Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Organoid-Based Scaffolds (OBST) for Long-Term Nanoparticle Toxicology Investigation.

The toxicity of nanoparticles absorbed through contact or inhalation is one of the major concerns for public health. It is mandatory to continually evaluate the toxicity of nanomaterials. In vitro nanotoxicological studies are conventionally limited by the two dimensions.

GSK-3 inhibition reverts mesenchymal transition in primary human corneal endothelial cells.

Human corneal endothelial cells are organized in a tight mosaic of hexagonal cells and serve a critical function in maintaining corneal hydration and clear vision. Regeneration of the corneal endothelial tissue is hampered by its poor proliferative capacity, which is partially retrieved in vitro, albeit only for a limited number of passages before the cells undergo mesenchymal transition (EnMT). Although different culture conditions have been proposed in order to delay this process and prolong the number of cell passages, EnMT has still not been fully understood and successfully counteracted.

Nanoneedles Induce Targeted siRNA Silencing of p16 in the Human Corneal Endothelium.

Nanoneedles can target nucleic acid transfection to primary cells at tissue interfaces with high efficiency and minimal perturbation. The corneal endothelium is an ideal target for nanoneedle-mediated RNA interference therapy aimed at enhancing its proliferative capacity, necessary for tissue regeneration. This work develops a strategy for siRNA nanoninjection to the human corneal endothelium.

Fluctuations in Corneal Endothelial LAP2 Expression Levels Correlate with Passage Dependent Declines in Their Cell Proliferative Activity.

The corneal endothelium is the inner corneal mono-layered epithelium, fundamental for preserving corneal hydration and transparency. However, molecular mechanisms that regulate corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), in particular regarding their proliferative capacity, have been only partially elucidated. CEnCs are quiescent in vivo and they easily undergo endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EnMT) in vitro.

Short-term lung function changes predict mortality in patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Background And Objective: A proportion of patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) follow a progressive disease course despite immunosuppressive treatment. Little is known about predictors of mortality in fHP. We aimed to investigate the impact of short-term lung function changes in fHP on mortality.

Challenges and resources in adult life with Joubert syndrome: issues from an international classification of functioning (ICF) perspective.

Background: Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a rare inherited neurodevelopmental disorder defined by a characteristic cerebellar and brainstem malformation (i.e. the molar tooth sign) and variable organ involvement.

3D Printed Masks for Powders and Viruses Safety Protection Using Food Grade Polymers: Empirical Tests.

The production of 3D printed safety protection devices (SPD) requires particular attention to the material selection and to the evaluation of mechanical resistance, biological safety and surface roughness related to the accumulation of bacteria and viruses. We explored the possibility to adopt additive manufacturing technologies for the production of respirator masks, responding to the sudden demand of SPDs caused by the emergency scenario of the pandemic spread of SARS-COV-2. In this study, we developed different prototypes of masks, exclusively applying basic additive manufacturing technologies like fused deposition modeling (FDM) and droplet-based precision extrusion deposition (db-PED) to common food packaging materials.

Author Correction: In-vivo vascular application via ultra-fast bioprinting for future 5D personalised nanomedicine.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Follow-up of Acute Respiratory Disorders in Cyclists Competing in the 100th Giro d'Italia.

Acute respiratory disorder is a common sub-clinical condition affecting elite cyclists. Monitoring the perturbations of the immunological cells in the respiratory tract, indicative of a likely proinflammatory state, during an International Cycling Union world tour is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to follow up on the sign and symptoms of upper way respiratory infections with or without asthma, using non-invasive methods, during a 21-day race (100° Giro d'Italia, 2017).

A fine-tuned β-catenin regulation during proliferation of corneal endothelial cells revealed using proteomics analysis.

Corneal endothelial (CE) dysfunction is the main indication for corneal transplantation, an invasive procedure with several limitations. Developing novel strategies to re-activate CE regenerative capacity is, therefore, of fundamental importance. This goal has proved to be challenging as corneal endothelial cells (CEnC) are blocked in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in vivo and, albeit retaining proliferative capacity in vitro, this is further hindered by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

In-vivo vascular application via ultra-fast bioprinting for future 5D personalised nanomedicine.

