Renewable Photo-Cross-Linkable Polyester-Based Biomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytocompatibility Assessment.

The present work consist of the synthesis of photo-cross-linkable materials, based on unsaturated polyesters (UPs), synthesized from biobased monomers from renewable sources such as itaconic acid and 1,4-butanediol. The UPs were characterized to assess the influence of polycondensation reaction temperature and cross-linking time on their final properties. For this purpose, different UV irradiation exposure periods were tested. Homogeneous, uniform, and transparent films were obtained after 1, 3, and 5 min of UV exposure. These cross-linked films were then characterized. All materials presented high gel content, which was dependent on the reaction's temperature. The thermal behaviors of the UPs were shown to be similar. In vitro hydrolytic degradation tests showed that the materials can undergo degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 and 37 °C, ensuring their biodegradability over time. Finally, to assess the applicability of the polyesters as biomaterials, their cytocompatibility was determined by using human dermal fibroblasts.

Tomographic diagnosis of alveolar bone coverage impact in orthodontic planning: cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar bone coverage can be diagnosed through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and this information can prevent orthodontic tooth movement beyond the biological limit. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of the bone coverage (BC) diagnosis by CBCT in the orthodontists' planning. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine Brazilian orthodontists suggested treatment plans for six patients at two different times, using two sequential questionnaires. The first questionnaire consisted of extra and intra-oral photographs, one panoramic radiograph; one lateral cephalometric radiograph with Steiner and Tweed analysis, and the patient chief complaint. The second questionnaire included the same presentations of cases with tomographic images and the radiologist's report. The McNemar test assessed the difference between the first and the second treatment plans. RESULTS: In all six cases, most participants changed the treatment plan after evaluating the CBCT images and the radiologist's report (93.7% in case 5, 78.6% in case 4, 74.2% in case 3, 69.8% in case 6, 66% in case 2 and 61% in case 1; p≤0.01). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of bone coverage through CBCT images has a substantial impact on the orthodontic diagnosis and planning of the Brazilian orthodontists.

New Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Diastereomeric Dehydrotripeptide Mixtures for Potential Drug Delivery Applications.

Self-assembly of peptide building blocks offers unique opportunities for bottom-up preparation of exquisite nanostructures, nanoarchitectures, and nanostructured bulk materials, namely hydrogels. In this work we describe the synthesis, characterization, gelation, and rheological properties of new dehydrotripeptides, Cbz-L-Lys(Cbz)-L,D-Asp-∆Phe-OH and (2-Naph)-L-Lys(2-Naph)-L,D-Asp-∆Phe-OH, containing a N-terminal lysine residue Nα,ε-bis-capped with carboxybenzyl (Cbz) and 2-Naphthylacetyl (2-Naph) aromatic moieties, an aspartic acid residue (Asp), and a C-terminal dehydrophenylalanine (∆Phe) residue. The dehydrotripeptides were obtained as diastereomeric mixtures (L,L,Z and L,D,Z), presumably via aspartimide chemistry. The dehydrotripeptides afforded hydrogels at exceedingly low concentrations (0.1 and 0.04 wt%). The hydrogels revealed exceptional elasticity (G' = 5.44 × 104 and 3.43 × 106 Pa) and self-healing properties. STEM studies showed that the diastereomers of the Cbz-capped peptide undergo co-assembly, generating a fibrillar 3D network, while the diastereomers of the 2-Naph-capped dehydropeptide seem to undergo self-sorting, originating a fibril network with embedded spheroidal nanostructures. The 2-Naph-capped hydrogel displayed full fast recovery following breakup by a mechanical stimulus. Spheroidal nanostructures are absent in the recovered hydrogel, as seen by STEM, suggesting that the mechanical stimulus triggers rearrangement of the spheroidal nanostructures into fibers. Overall, this study demonstrates that diastereomeric mixtures of peptides can be efficacious gelators. Importantly, these results suggest that the structure (size, aromaticity) of the capping group can have a directing effect on the self-assembly (co-assembly vs. self-sorting) of diastereomers. The cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized gelators was evaluated using human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). The results indicated that the two gelators exhibited some cytotoxicity, having a small impact on cell viability. In sustained release experiments, the influence of the charge on model drug compounds was assessed in relation to their release rate from the hydrogel matrix. The hydrogels demonstrated sustained release for methyl orange (anionic), while methylene blue (cationic) was retained within the network.

