Atomic Force Microscopy: A Versatile Tool in Cancer Research.

The implementation of novel analytic methodologies in cancer and biomedical research has enabled the quantification of parameters that were previously disregarded only a few decades ago. A notable example of this paradigm shift is the widespread integration of atomic force microscopy (AFM) into biomedical laboratories, significantly advancing our understanding of cancer cell biology and treatment response. AFM allows for the meticulous monitoring of different parameters at the molecular and nanoscale levels, encompassing critical aspects such as cell morphology, roughness, adhesion, stiffness, and elasticity.

Prevalence of Contact Allergy to Propolis-Testing With Different Propolis Patch Test Materials.

Introduction: Propolis is a sticky substance produced by honeybees from plant resins collected from locally growing vegetation. Its chemical composition varies depending on the plant species visited by the bees. Contact dermatitis is commonly reported following exposure to cosmetics containing propolis or following the intake of food supplements.

Protective role of hematin in alcohol oxidase-mediated glycerol oxidation: A kinetic modeling approach.

Mathematical modeling of complex multi-catalytic reaction pathways is a powerful tool not only for determining optimal operational conditions but also for gaining insights into the kinetic behavior of efficient yet product-sensitive enzymes. This approach was applied to the biooxidation of glycerol using oxidases, aided by hematin, a natural mimic of heme peroxidases and catalases, which acts as a scavenger for enzymatically produced HO. The bi-catalytic reaction system was coupled with the formation of a colored imine product from phenol and 4-aminoantipyrine, enabling spectrophotometric monitoring of reaction kinetics.

Breaking barriers in targeted Therapy: Advancing exosome Isolation, Engineering, and imaging.

Exosomes have emerged as promising tools for targeted drug delivery in biomedical applications and medicine. This review delves into the scientific advancements, challenges, and future prospects specifically associated with these technologies. In this work, we trace the research milestones that led to the discovery and characterization of exosomes and extracellular vesicles, and discuss strategies for optimizing the synthetic yield and the loading of these particles with various therapeutics.

Stevens-Johnson induced by imiquimod 5% cream: a case report.

Imiquimod 5% cream is an approved treatment for actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinomas, and anogenital warts. Severe systemic side effects associated with imiquimod 5% cream are rare, although a few cases of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been described. We present a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with topical treatment with imiquimod of two superficial basal cell carcinomas.

Spatiotemporal Mapping of the Evolution of Silver Nanoparticles in Living Cells.

Bioaccumulated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can undergo transformation and release toxic Ag, which can be further reduced and form secondary AgNPs (AgNPs). However, the intricate interconversions among AgNPs, Ag, and AgNPs remain speculative. Herein, we developed a bioimaging method by coupling the aggregation-induced emission method with the label-free confocal scattering and hyperspectral imaging techniques to quantitatively visualize the biodistribution and biotransformation of AgNPs, AgNPs, and Ag in living cells.

Impact of Psoriasis on Pregnancy Desire and Possible Consequences on Fertility.

Introduction: Approximately half of patients affected by psoriasis are women, and the management of female patients of childbearing age is an under-investigated topic. Some studies have shown a significant decrease in births in psoriatic patients due to intimacy and pregnancy avoidance and to potential birth complications.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate data on reproductive health in a cohort of female patients, to compare them with similar data in the general population and to assess the impact of psoriasis, especially genital psoriasis, on pregnancy desire and the prevalence of psoriasis in the children of patients with psoriasis.

Comparing Outcomes Between CPX-351 and Fludarabine-Based Induction in Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Real-World Setting: The Prognostic Role of Measurable Residual Disease.

Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (s-AML) is associated with inferior outcomes with conventional chemotherapy, and fludarabine combinations (FLAG-Ida) have been tested to improve results. More recently, CPX-351 resulted superior to conventional 3 + 7 in s-AML patients. In the UK NCRI AML19 trial, AML patients were randomized to receive either FLAG-Ida or CPX-351.

Clinical and Translational Landscape of Viral Gene Therapies.

Gene therapies hold significant promise for treating previously incurable diseases. A number of gene therapies have already been approved for clinical use. Currently, gene therapies are mostly limited to the use of adeno-associated viruses and the herpes virus.

