Cost-effectiveness of robotic vs laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Results from the national prospective trial ROBOCOSTES.

INTRODUCTION: Although several studies report that the robotic approach is more costly than laparoscopy, the cost-effectiveness of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is still an issue. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the RDP and LDP approaches across several Spanish centres. METHODS: This study is an observational, multicenter, national prospective study (ROBOCOSTES). For one year from 2022, all consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy were included, and clinical, QALY, and cost data were prospectively collected. The primary aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness between RDP and LDP. RESULTS: During the study period, 80 procedures from 14 Spanish centres were analyzed. LDP had a shorter operative time than the RDP approach (192.2 min vs 241.3 min, p = 0.004). RDP showed a lower conversion rate (19.5% vs 2.5%, p = 0.006) and a lower splenectomy rate (60% vs 26.5%, p = 0.004). A statistically significant difference was reported for the Comprehensive Complication Index between the two study groups, favouring the robotic approach (12.7 vs 6.1, p = 0.022). RDP was associated with increased operative costs of 1600 euros (p < 0.031), while overall cost expenses resulted in being 1070.92 Euros higher than the LDP but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.064). The mean QALYs at 90 days after surgery for RDP (0.9534) were higher than those of LDP (0.8882) (p = 0.030). At a willingness-to-pay threshold of 20,000 and 30,000 euros, there was a 62.64% and 71.30% probability that RDP was more cost-effective than LDP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The RDP procedure in the Spanish healthcare system appears more cost-effective than the LDP.

Ocular effects of exposure to low-humidity environment with contact lens wear: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare the ocular effects of exposure to a low-humidity environment with and without contact lens (CL) wear using various non-invasive tests. METHODS: Fourteen habitual soft CL wearers were exposed to controlled low humidity (5% relative humidity [RH]) in an environmental chamber for 90 min on two separate occasions. First, when wearing their habitual spectacles and then, on a separate visit, when wearing silicone hydrogel CLs that were fitted specifically for this purpose. All participants had adapted to the new CL prior to data collection. Three non-invasive objective measurements were taken at each visit: blinking rate, objective ocular scatter (measured using the objective scatter index) and ocular surface cooling rate (measured using a long-wave infrared thermal camera). At each visit, measurements were taken before the exposure in comfortable environmental conditions (RH: 45%), and after exposure to environmental stress (low humidity, RH: 5%). RESULTS: CL wearers showed increased blinking rate (p < 0.005) and ocular scatter (p = 0.03) but similar cooling rate of the ocular surface (p = 0.08) when compared with spectacle wear in comfortable environmental conditions. The exposure to low humidity increased the blinking rate significantly with both types of corrections (p = 0.01). Interestingly, ocular scatter (p = 0.96) and cooling rate (p = 0.73) were not significantly different before and after exposure to low humidity. There were no significant two-way interactions between correction and exposure in any of the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: CLs significantly increased the blinking rate, which prevented a quick degradation of the tear film integrity as it was refreshed more regularly. It is hypothesised that the increased blinking rate in CL wearers aids in maintaining ocular scatter quality and cooling rate when exposed to a low-humidity environment. These results highlight the importance of blinking in maintaining tear film stability.

A Portable Infrared System for Identification of Particulate Matter.

Occupational exposure to airborne dust is responsible for numerous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Because of these hazards, air samples are regularly collected on filters and sent for laboratory analysis to ensure compliance with regulations. Unfortunately, this approach often takes weeks to provide a result, which makes it impossible to identify dust sources or protect workers in real time. To address these challenges, we developed a system that characterizes airborne dust by its spectro-chemical profile. In this device, a micro-cyclone concentrates particles from the air and introduces them into a hollow waveguide where an infrared signature is obtained. An algorithm is then used to quantitate the composition of respirable particles by incorporating the infrared features of the most relevant chemical groups and compensating for Mie scattering. With this approach, the system can successfully differentiate mixtures of inorganic materials associated with construction sites in near-real time. The use of a free-space optic assembly improves the light throughput significantly, which enables detection limits of approximately 10 µg/m3 with a 10 minute sampling time. While respirable crystalline silica was the focus of this work, it is hoped that the flexibility of the platform will enable different aerosols to be detected in other occupational settings.

