Reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages with lipid nanosystems reduces PDAC tumor burden and liver metastasis.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) requires innovative therapeutic strategies to counteract its progression and metastatic potential. Since the majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced metastatic disease, treatment strategies targeting not only the primary tumor but also metastatic lesions are needed. Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) have emerged as central players, significantly influencing PDAC progression and metastasis.

The Biological Effect of Enriching the Plasma Content in Platelet-Rich Plasma: An In Vitro Study.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) formulations have become valuable therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine. In addition, these blood derivates have been successfully included in cell therapy as fetal bovine serum substitutes, due to the real need to avoid the risk of host immunologic reactions and the animal disease transmission associated with reagents from animal origin. However, the protocols for obtaining them should be optimized to improve their biological potential.

Biotic and abiotic factors associated with genome size evolution in oaks.

The evolutionary processes that underlie variation in plant genome size have been much debated. Abiotic factors are thought to have played an important role, with negative and positive correlations between genome size and seasonal or stressful climatic conditions being reported in several systems. In turn, variation in genome size may influence plant traits which affect interactions with other organisms, such as herbivores.

Steepness-fragility insights from the temperature derivative analysis of dielectric data of a highly nonsymmetric liquid crystal dimer.

A comprehensive dynamic analysis of the dielectric relaxation-time data across a broad temperature range for both isotropic and nematic phases has been conducted on the CBO3O.Py liquid crystal dimer, the shorter chain-length compound within the highly nonsymmetric pyrene-based series of liquid crystal dimers (CBOnO.Py, with n ranging from 3 to 11).

Versatile and Efficient Protein Association Through Chemically Modified Sphingomyelin Nanosystems (SNs) for Enhanced Delivery.

Proteins are biological macromolecules well known to regulate many cellular signaling mechanisms. For instance, they are very appealing for their application as therapeutic agents, presenting high specificity and activity. Nonetheless, they suffer from unfolding, instability and low bioavailability making their administration through systemic and other routes very tough.

Anakinra-Loaded Sphingomyelin Nanosystems Modulate In Vitro IL-1-Dependent Pro-Tumor Inflammation in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis. The tumor microenvironment exerts immunosuppressive activities through the secretion of several cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1. The IL-1/IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) axis is a key regulator in tumor-promoting T helper (Th)2- and Th17-type inflammation.

Group membership, not diet, structures the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiome in a wild primate.

Unlabelled: The gut microbiome has the potential to buffer temporal variations in resource availability and consumption, which may play a key role in the ability of animals to adapt to a broad range of habitats. We investigated the temporal composition and function of the gut microbiomes of wild common marmosets () exploiting a hot, dry environment-Caatinga-in northeastern Brazil. We collected fecal samples during two time periods (July-August and February-March) for 2 years from marmosets belonging to eight social groups.

A mouse model of the protease-activated receptor 4 Pro310Leu variant has reduced platelet reactivity.

Background: Protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) mediates thrombin signaling on platelets and other cells. Our recent structural studies demonstrated that a single nucleotide polymorphism in extracellular loop 3 and PAR4-P310L (rs2227376) leads to a hyporeactive receptor.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine how the hyporeactive PAR4 variant in extracellular loop 3 impacts platelet function in vivo using a novel knock-in mouse model (PAR4-322L).

Safety of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) as additive to healthy human sperm samples: a pilot study.

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess if the addition of PRGF to healthy human sperm affects its motility and vitality.

Methods: This was a prospective study, with 44 sperm donors on whom sperm analysis was performed. Nine mL of blood was collected and PRGF was obtained using PRGF-Endoret® technology.

A Mouse Model of the Protease Activated Receptor 4 (PAR4) Pro310Leu Variant has Reduced Platelet Reactivity.

Background: Protease activated receptor 4 (PAR4) mediates thrombin signaling on platelets and other cells. Our recent structural studies demonstrated a single nucleotide polymorphism in extracellular loop 3 (ECL3), PAR4-P310L (rs2227376) leads to a hypo-reactive receptor.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine how the hypo-reactive PAR4 variant in ECL3 impacts platelet function in vivo using a novel knock-in mouse model (PAR4-322L).

