Advanced Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials

The exploitation of naturally occurring polymers to engineer advanced nanocomposites and hybrid materials is the focus of increasing scientific activity, explained by growing environmental concerns and interest in the peculiar features and multiple functionalities of these macromolecules. Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, present a remarkable potential for the design of all kinds of materials for application in a multitude of domains. This Special Issue collected the work of scientists on the current developments in the field of multifunctional biopolymer-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials with a particular emphasis on their production methodologies, properties, and prominent applications. Thus, materials related to bio-based nanocomposites and hybrid materials manufactured with different partners, namely natural polymers, bioactive compounds, and inorganic nanoparticles, are reported in the Special Issue Advanced Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials

A thoracic duct cyst in 10-year-old boy: The youngest case report and review of the literature

AbstractWe report the youngest case with a thoracic duct cyst located just above the diaphragm that was treated with thoracoscopic resection. The cyst was observed with serial ultrasonographic examinations during his prenatal period. No interval evidence of a deleterious effect to the fetus by this cyst was observed and born by normal vaginal delivery at term. Although the boy remained clinically asymptomatic at the age of ten, surgical excision for definitive diagnosis of the cyst was undertaken. The mediastinal cyst contained milky-white chylous fluid. Pathologically, the wall was similar in structure to the thoracic duct. The mediastinal thoracic duct cyst is an extremely rare cystic lesion. The etiology may be related to a congenital or degenerative weakness in the wall of the thoracic duct. They are generally asymptomatic but may sometimes cause pressure effects on adjacent structures. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. The thoracoscopic resection is especially advisable for the patient with a small, asymptomatic cyst. Chylothorax is the most common postoperative complication. To avoid chylothorax after the resection of a mediastinal thoracic duct cyst, identification of the communication of the cyst with thoracic duct and ligation of its inferior pedicle without fail is necessary

High Tumoral STMN1 Expression Is Associated with Malignant Potential and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Neuroblastoma

Background. Stathmin 1 (STMN1), a marker for immature neurons and tumors, controls microtubule dynamics by destabilizing tubulin. It plays an essential role in cancer progression and indicates poor prognosis in several cancers. This potential protein has not been clarified in clinical patients with neuroblastoma. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinical significance and STMN1 function in neuroblastoma with and without MYCN amplification. Methods. Using immunohistochemical staining, STMN1 expression was examined in 81 neuroblastoma samples. Functional analysis revealed the association among STMN1 suppression, cellular viability, and endogenous or exogenous MYCN expression in neuroblastoma cell lines. Result. High levels of STMN1 expression were associated with malignant potential, proliferation potency, and poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. STMN1 expression was an independent prognostic factor in patients with neuroblastoma. Furthermore, STMN1 knockdown inhibited neuroblastoma cell growth regardless of endogenous and exogenous MYCN overexpression. Conclusion. Our data suggest that assessing STMN1 expression in neuroblastoma could be a powerful indicator of prognosis and that STMN1 might be a promising therapeutic candidate against refractory neuroblastoma with and without MYCN amplification