Widespread distribution and altered pain processing in head and neck cancer survivors at long-term after treatment.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients may induce long-term sequels as pain, which nowadays is not fully understand. Therefore, there is a need of characterization of pain features in HNC to enhance after oncology treatment management. Head and neck cancer survivors develop chronic pain after radiotherapy treatment. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the presence of pain, pain distribution, and pain processing by means of patient reported outcomes and quantitative sensory testing. METHODS: Pain pressure threshold (PPT), temporal summation (TS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and EuroQol5D5L were assessed in 20 head and neck cancer survivors (sHNC) and 20 health-related sex and age-matched controls. RESULTS: The sHNC present lower PPT values in both the affected and non-affected side than did the healthy controls, especially in the widespread pain in the body, an altered TS in both affected and non-affected side and lower scores in quality of life and arm dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Following radiotherapy treatment after 1 year, sHNC present widespread pain, hypersensitivity in the radiated area, altered pain processing, upper limb affection, and a QoL diminution. These data provide evidence that a peripheral and central sensitization is happening in sHNC. Future efforts should focus on preventing pain after oncologic treatment. The comprehension about pain and its features in sHNC enhance health professional understanding and allows to tailor an optimal patient-targeted pain treatment.

Barriers and applied activity, quality of life and self-efficacy in prostate cancer survivors 1 year after completing radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to assess self-reported physical activity (PA) levels, barriers to PA, quality of life and self-efficacy to manage chronic disease of prostate cancer survivor 1 year after radiotherapy treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional case-control study was performed. Prostate cancer survivor patients treated with radiotherapy were recruited from the Radiation Oncology Service of the "Complejo Hospitalario Universitario" (Granada) and compared with age-matched healthy men. Outcomes included were perception of benefits for physical activity and potential barriers (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale), physical activity levels assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), quality of life (EuroQol five-dimension three-levels) and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy to Manage Chronic Disease). RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in our study. Significant differences were found between groups with worse results for the prostate cancer patient group in the variable perception of the benefit of physical activity, potential barriers, and physical activity. Regarding quality of life and self-efficacy, significant differences were also observed between groups with a greater score in the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results of this study reveal that self-reported PA levels, as measured using the IPAQ, were low in prostate cancer survivors after treatment. Results also showed worse perception of benefits for PA and potential barriers by the cancer survivors. Similarly, the quality of life and self-efficacy to manage chronic disease of prostate cancer survivors was lower.

Efficacy in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy of education-enhanced interventions in prostate cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, prostate cancer is both the second-most diagnosed cancer and most common solid tumor in men. Prostate cancer patients present with a symptom burden that is compounded by the impact of medical oncology treatment, affecting different domains of their perceived health status. Education active techniques are a key role in chronic disease to increase participation in their recovery. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current review was to examine the efficacy of education-enhanced in urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. METHODS: A wide search of the literature was conducted for articles from their inception to June 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies were carried out by two reviewers. We previously registered the protocol of this systematic review on PROSPERO (CRD42022331954). RESULTS: A total of six studies were included in the study. After education-enhanced intervention showed significant improvements in any of perceived urinary symptom burden, one in psychological distress, and one in self-efficacy in the experimental group. The meta-analysis showed that education-enhanced interventions have a significant effect on depression. CONCLUSION: Education-enhanced could have positive effects on urinary symptom burden, psychological distress, and self-efficacy in prostate cancer survivors. Our review was unable to demonstrate the best timing to apply education-enhanced strategies.

Optical characterisation of two novel myopia control spectacle lenses.

