Ionic liquid-based materials for biomedical applications

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been extensively explored and implemented in different areas, ranging from sensors and actuators to the biomedical field. The increasing attention devoted to ILs centers on their unique properties and possible combination of different cations and anions, allowing the development of materials with specific functionalities and requirements for applications. Particularly for biomedical applications, ILs have been used for biomaterials preparation, improving dissolution and processability, and have been combined with natural and synthetic polymer matrixes to develop IL-polymer hybrid materials to be employed in different fields of the biomedical area. This review focus on recent advances concerning the role of ILs in the development of biomaterials and their combination with natural and synthetic polymers for different biomedical areas, including drug delivery, cancer therapy, tissue engineering, antimicrobial and antifungal agents, and biosensing.The authors thank the FCT (Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia) for financial support under the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2019 and pro-jects PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017, PTDC/EMD-EMD/28159/2017, and PTDC/FIS-MAC/28157/2017. Funds provided by FCT in the framework of EuroNano-Med 2016 call, Project LungChek ENMed/0049/2016 are also gratefully acknowledged. D.M.C., L.C.F., R.M.M., and M.M.F. also thank the FCT for the grants SFRH/BPD/121526/2016, SFRH/BD/145345/2019, and FRH/BD/148655/2019, SFRH/BPD/121464/2016, respectively and CR thanks the FCT for the contract under the Stimulus of Scientific Employment (2020.04163.CEECIND). S.L.M. and J.R. acknowledge the funding support from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) through the project PID2019-106099RB-C43/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and from the Basque Government Industry Department under the ELKARTEK program.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Colourful patterns in cellulose-based liquid crystals

POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007688 UIDB/50025/2020-2023 EUTOPIA CA17139Cellulose-based thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals can be obtained from macromolecules or colloidal particles, such as cellulose nanocrystals. Thermotropic liquid crystals are produced by the effect of temperature, while lyotropic liquid crystals occur in solution for a given range of concentration, pressure, and temperature. Cellulose liquid crystals can form chiral nematic phases characterized by Bragg-type reflections of circularly polarized light. This characteristic is related to a helical structure formed by pseudo nematic layers twisted around an optical axis. The helical structure is characterized by the values of pitch and helicity. The later can be right- (R) or left- (L) handed. Cellulose liquid crystals are well described in literature. They are a source of materials for many applications, including the production of photonic chiral materials. Although many questions remain unanswered such as the origin of helicity of cellulosic chiral structures and those related to out-ofequilibrium systems. In this paper, we are focused at the out-of-equilibrium systems obtained from lyotropic cellulose-based liquid crystals. The development of colorful patterns involving the pitch variation in space and time of self-organized cellulose cholesteric structures is revised.publishersversionpublishe

Electrospun magnetic ionic liquid based electroactive materials for tissue engineering applications

Functional electrospun fibers incorporating ionic liquids (ILs) present a novel approach in the development of active microenviroments due to their ability to respond to external magnetic fields without the addition of magnetic particles. In this context, this work reports on the development of magnetically responsive magneto-ionic fibers based on the electroactive polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride) and the magnetic IL (MIL), bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrathiocyanatocobaltate ([Bmim]2[(SCN)4Co]). The PVDF/MIL electrospun fibers were prepared incorporating 5, 10 and 15 wt.% of the MIL, showing that the inclusion of the MIL increases the polar β-phase content of the polymer from 79% to 94% and decreases the crystallinity of the fibers from 47% to 36%. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the fibers decreases with the incorporation of the MIL. The magnetization of the PVDF/MIL composite fibers is proportional to the MIL content and decreases with temperature. Finally, cytotoxicity assays show a decrease in cell viability with increasing the MIL content.This research was funded by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/FIS/04650/2020, and project PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017. Moreover, the authors thank FCT for the research grant SFRH/BD/145345/2019 (LMC), SFRH/BD/148655/2019 (RMM), and D.M.C. and CR thank the FCT for the contract under the Stimulus of Scientific Employment 2020.02915.CEECIND and 2020.04163.CEECIND, respectively.The authors acknowledge funding by Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERFD) through the project PID2019-106099RB-C43/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and from the Basque Government Industry Departments under the ELKARTEK program. Technical and human support provided by IZO-SGI, SGIker (UPV/EHU, MICINN, GV/EJ, ERDF and ESF) is gratefully acknowledged

