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Throughout adulthood neural stem cells divide in neurogenic niches–the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone–producing progenitor cells and new neurons. Stem cells self-renew, thus preserving their pool. Furthermore, the number of stem/progenitor cells in the neurogenic niches decreases with age. We have previously demonstrated that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16Ink4a maintains, in aged mice, the pool of dentate gyrus stem cells by preventing their activation after a neurogenic stimulus such as exercise (running). We showed that, although p16Ink4a ablation by itself does not activate stem/progenitor cells, exercise strongly induced stem cell proliferation in p16Ink4a knockout dentate gyrus, but not in wild-type. As p16Ink4a regulates stem cell self-renewal during aging, we sought to profile the dentate gyrus transcriptome from p16Ink4a wild-type and knockout aged mice, either sedentary or running for 12 days. By pairwise comparisons of differentially expressed genes and by correlative analyses through the DESeq2 software, we identified genes regulated by p16Ink4a deletion, either without stimulus (running) added, or following running. The p16Ink4a knockout basic gene signature, i.e., in sedentary mice, involves upregulation of apoptotic, neuroinflammation- and synaptic activity-associated genes, suggesting a reactive cellular state. Conversely, another set of 106 genes we identified, whose differential expression specifically reflects the pattern of proliferative response of p16 knockout stem cells to running, are involved in processes that regulate stem cell activation, such as synaptic function, neurotransmitter metabolism, stem cell proliferation control, and reactive oxygen species level regulation. Moreover, we analyzed the regulation of these stem cell-specific genes after a second running stimulus. Surprisingly, the second running neither activated stem cell proliferation in the p16Ink4a knockout dentate gyrus nor changed the expression of these genes, confirming that they are correlated to the stem cell reactivity to stimulus, a process where they may play a role regulating stem cell activation.

The last Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) assessment report highlighted how actions to reduce CO2 emissions have not been effective so far to achieve the 1.5 C limit and that radical measures are required. Solutions such as the upgrading of waste biomass, the power-to-X paradigm, and an innovative energy carrier such as hydrogen can make an effective contribution to the transition toward a low-carbon energy system. In this context, the aim of this study is to improve the hydrogen production process from wet residual biomass by examining the advantages of an innovative integration of anaerobic digestion with thermochemical transformation processes. Furthermore, this solution is integrated into a hybrid power supply composed of an electric grid and a photovoltaic plant (PV), supported by a thermal energy storage (TES) system. Both the performance of the plant and its input energy demand—splitting the power request between the photovoltaic system and the national grid—are carefully assessed by a Simulink/Simscape model. The preliminary evaluation shows that the plant has good performance in terms of hydrogen yields, reaching 5.37% kgH2/kgbiomass, which is significantly higher than the typical value of a single process (approximately 3%). This finding demonstrates a good synergy between the biological and thermochemical biomass valorization routes. Moreover, thermal energy storage significantly improves the conversion plant’s independence, almost halving the energy demand from the grid.

Current therapies show limited efficacy against peritoneal metastases (PM) from pancreatic cancer. Pressurized intra-peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) has emerged as a novel intraperitoneal drug delivery method. Recently, a dose-escalation study identified the safe dose of Nabpaclitaxel for PIPAC administration, an ideal intraperitoneal chemotherapy agent against pancreatic cancer. Combining systemic NabPaclitaxel-Gemcitabine with NabPaclitaxel-PIPAC may enhance disease control in pancreatic cancer patients with PM.

Happiness is a basic human emotional state associated with positive life and work-related outcomes. Despite being currently considered a central topic in public health research and practice, there is a paucity of valid and reliable brief measures of happiness that have been adapted in Italian. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the psychometric properties of a brief 8-item measure of subjective happiness, namely the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, within an Italian sample. A total of 917 Italian adults (mean age = 37.58 ± 12.69 years; 75.7% females) volunteered for this study, and completed measures of happiness, perceived stress, emotion dysregulation, mindful attention, and life satisfaction. The OHQ revealed optimal psychometric properties in terms of internal validity and reliability, with an excellent fit to the data. Further, the measure evidenced a good convergent validity, being associated with other outcomes and psychological skills with medium-to-large effects., Author(s): Massimiliano Barattucci [sup.1] , Agostino Brugnera [sup.1] , Tiziana Ramaci [sup.2] , Goran Kuvacic [sup.3] , Andrea De Giorgio [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/02mbd5571, grid.33236.37, 0000 0001 0692 [...]

