3-D PLLA scaffolds formation by a supercritical freeze extraction assisted process.

Various techniques have been reported in the literature for the fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds; but, it is very difficult to obtain in the same structure macro, micro and nanostructural characteristics. In this work we developed a supercritical freeze extraction process (SFEP) for the formation of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds, that combines the advantages of thermally induced phase separation with those of supercritical drying. We processed solutions in chloroform of two PLLA molecular weights and at different polymer concentrations ranging between 5 and 20 % w/w. Supercritical drying was performed at 35 °Cand pressures ranging between 100 and 250 bar. 3-D scaffolds characterized by high porosity (between 88 and 97.5 %), with coexisting micro and nanometric morphology were obtained. Structures generated were characterized by pores ranging between 10 and 30 µm and with a wrinkled nanostructure of about 200 nm, superimposed on the internal pore surface, that could be useful for biomedical applications. A solvent residue lower than 5 ppm was also measured.

The ALBA project: an evaluation of needs, management, fears of Italian young patients with type 1 diabetes in a school setting and an evaluation of parents' and teachers' perceptions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how Italian parents and school personnel of 6-13-year-old children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) manage during school hours, including insulin administration, management of hypoglycemia, and glucagon use. A further aim was an investigation into the responsibilities and training of school personnel regarding diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: After an initial qualitative phase, semi-structured questionnaires were completed by a sample of parents and teachers. RESULTS: 220 parent and 52 teacher questionnaires were completed. 43.6% of parents said diabetes had negatively influenced school activities. Children either self-administer insulin, or have help from a parent, since there is very rarely a nurse present (3.6%) or a teacher who will take responsibility for the treatment (2.9%). Most parents (55.9%) stated either that the school had no refrigerator to store glucagon or that they did not know if the school was so equipped. A small percentage of teachers considered their schools to be equipped to manage an emergency (23%) and said they would use glucagon directly in an emergency (14.9%). Only 40.4% of teachers said that they had received any specific training. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that people who are not directly involved have superficial knowledge of the different aspects of diabetes, even though no parents reported episodes of neglect/incorrect management. There is no legislation which clearly defines the role of the school in the care of children with T1D, and teachers are not trained to help them. Training sessions for school personnel and greater legislative clarity about the 'insulin and glucagon question' are key factors that may improve the full integration of the child with diabetes.

Efficacy of almitrine-raubasine in cognitive disorders of aging: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical and psychometric study.

Early treatment of age-related cognitive impairment can be decisive in enabling elderly patients to remain at home. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of almitrine-raubasine was conducted in 40 elderly outpatients (25 women, 15 men; mean age: 73.5 years) with moderate cognitive impairment randomized into two groups, one receiving almitrine and raubasine, the other placebo, two tablets daily for 90 days. They were assessed at T0, T45 and T90 days, using the Toulouse-Pieron test, 8 subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Sandoz Clinical Assessment for Geriatrics (SCAG). End-of-study results were significantly better in the almitrine-raubasine group in all tests: Toulouse-Pieron test (p less than 0.001), WAIS (p less than 0.001), and SCAG (p less than 0.001).