Composition-Dependent Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activity of Biopolymer-Capped Ag/Au Bimetallic Nanoparticles against Melanoma and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens.

Nanostructured silver (Ag) and gold (Au) are widely known to be potent biocidal and cytotoxic agents as well as biocompatible nanomaterials. It has been recently reported that combining both metals in a specific chemical composition causes a significant enhancement in their antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, as well as in their anticancer effects, while preserving cytocompatibility properties. In this work, Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles over a complete atomic chemical composition range were prepared at 10 at% through a green, highly reproducible, and simple approach using starch as a unique reducing and capping agent. The noble metal nanosystems were thoroughly characterized by different analytical techniques, including UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopies, XRD, TEM/EDS, XPS and ICP-MS. Moreover, absorption spectra simulations for representative colloidal Ag/Au-NP samples were conducted using FDTD modelling. The antibacterial properties of the bimetallic nanoparticles were determined against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, showing a clear dose-dependent inhibition even at the lowest concentration tested (5 µg/mL). Cytocompatibility assays showed a medium range of toxicity at low and intermediate concentrations (5 and 10 µg/mL), while triggering an anticancer behavior, even at the lowest concentration tested, in a process involving reactive oxygen species production per the nanoparticle Au:Ag ratio. In this manner, this study provides promising evidence that the presently fabricated Ag/Au-NPs should be further studied for a wide range of antibacterial and anticancer applications.

Antibacterial Nanostructured Ti Coatings by Magnetron Sputtering: From Laboratory Scales to Industrial Reactors.

Based on an already tested laboratory procedure, a new magnetron sputtering methodology to simultaneously coat two-sides of large area implants (up to ~15 cm2) with Ti nanocolumns in industrial reactors has been developed. By analyzing the required growth conditions in a laboratory setup, a new geometry and methodology have been proposed and tested in a semi-industrial scale reactor. A bone plate (DePuy Synthes) and a pseudo-rectangular bone plate extracted from a patient were coated following the new methodology, obtaining that their osteoblast proliferation efficiency and antibacterial functionality were equivalent to the coatings grown in the laboratory reactor on small areas. In particular, two kinds of experiments were performed: Analysis of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, and osteoblasts-bacteria competitive in vitro growth scenarios. In all these cases, the coatings show an opposite behavior toward osteoblast and bacterial proliferation, demonstrating that the proposed methodology represents a valid approach for industrial production and practical application of nanostructured titanium coatings.

Association between geographic tongue and psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analyses.

Geographic tongue (GT) has been described as a predictor of psoriasis. The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of GT in psoriatic and non-psoriatic patients. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search and selection process was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria. Only case-control studies were selected, and the prevalence of GT in both groups was compared. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria, and the frequency of GT was statistically associated with psoriasis in ten studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 3.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.56-4.86). There were no significant differences between the presence of GT and the clinical form. However, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was statistically higher in patients affected by GT in three of four studies. Psoriatic patients with GT also exhibited less improvement in the PASI score after treatment. One study found an association between GT and a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Nevertheless, age, gender, toxic habits, psoriasis onset and duration of the disease were not clearly associated. The results support the concept of GT as a manifestation of psoriasis. Future research should focus on the repercussions of GT in psoriatic patients, due to the negative consequences on severity and treatment response.

Treatment of oral lichen planus. Systematic review and therapeutic guide. / Tratamiento del liquen plano oral. Revisión sistemática y protocolo de actuación.

In this systematic review, 55 structured articles on the therapeutic efficacy against pain and clinical signs of oral lichen planus (OLP) were analysed. The literature search was developed according to the criteria of the PRISMA system, selecting the tests performed using one of the following methodological designs: drug (active ingredient) vs. drug in different excipient or concentration, drug vs. different active principle, drug vs. phytotherapy and drug vs. treatment with phototherapy. Based on the results, an algorithm is proposed to guide the treatment of OLP in its atrophic and erosive clinical forms. The use of clobetasol propionate at 0.025-0.05% of topical application as the first therapeutic alternative is highlighted. Secondly, 0.1% tacrolimus and 1% pimecrolimus also formulated for its topical regimen. And finally, we address the use of systemic corticosteroids and the application of diode lasers.