Background: This research explored how tele-exercise influenced physical fitness and mental well-being in individuals with and without disabilities and with different training habits. Methods: One hundred and ninety-three participants were categorized into two groups: athletes and non-athletes. Participants were involved in either synchronous or asynchronous tele-exercise programs of two or three sessions of workouts per week, lasting eight weeks. Psychological well-being was evaluated pre- vs. post-intervention by the WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Fitness assessment tools included the 2-minute step test, curl-up test, forward bending test, and squat test. Body weight was also assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: The analysis showed a significant increment in all fitness scores (p-value ranged from <0.001 to 0.015) with no change in body weight. Psychological tests indicated an overall increment in the participants' well-being measured by the WHO-5 and unexpectedly, also in the stress level assessed through PSS-10. Conclusions: Enabled by technology, tele-exercise provides a flexible and convenient complementary approach to conventional workouts, helping individuals maintain an active lifestyle and improve their well-being. Positive effects on the sedentary population's lifestyles are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to review the impact of tele-exercise on different adult populations, comparing synchronous and asynchronous interventions and their effects on outcomes such as quality of life, physical fitness, functional capacity, strength, and pain. Methods: Randomised clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included, totalling 16 studies with 1,416 participants. The interventions varied between synchronous teleexercise (via videoconference) and asynchronous (via apps and recorded videos). The review followed the PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a systematic approach to study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment. Results: The results indicate that tele-exercise, especially synchronous, has the potential to primarily improve physical fitness, functional capacity, and pain perception, being effective for the elderly and individuals with specific conditions such as multiple sclerosis and obesity. Discussion: However, the methodological heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of consistent data limit the generalisation of the findings, highlighting the need for more high-quality research. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display%5frecord.php?ID=CRD42024563241 , PROSPERO (CRD42024563241). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a viable treatment for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS). The literature suggests that a minimum of three PIPAC procedures (empirical standard treatment) should be administered to optimize oncological outcomes. However, many patients are not able to complete three treatments for various reasons. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify causes and predictive factors for incomplete PIPAC treatment and, hence, to improve patient selection. Background: Since 2011, Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Repeated minimal-invasive treatment is one of the key features and the current empirical standard treatment (ST) consists of at least three administrations over about three months. However, many patients are unable to complete the full course, limiting the potential benefits of PIPAC. Method: This retrospective, single-center study assessed the completion rate of ST and identified the main causes and predictive factors for discontinuation. This study also evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of PIPAC and investigated whether improved patient selection over the years has resulted in better oncological outcomes. Result: Data from 168 patients treated with PIPAC between January 2017 and March 2023 for a total of 336 procedures showed that only 29% completed ST. Multivariate analysis identified ascites >500 mL and a prior history of bowel obstruction as significant predictors of discontinuation. Conclusions: Patients with radiological or clinical signs of obstruction should not be considered for PIPAC treatment, and ascites increases the risk of incomplete treatment. Larger studies are eagerly awaited to corroborate these findings and refine the selection criteria by disease entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal therapy offers a promising approach for treating localized prostate cancer (PC) with minimal invasiveness and potential cost benefits. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and brachytherapy (BT) are among these options but lack long-term efficacy data. Patient follow-ups typically use biopsies and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), which often miss recurrences. PET/CT with PSMA has emerged as a promising tool for detecting residual disease or recurrence post-treatment, offering higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional imaging. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after HIFU or brachytherapy from 2016 to 2024. Out of 22 patients, 32% had HIFU and 68% had brachytherapy. The median time from treatment to PET scan was 77 months, with a median PSA level of 3 ng/mL. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT identified PC recurrence in 63.6% of cases. Of these, 50% showed prostate recurrence, 14% had lymph node involvement, and 28% had metastatic disease. Focal therapies like HIFU and brachytherapy are effective and minimally invasive options for localized PC. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT is valuable for detecting recurrence or residual disease, enhancing post-treatment surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a novel drug administration method with promising efficacy for the treatment of peritoneal metastases (PM). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of an immunonutritional assessment on the feasibility, safety, and survival in this setting.

