Antibacterial properties of photo-crosslinked chitosan/methacrylated hyaluronic acid nanoparticles loaded with bacitracin.

The current treatments for wounds often fail to induce adequate healing, leaving wounds vulnerable to persistent infections and development of drug-resistant microbial biofilms. New natural-derived nanoparticles were studied to impair bacteria colonization and hinder the formation of biofilms in wounds. The nanoparticles were fabricated through polyelectrolyte complexation of chitosan (CS, polycation) and hyaluronic acid (HA, polyanion).

Exploring the potential of all-aqueous immiscible systems for preparing complex biomaterials and cellular constructs.

All-aqueous immiscible systems derived from liquid-liquid phase separation of incompatible hydrophilic agents such as polymers and salts have found increasing interest in the biomedical and tissue engineering fields in the last few years. The unique characteristics of aqueous interfaces, namely their low interfacial tension and elevated permeability, as well as the non-toxic environment and high water content of the immiscible phases, confer to these systems optimal qualities for the development of biomaterials such as hydrogels and soft membranes, as well as for the preparation of tissues derived from cellular assembly. Here, we overview the main properties of these systems and present a critical review of recent strategies that have been used for the development of biomaterials with increased levels of complexity using all-aqueous immiscible phases and interfaces, and their potential as cell-confining environments for micropatterning approaches and the bioengineering of cell-rich structures.

Gastroenterology healthcare in LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning individuals, as well as those with another diverse identity (LGBTQ+), present specific nuances in healthcare that physicians must consider in clinical practice. Particularly, gastroenterologists are nowadays facing different issues in several fields regarding LGBTQ+ healthcare, such as endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, and proctology. In this study, the authors provide a practice-oriented and up-to-date review reinforcing the importance of some of the most prevalent pathologies associated with sexuality that gastroenterologists may encounter in their clinical practice.

Cananga odorata L., Illicium verum, and Foeniculum vulgare essential oils impair the reproduction of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

This study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal potential of the essential oils of Cananga odorata L. (ylang-ylang), Illicium verum (star anise), and Foeniculum vulgare (sweet fennel) in Rhipicephalus microplus engorged females. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, and the females were immersed in each essential oil at concentrations ranging from 10 μL/mL to 50 μL/mL, using 10% dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent.

Performance of β-carotene-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers under dynamic in vitro digestion system: Influence of the emulsifier type.

A better understanding of how emulsifier type could differently influence the behavior of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) under the gastrointestinal digestion process, as well as at the cellular level, is of utmost importance for the NLC-based formulations' optimization and risk assessment in the food field. In this study, NLC composed by fully hydrogenated soybean and high-oleic sunflower oils were prepared using soy lecithin (NLC L) or Tween 80 (NLC T) as an emulsifier. β-Carotene was entrapped within NLC developed as a promising strategy to overcome β-carotene's low bioavailability and stability.

Designing Antitrypanosomal and Antileishmanial BODIPY Derivatives: A Computational and In Vitro Assessment.

Leishmaniasis and Human African trypanosomiasis pose significant public health threats in resource-limited regions, accentuated by the drawbacks of the current antiprotozoal treatments and the lack of approved vaccines. Considering the demand for novel therapeutic drugs, a series of BODIPY derivatives with several functionalizations at the , 2 and/or 6 positions of the core were synthesized and characterized. The in vitro activity against and parasites was carried out alongside a human healthy cell line (MRC-5) to establish selectivity indices (SIs).

Incorporation of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles into yogurt: Tribo-rheological properties and dynamic in vitro digestion.

The incorporation of nanostructures loaded with bioactive compounds into food matrices is a promising approach to develop new functional foods with improved nutritional, health profiles and good sensorial properties. The rheological and tribological properties of yogurt enriched with curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were evaluated. Also, the TCA solubility index, the bioaccessibility of curcumin and cell viability were assessed after dynamic in vitro digestion.

Development and characterization of nanostructured lipid carriers for cannabidiol delivery.

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a potential vehicle for cannabidiol (CBD), a lipophilic molecule with great potential to promote health benefits. NLCs were produced using hemp seed oil and fully-hydrogenated soybean oil at different proportions. The emulsifiers evaluated were soybean lecithin (SL), Tween 80 (T80) and a mixture of SL:T80 (50:50).

Chitosan-based films filled with nanoencapsulated essential oil: Physical-chemical characterization and enhanced wound healing activity.

The economic burden of chronic wounds, the complexity of the process of tissue repair and the possibility of resistant bacterial infections, have triggered a significant research interest in the application of natural alternative therapies for wound healing. Biomolecules are intrinsically multi-active, as they affect multiple mechanisms involved in tissue repair phenomenon, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cell proliferation, extra cellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. Chitosan features a unique combination of attributes, including intrinsic hemostatic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, that make it an exceptional candidate for wound management, in the development of wound dressings and scaffolds.

