Awareness of Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Cypriot Female Healthcare Workers

Background: Cervical cancer incidence varies around the world with the highest rates in Eastern Africa and the lowest rates in Western Asia. In Cyprus, a small Mediterranean island, cervical cancer incidence was 6.4 per 100,000 in 2013. HPV is an established risk factor for cervical cancer with HPV-16 and HPV-18 being the most common carcinogenic strains. Cervical cancer is preventable through primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary (Pap and HPV tests) prevention. These prevention methods should be promoted, however, in order to design a cancer prevention programme and the awareness and characteristics of populations should be investigated so that prevention programmes can be targeted specifically to them. Methods: In this work, we sought to investigate awareness of HPV and cervical cancer prevention among female healthcare workers in Cyprus. To achieve this, we conducted a 60-item survey among 200 healthcare professionals in randomly selected hospitals in two different cities within Cyprus. Results: Our results revealed that nearly 10% of our participants reported not ever having had a Pap test. 88.5% of the healthcare workers knew about HPV and 86.5% reported that HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse. 83.5% of the participants were willing to vaccinate themselves for cervical cancer prevention. Conclusion: Even though awareness and vaccination acceptance were relatively high, they are still not optimal for healthcare professionals who play an essential role in health promotion. We suggest the design of educational programmes to target this population and improve their knowledge so that they can promote cervical cancer prevention in their health practice

Leishmania Genome Dynamics during Environmental Adaptation Reveal Strain-Specific Differences in Gene Copy Number Variation, Karyotype Instability, and Telomeric Amplification.

Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania adapt to environmental change through chromosome and gene copy number variations. Only little is known about external or intrinsic factors that govern Leishmania genomic adaptation. Here, by conducting longitudinal genome analyses of 10 new Leishmania clinical isolates, we uncovered important differences in gene copy number among genetically highly related strains and revealed gain and loss of gene copies as potential drivers of long-term environmental adaptation in the field. In contrast, chromosome rather than gene amplification was associated with short-term environmental adaptation to in vitro culture. Karyotypic solutions were highly reproducible but unique for a given strain, suggesting that chromosome amplification is under positive selection and dependent on species- and strain-specific intrinsic factors. We revealed a progressive increase in read depth towards the chromosome ends for various Leishmania isolates, which may represent a nonclassical mechanism of telomere maintenance that can preserve integrity of chromosome ends during selection for fast in vitro growth. Together our data draw a complex picture of Leishmania genomic adaptation in the field and in culture, which is driven by a combination of intrinsic genetic factors that generate strain-specific phenotypic variations, which are under environmental selection and allow for fitness gain.IMPORTANCE Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania cause severe human and veterinary diseases worldwide, termed leishmaniases. A hallmark of Leishmania biology is its capacity to adapt to a variety of unpredictable fluctuations inside its human host, notably pharmacological interventions, thus, causing drug resistance. Here we investigated mechanisms of environmental adaptation using a comparative genomics approach by sequencing 10 new clinical isolates of the L. donovani, L. major, and L. tropica complexes that were sampled across eight distinct geographical regions. Our data provide new evidence that parasites adapt to environmental change in the field and in culture through a combination of chromosome and gene amplification that likely causes phenotypic variation and drives parasite fitness gains in response to environmental constraints. This novel form of gene expression regulation through genomic change compensates for the absence of classical transcriptional control in these early-branching eukaryotes and opens new venues for biomarker discovery

Paclitaxel Magnetic Core–Shell Nanoparticles Based on Poly(lactic acid) Semitelechelic Novel Block Copolymers for Combined Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy Treatment of Cancer

