Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue in surfactant vehicle on periodontopathogens

Background: Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the presence of microbial biofilm. The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (A-PDT) mediated by methylene blue (MB) in monomer form on A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. Methods: A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 29523 and P. gingivalis ATCC 33577 were cultured on anaerobic jars at 37 °C for 48 h, and we tested APDT in the presence of 0.25% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or in PBS alone. APDT was carried out with 100 μM MB under laser radiation (PhotolaseIII, DMC, Brazil) at ʎ =660 nm and parameters as following (P =100 mW; I =250 mW/cm2, and doses of 15, 45 and 75 J/cm2). Results: Following A-PDT, PBS groups of A. actinomycetemcomitans presented 4 Logs of microbial death after 5 min irradiation. However, there was no bacterial reduction in SDS groups. On the other hand, P. gingivalis was sensitive to APDT in the presence of 0.25% SDS with 2 logs reduction from dark toxicity. Conclusion: The presence of 0.25% SDS can lead to different responses depending on the different microbial species. © 2020 Elsevier B.V

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

''Galileo Galilei'' flight experiment on the equivalence principle with field emission electric propulsion

''Galileo Galilei'' (GG) is a small mission currently under study by eight research institutions in Italy with approval and funding by the Italian national space agency ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana). The mission concerns a small, low altitude, Earth satellite (less than or similar to 150 kg total mass and 520 km altitude) with two objectives. One is scientific, in the field of fundamental physics, and the other technological in the frame of spacecraft propulsion and drag compensation. The scientific goal is to test a fundamental principle of modern physics-the Equivalence Principle (EP) formulated by Einstein generalizing Galileo's and Newton's work-to 1 part in 10(16), four orders of magnitude better than the best ground results. The technological goal is a full, comprehensive test of FEEP (Field Emission Electric Propulsion) thrusters for accurate drag compensation. FEEPs have been invented, designed and developed by ESA (European Space Agency) in Europe and will most probably become an essential component of all space experiments which require measurement of small forces. The GG satellite is stabilized by single axis rotation at 5 Hz, it carries two concentric cylindrical test bodies (10 kg each) made of different materials and whose relative displacements are measured by capacitive sensors to detect an EP violation. Rotation in supercritical conditions and absence of weight are exploited for self-centering the test bodies and reducing the vibrational perturbations. The experiment is noncryogenic and temperature stability is ensured by passive insulation only. The very small mass, low Earth orbit, passive one axis stabilization, loose constraints for orbit injection and easy ground operation make ''Galileo Galilei'' fall in the category of small, low cost, space missions. The Italian ASI-funded study concerns perturbation analysis, finite element numerical simulation, construction and testing of the key components of the space apparatus. A less sensitive ground-based version of the experiment, which retains its main characteristics, is under development. The goal is a ground demonstration of the space experiment by performing, at the same time, a significant test of the equivalence principle

Advances and challenges in retinoid delivery systems in regenerative and therapeutic medicine

Retinoids regulate a wide spectrum of cellular functions from the embryo throughout adulthood, including cell differentiation, metabolic regulation, and inflammation. These traits make retinoids very attractive molecules for medical purposes. In light of some of the physicochemical limitations of retinoids, the development of drug delivery systems offers several advantages for clinical translation of retinoid-based therapies, including improved solubilization, prolonged circulation, reduced toxicity, sustained release, and improved efficacy. In this Review, we discuss advances in preclinical and clinical tests regarding retinoid formulations, specifically the ones based in natural retinoids, evaluated in the context of regenerative medicine, brain, cancer, skin, and immune diseases. Advantages and limitations of retinoid formulations, as well as prospects to push the field forward, will be presented.Cerebrovascular Disease Grant and L’Oréal-UNESCO Portugal for Women in Scienc

Triple-negative breast cancer: investigating potential molecular therapeutic target

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) makes up about 10 - 20% of all breast cancers and the lack of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2/Neu expression is responsible for poor prognosis, no targeted therapies and trouble in the clinical management. Tumor heterogeneity, also within the same tumor, is a major cause for this difficulty. Based on the introduction of new biological drugs against different kinds of tumor, many efforts have been made for classification of genetic alterations present in TNBC, leading to the identification of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes involved in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Areas covered: In this review we investigated the molecular alteration present in TNBC which could lead to the creation of new targeted therapies in the future, with the aim to counteract this disease in the most effective way. Expert opinion: In this context some hormone receptors like G-proteincoupled receptor 30 and androgen receptors may be a fascinating area to investigate; also, angiogenesis, represented not only by the classical VEGF/VEGFR relationship, but also by other molecules, like semaphorins, fibroblast growth factor and heparin-binding-EGF-like, is a mechanism in which new developments are expected. In this perspective, one technique that may show promise is the gene therapy; in particular the gene transfer could correct abnormal genetic function in cancer cells