Cyberbullying Experiences: Whether and How Do the Need for Popularity and Emotional Intelligence Dimensions Affect Them?

The need for popularity and emotional intelligence (EI) have been shown to be relevant factors in relation to aggressive behavior, including cyberbullying. However, the need for popularity and EI have not yet been explored together in relation to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration in adolescence. This research attempts to examine whether the need for popularity was a relevant mediating variable in the link between EI dimensions and both cybervictimization and cyberbullying perpetration, and to identify possible gender differences. A total of 6,186 students aged 12 to 17 years (50.2% female, Mage =13.23, SD = 1.05) completed self-reported instruments. Structural equation analyses revealed that EI dimensions were directly associated with cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization, as well as indirectly via the need for popularity. However, self-emotion appraisal did not show links with cybervictimization. Gender differences were also found. For boys, self-emotion appraisal, other-emotion appraisal, and use of emotions were more strongly related to the need for popularity in comparison to girls. For girls, emotion regulation showed greater effects on both cyberbullying perpetration and cybervictimization. These findings highlight the mediating role of the need for popularity in the relationship between EI and cyberbullying, especially among boys. Overall, this research provides preliminary evidence that comprehensive prevention efforts to effectively combat cyberbullying should not only target EI skills directly and include a gender-tailored perspective, but also address the underlying motivations and influences related to popularity among adolescents.

Could P2X7 receptor be a potencial target in neonatal sepsis?

The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) estimates that every year 2.5 million neonates die in their first month of life, accounting for nearly one-half of deaths in children under 5 years of age. Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of neonatal mortality. The worldwide burden of bacterial sepsis is expected to increase in the next decades due to the lack of effective molecular therapies to replace the administration of antibiotics whose efficacy is compromised by the emergence of resistant strains. In addition, prolonged exposure to antibiotics can have negative effects by increasing the risk of infection by other organisms. With the global burden of sepsis increasing and no vaccine nor other therapeutic approaches proved efficient, the World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the need for new therapeutic targets for sepsis treatment and infection prevention (WHO, A73/32). In response to this unresolved clinical issue, the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a key component of the inflammatory cascade, has emerged as a potential target for treating inflammatory/infection diseases. Indeed numerous studies have demonstrated the relevance of the purinergic system as a pharmacological target in addressing immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by regulating immunity, inflammation, and organ function. In this review, we analyze key features of sepsis immunopathophysiology focusing in neonatal sepsis and on how the immunomodulatory role of P2X7R could be a potential pharmacological target for reducing the burden of neonatal sepsis.

Surface coupling of molecularly imprinted polymers as strategy to improve sulfamethoxazole removal from water by carbons produced from spent brewery grain.

This work aims to assess the surface coupling of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) on carbon adsorbents produced from spent brewery grain, namely biochar (BC) and activated carbon (AC), as a strategy to improve selectivity and the adsorptive removal of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from water. BC and AC were produced by microwave-assisted pyrolysis, and MIP was obtained by fast bulk polymerization. Two different methodologies were used for the molecular imprinting of BC and AC, the resulting materials being tested for SMX adsorption. Then, after selecting the most favourable molecular imprinting methodology, different mass ratios of MIP:BC or MIP:AC were used to produce and evaluate eight different materials. Molecular imprinting was shown to significantly improve the performance of BC for the target application, and one of the produced composites (MIP1-BC-s(1:3)) was selected for further kinetic and equilibrium studies and comparison with individual MIP and BC. The kinetic behaviour was properly described by both the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models. Regarding equilibrium isotherms, they fitted the Freundlich and Langmuir models, with MIP1-BC-s(1:3) reaching a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 25 ± 1 µmol g-1, 19 % higher than BC. In comparison with other seven pharmaceuticals, the adsorption of SMX onto MIP1-BC-s(1:3) was remarkably higher, as for the specific recognition of this antibiotic by the coupled MIP. The pH study evidenced that SMX removal was higher under acidic conditions. Regeneration experiments showed that MIP1-BC-s(1:3) provided good adsorption performance, which was stable during five regeneration-reutilization cycles. Overall, this study has demonstrated that coupling with MIP may be a suitable strategy to improve the adsorption properties and performance of biochar for antibiotics removal from water, increasing its suitability for practical applications.

Bacterial Tracheitis: A New Presentation of a Well-Known Disease.

