Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pavel P. Tregub, Irada Ibrahimli, Anton S. Averchuk, Alla B. Salmina, Peter F. Litvitskiy, Zaripat Sh. Manasova, Inga A. Popova
Summary: In recent times, there has been a growing interest among researchers in understanding the functions of microRNAs and their role in the development of various diseases. This review analyzes existing scientific data on the involvement of microRNAs in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Heather Braund
Summary: Metacognition is crucial for young children's academic success, although most research has focused on its development in later grades. This study explored metacognition in eight Kindergarten classrooms and found that teachers had incomplete conceptualizations of metacognition. The implementation of metacognitive practices faced barriers such as large classroom sizes and developmental readiness. However, early years educators were trying various strategies to promote metacognitive thinking in their Kindergarten classrooms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Janneke E. P. van Leeuwen, Sebastian J. Crutch, Jason D. Warren
Summary: This study applied the theoretical frameworks of the social and artistic brain to investigate how VTS methods influence gaze patterns and personal resonance with artworks. The results showed that using VTS techniques directed gaze towards social cues in artworks, and audio cues had a stronger effect than contextual information. However, the viewing condition did not affect personal resonance with the artworks.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
James Openshaw
Summary: The paper discusses the issue of singular thought about ordinary objects, presenting a view that reconciles a plenitudinous conception with singular thoughts. It suggests that singular thought-vehicles can express multiple thought-contents in the case of abundant phenomena.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Gal Rosenzweig
Summary: In the criminal process, impressions reported by witnesses are assessed and determined by fact finders based on their perceptions. However, this subjective method has been shown to be flawed and can result in wrongful convictions, as highlighted by the Innocence Project. Current approaches in legal literature to manage mistakes are inconsistent with the scientific understanding of the need for external validity measurements, indicating the need for new perspectives on the search for truth and justice in the legal system.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Omid Mohamadzadeh, Mahsasadat Hajinouri, Farzaneh Moammer, Seyed Saeed Tamehri Zadeh, Ghoncheh Omid Shafiei, Ameneh Jafari, Amirreza Ostadian, Sayyed Alireza Talaei Zavareh, Michael R. Hamblin, Arezoo Jafarian Yazdi, Amirhossein Sheida, Hamed Mirzaei
Summary: Nowadays, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global concern due to its significant morbidity and long-term consequences that are not fully understood. Cellular pathways such as free radical production, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, and neuroinflammatory responses have been identified in TBI. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to play a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation in the brain, and altered levels of ncRNA expression have been observed in both traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. This review provides an overview of the primary molecular mechanisms involved in TBI and discusses the latest findings on changes and the role of ncRNAs in TBI from both clinical and experimental research.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Audrius Kilikevicius, Gunter Meister, David R. Corey
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to regulate the expression of any RNA, but our understanding of their molecular mechanism is still limited. Insufficient focus on the mechanism of miRNAs and lack of evidence linking specific miRNA expression to biological phenotypes have hindered our accurate understanding of miRNA function.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Jeff Settleman, Joao M. Fernandes Neto, Rene Bernards
Summary: Most experimental cancer drugs fail during clinical development, driving up costs for approved drugs which only provide modest benefit due to resistance. Understanding drug-resistance mechanisms can lead to innovative treatments with longer-lasting benefits for patients.
Review
Cell Biology
Shijie Li, Zhixin Lei, Taolei Sun
Summary: This review summarizes the mechanisms and principles of miRNAs in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as discusses the most commonly reported miRNAs in these diseases. These miRNAs can serve as potential biomarkers to predict the disease status and may also be therapeutic targets for these diseases.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Giulia Romano, Mario Acunzo, Patrick Nana-Sinkam
Summary: miRNAs play crucial roles in gene regulation across various biological pathways, including cancer. Despite significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms affecting miRNAs in cancer, their translation into therapy remains in early stages due to limited delivery methods and concerns about toxicity. Advances in formulations and vectors have improved the stability and specificity of miRNA therapy, with ongoing clinical trials showing promising results for future applications in cancer treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shanshan Zhang, Yaqiong Wu, Xin Huang, Wenlong Wu, Lianfei Lyu, Weilin Li
Summary: miRNAs play important biological functions in plants and have potential applications as molecular breeding tools. The research on miRNAs includes discovery and functional analysis, with unique and diverse modes of action and regulation. The interaction and self-regulation of miRNAs will be the future direction, but target recognition and functional verification of miRNAs remain major challenges.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Jayne L. Dennis, Matthew P. Somerville
Summary: This study investigated the theory-practice gap of metacognition in higher education and found that there is limited awareness of metacognition among academics, with more emphasis on knowledge of cognition rather than regulation. However, metacognitive supportive practices were still included in teaching, albeit in a limited manner. Academics with teaching qualifications used more metacognitive supportive practices, particularly those related to regulation of cognition. The study highlights the need for staff development programs to better support students' metacognitive development in higher education.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Chiara Manetti, Aniello Maiese, Marco Di Paolo, Alessandra De Matteis, Raffaele La Russa, Emanuela Turillazzi, Paola Frati, Vittorio Fineschi
Summary: miRNAs are single-strand ribonucleic acids that can be used as biomarkers in sepsis, affecting cardiac dysfunction. Research suggests that miRNAs may be used as biomarkers for early sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction or as new drug targets, aiding clinicians in detecting, preventing, and treating cardiac damage early.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Xin Sun, Owen Norton, Shaylene E. Nancekivell
Summary: Three experiments investigated the influence of providing learning style information on thinking about a student's academic potential. The findings showed that participants perceived visually-oriented learners as more intelligent than hands-on learners, and that hands-on learners were seen as more skilled in non-core subjects.
NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saima Noreen, Barbara Dritschel
Summary: This study found that depressed individuals have impaired intrapersonal problem-solving abilities, especially when considering future consequences. It suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed for future thinking and social problem-solving in depression.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Luigi Tarani, Flavio Maria Ceci, Valentina Carito, Giampiero Ferraguti, Carla Petrella, Antonio Greco, Massimo Ralli, Antonio Minni, Matteo Spaziani, Andrea M. Isidori, Maria Grazia Di Certo, Christian Barbato, Carolina Putotto, Marco Fiore
Summary: This study evaluated the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), cytokines related to oxidative processes, and neuroinflammation in prepubertal and adolescent individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) for the first time. The results showed reduced BDNF levels and decreased IL-2, IL-1 alpha, IL-12, IL-10, and IL-6 levels in prepubertal KS children compared to healthy children.
ENDOCRINE METABOLIC & IMMUNE DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Gabanella, Andrea Colizza, Maria Chiara Mottola, Silvia Francati, Giovanna Blacona, Carla Petrella, Christian Barbato, Antonio Greco, Massimo Ralli, Marco Fiore, Nicoletta Corbi, Giampiero Ferraguti, Alessandro Corsi, Antonio Minni, Marco de Vincentiis, Claudio Passananti, Maria Grazia Di Certo
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates from the mucosal epithelium and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a subtype of HNSCC. This study focuses on the role of the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein in LSCC and explores its impact on cancer-related behaviors. The study also reveals a physical interaction between SMN and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in LSCC. Overall, this study highlights SMN as a potential therapeutic target for LSCC and other subtypes of HNSCC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Fatuzzo, Giovanni Francesco Niccolini, Federica Zoccali, Luca Cavalcanti, Mario Giuseppe Bellizzi, Gabriele Riccardi, Marco de Vincentiis, Marco Fiore, Carla Petrella, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Olfactory capacity decline is associated with aging and may indicate the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Understanding the role of olfaction in these diseases is of great interest to scientists. Olfactory impairment could potentially serve as an early marker for neurodegenerative diseases, but further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Francesca Cascone, Vanessa Di Stefano, Antonio Greco, Marco de Vincentiis, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disease characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep due to recurrent upper airway obstruction. The associated oxidative stress (OS) leads to various complications that affect both sleep-wake rhythm and systemic functions. This literature review investigates the molecular changes, diagnostic markers, and potential medical therapies for OSAS. The findings suggest that IH increases oxygen free radicals (ROS) and impairs antioxidant capacities, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, osteoporosis, systemic inflammation, increased cardiovascular risk, pulmonary remodeling, and neurological alterations in OSAS patients. The most promising pharmacological therapies include N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Vitamin C, Leptin, Dronabinol, or Atomoxetine + Oxybutynin, but further research is needed. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the approved therapy for reversing most molecular changes, while future drugs may target the remaining dysfunctions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Emanuela Rizzello, Domenico Pimpinella, Annabella Pignataro, Giulia Titta, Elisabetta Merenda, Michela Saviana, Giovanni Francesco Porcheddu, Chiara Paolantoni, Francesca Malerba, Corinna Giorgi, Giulia Curia, Silvia Middei, Cristina Marchetti
Summary: Epilepsy is a comorbidity associated with Alzheimer's disease, and investigating this association in the early stages of AD can provide insights into the pathology. The study found that repeated seizures caused memory deficits and an increase in A beta levels in pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's mice. It also identified neuronal alterations and suggested the potential use of the antiepileptic drug lamotrigine in countering AD acceleration induced by seizures.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Carla Petrella, Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Flavio Maria Ceci, Patrizia Pasculli, Tiziana Latronico, Grazia Maria Liuzzi, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Antonio Angeloni, Evaristo Ettorre, Michela Menghi, Christian Barbato, Giampiero Ferraguti, Antonio Minni, Marco Fiore
Summary: This pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, and neurofilament light chain (NFL) pathways in aged men. The results showed disrupted serum BDNF, NFL, and MMP-2 presence in severe or fatal COVID-19 cases, along with changes in routine blood parameters. The ratio of MMPs (2 and 9) to BDNF and NFL was found to be a useful tool for predicting fatal outcomes of COVID-19.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Luca Cavalcanti, Giammarco Raponi, Gianluca Puggioni, Alessandro Mattia, Sara Gariglio, Andrea Colizza, Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Luigi Tarani, Christian Barbato, Marco Lucarelli, Flavio Maria Ceci, Silvia Francati, Giampiero Ferraguti, Mauro Ceccanti, Carla Petrella
Summary: Alcohol consumption is associated with oxidative stress and an increased risk of upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) carcinoma. Microorganisms in the oral cavity can metabolize ethanol and form acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic metabolite. A study was conducted on UADT cancer patients to estimate their alcohol consumption and analyze the presence of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria. The study found that heavy drinkers had a higher presence of these bacteria, which correlated with increased oxidative stress.
