Exploring uterine contractility frequency in infertile population: A comparative study among different control groups with and without a C-section defect.

OBJECTIVE: Women undergoing IVF who have had a previous c-section (CS) have a lower live birth rate than those with a previous vaginal delivery. However, the precise underlying mechanisms need clarification. Does a previous CS affect the pattern of uterine contractility?. METHODS: Prospective evaluation in patients undergoing frozen blastocyst embryo transfer in medicated endometrial preparation cycles. Twenty patients were included in groups: A/nulliparous. B/previous vaginal delivery. C/ previous CS without a niche, whereas fifteen patients were recruited in group D (CS and a niche). Patients employed estradiol compounds and 800 mg vaginal progesterone. A 3D-scan was performed the transfer-day where uterine contractility/minute was recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics (age, BMI, smoking, endometrial thickness) were similar. Mean frequency of uterine contractions/minute was similar between groups (1.15, 1.01, 0.92, and 1.21 for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively). There was a slight increase in the number of contractions in patients with a sonographic niche versus controls, not reaching statistical significance (p=0.48). No differences were observed when comparing patients with a previous C-section (regardless of the presence of a niche) to those without a C-section, either nulliparous (p=0.78) or with a previous vaginal delivery (p=0.80). The frequency of uterine contractions was similar between patients who achieved a clinical pregnancy and those who did not (1.19 vs. 1.02 UC/min, p=0.219, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found no significant difference in the frequency of uterine contractility between patients with or without a previous C-section or sonographic diagnosed niche. Further investigation is necessary to understand the physiological mechanisms affecting implantation in patients with isthmocele.

Large-scale deep tissue voltage imaging with targeted-illumination confocal microscopy.

Voltage imaging with cellular specificity has been made possible by advances in genetically encoded voltage indicators. However, the kilohertz rates required for voltage imaging lead to weak signals. Moreover, out-of-focus fluorescence and tissue scattering produce background that both undermines the signal-to-noise ratio and induces crosstalk between cells, making reliable in vivo imaging in densely labeled tissue highly challenging. We describe a microscope that combines the distinct advantages of targeted illumination and confocal gating while also maximizing signal detection efficiency. The resulting benefits in signal-to-noise ratio and crosstalk reduction are quantified experimentally and theoretically. Our microscope provides a versatile solution for enabling high-fidelity in vivo voltage imaging at large scales and penetration depths, which we demonstrate across a wide range of imaging conditions and different genetically encoded voltage indicator classes.

Mapping inter-professional collaboration in oncogenetics: Results from a scoping review.

Inter-professional collaboration could improve timely access and quality of oncogenetic services. Here, we present the results of a scoping review conducted to systematically identify collaborative models available, unpack the nature and extent of collaboration proposed, synthesize evidence on their implementation and evaluation, and identify areas where additional research is needed. A comprehensive search was conducted in four journal indexing databases on June 13th, 2022, and complemented with searches of the grey literature and citations. Screening was conducted by two independent reviewers. Eligible documents included those describing either the theory of change, planning, implementation and/or evaluation of collaborative oncogenetic models. 165 publications were identified, describing 136 unique interventions/studies on oncogenetic models with somewhat overlapping collaborative features. Collaboration appears to be mostly inter-professional in nature, often taking place during risk assessment and pre-testing genetic counseling. Yet, most publications provide very limited information on their collaborative features, and only a few studies have set out to formally evaluate them. Better quality research is needed to comprehensively examine and make conclusions regarding the value of collaboration in this oncogenetics. We propose a definition, logic model, and typology of collaborative oncogenetic models to strengthen future planning, implementation, and evaluation in this field.

Biocompatible metal-organic frameworks as promising platforms to eradicate HIV reservoirs ex vivo in people living with HIV.

