MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules playing regulatory roles in animals and plants by repressing translation or cleaving RNA transcripts. The specific modulation of several ...microRNAs has been recently associated to some forms of human cancer, suggesting that these short molecules may represent a new class of genes involved in oncogenesis. In our study, we examined by microarray the global expression levels of 245 microRNAs in glioblastoma multiforme, the most frequent and malignant of primary brain tumors. The analysis of both glioblastoma tissues and glioblastoma cell lines allowed us to identify a group of microRNAs whose expression is significantly altered in this tumor. The most interesting results came from miR-221, strongly up-regulated in glioblastoma and from a set of brain-enriched miRNAs, miR-128, miR-181a, miR-181b, and miR-181c, which are down-regulated in glioblastoma.
Jasmine rice leaves extract contains a high number of beneficial flavonoids that have antioxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract has a short shelf-life due to high water ...activity. The powder form of the extract is convenient to handle and has a longer shelf-life. This study demonstrates an optimization of the microencapsulation process for protecting flavonoids from jasmine rice leaves extract by varying coating materials (maltodextrin, gum Arabic and chitosan) and spray drying conditions that are resulting in high yield and bioactivity. Physical and bio-chemical properties of jasmine rice extract microcapsules from different drying conditions (150-190 °C) also examined and compared to lead to the selection of a suitable coating material and spray drying condition. The results revealed the high potential of using gum Arabic to coat rice leaves extract at a 1:7.5 ratio under spray drying at 190 °C for the best retaining of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity.
In this paper, the structure of uncountable groups with finitely many normalizers of large subgroups is studied and the connections between this property and other natural finiteness conditions on ...large subgroups of uncountable groups are investigated. In particular, groups in which every large subgroup is close to be normal with the only obstruction of a finite section and groups with finitely many commutator subgroups of large subgroups are considered. Moreover, groups with a finite covering consisting of groups with normal large subgroups are studied.
Dural based Marginal Zone MALT-type B-Cell Lymphoma (MZBCL) is an intracranial tumor that can mimicking meningioma both from a clinical and a radiological point of view. A standard treatment protocol ...is still lacking. Aim of the present work is to provide an update of the present literature regarding this rare neoplasia
We report the case of a patient with a dural-based lesion mimicking a meningioma of the tentorium. After surgical treatment, the diagnosis was of MZBCL. A literature review is performed to highlight the typical characteristics of this rare intracranial lesion and to define the best therapeutic approach.
Literature review included 38 articles describing 126 cases of intracranial dural-based MZBCL. No clinical trial has been found. Clinical and histopathological features are properly collected to provide a guide for future cases. Different treatment options have been attempted. Combination of surgery with adjuvant radiation therapy is the most used option.
MZBCL should be considered in differential diagnosis for dural-based intracranial lesion. Surgery followed by radiation therapy is the most reported treatment. As a consequence of the rarity of this disease, of its indolent progression and of the lack of adequate follow-up, it is not possible to define it is the best treatment option.
A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the natural radioactivity concentrations and the geological provenience of beach sand samples from twelve different sites of the coast of Calabria, ...south of Italy, a popular tourist destination especially in summer. The radioactivity investigation was performed by using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. From the measured gamma-spectra, the average activity concentrations were determined for
226
Ra,
232
Th and
40
K for a depth of 5–20 cm. Results of this study were compared to values from other locations around the world. The corresponding radiation hazards were also estimated. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) measurements were performed for the quantitative elemental analysis of the sands, revealing the major and minor elements present in the investigated samples. From XRF experimental results it was possible to estimate the geological provenience of the analyzed sands. These data record the radioactivity background levels in beach sands and could be used as reference information.