Towards customized footwear with improved comfort

A methodology enabling the customization of shoes for comfort improvement is proposed and assessed. For this aim, 3D printed graded density inserts were placed in one of the critical plantar pressure zones of conventional insoles, the heel. A semi-automated routine was developed to design the 3D inserts ready for printing, which comprises three main stages: (i) the definition of the number of areas with different mesh density, (ii) the generation of 2D components with continuous graded mesh density, and (iii) the generation of a 3D component having the same 2D base mesh. The adequacy of the mesh densities used in the inserts was previously assessed through compression tests, using uniform mesh density samples. Slippers with different pairs of inserts embedded in their insoles were mechanically characterized, and their comfort was qualitatively assessed by a panel of users. All users found a particular pair, or a set, of prototype slippers more comfortable than the original ones, taken as reference, but their preferences were not consensual. This emphasizes the need for shoe customization, and the usefulness of the proposed methodology to achieve such a goal.This work was funded by National Funds through FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, Reference UID/CTM/50025/2019 and UIDB/04436/2020, and Project FAMEST, Reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-024529, co-financed by COMPETE2020 through PT2020 and FEDER

Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antitumoral activities of mononuclear zinc complexes containing tridentate amine based ligands with N3 or N2O donor groups

The synthesis and characterization of the four zinc(II) complexes [Zn(HL1)Cl-2] (1), [Zn(H2L2)Cl-2](2), [Zn(H2L3)Cl-2] (3) and[Zn(H2L4)Cl-2] (4), where HL1 = (bis-2-pyridylmethyl)amine, H2L2 = (2-hydroxybenzyl- 2-pyridylmethyl) amine, H2L3 = N-2[(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino)ethanol, H2L4 = 1-[(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)- amino]-propan-2-ol are reported; (3) and (4) are new while (2) was reported previously but its structure had not been determined. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI(+)-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry ESI(+)-MS/MS). X-ray diffraction studies were performed for complexes (1)-(3) revealing the presence of mononuclear structures in the solid state. The X-ray analyses of (1) and (3) demonstrate that HL1 and HL2 act as tridentate ligands, while the ligand H2L2 in (2) is bidentate. The cytotoxic properties of the ligands and of all the complexes were examined using human leukemia THP-1, U937 and Molt-4 cells. Complex (4) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in this series with an IC50 value of 75 +/- 1 mu mol L (1) against U937 cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals ultrastructural changes typical of apoptotic cells. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by the annexin V assay. The antimicrobial activity of complexes (1)-(4) was also investigated in vitro against four Gram-positive bacteria (ATCC10832, ATCC25923, COL) and the clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolate LSA88 (SEC/SEF/ TSST-1+). Complex (2) showed the most potent inhibitory activity, reaching almost 100% of inhibition against all strains tested. Morphological investigations using TEM indicate that the antibacterial activity of complex (2) may be associated with the inhibition of cell wall and therefore cell division. (C) 2014 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved

Dor e trabalho nas enfermeiras

Ap?s revis?o da literatura, verificamos necessidade de evid?ncia referente ? dor em Enfermeiros de Cuidados de Sa?de Prim?rios (CSP). A amostra constitu?da por 7 Enfermeiras dos CSP da regi?o Norte. Foi aplicado, sob forma de entrevista semi-dirigida, o inqu?rito INSAT 2010 e realizada a an?lise de conte?do. Os dados evidenciaram que as Enfermeiras apresentam qualidade de vida e sa?de afetadas, devido a constrangimentos f?sicos, organizacionais e relacionais no ambiente de trabalho que podem, eventualmente, causar stresse, fadiga, sofrimento e dor.B910-DDDF-6BB2 | Lu?s Carlos Carvalho da Gra?ainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Nanocellulose toxicity in vitro models: contributing to its safety assessment to human health

