Wet metallization of 3D printed microarchitectures: Application to the manufacturing of bioinspired microswimmers

Untethered microswimmers have been recently proposed as possible candidates for a wealth of biomedical and environmental applications. In view of their translation from laboratory experimentation to clinical practice, it is fundamental to identify low-cost, scalable and flexible manufacturing approaches. The production method explored in the present paper, which responds to all these requirements, consists of a smart combination of two-photon lithography (2PL) and wet metallization. Fully functional bioinspired artificial bacterial flagella (ABFs) are successfully 3D printed following a user-defined model and made magnetically active by depositing a layer of CoNiP alloy on their surface via electroless deposition. In contrast with existing ABFs metallization approaches based on metal evaporation, electroless deposition does not suffer from the shadowing effect, and it can be employed to easily plate hard-magnetic alloys. The specific challenges of the application of electroless plating to the metallization of 2PL printed polymeric templates are identified, discussed and addressed. The manuscript also explores the possibility to impart multiple functionalities to the 3D printed microstructures by applying multiple metallic layers on their surface. Besides the applicative example of ABFs, the metallization methodology presented can be potentially used for the metallization of a great variety of 2PL printed microarchitectures for many possible applications

Metastatic disease in head & neck oncology

The head and neck district represents one of the most frequent sites of cancer, and the percentage of metastases is very high in both loco-regional and distant areas. Prognosis refers to several factors: a) stage of disease; b) loco-regional relapses; c) distant metastasis. At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on distant metastasis in head and neck oncology. Recent achievements in molecular profiling, interaction between neoplastic tissue and the tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease concepts, and the role of immunotherapy have all deeply changed the therapeutic approach and disease control. Firstly, we approach topics such as natural history, epidemiology of distant metastases and relevant pathological and radiological aspects. Focus is then placed on the most relevant clinical aspects; particular attention is reserved to tumours with distant metastasis and positive for EBV and HPV, and the oligometastatic concept. A substantial part of the review is dedicated to different therapeutic approaches. We highlight the role of immunotherapy and the potential effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, we present ethical and clinical perspectives related to frailty in oncological patients and emerging difficulties in sustainable socio-economical governance

Emerging and re-emerging infectious disease in otorhinolaryngology

Emerging and re-emerging infectious disease in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) are an area of growing epidemiological and clinical interest. The aim of this section is to comprehensively report on the epidemiology of key infectious disease in otorhinolaryngology, reporting on their burden at the national and international level, expanding of the need of promoting and implementing preventive interventions, and the rationale of applying evidence-based, effective and cost- effective diagnostic, curative and preventive approaches. In particular, we focus on i) ENT viral infections (HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, Human Papilloma virus), retrieving the available evidence on their oncogenic potential; ii) typical and atypical mycobacteria infections; iii) non-specific granulomatous lymphadenopathy; iv) emerging paediatric ENT infectious diseases and the prevention of their complications; v) the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance in ENT and the strategies for its control in different clinical settings. We conclude by outlining knowledge gaps and action needed in ENT infectious diseases research and clinical practice and we make references to economic analysis in the field of ENT infectious diseases prevention and care