Use of Tirzepatide in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Scientific Evidence and Practical Aspects.

Tirzepatide is a novel antidiabetic medication a single-molecule, agonist to the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors. It is approved in the USA and EU for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Due to the potential novelty represented by incorporating tirzepatide to clinical practice, we aim to review practical aspects of tirzepatide use in T2DM and the supporting scientific evidence. A group of ten endocrinologists involved as investigators in the phase 3 SURPASS clinical trial program followed a nominal group technique, a qualitative research methodology designed as a semi-structured group discussion to reach a consensus on the selection of a set of practical aspects. The scientific evidence for tirzepatide has been reviewed with respect to a number of patients' clinical profiles and care goals. Information of interest related to adverse events, special warnings and precautions, and other considerations for tirzepatide use has been included. Finally, information provided to the patients has been summarized. The practical aspects reported herein may be helpful in guiding physicians in the use of tirzepatide and contribute to optimizing the management of T2DM.

A Retrospective Comparison of Phaco-tube vs. Phaco-trabeculectomy in Glaucoma Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with Baerveldt implantation (phaco-tube) or trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (MMC) (phaco-trab) in patients without prior incisional ocular surgery. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 90 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 45 patients in the phaco-tube group and 45 patients in the phaco-trab group. METHODS: Eligible patients were identified using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the rate of surgical failure (IOP ≤5 mmHg or >21 mmHg or reduced <20% from baseline on 2 consecutive study visits after 3 months, reoperations for glaucoma, or experienced loss of light perception vision). Patients who had successful surgical outcomes without use of glaucoma medications were classified as complete successes, while those who used glaucoma medications were classified as qualified successes. Secondary outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), visual field mean deviation (VFMD), intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use, and complications. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of failure was 6.7% in the phaco-tube group and 32.8% in the phaco-trab group after 3 years (P = 0.005; Restricted Mean Survival Time = 5.9 months, 95% CI = 1.4-10.4 months). The IOP was 13.1 ± 3.4 mmHg in the phaco-tube group and 13.3 ± 6.2 mmHg in the phaco-trab group at 3 years (P = 0.90), and the number of glaucoma medications was 2.6 ± 1.5 in the phaco-tube group and 1.7 ± 1.3 in the phaco-trab group (P = 0.015). The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA was 0.39 ± 0.58 in the phaco-tube group and 0.43 ± 0.73 in the phaco-trab group at 3 years (P = 0.82), and VFMD was -18.3 ± 9.0 dB in the phaco-tube group and -14.1 ± 7.0 dB in the phaco-trab group (P = 0.16). Postoperative complications developed in 21 patients (47%) in the phaco-tube group and 15 patients (33%) in the phaco-trab group (P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Phaco-tubes had a significantly lower rate of surgical failure compared to phaco-trabs after 3 years of follow-up. However, phaco-trabs used significantly fewer glaucoma medications at multiple postoperative timepoints and had a higher proportion of complete success. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Pesticides luminescent sensing by a Tb3+-doped Zn metal-organic framework with selectivity towards parathion.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) such as parathion have extensive uses in agriculture and household applications. Chronic exposure to these pesticides can cause severe health and environmental issues. Therefore, a current ecological concern is associated with accumulating these noxious OPPs in food and water sources. In this work, a new Tb3+-doped Zn-LMOF (Zn-LMOF= (3D) {[Zn3(1,4 benzenedicarboxylate)3(EtOH)2]·(EtOH)0.6}∞) was synthesized by a solvent-free reaction between the Zn-LMOF and the salt TbCl3·6H2O using a high-speed ball milling. The Tb@Zn-LMOF was thoroughly characterized by multiple spectroscopic tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and studied in-depth as a luminescent sensor for a series of pesticides (parathion, malathion, methalaxil, carbofuran, iprodione, captan and glyphosate) in aqueous methanol. The Tb@Zn-LMOF is a long-lived green-emitting compound with luminescence originated by an efficient antenna effect from the excited energy levels of Zn-LMOF toward the 5D state of Tb3+ ions, as it is displayed by its strong emission bands at 488, 545, 585, and 620 nm and a lifetime of 1.01 ms upon excitation at 290 nm. Additions of pesticides to a neutral methanolic dispersion of Tb@Zn-LMOF modified its green emission intensity with a pronounced selectivity toward parathion within the micromolar concentration range. The detection limit for parathion was calculated to be 3.04 ± 0.2 µM for Tb@Zn-LMOF. Based on 31P NMR and mass spectrometry studies, it is attributed to the release of lanthanide ions from Tb@Zn-LMOF with the simultaneous formation of a Tb3+-parathion complex.