PURPOSE: To quantify the amount of myopic defocus, contrast modulation and other optical characteristics of two novel spectacle lenses (MiYOSMART by Hoya and Stellest by Essilor) with the inclusion of lenslets in their designs were investigated computationally and experimentally. This paper examined the hypothesis that despite the non-coaxial nature of the optics, image degradation will exist due to the fragmented nature of the base optic when imaging through the lens regions populated by lenslets. METHODS: Optical power was evaluated by computing wavefront vergence and curvature from wavefront slope measured with the Optocraft aberrometer within 1.0 and 6.0 mm apertures across MiYOSMART hexagons and Stellest rings. Point-spread functions (PSFs) were computed using physical (wave) optics and geometrical ray optics principles, and compared with experimental measurements using a 4f optical system. Simulated retinal images and modulation transfer functions (MTFs) were computed from PSF-derived optical transfer functions (OTFs). RESULTS: Mean lenslet power in MiYOSMART was +3.95 ± 0.10 D through the hexagons and +6.00 ± 0.15 D in Stellest in rings 1-5 and decreased by 0.42 D/ring reaching 3.50 D in the final one. Stellest lenslets included up to -0.015 microns of primary spherical aberration. PSFs and retinal images revealed simultaneous contributions of the base optic and lenslets. MTFs showed a decrease in contrast at low (1-10 c/deg) spatial frequencies (SFs) comparable to 0.25 D of defocus, and retention of diminished levels of contrast at higher SFs. CONCLUSIONS: Varying sagittal power and consistent curvature power across the lenslets is an identifying signature of the novel non-coaxial lens design included in both spectacle lenses. Lenslet array structure itself plays a significant role in determining image characteristics. For both lenses, the blur created by the fragmented base optic contributes to the image quality. The reduced MTFs over a wide range of spatial frequencies result in lowered image contrast.

Post-COVID Patients With New-Onset Chronic Pain 2 Years After Infection: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although pain is common in non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 syndrome, only a few studies have provided information on the pain experience of these patients. AIM: To identify the clinical and psychosocial profile associated with pain in non-hospitalized patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHOD: In this study there were three groups: healthy control group, successfully recovered group, and post-COVID syndrome group. Pain-related clinical profile and pain-related psychosocial variables were collected. Pain-related clinical profile included: pain intensity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory), central sensitization (Central Sensitization Scale), insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index), and pain treatment. Pain-related psychosocial variables were: fear of movement and (re)injury (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), and fear-avoidance beliefs (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire). RESULTS: In all, 170 participants were included in the study (healthy control group n = 58, successfully recovered group n = 57, and post-COVID syndrome group n = 55). Post-COVID syndrome group obtained significantly worse punctuation in pain-related clinical profile and psychosocial variables than the other two groups (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome have experienced high pain intensity and interference, central sensitization, increased insomnia severity, fear of movement, catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Effectiveness of healthy lifestyle-based interventions in lung cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of healthy lifestyle-based interventions in lung cancer survivors. METHODS: We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct (last search March 2022). Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed. We included controlled trials testing the effect of healthy lifestyle-based interventions in lung cancer survivors versus a control intervention where lung cancer patients had no treatment, were receiving the usual care, or had not an active role in the intervention. The data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed for quality of life, psychological distress, and cancer-related symptoms. RESULTS: We selected 14 studies, which included 1519 patients with lung cancer. The treatment status of these patients was heterogeneous. Healthy lifestyle programs were applied isolated or in combination with usual care in most of the studies. The components of the healthy lifestyle programs were also heterogeneous. Results showed significant differences in favor of healthy lifestyle-based interventions in comparison to the control group for quality of life (p = 0.01), psychological distress (p = 0.05), and cancer-related symptoms (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated a beneficial effect of healthy lifestyle-based interventions for improving quality of life, psychological distress, and cancer-related symptoms in lung cancer patients. However, this review could not show any conclusion about the better treatment moment to apply healthy lifestyle-based interventions. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021292152. REVIEW REGISTRATION DATE: 19/12/2021.

