Tools for Controlling Activity of Neural Circuits Can Boost Gastrointestinal Research

We thank Prof U. G. Knaus and T. C. Collin for critical reading of the manuscript. GA is supported by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) (J/15/2) and by the National Childrens' Research Centre (K/12/1). GD is supported by the University of Aberdeen Wellcome Trust Institutional Support Fund (105625/Z/14Z).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Glide-path: comparison between manual instruments, first generation rotary instruments and M-Wire new generation rotary instruments

Abstract Objectives The aim of this research is to compare the different glide path instruments in order to assess the work time and the number of use for each instrument. Materials and methods There were used 100 endodontic resin blocks with an S curvature for each group of instruments, on each block, first were used the k file # 10 and then the glide path was done using always the Xsmart machine, setting torque 5.2 n/cm2, speed 250 g/m, all instruments were used until their separation and then the results were studied. The time was also counted to obtain the complete pre-flaring for each group. The same test was also repeated on extracted teeth, chosen from mb canal of maxillary molars, and mandibular molars, a total of 50 canals for each group; also in this group the pre-flaring was done counting the number of use for each instrument up to their separation and counting the time to obtain it. Result and conclusions Pathfiles group tested on resin blocks: pathfile #13 the result was: 100 out of 100 canals, pathfiles#16: 60 out of 100 canals, pathfile #19: 42 out of 100 canals. Pathfiles group tested on extracted teeth: pathfile #13: 50 out off 50 canals, pathfiles#16: 50 out of 50 canals, pathfile #19: 50 out of 50 canals, no separated instruments. Proglider group on resin block: single proglider 100 out of 100 blocks. Proglider group on extracted teeth: single proglider 50 out of 50 canals. Time to obtain the pre-flaring with pathfile: 10 s. Time to obtain the pre-flaring with proglider: 8 s. Both files give good results for an effective canal pre-flaring and glide path, making easier the following canal shaping independently of the chosen shaping technique. There are no significant differences in the working time, and the strength of the pathfiles is confirmed for the new M-wire file: proglider

Bioadhesive Matrix Tablets Loaded with Lipophilic Nanoparticles as Vehicles for Drugs for Periodontitis Treatment: Development and Characterization

Periodontitis treatment is usually focused on the reduction or eradication of periodontal pathogens using antibiotics against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole (MTR). Moreover, recently the correlation between periodontal diseases and overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) led to the introduction of antioxidant biomolecules in therapy. In this work, bioadhesive buccal tablets, consisting of a hydrophilic matrix loaded with metronidazole and lipophilic nanoparticles as a vehicle of curcumin, were developed. Curcumin (CUR)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared using glycyrrhetic acid, hexadecanol, isopropyl palmitate and Tween®80 as a surfactant. As method, homogenization followed by high-frequency sonication was used. After dialysis, CUR-NLC dispersion was evaluated in terms of drug loading (DL, 2.2% w/w) and drug recovery (DR, 88% w/w). NLC, characterized by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), exhibited a spherical shape, an average particle size of 121.6 nm and PDI and PZ values considered optimal for a colloidal nanoparticle dispersion indicating good stability of the system. Subsequently, a hydrophilic sponge was obtained by lyophilization of a gel based on trehalose, Natrosol and PVP-K90, loaded with CUR-NLC and MTR. By compression of the sponge, matrix tablets were obtained and characterized in term of porosity, swelling index, mucoadhesion and drugs release. The ability of the matrix tablets to release CUR and MTR when applied on buccal mucosa and the aptitude of actives to penetrate and/or permeate the tissue were evaluated. The data demonstrate the ability of NLC to promote the penetration of CUR into the lipophilic domains of the mucosal membrane, while MTR can penetrate and permeate the mucosal tissue, where it can perform a loco-regional antibacterial activity. These results strongly support the possibility of using this novel matrix tablet for delivering MTR together with CUR for topical treatment of periodontal diseases

An introduction to the early Holocene eolian deposits of Grotta Romanelli, Apulia, Southern Italy

Due to its geographic position and geomorphological configuration, Grotta Romanelli acted as a sediment trap since at least MIS 5. The so-called 'terre brune' sequence is a deposit mainly of eolian origin bearing upper Palaeolithic artefacts and fossil re-mains of vertebrate fauna; it was deposited during the Glacial-Interglacial transition and the Holocene. Sedimentology and mineralogy of this deposit are investigated. The stratigraphic sequence provides a promising archive within which both human and climatic impacts can be studied

Buccal Thin Films as Potent Permeation Enhancers for Cytisine Transbuccal Delivery

Cytisine (CYT) is a powerful anti-smoking compound which could greatly benefit from transbuccal delivery because of both its unfavorable pharmacokinetics after oral administration and its intrinsic ability to permeate the buccal mucosa. This work aims to design CYT-loaded buccal thin films suitable for transbuccal drug delivery due to its capability of promoting the interaction between CYT and the buccal membrane. The solvent casting method was employed to prepare several thin films combining various excipients such as matrixing polymers, mucoadhesion agents, plasticizers and other compounds as humectants and sweeteners, component ratios and solvents. A total of 36 compositions was prepared and four of them emerged as the most promising in terms of aspect and flexibility. They all demonstrated homogeneity, thinness, low swelling degree, and controlled drug release according to the Power Law and Peppas-Sahlin mathematical models. Mainly, they proved able to interact with the ex vivo porcine buccal mucosa producing mucoadhesive effects, and act as potent permeation enhancers. In particular, Film B emerged as suitable as it produced a 10.6-fold Kp enhancement and a great Js value (52.33 μg/cm2·h-1), even when compared to highly concentrated CYT solutions

Prognostic factors influencing infectious complications after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. Results from a tertiary referral center

Background. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showed promising results in selected patients. High morbidity restrains its wide application. The aim of this study was to report postoperative infectious complications and investigate possible correlations with preoperative nutritional status and other prognostic factors in patients with peritoneal metastases treated with CRS and HIPEC. Methods. For the study we reviewed the clinical records of all patients with peritoneal metastases from different primary cancers and treated by CRS and HIPEC in our Institution from November 2000 to December 2017. Patients were divided according to their nutritional status (SGA) in group A (well-nourished), B/C (mild or severely malnourished). Possible statistical correlations between risk factors and postoperative complications rates have been investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results. Two hundred patients were selected and underwent CRS and HIPEC during the study period. Postoperative complications occurred in 44% of the patients, 35.3% in SGA-A patients and 53% in SGA-B /C patients. Cause of complications was infective in 42, non-infective in 37 and HIPEC related in 9 patients. Infectious complications occurred more frequently in SGA-B /C patients (32.6% vs. 9.8% of SGA-A patients). The most frequent sites of infection were Surgical Site Infections (SSI, 35.7%) and Central Line Associated BloodStream Infections (CLABSI, 26.2%). The most frequent isolated species was Candida (22.8%). ASA score, blood loss, performance status, PCI, large bowel resection, postoperative serum albumin levels and nutritional status correlated with higher risk for postoperative infectious complications. Conclusions. Malnourished patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy are more prone to post-operative infectious complications and adequate perioperative nutritional support should be considered, including immune-enhancing nutrition. Sequential monitoring of common sites of infection, antifungal prevention of candidiasis, and careful patient selection should be implemented to reduce complications rate