Combination of Dehydration and Expeller as a Novel Methodology for the Production of Olive Oil.

An alternative olive oil (OO) production process has been developed based on the combination of olive dehydration, followed by extraction with an expeller press. This procedure eliminates the utilization of water and avoids the malaxation stage. Hence, no water residues are generated. In this study, the mentioned alternative methodology was compared to conventional extraction methods. High extraction yields and oil recovery were obtained with our novel procedure. On the contrary, substantial percentages of by-products were generated with conventional methodology. The quality indexes (acidity and peroxide values) of the oils obtained by the combination of dehydration and expeller (dOO) were 0.4% of oleic acid and 3 meq O2/kg of oil, respectively. Furthermore, none of the applied processes affected the resulting OO's fatty acid composition and lipid profile. Total phenolic content was up to four times higher for dOO than for other olive oils and it showed resistance to oxidation with an oxidative stability index about five times higher than that for conventional olive oils.

Achieving Normoglycemia With Tirzepatide: Analysis of SURPASS 1-4 Trials.

OBJECTIVE: Tirzepatide is a novel single-molecule glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, which demonstrated unprecedented improvements in glycemic control and body weight reduction, in the SURPASS phase 3 program. In this exploratory analysis, we aimed to characterize tirzepatide-treated participants who achieved HbA1c <5.7% and evaluate changes in clinical markers associated with long-term cardiometabolic health. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Baseline characteristics and change from baseline to week 40 for several efficacy and safety parameters were analyzed according to HbA1c attainment category (<5.7%, 5.7-6.5%, and >6.5%) using descriptive statistics in participants taking ≥75% of treatment doses, without rescue medication, in the SURPASS 1-4 trials (N = 3,229). Logistic regression models with tirzepatide doses adjusted as a covariate were used to obtain odds ratios and assess the impact of patient characteristics achieving an HbA1c <5.7%. RESULTS: Tirzepatide-treated participants who achieved HbA1c <5.7% were slightly younger, with a shorter duration of diabetes and lower HbA1c value at baseline compared with those who did not achieve HbA1c <5.7%. In addition, they showed greater improvements in HbA1c, body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, liver enzymes, and lipid parameters without increasing hypoglycemia risk. CONCLUSIONS: Normoglycemia was unprecedently achieved in a significant proportion of participants in the SURPASS clinical program, without increasing hypoglycemia risk, and was associated with an overall improvement in metabolic health.

Glycaemic Control and Weight Reduction: A Narrative Review of New Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes.

Early and intensive treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been associated with lower risk of diabetes-related complications. Control of overweight and obesity, which are strongly associated with T2D and many of its complications, is also key in the management of the disease. New therapies allow for individualised glycaemic control targets with greater safety. Thus, in patients with a higher cardiovascular and renal risk profile, current guidelines encourage early treatment with metformin together with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors with proven cardiovascular benefit. GLP-1 RAs combine highly efficacious glucose-lowering activity with a reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. Recently, tirzepatide, a first-in-class drug that activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 receptors, has demonstrated very high efficacy in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight reduction in clinical trials. Tirzepatide has the potential to help people with T2D reach recommended glycaemic and weight targets (HbA1c < 7% and > 5% weight reduction) and to allow some patients to reach HbA1c measurements close to normal physiological levels and substantial weight reduction. In 2022, tirzepatide was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for treatment of people with T2D and is currently in development for chronic weight management.

In people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, early and intensive treatment of the disease can help control blood sugar and reduce the risk of later complications. The need to control weight in people with obesity and diabetes has also recently become a priority. New drugs developed in recent years allow for better and more individualised management of blood sugar without the risk of blood sugar levels dropping too low. In patients at risk of kidney or heart disease, the current recommendation is early treatment with metformin and drugs with proven cardiovascular benefit. Tirzepatide is a new drug that has also demonstrated very high efficacy in reducing blood glucose and body weight. It has the potential to help people with type 2 diabetes achieve their goals and prevent other diabetes-related complications. It is likely that some patients will even be able to bring their blood glucose to normal levels and lose substantial amounts of weight. The US and European regulatory agencies approved tirzepatide in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and it is currently being tested for chronic weight management.

