3D Cell Culture: Recent Development in Materials with Tunable Stiffness

It is widely accepted that three-dimensional cell culture systems simulate physiological conditions better than traditional 2D systems. Although extracellular matrix components strongly modulate cell behavior, several studies underlined the importance of mechanosensing in the control of different cell functions such as growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Human tissues are characterized by different degrees of stiffness, and various pathologies (e.g., tumor or fibrosis) cause changes in the mechanical properties through the alteration of the extracellular matrix structure. Additionally, these modifications have an impact on disease progression and on therapy response. Hence, the development of platforms whose stiffness could be modulated may improve our knowledge of cell behavior under different mechanical stress stimuli. In this review, we have analyzed the mechanical diversity of healthy and diseased tissues, and we have summarized recently developed materials with a wide range of stiffness

[Genetic, endocrine and anatomohistological aspects of testicular feminization].

.

Robotic surgery and standard laparoscopy : a surgical hybrid technique for use in colorectal endometriosis

Aim:\u2002 The aim of our work was to assess the feasibility and possible benefits of a novel hybrid surgical technique in rectosigmoidal resection in patients with bowel endometriosis. Material and Methods:\u2002 A total of seven symptomatic and infertile women with severe bowel endometriosis underwent segmental bowel resection using the da Vinci surgical system and conventional laparoscopy. Statistical analysis was performed by Friedman test for non-parametric multiple comparisons. Results:\u2002 The surgical procedure has a determined short mean operative time (210\u2003min) and short postoperative hospitalization (five days). In 100% of patients, the resected area showed disease-free margins. Follow-up, carried out at three, six and 12\u2003months after operation, showed a regression of painful symptoms in all operated patients (100%). Two patients (28.6%) aged\u2003 65\u200335\u2003years eventually had natural pregnancies. Conclusion:\u2002 To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first concerning the use of a hybrid technique for intestinal resection in severe endometriosis, and comparing our data with that in the literature, its methodological and clinical advantages are evident. Moreover, the complete removal of endometriotic implants seems to offer good results in terms of postoperative fertility, although the study data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions on the management of fertility

Different concentration of human cord blood HMGB1 according to delivery and labour: A pilot study

Objective: Oxidative stress is involved in several maternal conditions characterized both by an increase in free radicals synthesis and a parallel decrease in the antioxidant activity. Parturition induces considerable oxidative stress and many inflammatory mediators, among which HMGB1, are involved from the beginning of pregnancy to the birth of the infant. We evaluated serum cord blood HMGB1 levels in a population of neonates to investigate correlation with mode of delivery, as well as the influence of labour. Setting and patients: The study subjects were 325 neonates delivered at University Hospital â\u80\u9cG. Martinoâ\u80\u9d of Messina over an 18-month period. Following cord separation, venous blood sampling was performed on umbelical cords. Results: In the cord venous blood, we found HMGB1 values significantly more elevated in spontaneous vaginal group when compared to elective or emergency caesarean section group. Regarding labour, umbilical cord venous blood HMGB1 levels were significantly higher in the spontaneous and induced labour group, compared to non-labouring women. Conclusion: These results could highlight a possible role of HMGB1 during birth time related to mode of delivery and labour