechanisms involved in TLE, and evenmore so when standardized to reduce mortality at the time of pilocarpine injection, differences in latentperiod duration, variability in the lesion extent, and SRS frequency

Octreotide therapy in a patient with lung microcytoma

We report the case of a 51-year-old woman with limited Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Cytological diagnosis has been made by fibroscopy. Chemotherapy schedule was cisplatin 30 mg/mq and VP-16 100 mg/mq days 1,2,3 q21 as first line treatment. The serum levels of cromogranine A and NSE (Neuron-Specific Enolase) were higher than normal; for this reason we prescribed, together with chemotherapy, octreotide LAR 30 mg every 28 days. Associated toxicity was easily manageable. Subsequent thoracic and panencefalic prophylactic radiotherapy improved tumour response and quality of life. We continued octreotide LAR 30 mg every 28 days even after the end of chemotherapy, as a maintenance therapy, checking periodically serum levels of NSE and cromogranine A. No side effects were observed

Nutraceuticals and cardiovascular risk: potential role of EPCs modulation

According to WHO cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the first cause of death in the world: more people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause. Vascular endothelium plays a pivotal role in the onset and the progression of these pathologies and cardiovascular risk factors are frequently associated to the levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), bone marrow-derived circulating progenitors for the endothelial lineage. Since EPCs not only preserve vascular endothelium homeostasis, but directly participate to re-endothelization and neovascularization, these cells represent an emerging actor in vascular competence and thus a cell model of great interest. An unhealthy diet is one of the main cardiovascular risk factor; there is indeed a great interest in the potential protective effects of "nutraceuticals,", food-derived compounds that exert beneficial effects on human and animal health. The characterization of the endothelial effects of different nutraceuticals may provide fresh insights into their potential role in CVDs prevention. Several studies have already showed the protective effects of natural antioxidants on EPCs levels and functionality; some examples are resveratrol, catechin and folic acid. Fermentation has recently shown interesting roles in cardiovascular prevention since this process created a new class of food, rich in bioactive compounds, the fermented food. Consumption of fermented legumes and cereals, but also fermented beverages (such as beer and wine) was found to protect endothelial function through lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms. Little is known about the effects of fermentation-derived nutraceuticals on EPCs and given the important role of this cardiovascular biomarker, further analysis in this field can improve CVDs prevention and treatment

Selective changes in inhibition as determinants for limited hyperexcitability in the insular cortex of epileptic rats

The insular cortex (IC) is involved in the generalization of epileptic discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), while seizures originating in IC can mimic the epileptic phenotype seen in some TLE patients. Few studies have however addressed the changes occurring in the IC in TLE animal models. Here, we analyzed the immunohistochemical and electrophysiological properties of IC networks in non-epileptic control and pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats. Neurons identified with a neuron-specific nuclear protein antibody showed similar counts in the two types of tissue but parvalbumin- and neuropeptide Y-positive interneurons were significantly decreased (parvalbumin, approx. -35%; neuropeptide Y, approx. -38%; P<0.01) in the epileptic IC. Non-adapting neurons were more frequently seen in the epileptic IC during intracellular injection of depolarizing current pulses. In addition, single-shock electrical stimuli elicited network-driven epileptiform responses in 87% of epileptic and in 22% of non-epileptic control neurons (P<0.01) but spontaneous postsynaptic potentials had similar amplitude, duration and intervals of occurrence in the two groups. Finally, pharmacologically isolated, GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials had more negative reversal potential (P<0.01) and higher peak conductance (P<0.05) in epileptic tissue. These data reveal moderate increased network excitability in the IC of pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats. We propose that such limited degree of hyperexcitability originates from loss of parvalbumin- and neuropeptide Y-positive interneurons that is compensated by an increased drive for GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition

LPS Challenge Regulates Gene Expression and Tissue Localization of a Ciona intestinalis Gene through an Alternative Polyadenylation Mechanism

subtractive hybridization strategy for the identification of differentially expressed genes was performed between LPSchallenged and naive Ciona intestinalis. This strategy allowed the characterization of two transcripts (Ci8short and Ci8long) generated by the use of two Alternative Polyadenylation sites. The Ci8long transcript contains a protein domain with relevant homology to several components of the Receptor Transporting Protein (RTP) family not present in the Ci8short mRNA. By means of Real Time PCR and Northern Blot, the Ci8short and Ci8long transcripts showed a different pattern of gene expression with the Ci8short mRNA being strongly activated after LPS injection in the pharynx. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that the activation of the APA site also influenced the tissue localization of the Ci8short transcript. This analysis showed that the Ci8long mRNA was expressed in hemocytes meanwhile the Ci8short mRNA was highly transcribed also in vessel endothelial cells and in the epithelium of pharynx. These findings demonstrated that regulation of gene expression based on different polyadenylation sites is an ancestral powerful strategy influencing both the level of expression and tissue distribution of alternative transcripts

