Bartolomeo Bosco, a PhD student at the Laboratory of Transcriptional Network at the Centre for Integrative Biology of the University of Trento, outlines protocols for using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae reporter strains to study the transactivation potential of the human P53 protein, its mutations, and interactions with other proteins and small molecules. The protocols include constructing reporter yeast strains with specific P53 response elements, qualitative and quantitative assays to evaluate P53 transactivation, and using yeast growth inhibition to study P53 interactions and the effects of molecules like Nutlin-3a and PhiKan083. These methods are sensitive for assessing wild-type or mutant P53, identifying molecules affecting P53 functions, and can be adapted for other transcription factors.

The article discusses a study on the potential of urine bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP) levels as biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD), particularly in carriers of specific genetic mutations associated with the disease. Elevated BMP levels were found in carriers of LRRK2 G2019S, R1441G/C, and VPS35 D620N mutations. These findings suggest that BMP levels could be used for patient stratification and monitoring the efficacy of targeted PD therapies in clinical trials. The study included various participant groups, and the results indicated that BMP levels are indicative of LRRK2 kinase pathway activity. The article also highlights the need for reliable biomarkers that reflect underlying disease mechanisms and can aid in the development of disease-modifying treatments for PD.

The article discusses the development of a biosensor that uses an immobilized oxygen scavenger system for the detection of nitrite (NO2−) in various environments. The system employs glucose oxidase (GOx), catalase (Cat), and cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNiR) immobilized on screen-printed electrodes (SPE) to maintain anoxic conditions and facilitate the detection of nitrite. The biosensor's ability to function in the presence of potential interferents like cyanide (CN−) was also tested, showing that the immobilized enzymes remained active and the biosensor was not significantly affected by CN−. The biosensor demonstrated suitable sensitivity and stability for practical applications, including monitoring nitrite levels in drinking water and urine samples. The article compares the performance of the new biosensor with other miniaturized devices for nitrite determination, highlighting its advantages in terms of cost, speed, and ease of use without the need for complex additional components or sample pretreatment.

A study conducted by ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria analyzed the impact of an intervention program based on adapted motor games for pre-school children on their attitudes towards inclusion and perception of competencies of peers with disabilities. The program consisted of 8 sessions, each 45 minutes long, and involved 13 children aged 5 to 6 years. The study used a questionnaire to evaluate attitudes to inclusion and perception of competencies, with results showing significant improvements post-intervention. Children's satisfaction with the sessions was high, suggesting that adapted play-motor games can be an effective strategy to promote inclusion skills from an early age.

The study investigates the efficacy of a polyclonal antibody against the Burkholderia cenocepacia OmpA-like protein BCAL2645 in impairing the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia multivorans. The antibody significantly inhibited biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion of human bronchial epithelial cells by these bacteria. Additionally, it reduced bacterial virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model. The findings suggest that the anti-BCAL2645 antibody has potential for developing new immunotherapies for cystic fibrosis patients suffering from chronic infections caused by these pathogens.

The article discusses a study on identifying risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage (AL) after ileocolic anastomosis in elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. The study aimed to optimize preoperative management and intensify postoperative monitoring in high-risk patients to reduce the incidence and improve early diagnosis and treatment of AL. It highlighted the prevalence of CRC and the importance of surgical treatment. The study found that preoperative nutritional status and the stapled anastomosis were independent risk factors for AL. Other factors such as male sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking habits, and perioperative blood transfusions were also associated with AL. The article also reviewed the impact of surgical techniques and approaches on AL occurrence, including laparoscopic versus laparotomy approaches and intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis. The study concluded that despite improvements in surgical techniques, AL remains a serious complication with varying incidence rates due to the lack of a universal definition and confounding patient inclusion criteria.

The article discusses the therapeutic challenges in treating colorectal cancer (CRC), which is a significant health concern worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality rates. It highlights the difficulties in early diagnosis, resistance to chemotherapy, and the impact of treatment side effects on patients' quality of life. The article outlines the various treatment options for CRC, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. It details the use of different chemotherapeutic drugs and regimens, such as 5-FU-based therapies, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and capecitabine, as well as the role of targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immunotherapy agents in the treatment of metastatic CRC. The article also touches on the challenges posed by genetic mutations like KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF in the effectiveness of certain treatments.

The article discusses the relationship between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It highlights the alterations in the microbial community and metabolism found in CRC patients and the growing interest in functional foods or nutraceuticals to address these issues. The review focuses on dairy products, which are rich in calcium, vitamin D, folate, prebiotics, and probiotics, all known to have protective effects against CRC. The article also examines the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in maintaining colonic homeostasis and their regulation of biological and metabolic processes. The potential of dairy-derived diets to modulate the human microbiota and their use as pre-, pro-, or synbiotics in developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for CRC is explored.