Enhancement of the Biological and Mechanical Performances of Sintered Hydroxyapatite by Multiple Ions Doping

In the present work, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles doped with Mg2+, Sr2+, and Zn2+ ions are developed by wet neutralization method and then sintered at 1,250°C to obtain bulk consolidated materials. Physicochemical and microstructural analyses show that the presence of doping ions in the HA structure induced the formation of βTCP as secondary phase, during the sintering process, and we found that this effect is depending on the stability of the various doping ions in the hydroxyapatite lattice itself. We also found that the formation of βTCP as secondary phase, in turn, confines the grain growth of HA induced by the high-temperature sintering process, thus leading to a strong increase of the flexural strength of the bulk materials, according to Hall-Petch-like law. Furthermore, we found that the doping ions enter also in the structure of the βTCP phase; besides the grain growth confinement, also the solubility and ion release ability of the final materials were enhanced. In addition to ameliorate the mechanical performance, the described phenomena also activate multiple biofunctionalities: (i) ability to upregulate various genes involved in the osteogenesis, as obtained by human adipose stem cells culture and evaluated by array technology; (ii) enhanced resistance to the adhesion and proliferation of Gram+ and Gram– bacterial strains. Hence, our results open a perspective for the use of sintered multiple ion-doped HA to develop ceramic biodevices, such as plates, screws, or other osteosynthesis media, with enhanced strength, osteointegrability, and the ability to prevent post-surgical infections

Growing Role of 3D In Vitro Cell Cultures in the Study of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms: Short Focus on Breast Cancer, Endometriosis, Liver and Infectious Diseases

Over the past decade, the development of three-dimensional (3D) models has increased exponentially, facilitating the unravelling of fundamental and essential cellular mechanisms by which cells communicate with each other, assemble into tissues and organs and respond to biochemical and biophysical stimuli under both physiological and pathological conditions. This section presents a concise overview of the most recent updates on the significant contribution of different types of 3D cell cultures including spheroids, organoids and organ-on-chip and bio-printed tissues in advancing our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms. The case studies presented include the 3D cultures of breast cancer (BC), endometriosis, the liver microenvironment and infections. In BC, the establishment of 3D culture models has permitted the visualization of the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the delivery of exosomes, as well as the significance of the physical properties of the extracellular matrix in promoting cell proliferation and invasion. This approach has also become a valuable tool in gaining insight into general and specific mechanisms of drug resistance. Given the considerable heterogeneity of endometriosis, 3D models offer a more accurate representation of the in vivo microenvironment, thereby facilitating the identification and translation of novel targeted therapeutic strategies. The advantages provided by 3D models of the hepatic environment, in conjunction with the high throughput characterizing various platforms, have enabled the elucidation of complex molecular mechanisms underlying various threatening hepatic diseases. A limited number of 3D models for gut and skin infections have been developed. However, a more profound comprehension of the spatial and temporal interactions between microbes, the host and their environment may facilitate the advancement of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo disease models. Additionally, it may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in diverse research fields. The interested reader will also find concluding remarks on the challenges and prospects of using 3D cell cultures for discovering cellular and molecular mechanisms in the research areas covered in this review

Synergic Effect of Nanolignin and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles into Poly(l-lactide) Bionanocomposites: Material Properties, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Performance

Binary and ternary poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) based nanocomposites, containing nanolignin (1% wt.) and different metal oxide nanoparticles (0.5% wt., Ag2O, TiO2, WO3, Fe2O3 and ZnFe2O4) were realized ..

Oxytocin Nasal Spray in the Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity: A pilot, Randomized, Double Blind Trial

