Iridium-Functionalized Cellulose Microcrystals as a Novel Luminescent Biomaterial for Biocomposites

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an emerging material with outstanding properties in many scientific and industrial fields, in particular as an additive in composite materials. Its surface modification allows for the fine-tuning of its properties and the exploitation of these materials in a plethora of applications. In this paper, we present the covalent linkage of a luminescent Ir-complex onto the surface of MCC, representing the first incorporation of an organometallic luminescent probe in this biomaterial. This goal has been achieved with an easy and sustainable procedure, which employs a Bronsted-acid ionic liquid as a catalyst for the esterification reaction of -OH cellulose surface groups. The obtained luminescent cellulose microcrystals display high and stable emissions with the incorporation of only a small amount of iridium (III). Incorporation of MCC-Ir in dry and wet matrices, such as films and gels, has been also demonstrated, showing the maintenance of the luminescent properties even in possible final manufacturers

The vasa regulatory region mediates germline expression and maternal transmission of proteins in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae: a versatile tool for genetic control strategies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Germline specific promoters are an essential component of potential vector control strategies which function by genetic drive, however suitable promoters are not currently available for the main human malaria vector <it>Anopheles gambiae</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We have identified the <it>Anopheles gambiae vasa</it>-like gene and found its expression to be specifically localized to both the male and female gonads in adult mosquitoes. We have functionally characterised using transgenic reporter lines the regulatory regions required for driving transgene expression in a pattern mirroring that of the endogenous <it>vasa </it>locus. Two reporter constructs indicate the existence of distinct <it>vasa </it>regulatory elements within the 5' untranslated regions responsible not only for the spatial and temporal but also for the sex specific germline expression. <it>vasa </it>driven eGFP expression in the ovary of heterozygous mosquitoes resulted in the progressive accumulation of maternal protein and transcript in developing oocytes that were then detectable in all embryos and neonatal larvae.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We have characterized the <it>vasa </it>regulatory regions that are not only suited to drive transgenes in the early germline of both sexes but could also be utilized to manipulate the zygotic genome of developing embryos via maternal deposition of active molecules. We have used computational models to show that a homing endonuclease-based gene drive system can function in the presence of maternal deposition and describe a novel non-invasive control strategy based on early <it>vasa </it>driven homing endonuclease expression.</p

Autologous Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Driving Bone Regeneration in a Rabbit Model of Femoral Head Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive degenerative disease that ultimately requires a total hip replacement. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), particularly the ones isolated from bone marrow (BM), could be promising tools to restore bone tissue in ONFH. Here, we established a rabbit model to mimic the pathogenic features of human ONFH and to challenge an autologous MSC-based treatment. ON has been originally induced by the synergic combination of surgery and steroid administration. Autologous BM-MSCs were then implanted in the FH, aiming to restore the damaged tissue. Histological analyses confirmed bone formation in the BM-MSC treated rabbit femurs but not in the controls. In addition, the model also allowed investigations on BM-MSCs isolated before (ON-BM-MSCs) and after (ON+BM-MSCs) ON induction to dissect the impact of ON damage on MSC behavior in an affected microenvironment, accounting for those clinical approaches foreseeing MSCs generally isolated from affected patients. BM-MSCs, isolated before and after ON induction, revealed similar growth rates, immunophenotypic profiles, and differentiation abilities regardless of the ON. Our data support the use of ON+BM-MSCs as a promising autologous therapeutic tool to treat ON, paving the way for a more consolidated use into the clinical settings

The protein &quot;mycoarray&quot;: a novel serological assay for the laboratory diagnosis of primitive endemic mycoses

A protein microarray containing fungal antigens (the "mycoarray") has been set up to provide rapid and appropriate serodiagnosis of primitive endemic mycoses, an important cause of morbidity and mortality in an increasingly high number of patients. The mycoarray consists of three antigen extracts (histoplasmin, coccidioidin and Coccidioides "TP") and antibody dilution curves were spotted on microarray slides. The arrays were processed with coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis patients\ufffd sera or with control sera and the occurring immunocomplexes were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. In agreement with clinical and microbiological diagnosis, the results distinguished between histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis patients. In addition, the assay could clearly discriminate between IgM and IgG antibody reactivity. No reactivity was ever observed in the arrays processed with negative control sera. Therefore, this pilot study demonstrates that the "mycoarray" is sensitive and specific enough to discriminate between healthy individuals and patients with histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis. Because of miniaturization and multiparametricity, the new assay cuts costs and processing time. Thus, once clinically validated and implemented as a large-scale array, the "mycoarray" will be ready to be applied to the daily clinical practice