Impacto de la salud oral en la calidad de vida de la gestante / Impact of oral health on the quality of life of pregnant woman

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar los factores determinantes de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud oral (OHIP-14) en una población de mujeres embarazadas. Métodos En el estudio participaron 90 pacientes embarazadas, 45 inmigrantes y 45 españolas. Las participantes completaron el cuestionario de OHIP-14 (versión española) y se les exploró el índice CAOD (presencia de caries, ausencia de dientes por caries y dientes obturados) en el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Se realizó un estudio analítico bivariante y multivariante. Resultados La edad media de las participantes inmigrantes fue 30,2 años y de las españolas de 34,4. La puntuación media de OHIP-14 fue de 5,83±6,57, siendo en el grupo de inmigrantes de 8,15 y en las nacionales de 3,51, manifestando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0.001). Las puntuaciones más altas del OHIP-14 se presentaron en los dominios de dolor (110), seguido del malestar psicológico (81). Tomando como punto de corte el valor de la mediana en la puntuación del OHIP-14 (≥3), el Odds ratio de sentir una salud oral que interfiere en la calidad de vida fue de 3,294 y este riesgo se potenció con el padecimiento de caries (4,323) pero no con la edad. Conclusiones Dado que la experiencia de caries, pudiera ser uno de los determinantes en la valoración de percibir una peor calidad de vida oral durante el embarazo, se necesitarían más estudios que lo corroborasen, y así ampliar las expectativas preventivas en el desarrollo de la salud oral por parte de la política sanitaria.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the factors that determine quality of life related to oral health (OHIP-14) in a population of pregnant women. Methods This study included ninety pregnant women, 45 immigrants and 45 from Spain. Participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) -Spanish version- and the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) was explored during the second trimester of pregnancy. A bivariate and multivariate analytical study was performed. Results The average age of immigrant participants was 30.2, and of Spanish women 34.4. The mean OHIP-14 score was 5.83±6.57 (8.15 in the immigrant group and 3.51 in the Spanish group), showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The highest OHIP-14 scores were related to pain (110), followed by psychological distress (81). Considering the median value in the OHIP-14 score as a cut-off (≥3), the odds ratio for oral health that interferes with quality of life was 3.294, and this risk was increased by caries (4.323) but not by age. Conclusions Since the DMFT could be one of the determining factors for worst quality of life in pregnant patients, more studies to corroborate this information are necessary in order to expand preventive expectations in the practice of oral health in relation to policies.(AU)

[Impact of oral health on the quality of life of pregnant woman]. / Impacto de la salud oral en la calidad de vida de la gestante.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that determine quality of life related to oral health (OHIP-14) in a population of pregnant women. METHODS: This study included ninety pregnant women, 45 immigrants and 45 from Spain. Participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) -Spanish version- and the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) was explored during the second trimester of pregnancy. A bivariate and multivariate analytical study was performed. RESULTS: The average age of immigrant participants was 30.2, and of Spanish women 34.4. The mean OHIP-14 score was 5.83±6.57 (8.15 in the immigrant group and 3.51 in the Spanish group), showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The highest OHIP-14 scores were related to pain (110), followed by psychological distress (81). Considering the median value in the OHIP-14 score as a cut-off (≥3), the odds ratio for oral health that interferes with quality of life was 3.294, and this risk was increased by caries (4.323) but not by age. CONCLUSIONS: Since the DMFT could be one of the determining factors for worst quality of life in pregnant patients, more studies to corroborate this information are necessary in order to expand preventive expectations in the practice of oral health in relation to policies.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores determinantes de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud oral (OHIP-14) en una población de mujeres embarazadas. MÉTODOS: En el estudio participaron 90 pacientes embarazadas, 45 inmigrantes y 45 españolas. Las participantes completaron el cuestionario de OHIP-14 (versión española) y se les exploró el índice CAOD (presencia de caries, ausencia de dientes por caries y dientes obturados) en el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Se realizó un estudio analítico bivariante y multivariante. RESULTADOS: La edad media de las participantes inmigrantes fue 30,2 años y de las españolas de 34,4. La puntuación media de OHIP-14 fue de 5,83±6,57, siendo en el grupo de inmigrantes de 8,15 y en las nacionales de 3,51, manifestando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0.001). Las puntuaciones más altas del OHIP-14 se presentaron en los dominios de dolor (110), seguido del malestar psicológico (81). Tomando como punto de corte el valor de la mediana en la puntuación del OHIP-14 (≥3), el Odds ratio de sentir una salud oral que interfiere en la calidad de vida fue de 3,294 y este riesgo se potenció con el padecimiento de caries (4,323) pero no con la edad. CONCLUSIONES: Dado que la experiencia de caries, pudiera ser uno de los determinantes en la valoración de percibir una peor calidad de vida oral durante el embarazo, se necesitarían más estudios que lo corroborasen, y así ampliar las expectativas preventivas en el desarrollo de la salud oral por parte de la política sanitaria.

Probing the electromagnetic field distribution within a metallic nanodisk.

A Co nanolayer is used as a local probe to evaluate the vertical inhomogeneous distribution of the electromagnetic (EM) field within a resonant metallic nanodisk. Taking advantage of the direct relation between the magneto-optical activity and the electromagnetic field intensity in the Co layer, it is shown that the nonuniform EM distribution within the nanodisk under plasmon resonant conditions has maximum values close to the upper and lower flat faces, and a minimum value in the middle.