Pharmaceutical applications of lignin-derived chemicals and lignin-based materials: linking lignin source and processing with clinical indication.

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most abundant bioresources on Earth. Over recent decades, various valorisation techniques have been developed to produce value-added products from the cellulosic and hemicellulosic fractions of this biomass. Lignin is the third major component accounting for 10-30% (w/w).

A (RP)UHPLC/UV analytical method to quantify dsRNA during the mRNA vaccine manufacturing process.

dsRNA is a product related impurity produced during the mRNA manufacturing process. The established immuno-based detection methods lack the flexibility and speed required to be applied throughout the manufacturing process. The RP-HPLC method developed outperforms these in terms of precision, broader detection range, LOD and LOQ, as well as in output variance.

Quantification of ssDNA Scaffold Production by Ion-Pair Reverse Phase Chromatography.

DNA origami is an emerging technology that can be used as a nanoscale platform in numerous applications ranging from drug delivery systems to biosensors. The DNA nanostructures are assembled from large single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) scaffolds, ranging from hundreds to thousands of nucleotides and from short staple strands. Scaffolds are usually obtained by asymmetric PCR (aPCR) or infection/transformation with phages or phagemids.

Comprehensive evaluation of T7 promoter for enhanced yield and quality in mRNA production.

The manufacturing of mRNA vaccines relies on cell-free based systems that are easily scalable and flexible compared with the traditional vaccine manufacturing processes. Typically, standard processes yield 2 to 5 g L of mRNA, with recent process optimisations increasing yields to 12 g L. However, increasing yields can lead to an increase in the production of unwanted by-products, namely dsRNA.

Monte Carlo simulation-guided design for size-tuned tumor spheroid formation in 3D printed microwells.

Tumor spheroid models have garnered significant attention in recent years as they can efficiently mimic in vivo models, and in addition, they offer a more controlled and reproducible environment for evaluating the efficacy of cancer drugs. In this study, we present the design and fabrication of a micromold template to form multicellular spheroids in a high-throughput and controlled-sized fashion. Briefly, polydimethylsiloxane-based micromolds at varying sizes and geometry were fabricated via soft lithography using 3D-printed molds as negative templates.

Transverse colon volvulus in a young patient with wandering liver.

We present the case of a 26-year-old male patient with no history of interest who consulted the emergency department due to occlusive symptoms. Urgent CT showed the presence of a transverse colonic volvulus in the context of a heterotopic liver, located in the left hypochondrium. There were no clinical or radiological signs of perforation or ischemia, so urgent endoscopic decompression was performed with subsequent elective surgery with a favorable resolution of the condition.

3D Resin-coated pressure sensor response for bite force assessment: A pilot study.

Background: Occlusal splints with sensors help in the bruxism diagnosis and monitoring, by recording the patient's bite force. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a pressure sensor when it is covered with different thicknesses of a 3D printing resin (Anycubic 405nm Translucent Green UV Resin, Anycubic, UK).

Methods: In this preliminary study, the evaluated sensor (FlexiForce A201 Sensor, Tekscan) was firstly calibrated without any type of cover material, and later tested with 3D printing resin with different thicknesses (1 mm, 1.

β-Sitosterol Bioconversion in Small-Scale Devices: From Microtiter Plates to Microfluidic Reactors.

Small-scale devices are routinely used as low-cost miniaturized bioreactors due to the large number of experiments that can be conducted simultaneously under similar conditions and replicate all functions of bench-scale reactors at dramatically smaller volumes. Microtiter plates, due to the standard footprint, can be integrated with liquid handling systems and associated equipment, expanding considerably their application and use. However, care has to be taken to operate the microtiter plates in optimized mixing and oxygen transfer conditions, preventing medium evaporation in prolonged experiment runs.

Total knee arthroplasty coronal alignment and tibial base stress-a new numerical evaluation.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures. The correct positioning and alignment of the components significantly affects prosthesis survival. Considering the current controversy regarding the target of postoperative alignment of TKA, this study evaluated the tension at tibial component interface using two numerical methods.

Better Anti-Spike IgG Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Patients on Haemodiafiltration than on Haemodialysis.

Introduction: The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in haemodialysis (HD) patients is diminished compared to healthy subjects. The aim of this study was to compare the presence of reactive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients with high-flux HD and on-line haemodiafiltration (HDF) three and 6 months after the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine since previous studies indicate that a sustained antibody response correlates with protection from disease.

Methods: We included 216 HD patients of which 157 had on-line HDF and 59 high-flux HD and 46 health care workers as controls and studied the presence of reactive anti-spike IgG antibodies three and 6 months after the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Etelcalcetide controls secondary hyperparathyroidism and raises sclerostin levels in hemodialysis patients previously uncontrolled with cinacalcet.