The HIV attacks the immune system provoking an infection that is considered a global health challenge. Despite antiretroviral treatments being effective in reducing the plasma viral load in the blood to undetectable levels in people living with HIV (PLWH), the disease is not cured and has become chronic. This happens because of the existence of anatomical and cellular viral reservoirs, mainly located in the lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract, which are composed of infected CD4+ T cells with a resting memory phenotype and inaccessible to antiretroviral therapy. Herein, a new therapeutic strategy based on nanotechnology is presented. Different combinations of antiretroviral drugs (bictegravir/tenofovir/emtricitabine and nevirapine/tenofovir/emtricitabine) and toll-like receptor agonists were encapsulated into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) PCN-224 and ZIF-8. The encapsulation efficiencies of all the drugs, as well as their release rate from the carriers, were measured. In vitro studies about the cell viability, the hemocompatibility, and the platelet aggregation of the MOFs were carried out. Epifluorescence microscopy assays confirmed the ability of ZIF-8 to target a carboxyfluorescein probe inside HeLa cell lines and PBMCs. These results pave the way for the use of these structures to eliminate latent HIV reservoirs from anatomical compartments through the activation of innate immune cells, and a higher efficacy of the triplet combinations of antiretroviral drugs.

Population-based integrated care funding values and guiding principles: An empirical qualitative study.

There is wide agreement on the benefits of integrated care; yet funding barriers persist. We suggest that funding models could currently hinder quality of care and that identifying values is necessary to designing adequate funding models. Yet it is currently unclear what are these values that ought to shape healthcare policy decisions. To fill in this gap, we conducted semi-structure interviews with fourteen health policy officials, managers, and researchers to elicit and explore how they conceptualize the values and guiding principles underlying these funding policies. Our findings suggest that values guide population-based integrated funding models, namely: accountability & integrity, transparency, equity, and innovation. Overall, funding mechanisms could incentivize integrated population-based care when the following conditions are met: a) there is transparent governance, with a whole-system approach, political will, and engagement and collaboration across health system partners, organizations and institutions, b) regulatory and evaluative frameworks support accountability including in decision-making, in outcomes and quality of care, as well as financial accountability; c) funding is equitable with a fair distribution of resources and supports accessibility to services; and d) funding mechanisms design and implementation include innovation enabling change, which are continuously evaluated. These values and guiding principles could be used in the development of funding models and future studies need to evaluate the effect of these values on decisions made by policy makers with respect to funding allocations and investments.

Transcriptional profiling of zebrafish identifies host factors controlling susceptibility to Shigella flexneri.

Shigella flexneri is a human-adapted pathovar of Escherichia coli that can invade the intestinal epithelium, causing inflammation and bacillary dysentery. Although an important human pathogen, the host response to S. flexneri has not been fully described. Zebrafish larvae represent a valuable model for studying human infections in vivo. Here, we use a Shigella-zebrafish infection model to generate mRNA expression profiles of host response to Shigella infection at the whole-animal level. Immune response-related processes dominate the signature of early Shigella infection (6 h post-infection). Consistent with its clearance from the host, the signature of late Shigella infection (24 h post-infection) is significantly changed, and only a small set of immune-related genes remain differentially expressed, including acod1 and gpr84. Using mutant lines generated by ENU, CRISPR mutagenesis and F0 crispants, we show that acod1- and gpr84-deficient larvae are more susceptible to Shigella infection. Together, these results highlight the power of zebrafish to model infection by bacterial pathogens and reveal the mRNA expression of the early (acutely infected) and late (clearing) host response to Shigella infection.

High-speed multiplane confocal microscopy for voltage imaging in densely labeled neuronal populations.

Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) hold immense potential for monitoring neuronal population activity. To date, best-in-class GEVIs rely on one-photon excitation. However, GEVI imaging of dense neuronal populations remains difficult because out-of-focus background fluorescence produces low contrast and excess noise when paired with conventional one-photon widefield imaging methods. To address this challenge, we developed an imaging system capable of efficient, high-contrast GEVI imaging at near-kHz rates and demonstrate it for in vivo and ex vivo imaging applications in the mouse neocortex. Our approach uses simultaneous multiplane imaging to monitor activity within contiguous tissue volumes with no penalty in speed or requirement for high excitation power. This approach, multi-Z imaging with confocal detection (MuZIC), permits high signal-to-noise ratio voltage imaging in densely labeled neuronal populations and is compatible with imaging through micro-optics. Moreover, it minimizes artifacts associated with concurrent imaging and optogenetic photostimulation for all-optical electrophysiology.