The design of 3D complex structures enables new correlation studies between the engineering parameters and the biological activity. Moreover, additive manufacturing technology could revolutionise the personalised medical pre-operative management due to its possibility to interplay with computer tomography. Here we present a method based on rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) 3D printer, reconstruction cutting, nano dry formulation, fast freeze gelation, disinfection and partial processes for the 5D digital models functionalisation.

Functional associations of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis and emphysema with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Background: Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has been described in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) yet its functional implications are unclear. Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) has occasionally been described in never-smokers with HP, but epidemiological data regarding its prevalence is sparse. CTs in a large HP cohort were therefore examined to identify the prevalence and effects of PPFE and emphysema.

Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis: A Review of Histopathologic Features and the Relationship Between Histologic Parameters and Survival.

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is now a defined clinicopathologic entity in the updated 2013 ATS/ERS classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), which has led to a significant increase in cases being diagnosed at our institution. We have therefore reviewed 43 PPFE cases (58 biopsies in total) to assess whether any clinical or histopathologic features provide prognostic information. A semiquantatitive grading system was used to assess extent of fibroblastic foci, intra-alveolar fibroelastosis, visceral pleural fibrosis, chronic inflammation in areas of fibrosis, vascular fibrointimal thickening, and presence of granulomas.

Mydriatics release from solid and semi-solid ophthalmic formulations using different in vitro methods.

The aim of the present paper was the development of semi-solid (hydrogels) and solid (film) ophthalmic formulations for the controlled release of two mydriatics: phenylephrine and tropicamide. The formulations - based on polyvinylalcohol and hyaluronic acid - were characterized, and release studies were performed with three different in vitro set-ups, i.e.

A cytotoxicity study of silicon oxycarbide nanowires as cell scaffold for biomedical applications.

Goal: Nanowires are promising biomaterials in multiple clinical applications. The goal of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of carbon-doped silica nanowires (SiOC NWs) on a fibroblastic cell line in vitro.

Materials And Methods: SiOC NWs were grown on Si substrates by CVD process.

Oxygen therapy in COPD patients with isolated nocturnal hypoxemia; comparison of quality of life and sleep between bronchitis and emphysema phenotype: A prospective observational study.

Background: COPD is a heterogeneous disease composed by two main phenotypes: bronchitis (COPDb) and emphysema (COPDe) with different clinical presentation, physiology, imaging, response to therapy and decline in lung function. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether nocturnal hypoxemic COPDb and COPDe have a different behaviour during sleep and the effect of nocturnal oxygen supplementation (nOLT).

Materials And Methods: 75 COPDb and 120 COPDe were enrolled.

A new approach to detect early lung functional impairment in very light smokers.

Purpose: The aim of our study is to investigate if lung carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) measured during effort is able to detect early respiratory functional impairment.

Methods: We enrolled 25 very light smokers and 20 healthy non smokers. Subjects underwent plethysmography, DLCO (single breath technique) and calculated effective pulmonary blood flow (Qc) by rebreathing method.

Impaired lung transfer factor in fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pulmonary diffusing capacity is impaired in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) as it is in those with other diseases characterised by autonomic nerve system (ANS) dysfunction such as type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Forty-five consecutive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-negative female Caucasian patients aged 50.1± 5.

From discovery to approval of an advanced therapy medicinal product-containing stem cells, in the EU.

In 1997, the human corneal epithelium was reconstructed in vitro and transplanted on patients. Later, it became a routine treatment, before regulations considered advanced therapy medicinal products and drugs on the same lines. Manufacturing, before and after good manufacturing practice setting, was established in different facilities and the clinical application in several hospitals.

Postbariatric surgery neuropathic pain (PBSNP): case report, literature review, and treatment options.

Objective: This study is aimed at facilitating clinician understanding of factors associated with postbariatric surgery neuropathic pain (PBSNP) and discussing the evidence base for management options.

Design: A case report and systematic literature review.

Methods: A search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Psych Info, and Cochrane Database of Reviews for articles published between 1985 and 2013 on neuropathy, pain, and pharmacokinetics associated with postbariatric surgery.