3D-Printed Chitosan-Based Scaffolds with Extract for Dental Applications.

The plant material , which is rich in flavones (baicalin), possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aimed to develop a 3D-printed chitosan-based hydrogel rich in extract as an innovative approach for the personalized treatment of periodontal diseases. Chitosan-based hydrogels were prepared, and the printability of the prepared hydrogels was determined.

Poly(Glycerol Succinate) as Coating Material for 1393 Bioactive Glass Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications.

Background: Aliphatic polyesters are widely used for biomedical, pharmaceutical and environmental applications due to their high biodegradability and cost-effective production. Recently, star and hyperbranched polyesters based on glycerol and ω-carboxy fatty diacids have gained considerable interest. Succinic acid and bio-based diacids similar to glycerol are regarded as safe materials according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

3D Bioprinted Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering and Localised Drug Delivery.

Bioprinting is an emerging technology with various applications in developing functional tissue constructs for the replacement of harmed or damaged tissues and simultaneously controlled drug delivery systems (DDSs) for the administration of several active substances, such as growth factors, proteins, and drug molecules. It is a novel approach that provides high reproducibility and precise control over the fabricated constructs in an automated way. An ideal bioink should possess proper mechanical, rheological, and biological properties essential to ensure proper function.

Evaluating the biological validity of European river typology systems with least disturbed benthic macroinvertebrate communities.

Humans have severely altered freshwater ecosystems globally, causing a loss of biodiversity. Regulatory frameworks, like the Water Framework Directive, have been developed to support actions that halt and reverse this loss. These frameworks use typology systems that summarize freshwater ecosystems into environmentally delineated types.

Electrospun PLGA Membranes with Incorporated Moxifloxacin-Loaded Silica-Based Mesoporous Nanocarriers for Periodontal Regeneration.

Engineered electrospun membranes have emerged as promising materials in guided tissue regeneration, as they provide an appropriate framework for the formation of new functional periodontal tissues. The development of multifunctional local drug delivery systems with sustained release of drugs for prolonged infection control can be used in periodontal surgical interventions to simultaneously prohibit epithelium downgrowth and ensure proper healing and regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues. The aim of the present study was the fabrication of novel composite membranes from PLGA/moxifloxacin-loaded mesoporous nanocarriers through electrospinning and the evaluation of their drug release profiles.

A new WFD-compliant littoral macroinvertebrate index for monitoring and assessment of Mediterranean lakes (HeLLBI).

A new multimetric index (HeLLBI) based on littoral benthic macroinvertebrates is presented in this paper for classification of Greek natural lakes, in compliance with the requirements of Water Framework Directive (WFD). The method was developed based on the collection of littoral benthic invertebrate fauna and environmental data from 109 sampling sites in 21 natural lakes of the Greek National Water Monitoring Network. We focused the analysis on the effects of shore morphological alterations and eutrophication to the littoral invertebrate fauna, identified to family level, except oligochaetes, which were identified as a class, and more particularly to taxonomic composition and abundance, to taxa sensitivity, and to richness/diversity.

Adsorption of Uranium, Mercury, and Rare Earth Elements from Aqueous Solutions onto Magnetic Chitosan Adsorbents: A Review.

The compound of chitin is the second most important and abundant natural biopolymer in the world. The main extraction and exploitation sources of this natural polysaccharide polymer are mainly crustaceans species, such as shrimps and crabs. Chitosan (CS) (poly-β-(1 → 4)-2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose) can be derived from chitin and can be mentioned as a compound that has high value-added applications due to its wide variety of uses, including pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetics applications, food etc.

Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Altered HLA Class II Expression in Malignant Melanoma.

Background: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules are constitutively expressed in some melanoma, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not yet been characterized.

Methods: The expression of HLA class II antigen processing machinery (APM) components was determined in melanoma samples by qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical and TCGA datasets were used for correlation of HLA class II expression to tumor grading, T-cell infiltration and patients' survival.

Super absorbent chitosan-based hydrogel sponges as carriers for caspofungin antifungal drug.

Novel chitosan copolymers (CS-g-SBMA) grafted with [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) in various molar ratio 1.5:1, 5:1, 11.5:1 and 20:1, were synthesized in the present study.

Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Mg- and Sr-Doped Nanoparticles for Moxifloxacin Drug Delivery in Promising Tissue Engineering Applications.

Mesoporous silica-based nanoparticles (MSNs) are considered promising drug carriers because of their ordered pore structure, which permits high drug loading and release capacity. The dissolution of Si and Ca from MSNs can trigger osteogenic differentiation of stem cells towards extracellular matrix calcification, while Mg and Sr constitute key elements of bone biology and metabolism. The aim of this study was the synthesis and characterization of sol-gel-derived MSNs co-doped with Ca, Mg and Sr.

Identification of miR-200a-5p targeting the peptide transporter TAP1 and its association with the clinical outcome of melanoma patients.

Unlabelled: Tumor escape is often associated with abnormalities in the surface expression of the human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) antigens thereby limiting CD8 cytotoxic T cell responses. This impaired HLA-I surface expression can be mediated by deficient expression of components of the antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) due to epigenetic, transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional processes. Since a discordant mRNA and protein expression pattern of APM components including the peptide transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1) has been frequently described in tumors of distinct origin, a post-transcriptional control of APM components caused by microRNAs (miR) was suggested.