The operative approach to the posterior incisural space is challenging because of its deep location, the surrounding eloquent areas, and the intimate relationship with the deep veins. Several ...approaches have been proposed to manage the lesions in this region: supratentorial, infratentorial and a combination of them. Brain retraction, injury to the occipital lobe and corpus callosum, and venous bleeding are the principle drawbacks of these routes. We performed anatomical dissection study using 10 embalmed human cadaver specimens injected with colored latex exploring a different route, parietal interhemispheric transfalcine transtentorial (PITT). Then we used a PITT approach on two patients with posterior incisural space (PIS) lesions. The PITT approach led to successful and safe complete removal of PIS lesions in our cases. No complications were reported. The present approach could be a valuable option in case of PIS lesions, especially those associated with downward displacement of the deep venous complex; thanks to the gravity it reduce the complications related to the occipital lobe retraction and manipulation. Moreover, cutting the superior-anterior edge of the tentorium, the sub-tentorial space could be reached.
To provide a contribution to the Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection, here we present the results of a study focused on the potentially toxic elements (PTE) content in agricultural soils’ ...representative for the Mediterranean region. To reach this aim, samples of 22 Italian (NE Peloritani Mountains, Sicily) and 18 Turkish (Amik Plain, Hatay) soils were collected and analyzed to evaluate their PTE content. The Italian and Turkish sites have been selected because they represent very important cultivation zones. In Amik Plain (Turkey), the dominant crops consist of cotton, wheat, corn and olives, whereas in NE Peloritani Mountains, Sicily (Italy), an appreciate citrus variety, known as the “Interdonato lemon”, guaranteed by Protected Geographical Indication label, is produced. The collected results include: (1) the assessment of PTE levels in soils; (2) the identification of the PTE sources; (3) the relationships between PTE contents and soil properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, CaCO
3,
and clay). Several multivariate statistical methods such as correlation matrix, cluster analysis and main component analysis were applied to individuate the anthropogenic vs natural origin of the PTE sources. The detected PTE levels are in decreasing order Mn > Zn > V > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Pb > Co > Sb > Se > Cd for the Italian soils, and Mn > Ni > V > Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Se > Sb > Cd for the Turkish soils. The overall obtained results allowed to define: (a) a main lithogenic source for PTE detected in the Italian soils, except for Zn which origin is also associated to anthropogenic input; (b) a lithogenic origin for all of the PTE detected for the Turkish soils, with an associate anthropogenic contribution for Cr, Ni, V, Cu and V. The results obtained in this work enhance the knowledge in the individuation of PTE pollution sources in agricultural soils of the European Mediterranean region.
Aplasia of the lumbar pedicle is a rare condition, frequently associated with low back pain. Its recognition is fundamental in the definition of the correct treatment. We performed a literature ...review in order to clarify how to best diagnose and treat this rare anatomical condition. A comprehensive literature search for studies published through October 2020 was performed, using the following algorithm: "aplasia" OR "aplastic" OR "hypoplasia" OR "hypoplastic" OR "absent" OR absence" AND "pedicle" AND "lumbar" OR "sacral" OR "lumbosacral". References from reviewed papers were further evaluated for the inclusion of other relevant studies. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review for a total of 24 adult patients. Another case of left L5 pedicle aplasia treated at our hospital has been described and included in the present review. This anatomical condition may be suspected in plain x-Ray, but CT scan 3D reconstructions may help to confirm the diagnosis in equivocal cases. Low-back pain and radiculopathy are the main signs and symptoms. The treatment was described in 14 cases. Eight patients underwent surgical intervention. In cases with spondylolisthesis, fusion surgery was performed with different techniques, obtaining an excellent clinical outcome. Pedicular aplasia is a rare condition that must be recognized in patients with a low back. When it is associated with spondylolisthesis, fusion surgery should be the preferred option.
Highlights • Our series includes 10 years of experience of a large vascular neurosurgery center. • Our series includes 45 DAVFs cases. • Our series has been carefully analyzed ‘side by side’ with ...most relevant literature. • Paper focuses on therapeutic options and risks related to treatment.
