Comparison of Oxidative Stress Effects on Senescence Patterning of Human Adult and Perinatal Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Short and Long-term Cultures

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) undergo senescence in lifespan. In most clinical trials, hMSCs experience long-term expansion ex vivo to increase cell number prior to transplantation, which unfortunately leads to cell senescence, hampering post-transplant outcomes.Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro represents a rapid, time and cost-effective tool, commonly used as oxidative stress tantalizing the stem cell ability to cope with a hostile environment, recapitulating the onset and progression of cellular senescence.Here, H2O2 at different concentrations (ranging from 50 to 400 mu M) and time exposures (1 or 2 hours - h), was used for the first time to compare the behavior of human Adipose tissue-derived Stem Cells (hASCs) and human Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs (hWJ-MSCs), as representative of adult and perinatal tissue-derived stem cells, respectively. We showed timely different responses of hASCs and hWJ-MSCs at low and high subculture passages, concerning the cell proliferation, the cell senescence-associated beta-Galactosidase activity, the capability of these cells to undergo passages, the morphological changes and the gene expression of tumor protein p53 (TP53, alias p53) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor IA (CDKN IA, alias p21) post H2O2 treatments.The comparison between the hASC and hWJ-MSC response to oxidative stress induced by H2O2 is a useful tool to assess the biological mechanisms at the basis of hMSC senescence, but it could also provide two models amenable to test in vitro putative anti-senescence modulators and develop anti-senescence strategies

Evaluation of photodynamic therapy using a diode laser 635 nm as an adjunct to conventional chemo-mechanical edodontic procedures against enterococcus faecalis biofilm: ex-vivo study

The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the use of Toluidine Blue (TB) on extracted teeth infected with biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis. Fifty-four extracted teeth with single-roots and single canals were mechanically shaped, autoclaved, and contaminated with E. faecalis. They were randomly divided into six groups: two groups were negative and positive control groups, two groups were subjected to mechanical instrumentation and PDT with different pre-irradiation times and irradiation times, and two groups were subjected to chemo-mechanical endodontic treatment and PDT with different pre-irradiation times and irradiation times. In PDT groups, after the application of TB, the canals were irradiated with a diode laser of wavelength 635 nm, with a fiber diameter of 200 μm and 100 mW of power in continuous mode. The bacterial load was evaluated using a BioTimer Assay protocol. The greatest reduction of bacterial load was observed in groups of combined PDT with chemo-mechanical treatment. The reductions of bacterial load in groups of combined PDT with chemo-mechanical treatment, and in the positive control group, were significant (p < 0.01) when compared to that of the negative control group. Photodynamic therapy as an adjunctive modality may improve the disinfection capacity of conventional endodontic treatment against E. faecalis

CO2 laser for surgical treatment of impacted canines

INTRODUCTION Impaction is defined as the failure of tooth eruption at its correct site in the dental arch, in its normal period of growth. The permanent maxillary canine is the most commonly impacted tooth after third molars, it has a predilection for the oral side with a tendency to be unilateral. It is more common in females. The etiology is unclear: orally impacted canines can be associated with hypoplastic or missing lateral incisors or with aplasia of premolars, presence of supernumerary teeth and malpositioned third molars. There are many possible surgical techniques to approach impacted canines: early interceptive intervention or late intervention, including extraction, autotransplantation, surgical exposure of the canine’s crown with open or closed technique and subsequent orthodontic alignment. The choice depends on canine position, associated malocclusion, skill and experience of orthodontist and surgeon, patient compliance. Literature reports that High-Intensity Laser Therapies (HILT) with cutting action on the soft tissues, can also be used for opercolectomy of impacted tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 13-years-old male referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, for an orthodontic examination because of the maxillary primary canines persistence in dental arch. Orthopanoramic x-ray showed osteomucosal impaction of both permanent maxillary canines. The family history revealed that patient’s mother had the same orthodontic problem. Cone Beam CT was requested to plan the surgical-orthodontic treatment. Surgical exposure of the impacted canines was performed using a CO2 laser (Smart US20D®, DEKA-Florence, Italy) and subsequent periodontal wrap application. No orthodontic devices were applied for impacted teeth traction on dental arch. Canines movement towards the dental arch was monitored at 1, 8 and 16 weeks post-surgery with intraoral scanner CS3500 (Carestream Dental). When canines crowns were completely erupted on palatal side, the alignment in the arch with direct/indirect bonding technique was performed. RESULTS Complete disimpaction of canines crown was obtained in only four months. CONCLUSIONS As mentioned in Literature, this case confirms that impacted canines exposure with CO2 laser has advantages if compared with traditional surgery: no bleeding during and after procedure, no need to use sutures and laser biostimulating effect allow spontaneous eruption faster than with conventional treatments

An integrative cognitive rehabilitation using neurologic music therapy in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease, affecting both the sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The typical pattern of cognitive impairment includes reduced speed of information processing, decreased phonological and semantic speech fluency, deficits in verbal and visual episodic memory, as well as attention and executive dysfunctions. We aimed to investigate the influence of the neurologic music therapy (NMT) on mood, motivation, emotion status, and cognitive functions in patients with MS. Methods: Thirty patients with MS were randomly divided in 2 groups: the control group (CG) undergoing conventional cognitive rehabilitation (CCR), 6 times a week for 8 weeks, and the experimental group (EG) undergoing CCR 3 times a week for 8 weeks plus NMT techniques, performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks. All the participants were submitted to the same amount of treatment. Each patient was evaluated before (baseline: T0) and immediately after the end of each training (T1). Main outcomes measures: We used as main outcome measure: the brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological test to assess various cognitive abilities; and the multiple sclerosis quality of life-54 (MSQoL-54). Results: Both the groups benefit from 8 weeks of CR. In particular, the EG got better results in cognitive function, with regard to selective reminding test long term storage (P < .000), long term retrieval (P = .007), and delayed recall of the 10/36 spatial recall test (P = .001), as compared with the CG. Moreover, the improvement in emotional status, motivation, mood and quality of life (with regard to the mental component; P < .000) was more evident in the EG. Conclusions: NMT could be considered a complementary approach to enhance CCR in patients affected by MS

