Development of Halloysite Nanohybrids-Based Films: Enhancing Mechanical and Hydrophilic Properties for Wound Healing.

Most of the therapeutic systems developed for managing chronic skin wounds lack adequate mechanical and hydration properties, primarily because they rely on a single component. This study addresses this issue by combining organic and inorganic materials to obtain hybrid films with enhanced mechanical behavior, adhesion, and fluid absorption properties. To that aim, chitosan/hydrolyzed collagen blends were mixed with halloysite/antimicrobial nanohybrids at 10% and 20% (/) using glycerin or glycerin/polyethylene glycol-1500 as plasticizers.

Magnetic and pH-responsive magnetite/chitosan (core/shell) nanoparticles for dual-targeted methotrexate delivery in cancer therapy.

Methotrexate successful therapy encounters various challenges in chemotherapy, such as poor oral bioavailability, low specificity, side effects and the development of drug resistances. In this study, it is proposed a dual-targeted nanocarrier comprising magnetite/chitosan nanoparticles for an efficient Methotrexate delivery. The formation of the particles was confirmed through morphological analysis using electron microscopy and elemental mappings via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Conjugation through Si-O-Si bonds, silsesquioxane (SQ) half cage copolymers, extended examples SiO/SiO units: multiple emissive states in violation of Kasha's rule.

We previously reported that phenyl- and vinyl-silsesquioxanes (SQs), [RSiO] (R = Ph or vinyl) functionalized with three or more conjugated moieties show red-shifted absorption- and emission features suggesting 3-D conjugation a cage centered LUMOs. Corner missing [PhSiO](OSiMe) and edge opened, end capped [PhSiO](OSiMe) (double decker, DD) analogs also offer red shifted spectra again indicating 3-D conjugation and a cage centered LUMO. Copolymerization of DD [PhSiO](OSiMevinyl) with multiple R-Ar-Br gives copolymers with emission red-shifts that change with degree of polymerization (DP), exhibit charge transfer to FTNCQ and terpolymer averaged red-shifts suggesting through chain conjugation even with two (O-Si-O) end caps possibly a cage centered LUMO.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Five Clinical Questionnaires for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world and is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, partially due to underdiagnosis. The use of clinical questionnaires to identify high-risk individuals to take them to further diagnostic procedures has emerged as a strategy to address this problem.

Objective: To compare the performance of the COULD IT BE COPD, CDQ, COPD-PS, LFQ, and PUMA questionnaires for COPD diagnosis.

Multi-stimuli-responsive chitosan-functionalized magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles as theranostic platforms for combined tumor magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy.

Chitosan-functionalized magnetite/poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles were formulated by interfacial polymer disposition plus coacervation, and loaded with gemcitabine. That (core/shell)/shell nanostructure was confirmed by electron microscopy, elemental analysis, electrophoretic, and Fourier transform infrared characterizations. A short-term stability study proved the protection against particle aggregation provided by the chitosan shell.

S100A8 alarmin supports IL-6 and metalloproteinase-9 production by fibroblasts in the synovial microenvironment of peripheral spondyloarthritis.

Introduction: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a common autoinflammatory disease. S100A8/ S100A9 alarmin is strongly expressed in the synovial sublining layers of psoriatic arthritis. S100A8/ S100A9 is the most abundant protein in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid (SF) and has a key role in promoting IL-6 expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS).

Assessing the long-stand antibody response induced by COVID-19 vaccines: A study in an educational cohort in San Luis, Argentina.

Background: Although there has developed an increased interest in the vaccines BNT1622b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna/NIAID), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca/University of Oxford), there are still few reports describing the immune response induced by different vaccine platforms in real-world settings of low-income countries. Here, we proposed to analyse the humoral immune response elicited by the primary vaccines used in Argentina from July-December 2021.

Methods: Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD IgG and neutralising antibodies were assayed by ELISA in a total of 871 serum samples obtained from 376 volunteers from an educational staff.

Combined Magnetic Hyperthermia and Photothermia with Polyelectrolyte/Gold-Coated Magnetic Nanorods.

Magnetite nanorods (MNRs) are synthesized based on the use of hematite nanoparticles of the desired geometry and dimensions as templates. The nanorods are shown to be highly monodisperse, with a 5:1 axial ratio, and with a 275 nm long semiaxis. The MNRs are intended to be employed as magnetic hyperthermia and photothermia agents, and as drug vehicles.

The New Age of Organ Donation-What Factors Have an Influence on the Attitude of Older People? An Attitudinal Survey in Southeastern Spain.

Currently, more than half of all donors are aged over 65 years, and previous studies have shown that this group is less willing to support organ donation. Objective: to analyse the attitude of people aged over 65 years toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) and to determine how their psychosocial profile affects their attitude. Study population: citizens residing in southeastern Spain older than 65 years of age.

Method for the Development of Accessible Mobile Serious Games for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood and affects developmental activities. This condition can negatively influence the gaining of knowledge, skills, and abilities, such as communication. Over time, different techniques and methods have been put into practice to teach and communicate with children with ASD.

Recent Advances in the Surface Functionalization of PLGA-Based Nanomedicines.

Therapeutics are habitually characterized by short plasma half-lives and little affinity for targeted cells. To overcome these challenges, nanoparticulate systems have entered into the disease arena. Poly(d,l-lactide--glycolide) (PLGA) is one of the most relevant biocompatible materials to construct drug nanocarriers.

Entropies and IPR as Markers for a Phase Transition in a Two-Level Model for Atom-Diatomic Molecule Coexistence.