Bacterial tracheitis (BT) is an uncommon life-threatening condition that results in acute upper airway obstruction. Classical signs include a toxic appearance, stridor, tachypnoea, and fever, often leading to rapid clinical deterioration. Recent studies have shown a shift in BT epidemiology and presentation, where stridor and respiratory distress are now predominant. A poor response to corticosteroids or nebulized epinephrine is also commonly described, along with a need for mechanical ventilation. We present the case of a five-year-old boy admitted to the emergency department with cough, stridor, and dyspnea that had significantly worsened over the previous hours. He presented reasonable general condition, marked retractions, poor air entry, stridor, and wheezing. Investigation revealed a slight elevation of C-reactive protein and leukocytosis with neutrophilia. Anteroposterior x-ray showed narrowing of subglottic airways (steeple sign). There was no response to oral/nebulized corticoids, nebulized adrenaline, or bag-valve-mask oxygenation. Antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone was initiated. Due to deteriorating clinical conditions with severe respiratory acidosis, orotracheal intubation was required. Later Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated in the bronchial secretions and a targeted antibiotic regimen was administered. Progressive clinical and analytical improvement was observed with no complications. Although uncommon, BT remains a severe infectious condition affecting otherwise healthy children. Our case underscores the severity of the disease and the imperative for invasive interventions to achieve favorable outcomes. It also supports recent findings indicating a shift in predominant symptoms and prognosis. Clinicians must be vigilant and knowledgeable, recognizing that worsening stridor and respiratory distress unresponsive to conservative treatment are key indicators for diagnosing BT.

Multifunctional magneto-plasmonic lipogel based on peptide hydrogel for application in combined cancer therapy.

Supramolecular hydrogels, particularly low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogels, are promising drug delivery systems due to their ability to change the solubility, targeting, metabolism and toxicity of drugs. Magneto-plasmonic liposomes, in addition to being remotely controllable with the application of an external magnetic field, also increase the efficiency of encapsulated drug release through thermal stimulation, for example, with magnetic and optical hyperthermia. Thus, the combination of those two materials-giving magneto-plasmonic lipogels-brings together several functionalities, among which are hyperthermia and spatiotemporally controlled drug delivery. In this work, a novel dehydrodipeptide hydrogelator was synthesised, and the respective hydrogel was functionalized with magneto-plasmonic liposomes. After individually characterising the components with regard to their rheological, spectroscopic and magnetic properties, the magneto-plasmonic lipogel was equally characterised and evaluated concerning its ability to deliver drugs in a controlled fashion. To this end, the response of the 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-loaded magneto-plasmonic lipogel to near-infrared light was assessed. The results showed that the system is a proper carrier of hydrophilic drugs and allows to envisage photo-responsive drug delivery. These facts, together with the magnetic guidance and hyperthermia capabilities of the developed composite gel, may pave the way to a new era in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

The study of galactomannans with different molecular weights and their ability to form microparticles suitable for pulmonary delivery.

The influence of locust bean gum (LBG) galactomannans (GMs) molecular weight (Mw) to assemble microparticulate systems was evaluated, and carriers for deep lung delivery were developed. A commercial batch of LBG with a mannose/galactose (M/G) ratio of 2.4 (batch 1) was used to study the influence of different microwave partial acid hydrolysis conditions on carbohydrate composition, glycosidic linkages, and aqueous solutions viscosity. The microwave treatment did not affect the composition, presenting 4-Man (36-42 %), 4,6-Man (27-35 %), and T-Gal (24-25 %) as the main glycosidic linkages. Depolymerization led to a viscosity reduction (≤0.005 Pa·s) with no major impact on polysaccharide debranching. The structural composition of the LBG galactomannans were further elucidated with sequence-specific proteins using carbohydrate microarray technologies. A second batch of LBG (M/G 3.3) was used to study the impact of GMs with different Mw on microparticle assembling, characteristics, and insulin release kinetics. The low-Mw GMs microparticles led to a faster release (20 min) than the higher-Mw (40 min) ones, impacting the release kinetics. All microparticles exhibited a safety profile to cells of the respiratory tract. However, only the higher-Mw GMs allowed the assembly of microparticles with sizes suitable for this type of administration.

A comparative analysis of adolescents' emotions and emotion regulation strategies when witnessing different cyberbullying scenarios.

