Integrated experimental and theoretical study of surface properties of TiO2 nanoparticles.

Nanostructured titania is rising an increasing interest as one of the key materials for the actual setting of sustainable processes based on the use of sunlight as source of energy. A relevant target is the disclosure of the main structural and surface features that can rule the performances of titania. In this respect, this Ph.D. thesis has been devoted to the study of surface properties of TiO2 nanoparticles with the combined use of IR spectroscopy of adsorbed probe molecules/groups (OH/H2O, CO) and theoretical modeling. The experimental study of the TiO2 surface sites, with a relevant role for the surface chemistry, allowed to individuate some vibrational bands, due to surface defective sites of TiO2 P25 (Degussa), a kind of benchmark for the photocatalytic applications of titania. The use of this material represents a source of complexity in this kind of investigations, since the roughness of nanocrystals borders causes the presence of a wide heterogeneity of surface sites with different local structures. Therefore, a TiO2 sample with nanoparticles of regular shape and exposing defined surfaces, has been studied. The a priori knowledge of the surface sites structure has allowed the unambiguous assignment of some of the vibrational bands of the IR spectra of adsorbed probe molecules. These data have been used as reference for the simulation of the IR spectra of adsorbed CO, that allowed the assignment of other signals not attributed on the only basis of experimental data. The role of the TiO2 surface has also been studied through the TiO2-biomolecules interaction, that provided evidence of the catalytic role of TiO2 surface in promoting the formation of peptidic bond among adsorbed biomolecules

The emerging role of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast surgery: A case-matched analysis

To evaluate the benefits of pectoral nerve block (PECS block) in breast cancer surgery, we compared outcomes of 100 patients receiving PECS vs 107 without PECS. Intraoperative use of fentanyl (P < .001) acetaminophen (P = .02), morphine (P < .01), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (P < .01) was lower in the PECS group. Occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was lower in the PECS group (P = .04). On postoperative day 1, the use of acetaminophen (P = .23), morphine (P = .83), and NSAIDS (P = .4) did not differ. Twenty-one patients received surgery with PECS block plus sedation alone. PECS block can reduce intraoperative use of opioids and analgesic drugs, and is associated with reduced occurrence of PONV. Selected patients can receive breast-conserving surgery with PECS plus sedation, avoiding general anesthesia

Treatment resistance in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer: molecular and clinical pharmacology perspectives

Introduction: Treatment resistance poses a significant obstacle in oncology, especially in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Current therapeutic options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Resistance to these treatments may arise due to diverse molecular mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic modifications, altered drug metabolism and efflux, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Identifying and overcoming these mechanisms is a major focus of research: strategies being explored include combination therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and personalized approaches. Areas covered: We provide a current overview and discussion of the most relevant mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy in both BTC and PC. Furthermore, we compare the different strategies that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles. Expert opinion: So far there is no unified theory on drug resistance and progress is limited. To overcome this issue, individualized patient approaches, possibly through liquid biopsies or single-cell transcriptome studies, are suggested, along with the potential use of artificial intelligence, to guide effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, we provide insights into what we consider the most promising areas of research, and we speculate on the future of managing treatment resistance to improve patient outcomes.Award of EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant ref.: 10383, 2023Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidad de la Junta de Andalucía and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. P18-FR-2470, from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities [ref. RTI 2018-101309-B-C22], and from the Chair “Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell research” [CMC-CTS963].KWF Dutch Cancer Society, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro AIRCBennink Foundatio

Are FGFR and IDH1-2 alterations a positive prognostic factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma? An unresolved issue

Despite representing some of the most common and investigated molecular changes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the prognostic role of FGFR and IDH1/2 alterations still remains an open question. In this review we provide a critical analysis of available literature data regarding this topic, underlining the strengths and pitfalls of each study reported. Despite the overall poor quality of current available studies, a general trend toward a better overall survival for FGFR2 rearrangements and, possibly, for FGFR2-3 alterations can be inferred. On the other hand, the positive prognostic role of IDH1/2 mutation seems much more uncertain. In this scenario, better designed clinical trials in these subsets of iCCA patients are needed in order to get definitive conclusions on this issue

The Impact on Survival and Morbidity of Portal-Mesenteric Resection During Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Adenocarcinoma. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Background: The literature is conflicting regarding oncological outcome and morbidity associated to portal-mesenteric resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (PHAC). Methods: A meta-analysis of studies comparing PD plus venous resection (PD+VR) and standard PD exclusively in patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head was conducted. Results: Twenty-three cohort studies were identified, which included 6037 patients, of which 28.6% underwent PD+VR and 71.4% underwent standard PD. Patients who received PD+VR had lower 1-year overall survival (OS) (odds radio OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.92, p = 0.003), 3-year OS (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.87, p = 0.0006), and 5-year OS (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.83, p = 0.003). Patients in the PD+VR group were more likely to have a larger tumor size (MD 3.87, 95% CI 1.75 to 5.99, p = 0.0003), positive lymph nodes (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.45, p = 0.007), and R1 resection (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.37-2.20, p &lt; 0.0001). Thirty-day mortality was higher in the PD+VR group (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28-2.91, p = 0.002), while no differences between groups were observed in rates of total complications (OR 1.07, 95% CI, 0.81-1.41, p = 0.65). Conclusions: Although PD+VR has significantly increased the resection rate in patients with PHAC, it has inferior survival outcomes and higher 30-day mortality when compared with standard PD, whereas postoperative morbidity rates are similar. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of PD+VR in the context of multimodality treatment of PHAC