Identification of microRNAs Targeting the Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing TAP1 in Melanoma.

The underlying molecular mechanisms of the aberrant expression of components of the HLA class I antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) in tumors leading to evasion from T cell-mediated immune surveillance could be due to posttranscriptional regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRs). So far, some miRs controlling the expression of different APM components have been identified. Using in silico analysis and an miR enrichment protocol in combination with small RNA sequencing, miR-26b-5p and miR-21-3p were postulated to target the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the peptide transporter TAP1, which was confirmed by high free binding energy and dual luciferase reporter assays.

Innovative Skin Product Emulsions with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and UV Protection Properties Containing Nanoparticles of Pure and Modified Chitosan with Encapsulated Fresh Pomegranate Juice.

In the present study, a chitosan (CS) derivative with the 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SDAEM) zwitterionic monomer was prepared through chemical modification. The successful synthesis of CS-SDAEM was confirmed by Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR) spectroscopies. Its crystallinity was studied by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while in vitro cytotoxicity and cell viability assays established its biocompatibility.

Chitosan and its Derivatives for Ocular Delivery Formulations: Recent Advances and Developments.

Chitosan (CS) is a hemi-synthetic cationic linear polysaccharide produced by the deacetylation of chitin. CS is non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and biodegradable, and it has a low immunogenicity. Additionally, CS has inherent antibacterial properties and a mucoadhesive character and can disrupt epithelial tight junctions, thus acting as a permeability enhancer.

Chitosan Derivatives with Mucoadhesive and Antimicrobial Properties for Simultaneous Nanoencapsulation and Extended Ocular Release Formulations of Dexamethasone and Chloramphenicol Drugs.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of neat chitosan (CS) and its derivatives with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AAMPS) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (MEDSP) as appropriate nanocarriers for the simultaneous ocular administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DxP) and chloramphenicol (CHL). The derivatives CS-AAMPS and CS-MEDSP have been synthesized by free-radical polymerization and their structure has been proved by Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Both derivatives exhibited low cytotoxicity, enhanced mucoadhesive properties and antimicrobial activity against () and ().

Identification of immunomodulatory RNA-binding proteins in tumors.

By binding RNA in a sequence- and/or structure-dependent manner, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their target RNA form a ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the RNA's fate. In this context, RBPs were shown to act as key players for post-transcriptional gene regulation by controlling RNA editing, splicing, polyadenylation, translocation, and stability. So far, over 1900 RBPs were identified and their deregulation has been associated with the development and progression of various disorders including cancer.

An altered miTRAP method for miRNA affinity purification with its pros and cons.

The major mechanisms of posttranscriptional gene regulation involve microRNAs (miRs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Recent studies not only identified functionally and characterized such factors, but rather investigated their use as biomarkers and suitability as biopharmaceuticals. Indeed, some miR-based drugs are currently tested in clinical studies as potential anti-viral and as anti-cancer agents.

Formulation and In-Vitro Characterization of Chitosan-Nanoparticles Loaded with the Iron Chelator Deferoxamine Mesylate (DFO).

The objective of this study was to develop chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) for slow release of this iron-chelating drug. Drug nanoencapsulation was performed via ionic gelation of chitosan using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linker. Nanoparticles with a size ranging between 150 and 400 nm were prepared for neat CS/TPP with a 2/1 molar ratio while their yield was directly dependent on the applied stirring rate during the preparation process.

Minimizing human error in macroinvertebrate samples analyses for ensuring quality precision in freshwater monitoring programs.

Benthic macroinvertebrates are often used in ecological quality monitoring. However, due to the large number of samples and specimens, sample processing (sorting/identification) is a labor-intensive task that is susceptible to errors. These errors can consequently lead to biased assessment results.

Tumor-induced escape mechanisms and their association with resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Immunotherapy aims to activate the immune system to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner. Despite the success of different immunotherapeutic strategies, in particular antibodies directed against checkpoints as well as adoptive T-cell therapy, the response of patients is limited in different types of cancers. This attributes to escape of the tumor from immune surveillance and development of acquired resistances during therapy.

[Clinical guidelines for the management of schizophrenia: Pharmacological and psychological interventions (III)].

In 2014 a Working Group was set up by the Greek Ministry of Health, with the objective of formulating Clinical Guidelines for the management of schizophrenia which include recommendations for the pharmacological and the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia. This Working Group utilized the NICE Guideline (National Institute of Clinical Excellence 2014) for the management of Psychosis & Schizophrenia as the main guide in the development of the Greek guidelines, and in addition the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia (APA, 2004), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2005), as well as other relevant sources. Furthermore, the Hellenic Psychiatric Association (HPA) established an Expert Committee that contributed with its observations to this exercise.

Identification of Immune Modulatory miRNAs by miRNA Enrichment via RNA Affinity Purification.

Immune escape by cancer cells can be triggered by aberrant expression of immunological key players, which can be achieved by distinct molecular mechanisms including immune modulatory miRNAs. One suitable method to identify miRNAs that specifically target immune relevant molecules is the miRNA enrichment via RNA affinity purification method named miTRAP (miRNA trapping by RNA in vitro affinity purification). Here, we present a detailed protocol for construct preparation, RNA immobilization via MS2BP-MBP to beads, miRNA enrichment, and elution followed by analysis of the obtained miRNA candidates via qRT-PCR.