Un protocollo per le cefalee. Studio osservazionale sul trattamento omeopatico di pazienti cefalalgici: risultati preliminari

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Leaf-Inspired Authentically Complex Microvascular Networks for Deciphering Biological Transport Process

The vascular transport of molecules, cells, and nanoconstructs is a fundamental biophysical process impacting tissue regeneration, delivery of nutrients and therapeutic agents, and the response of the immune system to external pathogens. This process is often studied in single-channel microfluidic devices lacking the complex tridimensional organization of vascular networks. Here, soft lithography is employed to replicate the vein system of a Hedera elix leaf on a polydimethilsiloxane (PDMS) template. The replica is then sealed and connected to an external pumping system to realize an authentically complex microvascular network. This satisfies energy minimization criteria by Murray\u2019s law and comprises a network of channels ranging in size from capillaries ( 3c50 \u3bcm) to large arterioles and venules ( 3c400 \u3bcm). Micro-PIV (micro\u2013particle image velocimetry) analysis is employed to characterize flow conditions in terms of streamlines, fluid velocity, and flow rates. To demonstrate the ability to reproduce physiologically relevant transport processes, two different applications are demonstrated: vascular deposition of tumor cells and lysis of blood clots. To this end, conditions are identified to culture cells within the microvasculature and realize a confluent endothelial monolayer. Then, the vascular deposition of circulating breast (MDA-MB 231) cancer cells is documented throughout the network under physiologically relevant flow conditions. Firm cell adhesion mostly occurs in channels with low mean blood velocity. As a second application, blood clots are formed within the chip by mixing whole blood with a thrombin solution. After demonstrating the blood clot stability, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and tPA-carrying nanoconstructs (tPA-DPNs) are employed as thrombolytics. In agreement with previous data, clot dissolution is equally induced by tPA and tPA-DPNs. The proposed leaf-inspired chip can be efficiently used to study a variety of vascular transport processes in complex microvascular networks, where geometry and flow conditions can be modulated and monitored throughout the experimental campaign

Controle da anemia ferropriva em pré-escolares por meio da fortificação de alimento com concentrado de Hemoglobina Bovina (estudo preliminar) Iron deficiency anemia control in pre-school children by food fortification with Bovine Hemoglobin (preliminary study)

O efeito da introdução de biscoitos fortificados com ferro hemínico no estado de nutrição de ferro de pré-escolares foi avaliado em um estudo piloto que inclui 16 crianças, com idade entre 2 e 4 anos, de uma creche pública do estado do Piauí. A fonte de ferro utilizada foi o sangue bovino seco pelo processo de leito de jorro, uma alternativa para a secagem em spray, adaptada para a secagem de sangue. À primeira tomada de amostra, detectou-se anemia (Hb < 11 g/dL) em 12 crianças (75%). O valor médio de Hb foi de 9,4 2,6 g/dL. Os biscoitos fortificados com 3% de concentrado de hemoglobina bovina foram introduzidos na dieta oferecida (5 biscoitos (4mg Fe)/d) durante 3 meses. Após esse período, houve aumento da concentração de hemoglobina em todas as crianças e ausência de anemia (Hb = 13,2 0,2 g/dL). Os resultados obtidos apontam para a utilização do sangue total seco como uma fonte de ferro hemínico possível de ser utilizada na fortificação de alimentos, principalmente dirigidos a grupos de risco de anemia por deficiência de ferro, como é o caso dos pré-escolares.<br>The effect of hemoglobin-fortified cookies on hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 16 children (2 to 4 years of age) were evaluated The children were attending a day nursery managed under the Social Welfare Service of the State of Piauí (northeast Brazil). All children were iron deficient according to the average transferrin saturation of 7.1 + 3,7 %, and 12 (75%) of them were anemic (Hb < 11 g/dL). The average Hb concentration was 9.4 + 2,6 g/dL. Cookies fortified with 3% bovine concentrate (dried by the sponted bed technique) were offered to the children over the course of 90 days (5 cookies (4mg Fe)/child/d), with total iron intake of approximately 8 mg Fe/d. After the experimental period the levels of Hb in all children had risen to levels above 11.0 g/dL (average 13,2 + 0,2 g/dL). The results demonstrate the possibility of using dried Hb concentrate in food-fortification programs aimed at meeting daily iron requirements for pre-school and school children in Brazil