Biomarkers for intervertebral disc and associated back pain: From diagnosis to disease prognosis and personalized treatment.

Biomarkers are commonly recognized as objective indicators of a medical state or clinical outcome and have been widely used as clinical and diagnostic tools and surrogate endpoints in many pathological conditions. In the context of intervertebral disc (IVD) and associated back pain, also known as degenerative disc disease (DDD), the use of biomarkers has been poorly explored. DDD is currently diagnosed using imaging techniques and subjective pain scales, limiting an objective association between DDD and pain levels, as well as an evaluation of disease progression.

Polyaromatic (indolyl)methane Derivatives with Antiproliferative and Antiparasitic Activity.

(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) are a class of compounds that have been recognized as an important core in the design of drugs with important pharmacological properties, such as promising anticancer and antiparasitic activities. Here, we explored the biological activity of the BIM core functionalized with different (hetero)aromatic moieties. We synthesized substituted BIM derivatives with triphenylamine, -dimethyl-1-naphthylamine and 8-hydroxylquinolyl groups, studied their photophysical properties and evaluated their in vitro antiproliferative and antiparasitic activities.

An effective internet-based system for surveillance and elimination of triatomine insects: AlertaChirimacha.

Vector-borne diseases remain a significant public health threat in many regions of the world. Traditional vector surveillance and control methods have relied on active and passive surveillance programs, which are often costly and time-consuming. New internet-based vector surveillance systems have shown promise in removing some of the cost and labor burden from health authorities.

Spleen stiffness: a new tool to predict high-risk varices in cirrhotic patients.

Introduction: Cirrhosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Portal hypertension is the major contributor of cirrhosis-related complications and is defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) > 5 mmHg. Measurement of HVPG is an invasive, difficult, and costly procedure.

Colorimetric Chemosensor for Cu and Fe Based on a -Triphenylamine-BODIPY Derivative.

Optical chemosensors are a practical tool for the detection and quantification of important analytes in biological and environmental fields, such as Cu and Fe. To the best of our knowledge, a BODIPY derivative capable of detecting Cu and Fe simultaneously through a colorimetric response has not yet been described in the literature. In this work, a -triphenylamine-BODIPY derivative is reported for the highly selective detection of Cu and Fe.

Effect of Reducing the Size and Number of Faces of Polyhedral Specimen on Wood Characterization by Ultrasound.

The complete characterization of wood, with the determination of the 12 elastic constants that represent its orthotropy, is greatly relevant in applications employing structural calculation software programs. Ultrasound allows for such characterization with relative simplicity when compared to other methods. The polyhedron is considered the most appropriate specimen format for allowing the 12 constants to be calculated with a single specimen, and the traditionally used one is the 26-sided polyhedron, which, to be produced manually with more precision in directing the main directions of the wood, needs larger faces.

Alterations of bovine nucleus pulposus cells with aging.

Aging is one of the major etiological factors driving intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, the main cause of low back pain. The nucleus pulposus (NP) includes a heterogeneous cell population, which is still poorly characterized. Here, we aimed to uncover main alterations in NP cells with aging.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HEPATIC LYMPHOMAS: A RETROSPECTIVE SINGLE-CENTER STUDY.

Background: The incidence of hepatic lymphoma has been increasing recently and diagnosis can be challenging as clinical presentation and radiological findings are usually variable and non-specific.

Objective: The aims of this study were to describe their main clinical, pathological and imaging characteristics and identify poor prognostic factors.

Methods: A retrospective study that included all patients with histological diagnosis of liver lymphoma over a 10-year period at our center was performed.

THE ROLE OF BOWEL DIARIES IN A "REAL-LIFE" SETTING.

Background: Despite the potential advantages of patients' self-recordings of bowel habits in lower digestive disorders, few studies evaluate the relevance of clinical information obtained through bowel diaries in clinical practice.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of bowel diaries as an auxiliary diagnostic tool in lower gastrointestinal disorders consultations.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, at the end of their gastroenterology consultation, patients were questioned about their bowel habits and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Infectious proctitis: what every gastroenterologist needs to know.

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is rising, especially in high-risk groups, namely people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), men who have sex with men, and people with multiple sexual partners. Additionally, the growing availability and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection appears to be associated with an increased risk of infection by venereal agents. The correct recognition of these infections is crucial, not only for individual patients, but also in terms of public health.

Enhancement of hMSC In Vitro Proliferation by Surface Immobilization of a Heparin-Binding Peptide.

The use of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) as therapeutic agents for advanced clinical therapies relies on their in vitro expansion. Over the last years, several efforts have been made to optimize hMSC culture protocols, namely by mimicking the cell physiological microenvironment, which strongly relies on signals provided by the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM glycosaminoglycans, such as heparan-sulfate, sequester adhesive proteins and soluble growth factors at the cell membrane, orchestrating signaling pathways that control cell proliferation.