A quantum phase transition (QPT) in a simple model that describes the coexistence of atoms and diatomic molecules is studied. The model, which is briefly discussed, presents a second-order ground state phase transition in the thermodynamic (or large particle number) limit, changing from a molecular condensate in one phase to an equilibrium of diatomic molecules-atoms in coexistence in the other one. The usual markers for this phase transition are the ground state energy and the expected value of the number of atoms (alternatively, the number of molecules) in the ground state.

A Tri-Stimuli Responsive (Maghemite/PLGA)/Chitosan Nanostructure with Promising Applications in Lung Cancer.

A (core/shell)/shell nanostructure (production performance ≈ 50%, mean diameter ≈ 330 nm) was built using maghemite, PLGA, and chitosan. An extensive characterization proved the complete inclusion of the maghemite nuclei into the PLGA matrix (by nanoprecipitation solvent evaporation) and the disposition of the chitosan shell onto the nanocomposite (by coacervation). Short-term stability and the adequate magnetism of the nanocomposites were demonstrated by size and electrokinetic determinations, and by defining the first magnetization curve and the responsiveness of the colloid to a permanent magnet, respectively.

Engineering of stealth (maghemite/PLGA)/chitosan (core/shell)/shell nanocomposites with potential applications for combined MRI and hyperthermia against cancer.

(Maghemite/poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide))/chitosan (core/shell)/shell nanoparticles have been prepared reproducibly by nanoprecipitation solvent evaporation plus coacervation (production performance ≈ 45%, average size ≈ 325 nm). Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electrophoretic determinations, and X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrated the satisfactory embedment of iron oxide nanocores within the solid polymer matrix and the formation of an external shell of chitosan in the nanostructure. The adequate magnetic responsiveness of the nanocomposites was characterized in vitro by hysteresis cycle determinations and by visualization of the nanosystem under the influence of a 0.

Gemcitabine-Loaded Magnetically Responsive Poly(-caprolactone) Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer.

A reproducible and efficient interfacial polymer disposition method has been used to formulate magnetite/poly(-caprolactone) (core/shell) nanoparticles (average size ≈ 125 nm, production performance ≈ 90%). To demonstrate that the iron oxide nuclei were satisfactorily embedded within the polymeric solid matrix, a complete analysis of these nanocomposites by, e.g.

COVID-19 effect on herding behaviour in European capital markets.

This article investigates whether COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on herding behaviour in Europe. Using a sample from the stock exchanges of France (Paris), Germany (Frankfurt), Italy (Milan), United Kingdom (London) and Spain (Madrid), over the period from January 03, 2000 to June 19, 2020, we found robust evidence that COVID-19 pandemic increased herding behaviour in the capital markets of Europe.

First steps in the formulation of praziquantel nanosuspensions for pharmaceutical applications.

Praziquantel (PZQ), a broad spectrum anthelmintic drug, cannot be found in acceptable dosage forms for elderly patients, paediatric patients, and for veterinary use. In fact, very little has been done up to now in the formulation of liquid dosage forms, being they always formulated for parenteral administration. To beat this important challenge, it was accomplished a comprehensive analysis of the influence of two elementary physicochemical aspects, i.

Perinuclear Lamin A and Nucleoplasmic Lamin B2 Characterize Two Types of Hippocampal Neurons through Alzheimer's Disease Progression.

Background: Recent reports point to a nuclear origin of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aged postmitotic neurons try to repair their damaged DNA by entering the cell cycle. This aberrant cell cycle re-entry involves chromatin modifications where nuclear Tau and the nuclear lamin are involved.

Melatonin decreases in vitro viability and migration of spheres derived from CF41.Mg canine mammary carcinoma cells.

Background: Mammary cancer is a common disease affecting female dogs, where approximately 50% of the cases are malignant. There is a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell-like features within the tumour microenvironment, which can form in vitro spheres, cell structures that grow in anchor-free conditions. This cell population shows resistance to conventional antitumor treatments explaining in part the recurrence of some type of cancers.

An update on liposomes in drug delivery: a patent review (2014-2018).

: Pharmacotherapy is limited by the inefficient drug targeting of non-healthy cells/tissues. In this pharmacological landscape, liposomes are contributing to the impulse given by Nanotechnology to optimize drug therapy. : The analysis of the state-of-the-art in liposomal formulations for drug delivery purposes have underlined that lately published patents (since 2014) are exploring alternative compositions and ways to optimize the stability and drug loading content/release profile.

Influence of Phyllosilicate Structure on Performance of Polypropylene Nanocomposites Prepared via Polymerization.

This work explores the use of two different phyllosilicate structures (muscovite mica and bentonite) as co-support for polymerization of propylene using Ziegler-Natta catalyst based on MgCl₂/TiCl₄ with electron donor for isotacticity control. It was observed along the experiments that the mass ratio MgCl₂:mica needs to be at least 3:1 in order to maintain a feasible catalyst activity. It was found through XRD, TEM, SEM and DMA that crystallinity of polypropylene composites is different according to the nature of phyllosilicates used and the mechanical performance of mica composites, as long as wettability and thermal stability were in general higher than those of PP/bentonite composites.

Peripheral Neuroimmunoendocrine Interactions: Contribution of TNFRp55 to the Circadian Synchronization of Progesterone and Cytokine Production in Joints of Mice in Late Pregnancy.

Objective: Circadian rhythms are generated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and involve rhythmic expression of clock genes and proteins. This rhythmicity is transferred to peripheral tissues by neural and hormonal signals. Late pregnancy is considered a state of inflammation which impacts on peripheral tissues such as joints.