The search for greater popularity and acceptance by peers increases the use of social networks that may cause cyberbullying. The high number of adolescents who observe this phenomenon may help reduce the negative impact on the victims. Emotion regulation is an important predictor of adolescents' psychological adjustment and social competence to adopt a prosocial behavior. Bystanders of these incidents may misinterpret what they see, due to specific cyberbullying characteristics which may influence emotion regulation negatively. Studies about emotions and emotion regulations in bystanders are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the emotional reactions and emotional regulation strategies of bystanders while witnessing various cyberbullying scenarios (posting photographs, direct threats, offences to integrity, threats to share personal information), as well as to focus on different behavior, victim characteristics, aggressor traits, and spectator reactions. A convenience sample of 143 adolescents (from 12 to 17 years old) was used. Results showed that worry and sadness were the most expressed emotions in all scenarios (mainly for girls) and posting a photograph was considered more concerning for girls and boys both. To regulate emotions, participants used distraction (especially seven graders) and rumination strategies. Nonetheless, when posting a photo without permission, they all adopted prosocial behavior (boys and girls) because they considered it more serious. Seventh graders adopted less prosocial behavior than eighth graders. In short, girls were more prosocial than boys. Boys may have more difficulty in regulating emotions properly and it may contribute to not intervening. Also, younger adolescents may have experienced less emotional maturity. Therefore, developing programs based on socio-emotional skills, which increase awareness of the seriousness of cyberbullying, can teach youth how to deal with emotions in order to regulate them effectively, thus increasing emotional maturity.

Preparation of Gel Forming Polymer-Based Sprays for First Aid Care of Skin Injuries.

Currently, there are several types of materials for the treatment of wounds, burns, and other topical injuries available on the market. The most used are gauzes and compresses due to their fluid absorption capacity; however, these materials adhere to the surface of the lesions, which can lead to further bleeding and tissue damage upon removal. In the present study, the development of a polymer-based gel that can be applied as a spray provides a new vision in injury protection, respecting the requirements of safety, ease, and quickness of both applicability and removal. The following polymeric sprays were developed to further obtain gels based on different polymers: hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer. The developed sprays revealed suitable properties for use in topical injuries. A protective film was obtained when sprayed on a surface through a casting mechanism. The obtained films adhered to the surface of biological tissue (pig muscle), turning into a gel when the exudate was absorbed, and proved to be washable with saline solution and contribute to the clotting process. Moreover, biocompatibility results showed that all materials were biocompatible, as cell viability was over 90% for all the materials.

Sustainable valorisation of bioactive molecules from rice husks through hydrothermal extraction for chitosan-based bioplastic production.

Rice husks are a low value byproduct, even though it possesses molecules with great potential, such as arabinoxylans, proteins, and silica. These molecules can be used to improve mechanical and physicochemical properties of materials for food packaging. In this work, hydrothermal treatment was used for a sustainable extraction of the valuable molecules present in rice husks. Various extraction temperatures (180, 200, and 220 °C) were performed targeting to extract fractions with distinct compositions. The water extract obtained at 220 °C demonstrated the highest extraction yield, 3 times superior to conventional hot water extraction. These extracts exhibited high content of proteins, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrates, particularly arabinoxylans. This extract was incorporated in chitosan-based films in different ratios, 1:0.1, 1:0.3, and 1:0.5 (chitosan:extract, w:v). The film with the lowest extract ratio presented the highest flexibility (higher elongation and lower Young's modulus) when compared to the pristine chitosan film. The antioxidant capacity was also increased, achieving an antioxidant capacity of >10-fold in comparison to control film. The results revealed that hydrothermal extraction emerges as an environmentally friendly and sustainable methodology for extracting valuable compounds from rice industry byproducts. This method exhibits significant potential to impart flexible and antioxidant properties to biobased materials.

Cytokine production by bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction cells upon Neospora caninum stimulation.

In bovines few studies addressed the contribution of adipose tissue to the host immune response to infection. Here we evaluated the in vitro response of bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, using live and freeze-killed tachyzoites. Live N. caninum induced the production of IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10 by SVF cells isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), while in mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) SVF cell cultures only IL-1ß and IL-10 production was increased, showing slight distinct responses between adipose tissue depots. Whereas a clear IL-8 increase was detected in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) culture supernatants in response to live N. caninum, no such increase was observed in SAT or MAT SVF cell cultures. Nevertheless, in response to LPS, increased IL-8 levels were detected in all cell cultures. IL-10 levels were always increased in response to stimulation (live, freeze-killed N. caninum and LPS). Overall, our results show that bovine adipose tissue SVF cells produce cytokines in response to N. caninum and can therefore be putative contributors to the host immune response against this parasite.