Multicellular tumor spheroid model to study the multifaceted role of tumor-associated macrophages in PDAC.

While considerable efforts have been made to develop new therapies, progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has so far fallen short of patients' expectations. This is due in part to the lack of predictive in vitro models capable of accounting for the heterogeneity of this tumor and its low immunogenicity. To address this point, we have established and characterized a 3D spheroid model of pancreatic cancer composed of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and blood-derived monocytes.

Keeping reptiles as pets in Brazil: keepers' motivations and husbandry practices.

Background: Reptiles are considered one of the most popular pets in the world and are often associated with an incorrect belief that they are simple, highly adaptable, and easy to keep animals when compared with other pets, such as dogs and cats. However, keeping reptiles as pets can pose several challenges in meeting their needs in a domestic setting, requiring specific conditions and effort to maintain their health, well-being, and survival.

Methods: During 2015, using online semi-structured questionnaires applied to 719 Brazilian pet reptile keepers who participated in online groups of reptile breeders on the social network Facebook, this study aimed to identify Brazilian keepers' motivations for maintaining reptiles as pets, investigate their monthly expenses, and the husbandry practices for the maintenance, such as housing and feeding conditions, handling of the animal, health issues, and treatment provided.

Genomic versus phenotypic selection to improve corn borer resistance and grain yield in maize.

Introduction: The study of yield and resistance/tolerance to pest are related traits fundamental for maize breeding programs. Genomic selection (GS), which uses all marker information to calculate genomic breeding values, is presented as an emerging alternative to phenotypic and marker-assisted selections for improving complex traits controlled by many genes with small effects. Therefore, although phenotypic selection (PS) has been effective for increasing resistance and yield under high infestation with maize stem borers, higher genetic gains are expected to be obtained through GS based on the complex architecture of both traits.

PRGF Membrane with Tailored Optical Properties Preserves the Cytoprotective Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors: In Vitro Model of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

The present study evaluates the ability of a novel plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) membrane with improved optical properties to reduce oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells) exposed to blue light. PRGF was obtained from three healthy donors and divided into four main groups: (i) PRGF membrane (M-PRGF), (ii) PRGF supernatant (S-PRGF), (iii) platelet-poor plasma (PPP) membrane diluted 50% with S-PRGF (M-PPP 50%), and (iv) M-PPP 50% supernatant (S-PPP 50%). ARPE-19 cells were exposed to blue light and then incubated with the different PRGF-derived formulations or control for 24 and 48 h under blue light exposure.

Correction: Effectiveness of a novel gene nanotherapy based on putrescine for cancer treatment.

Correction for 'Effectiveness of a novel gene nanotherapy based on putrescine for cancer treatment' by Saínza Lores , , 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2bm01456d.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Women with a History of Embryo Transfer Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to enhance pregnancy in infertile women. In this technique, the eggs are removed from the ovary and fertilized and injected with sperm to make embryos. Unfortunately, embryo implantation failures still occur in many of these women.

Quantitative PET tracking of intra-articularly administered Zr-peptide-decorated nanoemulsions.

Intra-articular (IA) administration of drugs for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis is a common strategy; however, the rapid clearance from the synovial fluid restricts their effectivity due to the limited retention time. Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) are currently being developed to increase their joint retention time. This study compares the biodistribution and retention time of a senolytic peptide (PEP), with potential application in osteoarthritis disease, and this senolytic peptide encapsulated in a DDS based on a lipid nanoemulsion (PEPNE) by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Development of a new plasma rich in growth factors membrane with improved optical properties.

Purpose: The aim of the present work was to develop a fibrin membrane using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology with improved optical properties to be used for the treatment of ocular surface diseases.