High-intensity interval training effects in cardiorespiratory fitness of lung cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the exercise intervention focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in lung cancer survivors. DESIGN: We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct (last search March 2021). Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 305 patients of 8 studies were assessed, with their mean age ranging from 61 ± 6.3 to 66 ± 10 years in the exercise group and from 58.5 ± 8.2 to 68 ± 9 years in the control group. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and pilot randomized controlled trials was performed. We included controlled trials testing the effect of HIIT in lung cancer survivors versus the usual care provided to these patients. The data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed for cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak). RESULTS: We selected 8 studies, which included 305 patients with lung cancer: 6 studies were performed around surgical moment, one study during radiotherapy's treatment, and other during target therapy. After pooling the data, exercise capacity was included in the analysis. Results showed significant differences in favour to HIIT when compared to usual care in cardiorespiratory fitness (standard mean difference = 2.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.55, 3.68; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings indicated a beneficial effect of HIIT for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in lung cancer patients in early stages around oncological treatment moment. Nevertheless, this review has several limitations, the total number of studies was low, and the stage and subtype of lung cancer patients were heterogeneous that means that the conclusions of this review should be taken with caution. Review registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021231229.

Strength Training in Professional Soccer: Effects on Short-sprint and Jump Performance.

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of strength training to maximize soccer player performance during competition. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of different strength training protocols on short-sprint and vertical jump performance of professional soccer players from the first division of their countries. The following inclusion criteria were employed for the analysis: (a) randomized studies; (b) high validity and reliability instruments; (c) studies published in a high-quality peer-reviewed journal; (d) studies involving professional soccer players from the first division; (e) studies with descriptions of strength training programs; and (f) studies where countermovement jump and 10-m sprint time were measured pre and post training. Overall, the different strength-oriented training schemes produced similar performance improvements, which seem not to depend on the training strategy. Strength training appears to have a lower effect when applied during in-season than when applied in pre-season periods in first division soccer players. In this meta-analysis it is not possible to confirm that strength training in isolation is capable of improving the short-sprint and jump performance of elite soccer players. The congested fixture schedule and, thus, the limited time to perform complementary (non-specific) training sessions, may contribute to these reduced effects.

Cross-sectional study of pain-related variables before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic influences of COPD patients. The worsening of their health status may contribute to a higher pain prevalence. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the pain-related variables before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: In this cross-sectional case-control study, stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without a COVID-19 diagnosis were evaluated before and during the pandemic. The main outcomes were the pronociceptive pain profile (general pain sensitivity, pain intensity, pain interference, and pressure pain sensitivity) and the psychological vulnerability (perceived health status, anxiety, and depression). RESULTS: Our results showed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during COVID-19 pandemic experienced higher general pain sensitivity and intensity with statistical differences in pain interference (p < .001), being the overall perceived health status lower than before the pandemic (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the COVID-19 pandemic showed a rise the pronociceptive pain profile accompanied by increased psychological vulnerability.

Cell Therapy Based on Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded in a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix for Root Coverage of RT1 Gingival Lesions: An In Vivo Experimental Study.

(1) Background: To investigate the effect of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CMX) seeded with autologous gingiva-derived mesenchymal cells (GMSCs) when combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of localized gingival recession type 1 (RT1). (2) Methods: Dehiscence-type defects were created in seven dogs. GMSCs were isolated, transfected with a vector carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expanded. Once chronified, the defects were randomly treated with (1) CAF plus the combination of CMX and GFP+ GMSCs, (2) CAF plus CMX with autologous fibroblasts, (3) CAF plus CMX and (4) CAF alone. Histological and clinical outcomes at 2- and 6-week healing periods were analyzed and compared among groups. (3) Results: Histologically, the addition of autologous cells to the CMX resulted in reduced inflammation and a variable degree of new cementum/bone formation. CMX plus GMSCs resulted in greater mean recession reduction (1.42; SD = 1.88 mm) and percentage of teeth with recession reduction of ≥2 mm (57%) when compared to the other groups, although these differences were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: The histometric and clinical results indicated a positive trend favouring the combination of CMX and GMSCs with the CAF when compared to the groups without cells, although these differences were not statistically significant.

