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Introduction to the proceedings of the Workshop on Topology and Topological Groups (WTTG2023) held at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg (South Africa) on the 16th and 17th of November 2023
No full textWe illustrate briefly the nature of the scientific contributions, which appear in the proceedings of WTTG2023 held at AIMS in Muizenberg (South Africa) on the 16th and 17th of November 2023. We also mention the history of this series of meetings and the motivations for the interactions between Topological Group Theory and other branches of mathematics; the connections with Lie Theory and Topological Algebra characterized WTTG2023. Finally, we survey the relevance of the supporting institutions and the role of their corresponding projects in the academic formation of young researchers within the initiatives of WTTG2023 (and its past editions in 2021 and 2017)
Editorial Board, Molecules section "Inorganic Chemistry". In MOLECULES
No full textThe Inorganic Section of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) covers all fundamental and applied aspects of inorganic chemistry on discrete and condensed matter inorganic compounds and materials. Coverage includes studies on the synthesis of new compounds and materials, the characterization of their structures by experimental and theoretical means, and the exploration of their chemical and physical properties, as well as applications. Studies aimed at establishing the structure–property relationships in known compounds and materials are also important subjects covered in the Inorganic Section. Publications in this section will include original and innovative studies and applications that will enrich knowledge of inorganic chemistry in the form of full-length articles, communications of current interest, and review articles on topics of emerging interest from leading scientists. Special Issues on hot topics will also be published in the Inorganic Section. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Synthesis of inorganic and organic/inorganic hybrid compounds; Studies of mixed-valence compounds; Molten-salt-mediated and hydrothermal-reaction methods; Studies of rare-earth compounds and their properties; Development of nanomaterials and semiconductor materials; Photocatalysts for hydrogen production and photo-oxidation; Synthesis of nanoporous materials and composites; Inorganic biomaterials composites for energy applications; Studies of optical and magnetic compounds and materials; Studies of superconducting, multiferroic and thermoelectric materials; Investigation of linear and nonlinear optical properties; Theoretical and computational studies of structure–property relationships
Pharmacological Mechanism and Drug Research Prospects of Ginsenoside Rb1 as an Antidepressant
No full textThis review explores the antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rb1, a natural compound in traditional Chinese medicine, and its potential for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). The aetiology of depression was reviewed up to 2024, focusing on the pathways and mechanisms through which ginsenoside Rb1 may exert its effects. Notably, ginsenoside Rb1 regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory processes while enhancing neural plasticity by downregulating miR-134 expression and alleviating depressive symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants that act on a single target, ginsenoside Rb1 interacts with multiple pathways, reflecting its potential for broader therapeutic application. To compensate for the current deficiency in animal experiments, clinical data, and research on the side effects of ginsenoside Rb1 in the treatment of depression, we reviewed some clinical data on the use of this component in the treatment of other diseases to explore its relevance to depression. Ginsenoside Rb1 is expected to serve as a novel antidepressant or as a complementary component in combination with other antidepressant compounds. However, further clinical trials and molecular studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and potential side effects
Assessment of the N-alkylamides Content and Volatile Profiles in Two Cultivars of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen Grown in Aquaponics
No full textAcmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, also called jambù, is a medicinal and aromatic plant native to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and phytochemically characterized by N-alkylamides with spilanthol as the main active compound. Jambù recently attracted the interest of many companies because of its wide range of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. In this context, it is desirable to identify eco-friendly cultivation methods that not only minimize the environmental footprint but also support the biosynthesis of the plant’s valuable bioactive compounds. The zero-discharge approach of aquaponics makes this growing system an eco-friendly and sustainable production strategy for crops. Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on two jambù cultivars, i.e., cv ‘purple’ and cv ‘yellow’, grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems. The objective was to compare their contents of N-alkylamides, their numbers of capitula, which are the main source of these bioactives, and their volatile profiles. The results highlighted differences between the two cultivars and among plants harvested at different periods. Interestingly, aquaponics yielded plants with a high N-alkylamide content, which was comparable to that obtained with hydroponics. Overall, this study highlighted the feasibility of adopting aquaponics to grow A. oleracea, paving the way for circular economy-based and sustainable agricultural practices
Sleep Quality and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Advanced Technological Devices
No full textIntroduction/Aim: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) challenges glycemic control, with sleep disturbances affecting insulin sensitivity and glucose variability. This study aimed to observe sleep quality in T1D patients and glycemic outcomes, particularly at bedtime hours. Methods: This retrospective observational study, conducted at an Italian clinical center, included T1D patients using Medtronic devices. Sleep quality was assessed using the Italian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and glycemic outcomes were analyzed with CGM data. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were applied for statistical comparisons. Results: Of 45 patients, four were excluded, leaving 41 for analysis. The mean PSQI score was 6.0 ± 4.1, with 36.6% showing poor sleep quality. No significant differences in age, sex, BMI, or diabetes duration were found. Poor sleepers had a higher time above range level 2 (TAR2) (6.3 ± 6.2%) compared to good sleepers (4.1 ± 5.0%). During bedtime hours, poor sleepers showed a significantly higher TAR2 (6.7 ± 7.2% vs. 3.3 ± 6.2%, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is associated with increased nocturnal hyperglycemia in T1D patients. Enhancing sleep quality may contribute to improved glycemic control, particularly during nighttime. Future research should explore targeted sleep interventions in diabetes care, and specific lifestyle-based healthcare programs are recommended to optimize glycemic outcomes