As nanoceluloses são nanomateriais inovadores com potencial para uma vasta gama de aplicações industriais e biomédicas. No entanto, a expansão da sua produção tem vindo a suscitar preocupações quanto aos possíveis efeitos, a longo prazo, na saúde humana. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a segurança de algumas nanoceluloses produzidas a partir de matéria-prima nacional, através da caracterização da sua potencial toxicidade em células de mamífero. Para tal, testaram-se duas celuloses nano /microfibrilares (CNF e CMF ) e uma celulose nanocristalina (CNC). Analisou-se a citotoxicidade usando ensaios colorimétricos e o ensaio clonogénico, e a genotoxicidade pelo ensaio do micronúcleo in vitro em células pulmonares de mamífero (A549 e V79 ) e em osteoblastos humanos ( MG-63 ). A indução de espécies reativas de oxigénio (ROS) e a internalização celular foram também estudadas nas células A549. Observou- -se citotoxicidade no ensaio clonogénico, principalmente no caso da CNC, mas não nos restantes ensaios, não havendo também indução de ROS. Todas as nanoceluloses revelaram efeitos genotóxicos nalgumas concentrações, uma vez que induziram micronúcleos e /ou pontes nucleoplásmicas num dos modelos celulares. Para além disso, visualizou-se a internalização da CNF e CMF, mas não da CNC, em células A549. Esta primeira avaliação toxicológica veio contribuir para prevenir a exposição a materiais celulósicos potencialmente perigosos, procurando impulsionar o desenvolvimento de materiais inovadores e mais seguros.Nanocelluloses are innovative nanomaterials with potential for a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. However, the expansion of its production has raised concerns about their possible long-term effects on human health. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of various nanocelluloses through the characterization of their potential toxicity in mammalian cells. Two samples of nano/microfibrillar celluloses with different pre-treatments (CNF and CMF) and a nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) were tested. The cytotoxicity of the nanocelluloses was analyzed using colorimetric assays and the clonogenic assay, and genotoxicity by the in vitro micronucleus assay in human alveolar epithelial cells (A549), human osteoblasts (MG-63) and Chinese hamster fibroblasts (V79). Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular internalization were also studied in A549 cells. Cytotoxicity was observed through the clonogenic assay, mainly in the case of CNC, but not in the remaining assays, with no induction of ROS. All nanocelluloses, at some of the concentrations tested, induced micronuclei and/or nucleoplasmic bridges in one of the cellular models. Furthermore, the internalization of CNF and CMF, but not of CNC was visualized in A549 cells. These results aim to contribute to preventing exposure to potentially hazardous cellulosic materials, seeking to boost the development of innovative and safer materials.Projeto ToxApp4NanoCELFI – Uma abordagem de toxicologia preditiva para a caracterização dos potenciais efeitos respiratórios de fibras de nanocelulose funcionalizadas num sistema de co-cultura (PTDC/SAU-PUB/32587/2017).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Displasia do Desenvolvimento do Quadril: triagem e tratamento, uma revisão sistemática.

