Human mesenchymal stromal cells-laden crosslinked hyaluronic acid-alginate bioink for 3D bioprinting applications in tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is considered one of the most advanced tools to build up materials for tissue engineering. The aim of this work was the design, development and characterization of a bioink composed of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) for extrusion through nozzles to create these 3D structures that might potentially be apply to replace the function of damaged natural tissue. In this study, we focused on the advantages and the wide potential of biocompatible biomaterials, such as hyaluronic acid and alginate for the inclusion of hMSC.

Democratic quality and excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between democratic quality and excess mortality produced in the year 2020 before COVID-19 vaccinations were generalised. Using cross-sectional data from 80 countries on five continents, multiple linear regression models between excess mortality, the general democracy index and its disaggregation into five categories: electoral process and pluralism, government functioning, political participation, political culture and civil liberties were estimated. The analysis also considered, public health spending per capita, overweight inhabitants, the average temperature of the country, population over 65 years of age, The KOF Globalisation Index, and the Gross National Income per capita as control variables.

Gel Formulations with an Echinocandin for Cutaneous Candidiasis: The Influence of Azone and Transcutol on Biopharmaceutical Features.

Caspofungin is a drug that is used for fungal infections that are difficult to treat, including invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, as well as other forms of invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to incorporate Azone in a caspofungin gel (CPF-AZ-gel) and compare it with a promoter-free caspofungin gel (CPF-gel). An in vitro release study using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and ex vivo permeation into human skin was adopted.

Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis Share Intracellular Disorders as the Main Meeting Point.

Diabetes and periodontitis are two of the most prevalent diseases worldwide that negatively impact the quality of life of the individual suffering from them. They are part of the chronic inflammatory disease group or, as recently mentioned, non-communicable diseases, with inflammation being the meeting point among them. Inflammation hitherto includes vascular and tissue changes, but new technologies provide data at the intracellular level that could explain how the cells respond to the aggression more clearly.

Neuroeducation, Motivation, and Physical Activity in Students of Physical Education.

In recent years, neuroscience and neurodidactics have demonstrated significant progress in improving the teaching and learning process for various subjects, such as physical education [...

Contributions of Service-Learning on PETE Students' Effective Personality: A Mixed Methods Research.

Service-learning (SL) is a pedagogical model focused on achieving curricular goals while providing a community service. Previous research suggests that SL might promote qualities such as self-esteem, motivation, problem-focused coping, decision-making, empathy, and communication, which are associated with a psychological construct known as students' Effective Personality (EP). These studies, however, did not specifically analyse the direct effects of SL on this construct.

Designing Single-Molecule Magnets as Drugs with Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Effects.

We have designed and synthesized two novel cobalt coordination compounds using bumetanide (bum) and indomethacin (ind) therapeutic agents. The anti-inflammatory effects of cobalt metal complexes with ind and bum were assayed in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibition of nitric oxide production.

Novel Polymeric Formulation for Removal of Gastrointestinal Polyps by Digestive Endoscopy.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are two techniques used in the resection of gastrointestinal mucosal polyps. The aim of this work is the development and evaluation of an innovative polymeric solution containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronic acid. For this purpose, several mixtures of these two main components, as well as other components such as fructose, citric acid, and zinc, are evaluated in terms of physicochemical and microbiological properties, rheological behavior, extensibility, syringeability, and stability at different storage conditions.

Design and evaluation of a multifunctional thermosensitive poloxamer-chitosan-hyaluronic acid gel for the treatment of skin burns.

The main goal of this study was the design, development and characterization of a poloxamer/chitosan/hyaluronic based vehicle including three biological antioxidant molecules such as vitamins A, D and E aimed at improving the treatment of skin burns. The physical characterization of hydrogel, its mechanical and rheological properties as well as internal structure were investigated. Furthermore, biological characteristics such as ex vivo antimicrobial properties and in vivo wound healing were also accomplished and compared with a commercial reference.

Design and evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells seeded chitosan/glycosaminoglycans quaternary hydrogel scaffolds for wound healing applications.

The main goal of this study was the design, development and characterization of a chitosan based scaffolding substrate including three glycosaminoglycans and collagen to provide an optimal microenvironment for human mesemchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue (hMSCs). Chitosan scaffolds provide a moist wound environment which promotes healing and epidermal regeneration. Furthermore, the importance of extracellular molecules such as glycosaminoglycans in wound healing makes them essential ingredients in these types of formulations.

Clotrimazole multiple W/O/W emulsion as anticandidal agent: Characterization and evaluation on skin and mucosae.

Clotrimazole (CLT) was formulated in a multiple W/O/W emulsion (ME) with the aim of evaluating its potential as topical anticandidal agent and comparing with marketed products. A previously evaluated CLT-ME was selected and physicochemically characterized. The in vitro release behavior and the ex vivo permeation profiles were assessed using Franz diffusion cells using three different types of biological membranes: human skin and porcine buccal, sublingual and vaginal mucosae.

Biopharmaceutical profile of a clotrimazole nanoemulsion: Evaluation on skin and mucosae as anticandidal agent.

Clotrimazole (CLT) was formulated in a nanoemulsion (NE) for the topical treatment of candidiasis consisting of 10% labrafac lipophile, 60% labrasol:capryol 90 mixture (ratio 4:1) and 30% propylene glycol. Physicochemical properties, stability, rheology, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation through human skin and porcine buccal, sublingual and vaginal mucosae, antifungal efficacy, as well as in vivo skin tolerance were evaluated. 1% CLT-NE (CLT-NE1) and 2% CLT-NE (CLT-NE2) exhibited 153 ± 17.

Alzheimer's Disease: A Review from the Pathophysiology to Diagnosis, New Perspectives for Pharmacological Treatment.

Dementia is characterized by the impairment of cognition and behavior of people over 65 years. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the world, as approximately 47 million people are affected by this disease and the tendency is that this number will increase to 62% by 2030. Two microscopic features assist in the characterization of the disease, the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary agglomerates.

Hydroxytyrosol: Bioavailability, toxicity, and clinical applications.

Many beneficial properties have been attributed to the Mediterranean diet. Over the years, researchers have attempted to learn which foods and which food components are responsible for good health. One of these components is hydroxytyrosol, an important phenolic compound present in olive oil.

Development and Characterization of Magnetite/Poly(butylcyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Cancer Drugs.

A great attention is presently paid to the design of drug delivery vehicles based on surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles. They can, in principle, be directed to a desired target area for releasing their drug payload, a process triggered by pH, temperature, radiation, or even magnetic field. To this, the possibility of forming part of diagnostic tools by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or that of further treatment by magnetic hyperthermia can be added.

Bioprecipitation of Calcium Carbonate Crystals by Bacteria Isolated from Saline Environments Grown in Culture Media Amended with Seawater and Real Brine.

The precipitation of calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate by isolated bacteria from seawater and real brine obtained in a desalination plant growth in culture media containing seawater and brine as mineral sources has been studied. However, only bioprecipitation was detected when the bacteria were grown in media with added organic matter. Biomineralization process started rapidly, crystal formation taking place in the beginning a few days after inoculation of media; roughly 90% of total cultivated bacteria showed.

Precipitation of phosphate minerals by microorganisms isolated from a fixed-biofilm reactor used for the treatment of domestic wastewater.

The ability of bacteria isolated from a fixed-film bioreactor to precipitate phosphate crystals for the treatment of domestic wastewater in both artificial and natural media was studied. When this was demonstrated in artificial solid media for crystal formation, precipitation took place rapidly, and crystal formation began 3 days after inoculation. The percentage of phosphate-forming bacteria was slightly higher than 75%.