Long-term efficacy and safety profile of multiple injections of intravitreal dexamethasone implant to manage diabetic macular edema: A systematic review of real-world studies

Introduction: Systematic review of real-world studies about repeated dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEXi) 0.7 mg in diabetic macular edema management, in order to identify the effective window of time occurring between injections, the critical evaluation of efficacy of the treatment, and the relative long-term safety in the real life setting. Methods: Literature databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were used to identify reports including DEX implant injections. Results: Twenty-one peer-reviewed publications were identified. DEX implants retreatment was considered on a pro re nata (PRN) basis at any time or starting from month three or four. About 1/3 of the eyes were retreated before six months from first injection (range 0–86.7%). Mean retreatment average time was 5.3 ± 0.9 months, with an estimated average of 1.3 injections each six months. There was no statistical correlation between average retreatment time and incidence of adverse events or other variables investigated. Limited safety issues related to implants number have been found, suggesting an overall good tolerance of long-term DEXi. Conclusions: Comprehensive evaluation of real-world data suggests an average DEXi duration close to five months, following a PRN treatment strategy, including about 1/3 of patients. Repeated DEXi administration revealed an acceptable long-term efficacy/safety ratio. Keywords: Diabetic macular edema, Dexamethasone, Intravitreal implant, Systematic review, Ocular drug deliver

Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas

Central nervous system diseases involving the parenchymal microvessels are frequently associated with a 'microvasculopathy', which includes different levels of neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, including blood-brain barrier alterations. To contribute to the understanding of NVU responses to pathological noxae, we have focused on one of its cellular components, the microvascular pericytes, highlighting unique features of brain pericytes with the aid of the analyses carried out during vascularization of human developing neocortex and in human gliomas. Thanks to their position, centred within the endothelial/glial partition of the vessel basal lamina and therefore inserted between endothelial cells and the perivascular and vessel-associated components (astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)/NG2-glia, microglia, macrophages, nerve terminals), pericytes fulfil a central role within the microvessel NVU. Indeed, at this critical site, pericytes have a number of direct and extracellular matrix molecule- and soluble factor-mediated functions, displaying marked phenotypical and functional heterogeneity and carrying out multitasking services. This pericytes heterogeneity is primarily linked to their position in specific tissue and organ microenvironments and, most importantly, to their ontogeny. During ontogenesis, pericyte subtypes belong to two main embryonic germ layers, mesoderm and (neuro)ectoderm, and are therefore expected to be found in organs ontogenetically different, nonetheless, pericytes of different origin may converge and colonize neighbouring areas of the same organ/apparatus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the unusual roles played by forebrain pericytes in the processes of angiogenesis and barriergenesis by virtue of their origin from midbrain neural crest stem cells. A better knowledge of the ontogenetic subpopulations may support the understanding of specific interactions and mechanisms involved in pericyte function/dysfunction, including normal and pathological angiogenesis, thereby offering an alternative perspective on cell subtype-specific therapeutic approaches

Usefulness and role of magnetic resonance imaging in a case of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

AbstractComplete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is an X-linked, recessive disorder caused by mutations of the androgen receptor (AR), in which genetic males (46,XY) show female external genitalia. Individuals with CAIS have mostly normal external genitalia, lack of Müllerian structures (Fallopian tubes, uterus, proximal portion of the vagina) and undescended testes (intra-abdominal, inguinal, or labial). Management and diagnosis of CAIS should be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of experts in sexual development disorders. Gonadectomy represents a standard therapeutic choice to prevent testicular malignancy in the prepubertal period, with subsequent hormonal replacement therapy, or in late adolescence, after completion of pubertal development. Imaging examinations play a pivotal role in the diagnosis, assessment, and detection of the gonads before surgical treatments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard to diagnose and locate the gonads, and to plan laparoscopic gonadectomy and gonadic surveillance, in particular in the increasingly large number of patients who decide to delay or ultimately not to undergo gonadectomy. We present a case of a 14-year-old female with primary amenorrhea