Explore the vast range of titles available.

Thirty-four strains of bifidobacteria belonging to Bifidobacterium adolescentis , Bifidobacterium animalis , Bifidobacterium bifidum , Bifidobacterium breve , Bifidobacterium longum , and Bifidobacterium pseu-docatenulatum were assayed in vitro for the ability to assimilate cholesterol and for bile salt hydrolase (BSH) against glycocholic and taurodeoxycholic acids (GCA and TDCA). Cholesterol assimilation was peculiar characteristic of two strains belonging to the species B. bifidum ( B. bifidum MB 107 and B. bifidum MB 109), which removed 81 and 50 mg of cholesterol per gram of biomass, being the median of specific cholesterol absorption by bifidobacteria 19 mg/g. Significant differences in BSH activities were not established among bifidobacterial species. However, the screening resulted in the selection of promising strains able to efficiently deconjugate GCA and TDCA. No relationship was recognized between BSH phenotype and the extent of cholesterol assimilation. On the basis of cholesterol assimilation or BSH GCA and BSH TDCA activities, B. bifidum MB 109 (DSMZ 23731), B. breve MB 113 (DSMZ 23732), and B. animalis subsp. lactis MB 2409 (DSMZ 23733) were combined in a probiotic mixture to be fed to hypercholesterolemic rats. The administration of this probiotic formulation resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), whereas it did not affect high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL-C/LDL-C ratio.

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease associated with mutations in the nuclear TYMP gene. As a result, the thymidine phosphorylase (TP) enzyme activity is markedly reduced leading to toxic accumulation of thymidine and therefore altered mitochondrial DNA. MNGIE is characterized by severe gastrointestinal dysmotility, neurological impairment, reduced life expectancy and poor quality of life. There are limited therapeutic options for MNGIE. In the attempt to restore TP activity, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used as cellular source of TP. The results of this approach on ∼ 20 MNGIE patients showed gastrointestinal and neurological improvement, although the 5-year mortality rate is about 70%. In this study we tested whether the liver may serve as an alternative source of TP. We investigated 11 patients (7M; 35-55 years) who underwent hepatic resection for focal disorders. Margins of normal liver tissue were processed to identify, quantify and localize the TP protein by Western Blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry, and to evaluate TYMP mRNA expression by qPCR. Western Blot identified TP in liver with a TP/GAPDH ratio of 0.9 ± 0.5. ELISA estimated TP content as 0.5 ± 0.07 ng/μg of total protein. TP was identified in both nuclei and cytoplasm of hepatocytes and sinusoidal lining cells. Finally, TYMP mRNA was expressed in the liver. Overall, our study demonstrates that the liver is an important source of TP. Orthotopic liver transplantation may be considered as a therapeutic alternative for MNGIE patients.

Medical simulations have emerged as a valuable tool in anatomical-medical training, allowing healthcare professionals to gain hands-on experience in a controlled and safe environment. One such simulation platform is SimLife®, which uses the Pulse for Practice (P4P) system to enable realistic restoration of airflow (\"re-ventilation\") and blood flow (\"revascularization\") in bodies donated to science. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of introducing SimLife® technology in Italy. Additionally, it assessed the impact of this technology across various medical specialties, utilizing a minimal number of donated bodies. The study utilized the existing body donation program and dissection rooms at the Anatomy Center of the University of Bologna. 62 participants from 13 medical specialties performed simulations using the SimLife® P4P platform. Post-simulation, structured interviews were used to collect data on the interventions performed, participant perceptions of the technology's usefulness, enjoyment, and willingness to repeat the experience, as well as critical issues encountered. Key findings include that 86% of participants rated SimLife® technology as extremely useful for training, while 84% found it highly beneficial for team-building activities. A total of 31 interventions were successfully performed across various anatomical regions, with participants reporting high satisfaction and a strong willingness to repeat the simulation experience. The findings support the effectiveness of SimLife® technology for body donor re-ventilation and revascularization, reinforcing its value for medical training across various specialties.