Simple Summary: Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC or PIPAC) are effective treatment options for peritoneal carcinomatosis from various primary diseases. An accurate pre-operative assessment and multidisciplinary evaluations are crucial in identifying the most suitable treatment approaches. This study aims to present a case series from a high-volume center to contribute valuable data to the existing literature on peritoneal carcinomatosis managing. Background: Advances in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) have improved outcomes for selected patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSMs). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 743 PSM patients treated at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli from January 2016 to February 2024. The primary aim was to assess median overall survival (mOS), median disease-free survival (mDFS), and median progression-free survival (mPFS) stratified by tumor origin. Secondary outcomes examined the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in the management of PSMs and intra- and postoperative complications' rates. Results: A total of 1113 procedures were performed: 389 CRS, 370 PIPAC, and 354 diagnostic laparoscopies. Colorectal cancer was the predominant indication for CRS (52.4%), with a mOS of 52 months and mDFS of 22 months. Patients affected by gastric cancer undergoing CRS had a mOS of 18 months and a mDFS of 13 months, while PIPAC yielded a mOS of 9 months and a mPFS of 4 months. Among patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei undergoing CRS, the 5-year DFS rate was 64.1%, and OS rate was 89%. Patients affected by mesothelioma and treated with CRS exhibited a median OS of 43 months and a DFS of 26 months. Pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers were treated with PIPAC, with a respective mOS of 12 and 8 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 12.6% of CRS, 3.2% of PIPAC, and 1.7% of diagnostic laparoscopies. High peritoneal cancer index (PCI), gastric resection, and blood loss over 500 mL were identified as risk factors for major complications in a multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Developing a highly experienced multidisciplinary team is crucial for delivering tailored treatment strategies which aim to achieve optimal oncological outcomes while preserving patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study investigates the impact of tele-exercise on physical fitness and psychological well-being in healthy individuals. Tele-exercise, facilitated by technology, offers a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional exercise, particularly beneficial during restricted in-person interactions. Methods: In this study, 52 participants were divided into three groups: athletes, women, and young adults. They took part in an eight-week tele-exercise program, either synchronously or asynchronously. Physical fitness was evaluated using tests such as the 2-Minute Step and Curl Up Test, while psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: Significant improvements in physical fitness and psychological well-being were observed in post-intervention across all groups, regardless of training mode. In the fitness tests, a significant improvement was obtained in the 2-Minute-Step (p = 0.004), in the curls up (p = 0.017), and in squats test (p = 0.004). In the forward bending test, the increment was very close to the significance (p = 0.051). In the psychological well-being tests, both PGWBI and WHO-5 scores increased after the training (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001 respectively) with no significant change in the PSS-10 score. The study found that tele-exercise can effectively introduce physical activity to previously inactive individuals and motivate them to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: The TELEexe4ALL project demonstrates the potential of tele-exercise to improve physical fitness and psychological well-being. The study suggests that tele-exercise is a feasible and well-accepted approach for enhancing overall wellness in healthy populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can automatically authored videos of industrial operators help other operators to learn procedural tasks? This question is relevant to the advent of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, where smart machines can help human operators rather than replacing them in order to benefit from the best of humans and machines. This study considers an industrial ecosystem where procedural knowledge (PK) is quickly and effectively transferred from one operator to another. Assembly tasks are procedural in nature and present a certain complexity that still does not allow machines and their sensors to capture all the details of the operations. Especially if the assembly operation is adaptive and not fixed in terms of assembly sequence plan. In order to help the operators, videos of other operators executing the complex procedural tasks can be automatically recorded and authored from machines. This study shows by means of statistical design and analysis of experiments that expert aid can reduce the assembly time of an untrained operator, whereas automatically authored video aids can transfer PK but producing an opposite effect on the assembly time. Therefore, hybrid training methods are still necessary and trade-offs have to be considered. Managerial insights from the results suggest an unneglectable impact of the choice to digitise industrial operations too early. The