Changes in the Craniomaxillofacial Growth and Development of Sprague Dawley Rats Subjected to Permanent Experimental Unilateral Nasal Obstruction / Cambios en el Crecimiento y Desarrollo Cráneo Maxilo Facial de Ratas Sprague Dawley Sometidas a Obstrucción Nasal Unilateral Experimental Permanente

SUMMARY: Breathing is considered a vital function dependent on factors such as adequate permeability of the nasal route, which is linked to physiological functions, intellectual processes, and craniofacial growth. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the craniomaxillofacial growth and bone development of Sprague Dawley rats subjected to permanent experimental unilateral nasal obstruction. Twenty-four newborn rats were used, randomized, and divided into experimental and control groups. The right nostril was obstructed, and weight, length, and Lee's index measurements were recorded at 8 and 16 weeks. Craniomandibular x-rays were taken of each animal, obtaining linear neuro- and viscerocranial measurements. Then, a biochemical analysis was performed to measure the alkaline phosphatase concentration. The results were analyzed in the SPSS software, performing a descriptive analysis, using a t-test for independent samples, comparing basal, cephalometric, and biochemical characteristics between the control and experimental groups, considering a significance range of 5%. When comparing the experimental and control groups, the variables length, weight, and Lee's index presented no significant differences. In the x-ray analysis, at 8 weeks, the Co-L1 and Co-Mn measurements were reduced, whereas the Ba-So increased, with significant differences. At 16 weeks, the L1-O, Po-Ba, and E-Mu measurements decreased; however, Co-Gn registered a greater value with significant differences. The alkaline phosphatase levels fell significantly at week 16 in the experimental group. In conclusion, the reduction of permanent nasal respiratory flow is related to modifications in facial growth at 8 and 16 weeks and to the reduction of alkaline phosphatases at 16 weeks.

La respiración se considera una función vital, dependiente de factores como la permeabilidad adecuada de la vía nasal, vinculada con funciones fisiológicas, procesos intelectuales y crecimiento cráneofacial. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los cambios en el crecimiento y desarrollo óseo cráneo maxilo facial de ratas Sprague Dawley sometidas a obstrucción nasal unilateral experimental permanente. Se utilizaron 24 ratas macho neonatas, randomizadas y divididas en grupo control y experimental. Fue realizada obstrucción nasal de la narina derecha y realizadas mediciones de peso, longitud e índice de Lee a las 8 y 16 semanas. Se efectuaron radiografías cráneomandibulares a cada animal, obteniendo medidas lineales de neuro y viscerocráneo. Posteriormente se realizó análisis bioquímico, para medir la concentración de fosfatasa alcalina. Los resultados fueron analizados en el software SPSS, realizándose análisis descriptivo, empleando prueba T para muestras independientes comparando características basales, cefalométricas y bioquímicas entre los grupos control y experimental, considerando un umbral de significancia de 5 %. Al comparar los grupos control y experimental, las variables longitud, peso e índice de Lee no presentaron diferencias significativas. En el análisis radiográfico, a las 8 semanas, las medidas Co-L1 y Co-Mn presentaron reducción, mientras que Ba-So aumentó, con diferencias significativas. A las 16 semanas, las medidas L1-O, Po-Ba y E-Mu disminuyeron, sin embargo, Co-Gn registró un mayor valor, con diferencias significativas. Los niveles de fosfatasa alcalina disminuyeron significativamente en la semana 16 en el grupo experimental. En conclusión, la reducción de flujo respiratorio nasal permanente se relaciona con modificaciones del crecimiento facial a las 8 y 16 semanas y con la reducción de ALK en análisis a las 16 semanas.

Large-scale deep tissue voltage imaging with targeted illumination confocal microscopy.

Voltage imaging with cellular specificity has been made possible by the tremendous advances in genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). However, the kilohertz rates required for voltage imaging lead to weak signals. Moreover, out-of-focus fluorescence and tissue scattering produce background that both undermines signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and induces crosstalk between cells, making reliable in vivo imaging in densely labeled tissue highly challenging. We describe a microscope that combines the distinct advantages of targeted illumination and confocal gating, while also maximizing signal detection efficiency. The resulting benefits in SNR and crosstalk reduction are quantified experimentally and theoretically. Our microscope provides a versatile solution for enabling high-fidelity in vivo voltage imaging at large scales and penetration depths, which we demonstrate across a wide range of imaging conditions and different GEVI classes.