Objective: The general objective of the present study is to analyze the scientific production on screening methods used for the early and timely diagnosis of DDH, in addition to investigating the resources and therapeutic methods available for its treatment. Methodology: The searches were carried out through searches in the PubMed Central (PMC) databases. and Virtual Health Library (VHL). Six descriptors were used in combination with the Boolean term “AND”: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, Orthopedics, Clinical Diagnosis, Risk Factors, pediatrics and Signs and Symptoms. 200 articles were found, subsequently submitted to the selection criteria. 16 studies were selected. Results: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is considered the most common congenital disease of the musculoskeletal system that affects newborns, DDH represents a wide spectrum of pathology, if not treated properly it can cause complications such as secondary damage to the femur, destruction of articular cartilage and even severe impairment of movement. Conclusion: Clinical screening for DDH is considered advantageous over no screening, both in terms of cost and favorable results. The management of DDH varies according to two factors, age and the severity of the disease. In babies under six months of age, the recommendation is to apply an abduction splint and control the progression of the disease through serial ultrasound. If there is no adequate response to immobilization, the baby may undergo a surgical procedure.Objetivo: El objetivo general del presente estudio es analizar la producción científica sobre los métodos de tamizaje utilizados para el diagnóstico temprano y oportuno de la DDC, además de investigar los recursos y métodos terapéuticos disponibles para su tratamiento. Metodología: Las búsquedas se realizaron a través de búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed Central (PMC). y Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS). Se utilizaron seis descriptores en combinación con el término booleano “AND”: Displasia del Desarrollo de la Cadera, Ortopedia, Diagnóstico Clínico, Factores de Riesgo, Pediatría y Signos y Síntomas. Se encontraron 200 artículos, posteriormente sometidos a los criterios de selección. Se seleccionaron 16 estudios. Resultados: La displasia del desarrollo de cadera (DDH) es considerada la enfermedad congénita más común del sistema musculoesquelético que afecta a los recién nacidos, la DDH representa un amplio espectro de patología, si no se trata adecuadamente puede causar complicaciones como daño secundario al fémur, destrucción. del cartílago articular e incluso graves alteraciones del movimiento. Conclusión: El cribado clínico de DDH se considera ventajoso respecto a ningún cribado, tanto en términos de coste como de resultados favorables. El manejo de la DDH varía según dos factores, la edad y la gravedad de la enfermedad. En bebés menores de seis meses la recomendación es aplicar una férula de abducción y controlar la progresión de la enfermedad mediante ecografías seriadas. Si no hay una respuesta adecuada a la inmovilización, el bebé puede someterse a un procedimiento quirúrgico.Objetivo: O objetivo geral do presente estudo consiste em analisar a produção científica acerca dos métodos de rastreio utilizados para o diagnóstico precoce e oportuno da DDQ, além de averiguar os recursos e métodos terapêuticos disponíveis para o tratamento da mesma.  Metodologia: As buscas foram realizadas por meio de pesquisas nas bases de dados PubMed Central (PMC). e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS). Foram utilizados seis descritores em combinação com o termo booleano “AND”:  Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip, Orthopedics, Clinical Diagnosis, Risk Factors, pediatrics e Signs and Symptoms. Sendo encontrado 200 artigos, posteriormente submetidos aos critérios de seleção. Foram selecionados 16 estudos.  Resultados:  A displasia do desenvolvimento do quadril (DDQ) é considerada a doença congênita mais comum do sistema músculo-esquelético que acomete recém-nascidos, a DDQ representa um amplo espectro de patologia, se não tratada adequadamente pode causar complicações como danos secundários ao fêmur, destruição da cartilagem articular e até mesmo comprometimento grave do movimento. Conclusão: O rastreio clínico da DDQ é considerado vantajoso em relação a nenhum rastreio, tanto em termos de custo como de resultados favoráveis. O manejo da DDQ varia de acordo com dois fatores, a idade e a gravidade da doença. Em bebês com menos de seis meses a recomendação é aplicar uma tala de abdução e controlar a progressão da doença através de ecografia seriada, se não houver resposta adequada à imobilização ele poderá ser submetido a um procedimento cirúrgico.&nbsp

A high fat diet during adolescence in male rats negatively programs reproductive and metabolic function which is partially ameliorated by exercise

An interaction between obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and sperm function in adults has been observed but it is not known whether exposure to a diet high in fat during the peri-pubertal period can have longstanding programmed effects on reproductive function and gonadal structure. This study examined metabolic and reproductive function in obese rats programmed by exposure to a high fat (HF) diet during adolescence. The effect of physical training (Ex) in ameliorating this phenotype was also assessed. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were fed a HF diet (35% lard w/w) for 30 days then subsequently fed a normal fat diet (NF) for a 40-day recovery period. Control animals were fed a NF diet throughout life. At 70 days of life, animals started a low frequency moderate exercise training that lasted 30 days. Control animals remained sedentary (Se). At 100 days of life, biometric, metabolic and reproductive parameters were evaluated. Animals exposed to HF diet showed greater body weight, glucose intolerance, increased fat tissue deposition, reduced VO 2max and reduced energy expenditure. Consumption of the HF diet led to an increase in the number of abnormal seminiferous tubule and a reduction in seminiferous epithelium height and seminiferous tubular diameter, which was reversed by moderate exercise. Compared with the NF-Se group, a high fat diet decreased the number of seminiferous tubules in stages VII-VIII and the NF-Ex group showed an increase in stages XI-XIII. HF-Se and NF-Ex animals showed a decreased number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis compared with animals from the NF-Se group. Animals exposed to both treatments (HF and Ex) were similar to all the other groups, thus these alterations induced by HF or Ex alone were partially prevented. Physical training reduced fat pad deposition and restored altered reproductive parameters. HF diet consumption during the peri-pubertal period induces long-term changes on metabolism and the reproductive system, but moderate and low frequency physical training is able to recover adipose tissue deposition and reproductive system alterations induced by high fat diet. This study highlights the importance of a balanced diet and continued physical activity during adolescence, with regard to metabolic and reproductive health