Biologics-based technologies for highly efficient and targeted RNA delivery.

The demand for RNA-based therapeutics is increasing globally. However, their use is hampered by the lack of safe and effective delivery vehicles. Here, we developed technologies for highly efficient delivery of RNA cargo into programmable extracellular vesicle-mimetic nanovesicles (EMNVs) by fabricating hybrid EMNV-liposomes (Hybs).

Additives in bioplastics: Chemical characterization, migration in water and effects on photosynthetic organisms.

The potential release in the environment and biological effects of chemicals like additives and non-intentionally added substances present in conventional plastics and bioplastics is an issue that could occur if these materials are not properly disposed of. Herein, seven leachates of biobased and biodegradable plastics made of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS)/PLA blends, and starch-based blends (SB) were characterized and compared for the inorganic and organic additives present in the source materials. The main inorganic elements found in the leachates were Na, Mg, K, and Ca (0.

Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Basic Drug Delivery.

Biomimetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) are innovative nanovehicles that replicate the properties of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, facilitating highly efficient drug delivery across biological barriers to target organs and tissues while ensuring maximal biocompatibility and minimal-to-no toxicity. BMNPs can be utilized for the delivery of therapeutic payloads and for imparting novel properties to other nanotechnologies based on organic and inorganic materials. The application of specifically modified biological membranes for coating organic and inorganic nanoparticles has the potential to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and biocompatibility, presenting a promising pathway for the advancement of drug delivery technologies.

Basic Guide for Approaching Drug Delivery with Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural carriers of biomolecules that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and tissue homeostasis under normal and pathological conditions, including inflammatory diseases and cancer. Since the discovery of the pro-regenerative and immune-modulating properties of EVs, EV-based therapeutics have entered clinical trials for conditions such as myocardial infarction and autoimmune diseases, among others. Due to their unique advantages-such as superior bioavailability, substantial packaging capacity, and the ability to traverse biological barriers-EVs are regarded as a promising platform for targeted drug delivery.

Do Different Amounts of Exogenous Surfactant Differently Influence Cerebrovascular Instability in a Consecutive Group of Preterm Babies? Preliminary Results from a Single-Center Experience.

Background: Thirty years ago, the first attempt by Saliba and colleagues was made to reduce the negative effects (hypercarbia) of exogenous surfactant (ES) by slowing its administration. Sixteen years later, we observed the first less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) attempt by Kribs and colleagues. Many studies, since that time, have tried to minimize the invasiveness of ES and subsequent cerebral blood flow perturbations through studies using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Secukinumab in the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Narrative Review on Early Treatment and Real-World Evidence.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, associated with multiple comorbidities and psychological and psychiatric disorders. The quality of life of patients with this disease is severely compromised, especially in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Secukinumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody, was the first anti-interleukin (IL)-17 biologic approved for treating psoriasis.

The French hypertrophic cardiomyopathy gene register: A systematic large gene screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Although the optimal approach is debated, systematic genetic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is recommended.

Aims: The performance of this approach was tested in GEREMY, a HCM prospective observational French register.

Methods: Screening was based on a 12-gene panel, including the Fabry disease (GLA) and the transthyretin (TTR) genes.

A 3-Year Experience with Tildrakizumab Treatment for Patients with Plaque Psoriasis in Clinical Practice.

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis were demonstrated by randomized clinical studies, but the reappraisal of prolonged experiences in the clinical practice helps to optimize the use of this biologic drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis in the real world.

Methods: This is a long-term retrospective observational study in a real-life setting.

Improvement of self-administration experience with a new injection device: Real-life experience with risankizumab in patients with psoriasis.

Background: Trypanophobia or "needle phobia" represents a potential hindrance to the effective management of chronic diseases whenever an injectable therapy might be required, especially in case of frequent administrations. Psoriasis, a chronic dermatologic disease, can be effectively treated with biologic drugs administered subcutaneously. Thankfully, anti-IL-23 drugs require few administrations per year and are available in prefilled pens that hide the needle, thus representing a convenient option in patients with trypanophobia.