De novo bone formation around implants with a surface based on a monolayer of multi-phosphonate molecules. An experimental in vivo investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this experimental in vivo investigation was to evaluate the influence of modifying the implant surface by adding a monolayer of multi-phosphonate molecules on the de novo bone formation and osseointegration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as an animal preclinical trial with intra-animal control and two healing periods, 2 and 8 weeks, to compare implants with an identical macro-design but with two different surfaces. Eight female Beagle dogs participated in the study. Control implants had a moderately rough surface combining sandblasting and acid etching; test implants had an additional monophosphonate layer covalently bonded to titanium. Histologic and radiographic (micro-CT) outcome variables were evaluated. RESULTS: The first bone-to-implant contact (fBIC) was located more coronally for the test implants at the first (0.065 mm (95% CI = -0.82, 0.60)) and second healing milestones (0.17 mm (95% CI = -0.9, 0.55)). Most coronal BIC of the test implants displayed a higher percentage of osseointegration, +6.33% and +13.38% after 2 and 8 weeks, respectively; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The micro-CT examination did not show any BIC difference. CONCLUSIONS: The monophosphonate layer coating demonstrated clinical, histological, and radiographic results similar to the control surface.

Hard and soft tissue changes after guided bone regeneration using two different barrier membranes: an experimental in vivo investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the contour and volumetric changes of hard and soft tissues after guided bone regeneration (GBR) using two types of barrier membranes together with a xenogeneic bone substitute in dehiscence-type defects around dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 8 Beagle dogs, after tooth extraction, two-wall chronified bone defects were developed. Then, implants were placed with a buccal dehiscence defect that was treated with GBR using randomly: (i) deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) covered by a synthetic polylactic membrane (test group), (ii) DBBM plus a porcine natural collagen membrane (positive control) and (iii) defect only covered by the synthetic membrane (negative control group). Outcomes were evaluated at 4 and 12 weeks. Micro-CT was used to evaluate the hard tissue volumetric changes and STL files from digitized cast models were used to measure the soft tissues contour linear changes. RESULTS: Test and positive control groups were superior in terms of volume gain and contour changes when compared with the negative control. Soft tissue changes showed at 4 weeks statistically significant superiority for test and positive control groups compared with negative control. After 12 weeks, the results were superior for test and positive control groups but not statistically significant, although, with a lesser magnitude, the negative control group exhibited gains in both, soft and hard tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Both types of membranes (collagen and synthetic) attained similar outcomes, in terms of hard tissue volume gain and soft tissue contours when used in combination with DBBM CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Synthetic membranes were a valid alternative to the "gold standard" natural collagen membrane for treating dehiscence-type defects around dental implants when used with a xenogeneic bone substitute scaffold.

Expectations of trustworthiness in cross-status interactions.

Although the literature on trust is vast, little is known about the attributes that trigger or inhibit trusting others we do not know. Using a vignette version of the trust game, we addressed the role that social standing plays in estimating trustworthiness of strangers in cross-status interactions in Chile, a non-WEIRD context also characterized by high inequality and social segregation. While we found a positive relationship between social status and generalized trust, we found no relationship between the social status of trustors and trusting behavior in the game. Besides, trustees' income was the most important attribute for trustors to decide how much to trust. We also found that higher-income trustees are less trusted in general, particularly by lower-status trustors. Finally, the results revealed that the influence of income differences on trust was higher for lower-status participants: they are more trustful of others of similar status. We did not observe a similar effect of ingroup favoritism on trust among higher-status participants. Thus, higher levels of relational or particularized trust were found among participants of lower social status compared to those of higher social status.

Periodontal regeneration using a xenogeneic bone substitute seeded with autologous periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A 12-month quasi-randomized controlled pilot clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDL-MSCs) embedded in a xenogeneic bone substitute (XBS) for the regenerative treatment of intra-bony periodontal defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This quasi-randomized controlled pilot phase II clinical trial included patients requiring a tooth extraction and presence of one intra-bony lesion (1-2 walls). Patients were allocated to either the experimental (XBS + 10 × 106 PDL-MSCs/100 mg) or the control group (XBS). Clinical and radiographical parameters were recorded at baseline, 6, 9 and 12 months. The presence of adverse events was also evaluated. Chi-square, Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U, repeated-measures ANOVA and regression models were used. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included. No serious adverse events were reported. Patients in the experimental group (n = 9) showed greater clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (1.44, standard deviation [SD] = 1.87) and probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction (2.33, SD = 1.32) than the control group (n = 10; CAL gain = 0.88, SD = 1.68, and PPD reduction = 2.10, SD = 2.46), without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The application of PDL-MSCs to XBS for the treatment of one- to two-wall intra-bony lesions was safe and resulted in low postoperative morbidity and appropriate healing, although its additional benefit, when compared with the XBS alone, was not demonstrated.