Background Zonulin is involved in the integrity and functioning of both intestinal-epithelial barrier and blood–brain barrier (BBB) by regulating tight junction molecular assembly. Aim Since changes in microbiota and BBB may play a role in neurodegenerative disorders, we aimed to determine whether serum zonulin levels change in older patients affected by different types of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods We evaluated serum zonulin levels in patients with late-onset AD (LOAD), vascular dementia (VAD), MIXED (AD + VAD) dementia, amnestic MCI, and in healthy controls. Results Compared with controls, serum zonulin increased in LOAD, MIXED dementia, and aMCI but not in VAD, independent of potential confounders (ANCOVA p  = 0.01; LOAD vs controls, p  = 0.01; MIXED vs. controls, p  = 0.003; aMCI vs. controls, p  = 0.04). Notably, aMCI converting to dementia showed significantly higher levels of zonulin compared with stable aMCI ( p  = 0.04). Serum zonulin inversely correlated with the standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ( p  < 0.05), regardless of potential confounders. Discussion We found increased serum zonulin levels in patients with aMCI, LOAD and MIXED dementia, but not in VAD; moreover, zonulin levels were higher in aMCI converting to AD compared with stable ones. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a dysregulation of intestinal-epithelial barrier and/or BBB may be an early specific event in AD-related neurodegeneration.

The prognostic impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammatory conditions consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease (CD) on the risk of dementia has been poorly investigated. We evaluated the risk of dementia in IBD patients by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data. Three studies, enrolling 121.827 patients [14.839 IBD (12.1%) and 106.961 (87.7%) controls, respectively] were included in the analysis. Of these, 57.7% (n = 8.571) had UC, while 42.2% (n = 6268) had CD. The mean follow-up period was 21.3 years. A random effect model revealed an aHR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.04–2.020, p = 0.01; I2 = 91.1%) for dementia in IBD patients. Sensitivity analysis confirmed yielded results. Subjects having a CD showed an aHR for dementia of 1.48 (95% CI 1.07–2.03, p = 0.001, I2 = 68.9%), while the risk among those with a history of UC did not reach the statistical significance (aHR: 1.47, 95% CI 0.95–2.82, p = 0.81, I2 = 89.9%). IBD males had an increased risk of dementia compared to women. IBD patients and in particular those with CD have an increased risk of dementia in the long-term period.

The “Luigi Cattaneo” Anatomical Wax Collection belongs to the network of Museums and Collections of the University of Bologna. It is closely related to the Anatomy Centre of the Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences of the University of Bologna, and holds a significant place in the history of medicine, art, and scientific innovation. This review explores the museum's rich historical background, its cultural importance, and its role in promoting the encounter between the past and the present. Preserving the legacy of anatomical wax modelling, the museum adapts to modern education and to research needs. It bridges artistic expression and scientific knowledge, emphasizing the importance of art as a tool of medical education. In this context, augmented reality, 3D models, CT scan and new methods of communication, integrate tradition and progress, expanding anatomical exploration. As a part of the University of Bologna, the Collection catalyzes interdisciplinary collaboration, unlocking new scientific avenues. It works as a bridge through time, uniting craftsmanship, exploration, and knowledge-seeking in the study of the human body.

We report the longest follow-up of clinical and biochemical features of two previously reported adult mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) patients treated with liver transplantation (LT), adding information on a third, recently transplanted, patient. All three patients overcame the early post-operative period and tolerated immunosuppressive therapy. Plasma nucleoside levels dramatically decreased, with evidence of clinical improvement of ambulation and neuropathy. Conversely, other features of MNGIE, as gastrointestinal dysmotility, low weight, ophthalmoparesis, and leukoencephalopathy were essentially unchanged. A similar picture characterized two patients treated with allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). In conclusion, LT promptly and stably normalizes nucleoside imbalance in MNGIE, stabilizing or improving some clinical parameters with marginal periprocedural mortality rate as compared to AHSCT. Nevertheless, restoring thymidine phosphorylase (TP) activity, achieved by both LT and AHSCT, does not allow a full clinical recovery, probably due to consolidated cellular damage and/or incomplete enzymatic tissue replacement.