Article
Microbiology
Fiorenza Pennacchia, Eqrem Rusi, Wael Abu Ruqa, Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Patrizia Pasculli, Giuseppina Talarico, Giuseppe Bruno, Christian Barbato, Antonio Minni, Luigi Tarani, Gioacchino Galardo, Francesco Pugliese, Marco Lucarelli, Giampiero Ferraguti, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Marco Fiore
Summary: This study aimed to identify routine blood biomarkers detected at the emergency room for the early prediction of severe morbidity and/or mortality of Omicron-infected patients. The results showed that high-sensitivity troponin-T, fibrinogen, glycemia, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, D-dimer myoglobin, and ferritin can predict lethal outcomes at the emergency department.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Federica Zoccali, Marco de Vincentiis, Massimo Ralli, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) binds PD-1 on CD8+ lymphocytes, inhibiting their cytotoxic action. Its aberrant expression by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells leads to immune escape. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against PD-1, have been approved in HNSCC treatment, but similar to 60% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC fail to respond to immunotherapy and only 20 to 30% of treated patients have long-term benefits.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: The potential use of antioxidants in preventing second primary cancers in HNSCC patients has been explored. Although a low dietary intake of antioxidants has been linked to an increased cancer risk, it has been found that the antioxidants tested so far are not effective in preventing second primary tumors in HNSCC patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierluigi Mastino, Davide Rosati, Giulia de Soccio, Martina Romeo, Daniele Pentangelo, Stefano Venarubea, Marco Fiore, Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Carla Petrella, Christian Barbato, Antonio Minni
Summary: OSAS, affecting 2% of men and 4% of women of middle age, is a major public health problem due to its possible cardiovascular, metabolic, and cerebrovascular complications. The correlation between OSAS and hearing loss is demonstrated, with oxidative stress as the main pathogenetic mechanism of damage. CPAP shows no effects on hearing function. Further studies are needed to evaluate extended high frequencies, vocal audiometry in noisy environments, and potential biomarkers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Catalanotto, Christian Barbato, Carlo Cogoni, Dario Benelli
Summary: This review highlights the crucial role of RNA-binding proteins in the formation of the ribosome and protein synthesis, as well as their detrimental effects in ribosomopathies. A comprehensive understanding of these processes is vital for studying the mechanisms and potential therapies for related diseases.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gabriele Riccardi, Giovanni Francesco Niccolini, Mario Giuseppe Bellizzi, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: This study evaluated drug therapies for anosmia following SARS-CoV-2 infection in adult patients through clinical trials worldwide. Promising therapies such as PEA-LUT and Cerebrolysin were identified, providing hope for the treatment of anosmia.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: The treatment of unresectable or metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) traditionally relied on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but with suboptimal outcomes. The introduction of immunotherapy has significantly improved HNSCC treatment, but long-term results are still uncertain. This review focuses on therapeutic vaccines for HNSCC treatment, gathering existing evidence and summarizing ongoing clinical trials. Encouraging results and ongoing experiments bring hope for potential paradigm shifts in HNSCC therapy.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Federica Zoccali, Carla Petrella, Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Marco Fiore, Massimo Ralli, Antonio Minni, Christian Barbato
Summary: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a debilitating condition that affects a patient's quality of life, and its etiology remains mostly unknown. COVID-19 infection has been associated with various ENT manifestations, including throat pain, headache, nasal obstruction, and tonsil enlargement. This study reports a case of post-COVID-19 SSHL and explores the potential of serum neurofilament light (NfL) as a biomarker for neuronal damage.