Inline Infrared Chemical Identification of Particulate Matter.

The health and environmental effects of particulate matter (PM) in the air depend on several parameters. Besides particle size, shape, and concentration, the chemical nature of the PM is also of great importance. State-of-the-art PM sensors only detect the particle size and concentration. Small, low-cost sensors only identify PM according to PM2.5 and PM10 standards. Larger detectors measure the complete particle size distribution. However, the chemical composition of PM is not often assessed. The current paper presents the initial stages of the development of an infrared-based detector for the inline assessment of the chemistry of PM in the air. By combining a mini cyclone that is able to concentrate the particles at least a thousand fold and a hollow waveguide that aligns the flow of particles with infrared light, the feasibility of the concept was shown in this study. A clear differentiation between amorphous and crystalline silica was demonstrated at outdoor PM levels of lower than 1 mg per cubic meter.

Remodeling of Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis in Rat Hippocampal Neurons Aged In Vitro.

Aging is often associated with a cognitive decline and a susceptibility to neuronal damage. It is also the most important risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is related to an excess of neurotoxic oligomers of amyloid ß peptide (Aßo); however, the molecular mechanisms are still highly controversial. Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis plays an important role in the control of neuronal activity, including neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and memory storage, as well as neuron cell death. Recent evidence indicates that long-term cultures of rat hippocampal neurons, resembling aged neurons, undergo cell death after treatment with Aßo, whereas short-term cultures, resembling young neurons, do not. These in vitro changes are associated with the remodeling of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis with aging, thus providing a simplistic model for investigating Ca2+ remodeling in aging. In vitro aged neurons show increased resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, enhanced Ca2+ store content, and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria is also enhanced. Aged neurons also show decreased store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a Ca2+ entry pathway related to memory storage. At the molecular level, in vitro remodeling is associated with changes in the expression of Ca2+ channels resembling in vivo aging, including changes in N-methyl-D-aspartate NMDA receptor and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor isoforms, increased expression of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), and decreased expression of Orai1/Stim1, the molecular players involved in SOCE. Additionally, Aßo treatment exacerbates most of the changes observed in aged neurons and enhances susceptibility to cell death. Conversely, the solely effect of Aßo in young neurons is to increase ER-mitochondria colocalization and enhance Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria without inducing neuronal damage. We propose that cultured rat hippocampal neurons may be a useful model to investigate Ca2+ remodeling in aging and in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Cellular therapy in periodontal regeneration.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition leading to destruction of the tooth supporting tissues, which if left untreated may cause tooth loss. The treatment of periodontitis mainly aims to arrest the inflammatory process by infection control measures, although in some specific lesions a limited periodontal regeneration can also be attained. Current regenerative approaches are aimed to guide the cells with regenerative capacity to repopulate the lesion and promote new cementum and new connective tissue attachment. The first phase in periodontal tissue regeneration involves the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into cementoblasts to promote new cementum, thus facilitating the attachment of new periodontal ligament fibers to the root and the alveolar bone. Current regenerative approaches limit themselves to the confines of the lesion by promoting the self-regenerative potential of periodontal tissues. With the advent of bioengineered therapies, several studies have investigated the potential use of cell therapies, mainly the use of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells combined with different scaffolds. The understanding of the origin and differentiation patterns of these cells is, therefore, important to elucidate their potential therapeutic use and their comparative efficacy with current technologies. This paper aims to review the in vitro and experimental studies using cell therapies based on application of cementoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells isolated from oral tissues when combined with different scaffolds.