Cross-species transcriptome-wide meta-analysis of anterior cruciate ligament rupture
Full text linkBackground: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) plays a critical role in maintaining the musculoskeletal stability of the knee. Its injury has been linked to an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. This study aims to identify cross-species responses to ACL rupture providing insights on its molecular basis. We analyzed five publicly available transcriptomic datasets from Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Canis lupus familiaris, and Oryctolagus cuniculus. Differential gene expression analysis was performed for each dataset, producing a genome-wide transcriptional signature of fold-change significance for individual genes. Stouffer’s method was used to integrate the results, identifying genes significantly deregulated across all species. Additionally, gene-set enrichment analysis revealed pathways that were consistently upregulated or downregulated. Results: A positive correlation in expression was observed between human and the other three species (r2 = 0.177–0.305, p-value ≤ 2.7 × 10− 113), identifying 210 genes as the most consistently up- and down-regulated in response to ACL rupture (p-adjusted ≤ 1.27 × 10− 23). These genes are primarily involved in cellular mitosis, collagen pathways, and cartilage development. Furthermore, 60 pathways were found to be significantly up- or down-regulated across all species (p-adjusted ≤ 4.57 × 10− 4). Among these, the upregulation of inhibition of bone mineralization (p-adjusted ≤ 2.99 × 10− 6) aligns with previous findings on the reduction of subchondral bone mineral density following ACL rupture. Conclusions: This study highlights that distinct species exhibit common molecular responses to ACL rupture, underscoring the value of mice, dogs, and rabbits as potential translational model organisms for ACL rupture research. Furthermore, the identified genes and pathways highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying ACL rupture
Localized Cancer Treatment Using Thiol-Ene Hydrogels for Dual Drug Delivery
No full textCombinatorial cancer therapy benefits from injectable hydrogels for localized, controlled drug delivery. This study presents a thiol-ene conjugated hydrogel formed by cross-linking thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (HASH) with vinyl sulfone-modified beta-cyclodextrin (CDVS). Four formulations (23Gel-16, 23Gel-33, 99Gel-16, 99Gel-33) were synthesized by varying HASH molecular weight (23 or 99 kDa) and CDVS modification (16% or 33%). Rheological analysis confirmed enhanced viscoelasticity with increasing molecular weight and modification (99Gel-33 > 99Gel-16 > 23Gel-33 > 23Gel-16). The system enabled combinatorial delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and carvacrol (CRV), exhibiting tumor-responsive degradation and tunable release. DOX release accelerated under tumor-mimicking conditions (100% in 46 h vs 58.7% in PBS), while CRV showed an initial burst followed by sustained release. The hydrogel promoted mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and effectively inhibited triple-negative breast cancer cells. This injectable, tumor-responsive hydrogel system offers a promising platform for minimally invasive, personalized cancer therapy
Photobiomodulation with fluorescent light energy as a sole treatment of pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot): a case series
No full textObjective: To describe the therapeutical effect of fluorescent light energy (FLE) in managing pyotraumatic dermatitis in 8 dogs.
Animals: 8 dogs.
Clinical presentation: 8 owned dogs between 2 and 8 years old with clinical signs and acute onset of naïve, not already treated pyotraumatic dermatitis.
Results: All the patients achieved resolution of the lesions within a maximum of 2 weekly FLE sessions (back-to-back protocol) as the sole therapeutical approach. Follow-up information was available for at least 1 month after resolution, and none of the dogs had recurrence of pruritus or dermatitis in the same treated area.
Clinical relevance: Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting particularly allergic dogs, and its severity can vary depending on the time of presentation, lesion extension, and bacterial complication. This is the first case series describing successful management of pyotraumatic dermatitis through FLE treatment alone.
Clinical Relevance
Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting particularly allergic dogs, and its severity can vary depending on the time of presentation, lesion extension, and bacterial complication. This is the first case series describing successful management of pyotraumatic dermatitis through FLE treatment alone
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Using a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap: Clinical and Medico‐Legal Insights From a Four‐Year Study
Full text linkAims: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is nowadays a gold standard in therapy of breast cancer patients. Free deep
inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is a favorable method when traditional implants fail or are not viable,
especially after radiotherapy. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a case series study of 40 patients operated on with
DIEP flap from January 2020 to October 2023, in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department in Nicosia General
Hospital, Cyprus, complications and wound management, reoperation rates, as well as to examine these results from a medico‐
legal perspective, to highlight the most significant medico‐legal implications of this demanding, surgical procedure.
Method: Forty patients were included in this study with unilateral or bilateral free DIEP reconstruction, from January 2020 to
October 2023, in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department in Nicosia General Hospital, Cyprus. Demographics,
preoperative conditions, hospitalization days, complication rates, and reoperation rates were analyzed as well as satisfaction
rates of patients were evaluated.
Results: This original article highlighted a number of issues of strict medico‐legal interest, including the importance of
informed consent in the case of demanding procedures for reconstructive and esthetic purposes, the assessment of standards of care in the evaluation of medical liability, and the existence of an obligation of means or results on the
reconstructive surgeon's part.
Conclusions: DIEP breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a challenging but safe and with well postoperative results
operation that should be employed in cases traditional implant reconstruction fail or not feasible due to other parameters. Innovative and demanding reconstructive, esthetic surgery procedures are characterized by particularly significant
aspects of medico‐legal interest, which deserve careful consideration by both the scientific community and patients
involved