Magnetic hybrid inorganic/organic nanocarriers are promising alternatives for targeted cancer treatment. The present study evaluates the preparation of manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MnFe2O4 MNPs) encapsulated within Paclitaxel (PTX) loaded thioether-containing ω-hydroxyacid-co-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (TEHA-co-PDLLA) polymeric nanoparticles, for the combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy treatment of cancer. Initially, TEHA-co-PDLLA semitelechelic block copolymers were synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR, DSC, and XRD. FTIR analysis showed the formation of an ester bond between the two compounds, while DSC and XRD analysis showed that the prepared copolymers were amorphous. MnFe2O4 MNPs of relatively small crystallite size (12 nm) and moderate saturation magnetization (64 emu·g−1) were solvothermally synthesized in the sole presence of octadecylamine (ODA). PTX was amorphously dispersed within the polymeric matrix using emulsification/solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were effectively encapsulated within the drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the prepared nanoparticles had an average particle size of less than 160 nm with satisfactory yield and encapsulation efficiency. Diphasic PTX in vitro release over 18 days was observed while PTX dissolution rate was mainly controlled by the TEHA content. Finally, hyperthermia measurements and cytotoxicity studies were performed to evaluate the magnetic response, as well as the anticancer activity and the biocompatibility of the prepared nanocarriers

Basic Dye Removal with Sorption onto Low-Cost Natural Textile Fibers

Over the last several years, the trend of researchers has been to use some very low-cost materials as adsorbents. For this purpose, some already commercially used bast fibers were selected as potential adsorbent materials to remove basic dye from synthetic effluents. The adsorption of basic yellow 37 dye was studied using three different bast fibers under the names of flax, ramie, and kenaf. Their morphological structure was examined using several techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as those characterizations being a useful tool to propose a mechanism of the whole adsorption process. The adsorption evaluation was achieved by studying at first the pH (12) and temperature effects (25–55 °C). Two isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were also applied to the experimental equilibrium data revealing the superiority of ramie fibers (327, 435, and 460 mg·g−1 (25 °C) for kenaf, flax, and ramie, respectively). The crucial adsorbent’s dosage was found to be 0.1 g per litre for all fibers, while the completed desorption study (eluant’s pH and reuse cycles) also confirmed the strong potential of these kinds of fibers as adsorbents. The latter may be attributed to the cellulosic content

Antithrombotic Therapy Following Structural Heart Disease Interventions: Current Status and Future Directions

Interventions in structural heart disease cover many catheter-based procedures for congenital and acquired conditions including valvular diseases, septal defects, arterial or venous obstructions, and fistulas. Among the available procedures, the most common are aortic valve implantation, mitral or tricuspid valve repair/implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion, and patent foramen ovale closure. Antithrombotic therapy for transcatheter structural heart disease interventions aims to prevent thromboembolic events and reduce the risk of short-term and long-term complications. The specific approach to antithrombotic therapy depends on the type of intervention and individual patient factors. In this review, we synopsize contemporary evidence on antithrombotic therapies for structural heart disease interventions and highlight the importance of a personalized approach. These recommendations may evolve over time as new evidence emerges and clinical guidelines are updated. Therefore, it’s crucial for healthcare professionals to stay updated on the most recent guidelines and individualize therapy based on patient-specific factors and procedural considerations

Modified Release of the Pineal Hormone Melatonin from Matrix Tablets Containing Poly(<i>L</i>-lactic Acid) and Its PLA-<i>co</i>-PEAd and PLA-<i>co</i>-PBAd Copolymers

In terms of drug delivery, the attractive properties of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and its aliphatic polyesters, poly(ethylene adipate) (PEAd) and poly(butylene adipate) (PBAd), render them ideal co-formulants for the preparation of modified-release pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, we have previously demonstrated that by adding a “softer” aliphatic polyester onto the macromolecular chain of PLA, i.e., PEAd or PBAd, resulting in the formation of the PLA’s copolymers (PLA-co-PEAd and PLA-co-PBAd, in 95/5, 90/10, 75/25 and 50/50 weight ratios), the hydrolysis rate is also severely affected, leading to improved dissolution rates of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). In the present report, we communicate our findings on the in vitro modified release of the chronobiotic hormone melatonin (MLT), in aqueous media (pH 1.2 and 6.8), from poly(L-lactic acid) and the aforementioned copolymer matrix tablets, enriched with commonly used biopolymers, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K15), lactose monohydrate, and sodium alginate. It was found that, depending on the composition and the relevant content of these excipients in the matrix tablets, the release of MLT satisfied the sought targets for fast sleep onset and sleep maintenance. These findings constitute a useful background for pursuing relevant in vivo studies on melatonin in the future

Leflunomide Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Preparation of Aliphatic Polyester Based Skin Patches