Chemical attributes, bacterial community, and antibiotic resistance genes are affected by intensive use of soil in agro-ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest, Southeastern Brazil.

Soil is one of the largest reservoirs of microbial diversity in nature. Although soil management is vital for agricultural purposes, intensive practices can have a significant impact on fertility, microbial community, and resistome. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intensive soil management system on the chemical attributes, composition and structure of prevalent bacterial communities, and presence and abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The chemical characterization, bacterial diversity and relative abundance of ARGs were evaluated in soils from areas of intensive vegetable cultivation and forests. Results indicate that levels of nutrients and heavy metals were higher in soil samples from cultivated areas. Similarly, greater enrichment and diversity of bacterial genera was detected in agricultural areas. Of the 18 target ARGs evaluated, seven were detected in studied soils. The oprD gene exhibited the highest abundance among the studied genes and was the only one that showed a significantly different prevalence between areas. The oprD gene was identified only from soil of the cultivated areas. The blaSFO, erm(36), oprD and van genes, in addition to the pH, showed greater correlation with in soil of cultivated areas, which in turn exhibited higher contents of nutrients. Thus, in addition to changes in chemical attributes and in the microbial community of the soil, intensive agricultural cultivation systems cause a modification of its resistome, reinforcing the importance of the study of antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach.

Fostering self-regulated learning in preschool through dynamic assessment methodologies.

Self-regulated learning is a transversal competency which plays a central role in acquiring autonomy. This investigation aimed to support approaches that foster self-regulated learning in preschool. We proposed to improve preschoolers' self-regulated learning strategies (i.e., forethought, performance, and self-reflection) through the educational intervention Pipo and Mia, the magic knights, hypothesizing different results when comparing levels of the program intervention. Participants included 115 preschoolers and their nine teachers. Teachers implemented the program to children, and engaged in professional training simultaneously. Aiming to validate the Dynamic Assessment of Self-regulation in Preschool (DASP) method socially, it was used as children's pre and post-measure, and focus groups were conducted with teachers to assess its validity. Results showed improvements in children's use of strategies, and some significant differences between intervention levels. Teachers highlighted the DASP method potentialities. The study's contributions and constraints are discussed considering implications for practice, research, theory, and policy.

Moral disengagement and empathy in cyberbullying: how they are related in reflection activities about a serious game.

Cyberbullying is a complex phenomenon with multiple factors involved, both contextual and individual factors, such as moral disengagement and empathy. This study investigated how moral disengagement and empathy could be related, longitudinally in cyberbullying events. Specifically, two gamified tasks (one for empathy and other for moral disengagement) were analyzed. These tasks were developed attending to the specificities of the cyberbullying scenarios presented in a serious game. To accomplish this goal, data from gamified tasks (N = 208), from 4 different moments, were analyzed through multilevel linear modeling. Results suggested that there was a change in adolescents' moral disengagement over time. Participants with greater empathy revealed lower moral disengagement overall. Over time, adolescents with greater empathy revealed lower moral disengagement within their own growth rate. Overall, our results provide important information about the dynamic relationship between moral disengagement, empathy and cyberbullying, which informs future studies and interventions.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective Cohort Study in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Information about pan-genotypic treatments for hepatitis in Portugal is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: An observational prospective study was implemented in six hospitals with 121 adult HCV patients who initiated treatment with GLE/PIB between October 2018 and April 2019, according to clinical practice. Eligible patients had confirmed HCV infection genotype (GT) 1 to 6 and were either treatment-naïve or had experience with interferon-, ribavirin- or sofosbuvir-based regimens, with or without compensated cirrhosis. Baseline sociodemographic and safety data are described for the total population (N = 115). Effectiveness [sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12)] and patient-reported outcomes are presented for the core population with sufficient follow-up data (n = 97). RESULTS: Most patients were male (83.5%), aged < 65 years (94.8%), with current or former alcohol consumption (77.3%), illicit drug use (72.6%), and HCV acquisition through intravenous drug use (62.0%). HIV co-infection occurred in 22.6% of patients. The prevalence of each GT was: GT1 51.3%, GT2 1.7%, GT3 30.4%, GT4 16.5%, and GT5.6 0%. Most patients were non-cirrhotic (80.9%) and treatment-naïve (93.8%). The SVR12 rates were 97.9% (95% CI: 92.8 - 99.4), and > 95% across cirrhosis status, GT, illicit drug use, alcohol consumption, and HCV treatment experience. The adverse event rate was 2.6%, and no patient discontinued treatment due to adverse events related to GLE/PIB. CONCLUSION: Consistent with other real-world studies and clinical trials, treatment with GLE/PIB showed high effectiveness and tolerability overall and in difficult-to-treat subgroups (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03303599).