1.1. Background Preclinical studies suggest that the neuropeptide oxytocin reduces food intake and body weight, but only a few clinical studies have investigated the translatability of these findings in humans. The present study investigated the safety and efficacy of oxytocin nasal spray in patients affected by binge eating disorder and obesity. 1.2. Methods Seventeen outpatients affected by binge eating disorder and obesity participated in a 8 week double-blind trial and received oxytocin (n=8; 24 IU, four times a day, 20 min before each of three meals and before going to bed) or placebo (n=9) with an energy-restricted diet. Primary outcomes included adverse events and the number of binge eating episodes per week. Secondary measures included body weight, BMI, severity of BED, craving for food, quality of sleep, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. 1.3. Results One patient of oxytocin group discontinued prematurely the trial before the first post-randomization efficacy measure. Among the other 16 participants, 13 (81.2%) completed the trial, and 3 (18.8%) discontinued [3 in the oxytocin group; 0 in the placebo group (p=0.0625, Fisher’s exact test)]. No significant difference between groups was found in any outcome evaluated. Patients of the placebo group performed slightly better than patients of the oxytocin group in some secondary outcomes, but these differences were not significant. 1.4. Conclusion Oxytocin nasal spray resulted to be safe, including in women of childbearing age but did not significantly reduce the number of binge eating episodes per week in outpatients affected by binge eating disorder and obesity. These findings are discussed in light of the human oxytocin literature. Keyword

Instrumentação virtual para avaliação automática de gordura corporal com tecnologia wireless

Um método universalmente utilizado para avaliação subcutânea de gordura corporal baseia-se em medições antropométricas obtidas através de um instrumento portátil e de baixo custo designado por Lipocalibrador. Este método não invasivo, considerado duplamente indirecto, permite a determinação quantitativa da composição corporal em tecido gordo e não gordo pela medição da espessura de pregas cutâneas1. Este método éreconhecido na literatura como a forma mais simples de avaliar estes dois compartimentos e fornece resultados fiáveis se correctamente aplicado. Mas, para queos resultados sejam consistentes, tem que ser realizado por técnicos altamente especializados, seguindo um procedimento estipulado e procurando minimizaravaliações e decisões subjectivas2.O trabalho que se apresenta procura reduzir as subjectividades inerentes a este método de medição, facilitando a sua utilização na prática clínica e na avaliação de grandes amostras populacionais

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Gold Nanoparticles: Can They Be the Next Magic Bullet for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria?

In 2017 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a list of the 12 multidrug-resistant (MDR) families of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health, and recommended that new measures should be taken to promote the development of new therapies against these superbugs. Few antibiotics have been developed in the last two decades. Part of this slow progression can be attributed to the surge in the resistance acquired by bacteria, which is holding back pharma companies from taking the risk to invest in new antibiotic entities. With limited antibiotic options and an escalating bacterial resistance there is an urgent need to explore alternative ways of meeting this global challenge. The field of medical nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative and a powerful tool for treating some of the most complicated health conditions. Different inorganic nanomaterials including gold, silver, and others have showed potential antibacterial efficacies. Interestingly, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained specific attention, due to their biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization, and their optical properties. In this review, we will focus on the latest research, done in the field of antibacterial gold nanoparticles; by discussing the mechanisms of action, antibacterial efficacies, and future implementations of these innovative antibacterial systems

Synergic Effect of Nanolignin and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles into Poly(llactide) Bionanocomposites: Material Properties Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Performance

Binary and ternary poly(l-lactide) (PLLA)-based nanocomposites, containing nanolignin (1 wt %) and different metal oxide nanoparticles (0.5 wt %, Ag2O, TiO2, WO3, Fe2O3, and ZnFe2O4), were realized by solvent casting, and their morphological, thermal, surface, optical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characterizations were performed. The presence of metal oxide nanoparticles at the selected weight concentration affects the surface microstructure of the PLLA polymer, and this outcome is particle-type dependent, according to the shape, morphology, and chemical properties of the selected nanoparticles (NPs). Analogously, wettability of PLLA-based nanocomposites was slightly modified by the presence of hydrophobic lignin nanoparticles and different shaped metal oxides. Results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) tests confirmed that nanoparticle addition confined the mobility of the amorphous phase, increasing at the same time the formation of more numerous but less perfect PLLA crystals. Interestingly, antioxidant activity was also obtained in ternary-based nanocomposites, where a synergic effect of lignin and metal oxide nanoparticles was obtained. Antibacterial tests showed manifest activity of TiO2 and Ag2O nanoparticles containing PLLA films, and the time dependence was more evident for Staphylococcus aureus than for Escherichia coli. Lignin nanoparticles are able to provide protection against UV light while still allowing visible light to pass and even surpass the UV-protection capacity provided by many inorganic nanoparticles. This makes them an attractive renewable additive for the realization of PLLA/metal oxide nanocomposites in the fields of food, drug packaging, and biomedical industry, where antibacterial and antioxidant properties are required.n