Do patients with PD benefit from music assisted therapy plus treadmill-based gait training? An exploratory study focused on behavioral outcomes

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder, presenting not only with motor symptoms (resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscular rigidity), but also with cognitive and behavioral problems that need to be addressed in a rehabilitation setting. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a combined rehabilitative approach, using gait training coupled to music-based therapy, on cognitive and behavioral function in a sample of patients with PD. Materials and Methods: Forty patients, meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (CG) underwent traditional over ground gait training, whilst the experimental group (EG) underwent gait training with the Biodex Gait Trainer 3 (a treadmill integrated with music therapy). Each subject was evaluated at baseline (T0) and after the training (T1), using specific neuropsychological and motor function tests. Results: The EG presented higher outcomes scores concerning mood and quality of life in all subscales of Psychological General Well-Being Index (i.e. anxiety, depression, health, vitality and positivity) and subscales of Brief-COPE, with regard to behavioral disengagement, positive reframing, planning, acceptance and use of emotional support, as compared to the CG. Moreover, a significant improvement in motor functioning, with regard to static and dynamic balance, was found in the EG. Conclusion: Music-based gait training rehabilitation may be considered an effective strategy to improve behavioral performances, coping strategies and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with PD

Comitato scientifico Quaderni ADI LAZIO, Collana "Casi e Cose di design", Quodlibet Studio Design

La Collana "Casi e Cose di design" propone ricerche scientifiche che vertono sull'analisi e la ricostruzione di storie di design legate al territorio della regione Lazio. Questo progetto culturale, promosso dalla Delegazione ADI Lazio, ha il compito di diffondere la conoscenza del design locale, inquadrato in una dimensione più ampia attraverso casi di studio di riverbero nazionale e internazionale. Il primo testo della Collana è stato pubblicato IN ITALIANO E INGLESE nel 2012: De Fusco R., Martino C., I Designer del bagno, Quodlibet studio, Macerata 2012. ISBN: 978-88-7462-457-

Identification of Novel Triazole-Based Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl­transferase (NAMPT) Inhibitors Endowed with Antiproliferative and Antiinflammatory Activity

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl­transferase (NAMPT) is a key enzyme involved in the recycling of nicotinamide to maintain adequate NAD levels inside the cells. It has been postulated to be a pharmacological target, as it is overexpressed in cancer cells as well as in inflammatory diseases. We describe the synthesis and characterization of a novel class of one-digit nanomolar NAMPT inhibitors based on in vitro characterization. The most active compound tested, <b>30c</b>, displayed activity in xenograft and allograft models, strengthening the potential of NAMPT inhibitors as antitumoral drugs. Furthermore, in the present contribution we describe the ability of <b>30c</b> to significantly improve the outcome of colitis in mice. Given that this is the first report of an effect of NAMPT inhibitors in colitis, this result paves the way for novel applications for this class of compounds

Identification of Novel Triazole-Based Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyl­transferase (NAMPT) Inhibitors Endowed with Antiproliferative and Antiinflammatory Activity

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl­transferase (NAMPT) is a key enzyme involved in the recycling of nicotinamide to maintain adequate NAD levels inside the cells. It has been postulated to be a pharmacological target, as it is overexpressed in cancer cells as well as in inflammatory diseases. We describe the synthesis and characterization of a novel class of one-digit nanomolar NAMPT inhibitors based on in vitro characterization. The most active compound tested, <b>30c</b>, displayed activity in xenograft and allograft models, strengthening the potential of NAMPT inhibitors as antitumoral drugs. Furthermore, in the present contribution we describe the ability of <b>30c</b> to significantly improve the outcome of colitis in mice. Given that this is the first report of an effect of NAMPT inhibitors in colitis, this result paves the way for novel applications for this class of compounds

Internet and social media use among patients with colorectal diseases (ISMAEL): a nationwide survey

Aim: Social media are used daily by both healthcare workers and patients. Online platforms have the potential to provide patients with useful information, increase their engagement and potentially revolutionize the patient-physician relationship. This survey aimed to evaluate the impact of the Internet and social media (I&amp;SM) on patients affected by colorectal and proctological diseases to define a pathway to develop an evidence-based communications strategy. Method: A 31-item anonymous electronic questionnaire was designed. It consisted of different sections concerning demographics and education, reason for the visit, knowledge of the diseases, frequency of I&amp;SM use and patients' opinions about physicians' websites. Results: Over a 5-month period, 37 centres and 105 surgeons took part in the survey, and a total of 5800 patients enrolled. Approximately half of them reported using the Internet daily, and 74.6% of the study population used it at least once per week. There was a correlation (P &lt; 0.001) between those who used the Internet for work and those who had knowledge of both symptoms and the likely diagnosis before consultation. Patients who used the Internet daily were more likely to request a consultation within 6 months of symptom onset (P &lt; 0.0001). Patients with anorectal diseases were more likely to know about their disease and symptoms before the visit (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Colorectal patients use I&amp;SM to look for health-related information mainly after their medical visit. Surgeons and hospital networks should plan a tailored strategy to increase patient engagement, delivering appropriate information on social medi