Sublingual human chorionic gonadotropin as an adjuvant to ovulation induction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sublingually administered human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in combination with clomiphene citrate (CC) or letrozole (LTZ) for ovulation induction. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized study, the patients were divided into two placebo groups and two intervention groups using CC, LTZ, and HCG. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in ovulation induction between the groups. We compared endometrial thickness at the beginning of the cycle and during the pre-ovulatory period, and detected a moderately positive correlation when CC was administered with HCG. CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual HCG with CC caused a moderately positive correlation with endometrial thickening when compared with that at the beginning of the cycle and during the pre-ovulatory period. There was no significant change in the number of pre-ovulatory follicles.

Reduced graphene oxide-reinforced tricalcium phosphate/gelatin/chitosan light-responsive scaffolds for application in bone regeneration.

Bone is a mineralized tissue with the intrinsic capacity for constant remodeling. Rapid prototyping techniques, using biomaterials that mimic the bone native matrix, have been used to develop osteoinductive and osteogenic personalized 3D structures, which can be further combined with drug delivery and phototherapy. Herein, a Fab@Home 3D Plotter printer was used to promote the layer-by-layer deposition of a composite mixture of gelatin, chitosan, tricalcium phosphate, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The phototherapeutic potential of the new NIR-responsive 3D_rGO scaffolds was assessed by comparing scaffolds with different rGO concentrations (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL). The data obtained show that the rGO incorporation confers to the scaffolds the capacity to interact with NIR light and induce a hyperthermy effect, with a maximum temperature increase of 16.7 °C after under NIR irradiation (10 min). Also, the increase in the rGO content improved the hydrophilicity and mechanical resistance of the scaffolds, particularly in the 3D_rGO4. Furthermore, the rGO could confer an NIR-triggered antibacterial effect to the 3D scaffolds, without compromising the osteoblasts' proliferation and viability. In general, the obtained data support the development of 3D_rGO for being applied as temporary scaffolds supporting the new bone tissue formation and avoiding the establishment of bacterial infections.

Public's perspective on COVID-19 adenovirus vector vaccines after thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) reports and associated regulatory actions - A cross-sectional study in six EU member states.

OBJECTIVE: In 2021, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) was confirmed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a rare side effect of the COVID-19 adenovirus vector vaccines Vaxzevria® and Jcovden®. This study aimed to describe the public's knowledge of TTS and how it affected the willingness to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines in six European countries. METHODS: From June to October of 2022, a multi-country cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal, and Slovenia. The minimum target of participants to be recruited was based on the size of the country's population. The results were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: In total, 3794 respondents were included in the analysis; across the six countries, 33.3 %-68.3 % reported being familiar with signs and symptoms of TTS, although 3.1-61.4 % of those were able to identify the symptoms correctly. The reported changes in willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and with other vaccines varied per country. The largest reported change in the willingness to be vaccinated with Vaxzevria® and Jcovden® was observed in Denmark (61.2 %), while the willingness to be vaccinated with other COVID-19 vaccines changed most in Slovenia (30.4 %). The smallest decrease in willingness towards future vaccination against COVID-19 was reported in the Netherlands (20.9 %) contrasting with the largest decrease observed in Latvia (69.1 %). CONCLUSION: Knowledge about TTS seemed to have influenced the public's opinion in Europe resulting in less willingness to be vaccinated with Vaxzevria® and Jcovden®. Willingness for vaccination against COVID-19 with other vaccines and widespread use of vaccines to prevent other diseases also differed and seemed to be determined by the approaches taken by national health authorities when reacting to and communicating about COVID-19 vaccination risks. Further investigation of optimal risk communication strategies is warranted.