In the present study, the preparation of controlled-released leflunomide (LFD)-loaded skin patches was evaluated, utilizing the combination of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into suitable poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polyester matrices. Initially, LFD-loaded CS NPs of ~600 nm and a smooth surface were prepared, while strong inter-molecular interactions between the drug and the CS were unraveled. In the following step, the prepared LFD-loaded CS NPs were incorporated into PLLA or PLGA, and thin-film patches were prepared via spin-coating. Analysis of the prepared films showed that the incorporation of the drug-loaded CS NPs resulted in a significant increase in the drug’s release rate and extent as compared to neat LFD-loaded polyester patches (i.e., prepared without the use of CS NPs). In-depth analysis of the prepared formulations showed that the amorphization of the drug within the matrix and the increased wetting properties of the prepared CS NPs were responsible for the improved thin-film patch characteristics

Branched Poly(<i>ε</i>-caprolactone)-Based Copolyesters of Different Architectures and Their Use in the Preparation of Anticancer Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles

Limitations associated with the use of linear biodegradable polyesters in the preparation of anticancer nano-based drug delivery systems (nanoDDS) have turned scientific attention to the utilization of branched-chain (co-)polymers. In this context, the present study evaluates the use of novel branched poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based copolymers of different architectures for the preparation of anticancer nanoparticle (NP)-based formulations, using paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug. Specifically, three PCL-polyol branched polyesters, namely, a three-arm copolymer based on glycerol (PCL-GLY), a four-arm copolymer based on pentaerythritol (PCL-PE), and a five-arm copolymer based on xylitol (PCL-XYL), were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), intrinsic viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and cytotoxicity. Then, PTX-loaded NPs were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion. The size of the obtained NPs varied from 200 to 300 nm, while the drug was dispersed in crystalline form in all formulations. High encapsulation efficiency and high yields were obtained in all cases, while FTIR analysis showed no molecular drug polymer. Finally, in vitro drug release studies showed that the studied nanocarriers significantly enhanced the dissolution rate and extent of the drug

Risperidone Controlled Release Microspheres Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)-Poly(Propylene Adipate) Novel Polymer Blends Appropriate for Long Acting Injectable Formulations

The present study evaluates the preparation of risperidone controlled release microspheres as appropriate long-acting injectable formulations based on a series of novel biodegradable and biocompatible poly(lactic acid)&ndash;poly(propylene adipate) (PLA/PPAd) polymer blends. Initially, PPAd was synthesized using a two-stage melt polycondensation method (esterification and polycondensation) and characterized by 1H-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. DSC and XRD results for PLA/PPAd blends (prepared by the solvent evaporation method) showed that these are immiscible, while enzymatic hydrolysis studies performed at 37 &deg;C showed increased mass loss for PPAd compared to PLA. Risperidone-polyester microparticles prepared by the oil&ndash;water emulsification/solvent evaporation method showed smooth spherical surface with particle sizes from 1 to 15 &mu;m. DSC, XRD, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) analyses showed that the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was dispersed in the amorphous phase within the polymer matrices, whereas in vitro drug release studies showed risperidone controlled release rates in all PLA/PPAd blend formulations. Finally, statistical moment analysis showed that polyester hydrolysis had a major impact on API release kinetics, while in PLA/PPAd blends with high PLA content, drug release was mainly controlled by diffusion

Thiolated Chitosan Masked Polymeric Microspheres with Incorporated Mesocellular Silica Foam (MCF) for Intranasal Delivery of Paliperidone

In this study, mesocellular silica foam (MCF) was used to encapsulate paliperidone, an antipsychotic drug used in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. MCF with the drug adsorbed was further encapsulated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) 75/25 w/w microspheres and these have been coated with thiolated chitosan. As found by TEM analysis, thiolated chitosan formed a thin layer on the polymeric microspheres’ surface and was used in order to enhance their mucoadhesiveness. These microspheres aimed at the intranasal delivery of paliperidone. The DSC and XRD studies showed that paliperidone was encapsulated in amorphous form inside the MCF silica and for this reason its dissolution profile was enhanced compared to the neat drug. In coated microspheres, thiolated chitosan reduced the initial burst effect of the paliperidone dissolution profile and in all cases sustained release formulations have been prepared. The release mechanism was also theoretically studied and three kinetic models were proposed and successfully fitted for a dissolution profile of prepared formulations to be found