Ankyloglossia in Monochorionic Diamniotic and Dichorionic Diamniotic Twins: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ankyloglossia in diamniotic monochorionic and diamniotic dichorionic twins, as well as to verify the relationship between gender and type of pregnancy. Study Design: A cross-sectional observational study, carried out with 52 pairs of dichorionic/diamniotic twins and 49 monochorionic/diamniotic pairs. The data collection was carried out through the analysis of medical records and the results of the Neonatal Screening of the Tongue Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies, and corresponded to the period of 2 years (2020-2022). Statistical analysis of data was performed, considering the significance value of 5%. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the institution. Results: The statistical analysis of multiple logistic regression between the two groups of twins (Mono/Di and Di/Di) according to the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological profile was statistically significant for some variables. The prevalence of ankyloglossia, according to the type of twin pregnancy, showed a statistically significant difference. There was no statistical difference in relation to sex and ankyloglossia, or between couples diagnosed with ankyloglossia according to the type of pregnancy. Conclusion: Monochorionic/diamniotic twins had a higher prevalence of ankyloglossia, regardless of gender.

Application of Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Aerosol Phase Extraction to the Analysis of Total and Individual Phenolic Compounds in Fried Extra Virgin Olive Oils.

Seventeen extra virgin olive oil samples from Valencian Community (Spain) were submitted to a domestic-frying process (180 °C) during different degradation times (5, 10, 30, 60, 120 min). A dispersive liquid-liquid aerosol phase extraction by using a methanol/water (50:50) extracting solution was used to isolate the polyphenol fraction. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined, whereas the determination of seven individual target polyphenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and vanillin) was carried out by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer. Statistically significant differences in the TPC values were found for Blanqueta and Manzanilla samples from different harvesting years. The domestic-frying process impacted the TPC and the individual phenolic compounds content. Thermal treatment for 2 h gave rise to a 94% decrease in the TPC. A first-order kinetic model was suitable to accurately describe the degradation of the individual phenolic compounds.

Sensitivity optimization of a rhodopsin-based fluorescent voltage indicator.

The ability to optically image cellular transmembrane voltages at millisecond-timescale resolutions can offer unprecedented insight into the function of living brains in behaving animals. Here, we present a point mutation that increases the sensitivity of Ace2 opsin-based voltage indicators. We use the mutation to develop Voltron2, an improved chemigeneic voltage indicator that has a 65% higher sensitivity to single APs and 3-fold higher sensitivity to subthreshold potentials than Voltron. Voltron2 retained the sub-millisecond kinetics and photostability of its predecessor, although with lower baseline fluorescence. In multiple in vitro and in vivo comparisons with its predecessor across multiple species, we found Voltron2 to be more sensitive to APs and subthreshold fluctuations. Finally, we used Voltron2 to study and evaluate the possible mechanisms of interneuron synchronization in the mouse hippocampus. Overall, we have discovered a generalizable mutation that significantly increases the sensitivity of Ace2 rhodopsin-based sensors, improving their voltage reporting capability.

Vertical distribution and acoustic characteristics of deep water micronektonic crustacean in the Bay of Biscay.