experimental studies presented can act as guidelines for the correct statistical testing of innovative solutions in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new surgical procedure used in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies (PSMs). Despite encouraging clinical results, the high costs of PIPAC and the need to repeat the treatment multiple times make the procedure difficult to sustain economically. A retrospective study was conducted in order to evaluate the cost of hospitalization for patients undergoing PIPAC treatment at a high-volume center in Italy. Currently, the Italian National Health System only partially covers the hospitals' costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an economical redefinition of this procedure, by creating dedicated reimbursement codes. PIPAC is a new surgical procedure and a viable treatment option for PSM patients, due to promising therapeutic outcomes, minimal invasiveness, limited surgical morbidity, and systemic toxicity side effects. However, its implementation throughout hospitals is hard to obtain due to its fragile economical sustainability. A retrospective health economic analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the cost of hospitalization for patients undergoing PIPAC treatment at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, in Rome. The average cost of a PIPAC procedure was defined based on the cost of surgery (cost of surgical material, operating room, intraperitoneal chemotherapy), hospital stay, diagnostic examinations, and drugs used during the stay. A total of 493 PIPAC procedures were performed on 222 patients with peritoneal metastases or primary peritoneal cancer from 2017 to 2023. Since the mean remuneration for each PIPAC hospitalization is €5916 and the mean expenditure per hospitalization is €6538, this results in an operating profit per PIPAC hospitalization of −€622. The reimbursement of PIPAC treatment by the Italian National Health System currently only partially covers the hospital's costs. Development of specific codes and adequate reimbursement for PIPAC by recognizing this procedure as a proper treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of tele-exercise as a response to the impact of technology on physical activity has opened up new possibilities for promoting physical health. By integrating innovative technologies and open-source platforms, tele-exercise encourages people to stay active. In our latest analysis, we delved into the scientific literature surrounding the use of tele-exercise technologies in training healthy individuals. After conducting an extensive search on the PubMed database using the keywords "tele-exercise" and "physical activity" (from 2020 to 2023), we identified 44 clinical trials that were applicable to tele-exercise, but less than 10% of them were aimed at healthy individuals, precisely 9.09% (four out of forty-four studies analyzed). Our review highlights the potential of tele-exercise to help maintain physical fitness and psychological well-being, especially when traditional fitness facilities are not an option. We also underscore the importance of interoperability, standardization, and the incorporation of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and neuroscience into the development of tele-exercise platforms. Nevertheless, despite these promising benefits, research has shown that there is still a significant gap in the knowledge concerning the definition and evaluation of training parameters for healthy individuals. As a result, we call for further research to establish evidence-based practices for tele-exercise in the healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Peritoneal disease in gastric cancer has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3–6 months and a 5-year survival rate of 0%. Despite multiple advancements in therapeutics, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend systemic chemotherapy or best supportive care for GC with peritoneal dissemination. According to several studies, CRS + HIPEC could provide survival advantages in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis compared to pSC. Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is one of deadliest metastatic patterns of gastric cancer, being associated with a median overall survival (OS) of 4 months. Up to now, palliative systemic chemotherapy (pSC) has been the only recommended treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate a potential survival benefit after CRS + HIPEC compared to pSC. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines in March 2024. Manuscripts reporting patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer treated with CRS + HIPEC were included. A meta-analysis was performed, comparing the survival results between the CRS + HIPEC and pSC groups, and the primary outcome was the comparison in terms of OS. We performed random-effects meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs). We assessed heterogeneity using the Q2 statistic. Results: Out of the 24 papers included, 1369 patients underwent CRS + HIPEC, with a median OS range of 9.8–28.2 months; and 103 patients underwent pSC, with a median OS range of 4.9–8 months. CRS + HIPEC was associated with significantly increased survival compared to palliative systemic chemotherapy (−1.8954 (95% CI: −2.5761 to −1.2146; p < 0.001). Conclusions: CRS + HIPEC could provide survival advantages in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis compared to pSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]