Countdown to 2015: Ethiopia's progress towards reduction in under-five mortality: 2014 country case study

On September 13, 2013 the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) of Ethiopia and UNICEF announced that Ethiopia has successfully reduced the under-five mortality rate by two thirds between 1990 and 2012, which is the target for achieving Millennium Development Goal-4. In 1990, the under-five mortality rate in Ethiopia was one of the highest in the world at 205/1,000 live births. However, by 2012, this rate had declined to 68/1,000 live births with an average annual rate of decline of 5.0%. This exceeded the 4.3% annual rate of decline needed to reach MDG4 and was significantly higher than the decline rates observed in many sub-Saharan African countries and even other low and middle-income countries. In an effort to understand the story behind Ethiopia’s remarkable achievement of MDG-4, EPHI has conducted this in-depth Case Study which is supported by Countdown to 2015. The findings are believed to generate valuable lessons and guidance for other low-income countries in their quest for accelerating health improvements and reducing child deaths

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and death for COVID-19 in people with Parkinson disease or parkinsonism over a 15-month period: A cohort study

Background and purpose: The patterns of long-term risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization for COVID-19, and related death are uncertain in people with Parkinson disease (PD) or parkinsonism (PS). The aim of the study was to quantify these risks compared to a control population cohort, during the period March 2020–May 2021, in Bologna, Northern Italy. Methods: ParkLink Bologna cohort (759 PD, 192 PS) and controls (9226) anonymously matched (ratio&nbsp;=&nbsp;1:10) for sex, age, district, and comorbidity were included. Data were analysed in the whole period and in the two different pandemic waves (March–May 2020 and October 2020–May 2021). Results: Adjusted hazard ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–1.7) in PD and 1.9 (95% CI&nbsp;=&nbsp;1.3–2.8) in PS compared to the controls. The trend was detected in both the pandemic waves. Adjusted hazard ratio of hospitalization for COVID-19 was 1.1 (95% CI&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.8–1.7) in PD and 1.8 (95% CI&nbsp;=&nbsp;0.97–3.1) in PS. A higher risk of hospital admission was detected in PS only in the first wave. The 30-day mortality risk after hospitalization was higher (p&nbsp;= 0.048) in PS (58%) than in PD (19%) and controls (26%). Conclusions: Compared with controls, after adjustment for key covariates, people with PD and PS showed a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout the first 15 months of the pandemic. COVID-19 hospitalization risk was increased only in people with PS and only during the first wave. This group of patients was burdened by a very high risk of death after infection and hospitalization

Empirical studies on informal patient payments for health care services: a systematic and critical review of research methods and instruments

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Empirical evidence demonstrates that informal patient payments are an important feature of many health care systems. However, the study of these payments is a challenging task because of their potentially illegal and sensitive nature. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review and analysis of key methodological difficulties in measuring informal patient payments.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The systematic review was based on the following eligibility criteria: English language publications that reported on empirical studies measuring informal patient payments. There were no limitations with regard to the year of publication. The content of the publications was analysed qualitatively and the results were organised in the form of tables. Data sources were Econlit, Econpapers, Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SocINDEX.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Informal payments for health care services are most often investigated in studies involving patients or the general public, but providers and officials are also sample units in some studies. The majority of the studies apply a single mode of data collection that involves either face-to-face interviews or group discussions.</p> <p>One of the main methodological difficulties reported in the publication concerns the inability of some respondents to distinguish between official and unofficial payments. Another complication is associated with the refusal of some respondents to answer questions on informal patient payments.</p> <p>We do not exclude the possibility that we have missed studies that reported in non-English language journals as well as very recent studies that are not yet published.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Given the recent evidence from research on survey methods, a self-administrated questionnaire during a face-to-face interview could be a suitable mode of collecting sensitive data, such as data on informal patient payments.</p