Introduction: There is scarce clinical experience with etelcalcetide in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism uncontrolled with cinacalcet. The effect of etelcalcetide on serum sclerostin levels remains to be clarified.

Materials And Methods: Prospective cohort study in prevalent hemodialysis patients with uncontrolled sHPT under cinacalcet for at least 3 months, mean parathyroid hormone (PTH)>800pg/mL and calcium (Ca)>8.

Maximizing mRNA vaccine production with Bayesian optimization.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are a new alternative to conventional vaccines with a prominent role in infectious disease control. These vaccines are produced in in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions, catalyzed by RNA polymerase in cascade reactions. To ensure an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process, essential for a large-scale production and effective vaccine supply chain, the IVT reaction needs to be optimized.

Longitudinal Analysis of Antibody Responses to the mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A 6-Month Follow-Up.

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for COVID-19, overall are poor responders to vaccines, and were prioritized in the Portuguese vaccination campaign. This work aimed at evaluating in HD patients the immunogenicity of BTN162b2 after the two doses induction phase, the persistence of specific antibodies along time, and factors predicting these outcomes. We performed a prospective, 6-month long longitudinal cohort analysis of 156 HD patients scheduled to receive BTN162b2.

mRNA vaccines manufacturing: Challenges and bottlenecks.

Vaccines are one of the most important tools in public health and play an important role in infectious diseases control. Owing to its precision, safe profile and flexible manufacturing, mRNA vaccines are reaching the stoplight as a new alternative to conventional vaccines. In fact, mRNA vaccines were the technology of choice for many companies to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, and it was the first technology to be approved in both United States and in Europe Union as a prophylactic treatment.

A 3D trabecular bone homogenization technique.

Purpose: Bone is a hierarchical material that can be characterized from the microscale to macroscale. Multiscale models make it possible to study bone remodeling, inducing bone adaptation by using information of bone multiple scales. This work proposes a computationally efficient homogenization methodology useful for multiscale analysis.

On the mechanical response of the actomyosin cortex during cell indentations.

A mechanical model is presented to analyze the mechanics and dynamics of the cell cortex during indentation. We investigate the impact of active contraction on the cross-linked actin network for different probe sizes and indentation rates. The essential molecular mechanisms of filament stretching, cross-linking and motor activity, are represented by an active and viscous mechanical continuum.

Human Plasma Metabolomics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Meta-Analysis of Two Cohorts.

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness worldwide, remains only partially understood. This has led to the current lack of accessible and reliable biofluid biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and absence of treatments for dry AMD. This study aimed to assess the plasma metabolomic profiles of AMD and its severity stages with the ultimate goal of contributing to addressing these needs.

Large-scale opacification of a hydrophilic/hydrophobic intraocular lens.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and risk factors related to the opacification of the LS-502-1 intraocular lens.

Methods: Cross-sectional study including patients submitted to cataract surgery between January 2010 and March 2012, with implantation of the LS-502-1 intraocular lens. Past medical history was registered and a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, that included best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination and fundoscopy, was performed.

Urine Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Metabolomics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Biofluid biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are still lacking, and their identification is challenging. Metabolomics is well-suited to address this need, and urine is a valuable accessible biofluid. This study aimed to characterize the urinary metabolomic signatures of patients with different stages of AMD and a control group (>50 years).

Extraocular Muscles Involvement as the Initial Presentation in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Orbital metastasis is a rare event, and metastatic disease affecting the extraocular muscles is an even less frequent complication of solid tumors. Herein, we report an unusual case of ptosis as the initial presentation of an invasive breast cancer. A 68-year-old woman presented with III and VI partial nerve paresis, secondary to a compressive retrobulbar mass.

Epiretinal Proliferations Associated with Lamellar Macular Holes: Clinical and Surgical Implications.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) and to correlate this finding with lamellar macular hole (LMH) morphology and prognosis after a surgical or conservative approach.

Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter case series comprising consecutive LMH patients followed for ≥6 months. Serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomographies were evaluated for the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and LHEP, diameter of the LMH aperture, base, and floor thickness.

Flocculation on a chip: a novel screening approach to determine floc growth rates and select flocculating agents.

Flocculation is a key purification step in cell-based processes for the food and pharmaceutical industry where the removal of cells and cellular debris is aided by adding flocculating agents. However, finding the best suited flocculating agent and optimal conditions to achieve rapid and effective flocculation is a non-trivial task. In conventional analytical systems, turbulent mixing creates a dynamic equilibrium between floc growth and breakage, constraining the determination of floc formation rates.

A brain impact stress analysis using advanced discretization meshless techniques.

This work has the objective to compare the mechanical behaviour of a brain impact using an alternative numerical meshless technique. Thus, a discrete geometrical model of a brain was constructed using medical images. This technique allows to achieve a discretization with realistic geometry, allowing to define locally the mechanical properties according to the medical images colour scale.