Vertical distribution of meso- and bathypelagic crustacean are scarcely known. The logistics involved in their studies hinder an adequate assessment of their role in the deep ecosystems. As a result, the literature on zooplankton scattering models is mainly focused on epipelagic organisms, particularly krill species. This study analyses data of the plankton community classified by family from the surface down to 2000 m taken in the Bay of Biscay, but focusses on the meso- and bathypelagic zone. Photographic data was employed to obtain a micronektonic crustacean shape catalogue. The Distorted Wave Born Approximation (DWBA) model was employed to estimate target strength. Pasiphaeidae, Euphausiidae and Acanthephyridae were mainly distributed above 500 m depth, while Benthesicymidae, Sergestidae and Mysidae were concentrated in the lower mesopelagic to upper bathypelagic area. The most abundant species were Euphausiidae and Benthesicymidae with up to 30 and 40 individuals per cubic meter respectively. Standard length ranged from 8 to 85 mm and was significantly related with height but not with depth. The Pasiphaeidae family presented the largest individuals followed by Acanthephyridae and Sergestidae while Euphausiidae, Benthesicymidae, and Mysidae were shorter. An smooth fluid-like response was estimated for shorter organisms, while individuals of 60 mm or higher present TS oscillations from around 60 kHz. Pasiphaeidae present an almost 10 dB higher TS than Sergestidae, Acanthephyridae and Benthesicymidae while Mysidae followed by Euphausiidae produce the lower TS. Simple models of TS values at broadside versus the logarithm of standard length (SL) that can be employed as an approximation of their scattering are provided for four common frequencies (TS = 58.5*log10(SL)-188.7, TS = 57.03*log10(SL)-174.1, TS = 22.48*log10(SL)-157.14, TS = 17.55*log10(SL)-135 and TS = 10.53*log10(SL)-109 at 18, 38, 70, 120 and 200 kHz respectively). Changes in body density and sound speed contrast may increase by 10 or 2 dB the resulting TS respectively but are constant in phase, while orientation can decrease the TS by up to 20 dB at the higher frequencies and alter the spectra to an almost flat trend. This study provides further insight into the vertical distribution and physical characteristics of the micronektonic crustacean families inhabiting the Bay of Biscay down to 2000 m depth. It also estimates their echo from a real-shape catalogue that can be employed to infer knowledge from acoustic recordings, particularly of the lower mesopelagic and the bathypelagic zones.

Diagnosis and Treatment in Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia.

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is an uncommon disease involving progressive facial asymmetry. The aim of this research was to perform an analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with UCH in a clinical series. An observational retrospective study was performed on subjects with progressive facial asymmetry in the lower third of the face; all the subjects were under treatment with condylectomy and orthodontics to improve occlusion and face balance. Variables such as age, sex, clinical type, SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) intensity and a requirement for secondary surgery were included; the Shapiro Wilk test was performed to analyze the normality of the data and nonparametric analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess the association between the SPECT difference and the variables, where 2-tailed p values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Forty-nine patients between 10 and 45 y.o. (average age: 19.1 ± 7.4 y.o.) were included in the study. There were 41 female (83.6%) and 8 male (16.4%) subjects. The SPECT analysis comparing the right and left condyles with more than 10% in caption of the isotope was present in 46 subjects; the results obtained using SPECT were not statistically related to the age or sex of the sample (p = 0.277). The patients were classified into clinical types I, II and III, and no correlations could be confirmed between the clinical type and other variables. High condylectomy was conducted on all patients, among which 14 patients underwent a secondary surgery for orthognathic or cosmetic treatment, and was not related to the initial variables used in diagnosis (p = 0.98); interestingly, the second surgical treatment was more present in the clinical type I and in subjects under 16 years old with no statistical differences. Clinical analysis, medical records, 3D imaging and SPECT should be used as a complementary analysis in assessing the diagnosis of UCH and progressive facial asymmetry.

A novel biocompatible polymer derived from D-mannitol used as a vector in the field of genetic engineering of eukaryotic cells.

The design and preparation of new vectors to transport genetic material and increase the transfection efficiency continue being an important research line. Here, a novel biocompatible sugar-based polymer derived from D-mannitol has been synthesized to be used as a gene material nanocarrier in human (gene transfection) and microalga cells (transformation process). Its low toxicity allows its use in processes with both medical and industrial applications. A multidisciplinary study about the formation of polymer/p-DNA polyplexes has been carried out using techniques such as gel electrophoresis, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The nucleic acids used were the eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-C1 and the microalgal expression plasmid Phyco69, which showed different behaviors. The importance of DNA supercoiling in both transfection and transformation processes was demonstrated. Better results were obtained in microalga cells nuclear transformation than in human cells gene transfection. This was related to the plasmid's conformational changes, in particular to their superhelical structure. It is noteworthy that the same nanocarrier has been used with eukaryotic cells from both human and microalga.

Single -and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Nanocarriers for the Delivery of 7-Hydroxyflavone.