Basic Procedures: Blood was drawn from three healthy donors, and the volume of PRGF obtained from each donor was divided into two main groups: i) PRGF or ii) platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Each membrane was then used pure or diluted to 90 %, 80 %, 70 %, 60 % and 50 %.

Effectiveness of a novel gene nanotherapy based on putrescine for cancer treatment.

Gene therapy has long been proposed for cancer treatment. However, the use of therapeutic nucleic acids presents several limitations such as enzymatic degradation, rapid clearance, and poor cellular uptake and efficiency. In this work we propose the use of putrescine, a precursor for higher polyamine biosynthesis for the preparation of cationic nanosystems for cancer gene therapy.

Beneficial Effects of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) Versus Autologous Serum and Topical Insulin in Ocular Surface Cells.

Purpose: In the last few decades, several blood derived products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and autologous serum (AS) have been used for the treatment of ocular surface disorders. Recently, insulin has been proposed to be used as an alternative for the treatment of ocular surface diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological potential of PRGF eye drops in comparison with AS and insulin on ocular surface cells.

DNMR measurements of an asymmetric odd liquid crystal dimer: determination of the intramolecular angle and the degree of order of the two rigid cores.

In this work, we present a Deuteron Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (DNMR) study of the non-symmetric odd liquid crystal dimer -(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yloxy)--(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4'-oxy) heptane (CBO7O.Py), formed by a pro-mesogenic cyanobiphenyl unit and a bulky pyrene-containing unit, linked alkoxy flexible chain. We have synthesized two partially deuterated samples: one with the deuterium atoms in the cyanobiphenyl moiety (dCBO7O.

Comparative dielectric and thermally stimulated-depolarization-current studies of the liquid crystal dimers 1″,9″-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl) nonane and heptane and a binary mixture between them, close to the glass transition.

We have performed dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated-depolarization-current experiments to study the molecular dynamics of the twist-bend nematic phase close to the glass transition of two members of the 1″,7'-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl)alkane homologous series (CBnCB): the liquid crystal (LC) dimers CB9CB and CB7CB, as well as a binary mixture of both. By doping CB9CB with a small quantity of CB7CB, the crystallization is inhibited when cooling the sample down, while the bulk properties of CB9CB are retained and we can investigate the supercooled behavior close to the glass transition. The study reveals that the inter- and intramolecular interactions of the mixture are similar to those of pure CB9CB and confirms that there is a single glass transition in symmetric LC dimers.

Patterns associated with hunting with dogs in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.

Background: Hunting has been an important cultural and subsistence activity for the survival of the human population. In the Brazilian semiarid region (Caatinga), the extreme seasonal changes and socioeconomic conditions have made local people dependent on the natural resources available, including wildlife. Although hunting with dogs can result in higher efficiency for hunters, it can also have implications for game species conservation.

Zebrafish as a platform to evaluate the potential of lipidic nanoemulsions for gene therapy in cancer.

Gene therapy is a promising therapeutic approach that has experienced significant groth in recent decades, with gene nanomedicines reaching the clinics. However, it is still necessary to continue developing novel vectors able to carry, protect, and release the nucleic acids into the target cells, to respond to the widespread demand for new gene therapies to address current unmet clinical needs. We propose here the use of zebrafish embryos as an platform to evaluate the potential of newly developed nanosystems for gene therapy applications in cancer treatment.

Optimization of a Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Membrane for the Treatment of Inflammatory Ocular Diseases.

The main purpose of the present study is to develop an immunosafe fibrin membrane obtained by plasma rich in growth factors technology (is-mPRGF) with improved mechanical properties that could be applied in patients with inflammatory ocular diseases. Blood was drawn from three healthy donors and centrifuged, and the collected PRGF was activated and distributed into two groups: (i) mPRGF: a PRGF membrane maintained at 37 °C for 30 min; (ii) IS5+30: mPRGF incubated at 37 °C for 5 min and then incubated at 56 °C for 30 min. The content of both membranes was analyzed for several growth factors such as IgE and the complement activation, as well as biological activity on different ocular surface cells.