A proof-of-concept study in small and large animal models for coupling liver normothermic machine perfusion with mesenchymal stromal cell bioreactors.

To fully harness mesenchymal-stromal-cells (MSCs)' benefits during Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP), we developed an advanced NMP platform coupled with a MSC-bioreactor and investigated its bio-molecular effects and clinical feasibility using rat and porcine models. The study involved three work packages: 1) Development (n = 5): MSC-bioreactors were subjected to 4 h-liverless perfusion; 2) Rat model (n = 10): livers were perfused for 4 h on the MSC-bioreactor-circuit or with the standard platform; 3) Porcine model (n = 6): livers were perfused using a clinical device integrated with a MSC-bioreactor or in its standard setup. MSCs showed intact stem-core properties after liverless-NMP.

Esophageal pressure as estimation of pleural pressure: a study in a model of eviscerated chest.

Background: Transpulmonary pressure is the effective pressure across the lung parenchyma and has been proposed as a guide for mechanical ventilation. The pleural pressure is challenging to directly measure in clinical setting and esophageal manometry using esophageal balloon catheters was suggested for estimation. However, the accuracy of using esophageal pressure to estimate pleural pressure is debated due to variability in the mechanical properties of respiratory system, esophagus and esophageal catheter.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a ZnO-Chitosan Adduct for Safe and Sustainable Enhanced Ultra-Violet (UV) Sunscreens Protection.

Chitosan (Ch), a natural polysaccharide, is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the functionalization of zinc oxide (ZnO) with chitosan to develop a novel ZnO@Ch adduct for use in cosmetic formulations, specifically as a sun protection agent. The functionalization was achieved through ionotropic gelation, which enhanced the stability and reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO, thereby improving its safety profile for skin applications.

Tuberculosis in a Migrant Population: Integrated Management of a Case through the Prevention Department and Hospital Services.

Among numerous public health actions, the Prevention Departments of Local Health Authorities take charge of the migrant asylum-seeking population for health assessments, for the implementation of preventive activities, and for any consequent actions. This report describes two cases of tuberculosis in Belluno Province managed by a multidisciplinary team made up of healthcare workers that involved numerous diagnostic, clinical, and prophylactic implications, as well as an analysis of the epidemiological aspects related to the incidence of cases along the migration route. Although the cases occurred in a northeastern Italian territory, the management methods described here may represent good practices to share on this operational line, which can promote the strengthening of cooperation between Health Authorities and Emergency Reception Centers to correctly identify cases of active tuberculosis that may not have been initially screen-detected.

Management of a Neisseria meningitidis case: factors that guarantee the effectiveness of supporting Public Health actions.

Among invasive bacterial diseases, meningococcal meningitis is a serious and contagious disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. The disease has a high lethality grade and could have long-term sequelae. This paper describes a case of meningitis that occurred in the territory under the jurisdiction of Local Health Authority ULSS 1 Dolomiti and the related management methods.