The research on flavonoids has exponentially grown since their first therapeutic evidence, in 1937. They are effective in vitro in a wide range of human diseases, particularly those mediated by free radicals, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, AIDS, or neuronal diseases. However, their applications have been reduced due to their low solubility, poor absorption, and rapid metabolism. Flavonoid encapsulation in nanocarriers significantly improves their oral absorption, protects the drug against degradation, decreases the first-pass hepatic effect, and makes absorption through the lymphatic system easier. In this work, carbon nanotubes were used as nanocarriers of 7-hydroxyflavone, 7-HF. The encapsulation of 7-HF into pristine single- and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and into -COOH functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes has been investigated. The equilibrium association constants were estimated. The structural backbone of 7-HF, two benzene rings linked through three carbon atoms that form a pyran heterocyclic ring containing a keto group, seems to play a key role in the 7-HF/CNT interactions, although other types of interactions are also at work. The in vitro release of 7-HF was studied at three pHs, 2.0, 7.4, and 9.2, mimicking the different biological barriers of the human organism.

Long-lasting effect of belantamab mafodotin in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma.

Belantamab mafodotin (BLMF) is an interesting therapeutic alternative for multiple myeloma (MM) patients pretreated with immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies. Scientific evidence on BLMF provides immature data about progression-free survival and overall survival by short follow-up of patients with poor prognoses. Cases with long follow-ups could provide additional information about BLMF. This case reports a patient with MM treated with BLMF who had received nine previous lines of therapy with a follow-up of 11 months. No complete response was obtained. However, no disease progression was observed and the patient was still alive at the end of this work. BLMF showed manageable adverse effects. Our patient presented advanced disease, good functional status at the beginning of BLMF treatment, and elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase during BLMF therapy. The influence of these last two factors was not evaluated in clinical trials. This relationship should be assessed more deeply in future studies.

Examining interprofessional collaboration in oncogenetic service delivery models for hereditary cancers: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: In a context of limited genetic specialists, collaborative models have been proposed to ensure timely access to high quality oncogenetic services for individuals with inherited cancer susceptibility. Yet, extensive variability in the terminology used and lack of a clear understanding of how interprofessional collaboration is operationalised and evaluated currently constrains the development of a robust evidence base on the value of different approaches used to optimise access to these services. To fill in this knowledge gap, this scoping review aims to systematically unpack the nature and extent of collaboration proposed by these interventions, and synthesise the evidence available on their implementation, effectiveness and economic impact. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive literature search will be conducted to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature on collaborative models used for adult patients with, or at increased risk of, hereditary breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancers. An initial search was developed for Medline, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane and Web of Science on 13 June 2022 and will be complemented by searches in Google and relevant websites. Documents describing either the theory of change, planning, implementation and/or evaluation of these interventions will be considered for inclusion. Results will be summarised descriptively and used to compare relevant model characteristics and synthesise evidence available on their implementation, effectiveness and economic impact. This process is expected to guide the development of a definition and typology of collaborative models in oncogenetics that could help strengthen the knowledge base on these interventions. Moreover, because we will be mapping the existing evidence on collaborative models in oncogenetics, the proposed review will help us identify areas where additional research might be needed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research does not require ethics approval. Results from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed articles and conferences.

Quality of life analysis measured with the Cervantes 16 scale in treated menopausal women with genitourinary syndrome.

Aim: To assess the quality of life of menopausal women with genitourinary syndrome receiving local drugs (prasterone, estriol or promestriene). Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, randomized study in which quality of life was assessed using the 16-item Cervantes scale (EC16) before and after treatment. Results: A total of 45 women were assessed (35.6% received prasterone, 33.3% estriol and 31.1% promestriene). After treatment, statistically significant mean score differences were observed in EC16, mainly with prasterone. Improvement in EC16 score only shows a statistically significant relationship with age and drug use. Conclusion: The EC16 is an affordable and quick-to-apply tool that allows physicians and patients to know patients' self-perceived quality of life. Local treatment has been shown to improve the quality of life of menopausal patients with genitourinary syndrome.

PLGA-TiO2 as a Carrier System for Drug Release.

This paper reports the results of the PLGA-TiO2 nanocomposite regarding the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using a natural extract, its characterization, and encapsulation with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). UV-visible spectrometry was used for the identification of terpenes present in the extracts. The morphology of the nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was used for the determination of functional groups, while X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure. The analysis of the extended release of the encapsulated extract in the matrix of the nanomaterial resulted in a maximum visible UV absorbance at approximately 260 nm and confirmed the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Moreover, terpenes enhance synthesis and stabilize titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The synthesized structures are spherical and amorphous, 44 nm in size, and encapsulated at 65 nm.