Applications of nanotechnologies for miRNA-based cancer therapeutics: current advances and future perspectives.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (18-25 nt), non-coding, widely conserved RNA molecules responsible for regulating gene expression via sequence-specific post-transcriptional mechanisms. Since the human miRNA transcriptome regulates the expression of a number of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, its dysregulation is associated with the clinical onset of different types of cancer. Despite the fact that numerous therapeutic approaches have been designed in recent years to treat cancer, the complexity of the disease manifested by each patient has prevented the development of a highly effective disease management strategy. However, over the past decade, artificial miRNAs (i.e., anti-miRNAs and miRNA mimics) have shown promising results against various cancer types; nevertheless, their targeted delivery could be challenging. Notably, numerous reports have shown that nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs can greatly contribute to hindering cancer initiation and development processes, representing an innovative disease-modifying strategy against cancer. Hence, in this review, we evaluate recently developed nanotechnology-based miRNA drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics and discuss the potential challenges and future directions, such as the promising use of plant-made nanoparticles, phytochemical-mediated modulation of miRNAs, and nanozymes.

2D-ReS2 & diamond nanoparticles-based sensor for the simultaneous determination of sunset yellow and tartrazine in a multiple-pulse amperometry FIA system.

We present a flow injection system with a multiple pulse amperometric detection (FIA-MPA)-based methodology for the simultaneous analysis of sunset yellow and tartrazine. As transducer, we have developed a novel electrochemical sensor based on the synergistic effect of ReS2 nanosheets and diamond nanoparticles (DNPs). Among several transition dichalcogenides for the sensor development, we have selected ReS2 nanosheets since it yields a better response towards both colourants. Scanning probe microscopy characterization shows that the surface sensor is composed by scattered and stacked ReS2 flakes and large aggregates of DNPs. With this system, the gap between the oxidation potential values of sunset yellow and tartrazine is wide enough to allow the simultaneous determination of both dyes. Under the optimum potential pulse conditions (0.8 and 1.2 V) during 250 ms, a flow rate of 3 mL/min and a volume injection of 250 µL, detection limits of 3.51 × 10-7 M and 2.39 × 10-7 M for sunset yellow and tartrazine, respectively, were obtained. This method exhibits good accuracy and precision with Er minor than 13% and RSD lower than 8% with a sampling frequency of 66 samples per hour. Pineapple jelly samples were analyzed by the standard addition method, obtaining 53.7 mg/kg and 29.0 mg/kg of sunset yellow and tartrazine, respectively. From the analysis of fortified samples, recoveries of 94% and 105% were obtained.

Abdominal wound dehiscence and incisional hernia prevention in midline laparotomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia (IH) is the main complication after laparotomy. In an attempt to reduce this complication, mesh techniques and studies in which the closure technique is modified have been proposed. Both types are characterized by comparison with the closure described as standard or conventional: 1 × 1, mass, and continuous closure. For this study, modified closure techniques (MCTs) were considered as those techniques in which an extra suture is placed (reinforced tension line (RTL), retention), the closure point is modified in distance (small bites) or shape (CLDC, Smead Jones, interrupted, Cardiff point) and which aim to reduce these complications. The objective of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCTs for reducing the incidence of IH and abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) to provide objective support for their recommendation. METHODS: An NMA was performed according to the PRISMA-NMA guidelines. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of IH and AWD, and the secondary objective was to determine the incidence of postoperative complications. Only published clinical trials were included. The risk of bias was analyzed, and the random-effects model was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Twelve studies comparing 3540 patients were included. The incidence of HI was lower in RTL, retention suture, and small bites, these techniques showed statistical differences with pooled ORs (95% CI) of 0.28 (0.09-0.83), 0.28 (0.13-0.62), and 0.44 (0.31-0.62), respectively. Associated complications, including hematoma, seroma, and postoperative pain, could not be analyzed; however, MCTs did not increase the risk of surgical site infection. CONCLUSION: Small bites, RTL, and retention sutures decreased the prevalence of IH. RTL and retention suture decreased the prevalence of AWD. RTL was the best technique as it reduced both complications (IH and AWD) and had the best SUCRA and P-scores, and the number needed to treat (NNT) for net effect was 3. REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42021231107.

Effect of Moisture and Oil Content in the Supercritical CO2 Defatting of Hermetia illucens Larvae.

The supercritical defatting of H. illucens was scaled up at 450 bar and 60 °C from a 270 cm3 extraction cell to a vessel five times larger. Then, eight different H. illucens larvae batches, with variable content of oil (16.80-29.17% w/w) and moisture (4.45-15.95% w/w) were defatted. The effect of these parameters on yield and oil composition was analyzed. The presence of moisture in the larvae batch, in the range of the values studied, had no negative effect on the oil recovery efficiency, which was mainly determined by the initial content of oil in the larvae samples. Furthermore, no differences were determined in the fatty acid profile of the oils recovered, which were rich in saturated fatty acids, mainly lauric acid (ca. 50% w/w). Minor lipids, such as squalene and phytosterols, were determined in all the oil samples. The moisture content in the oils extracted was in the range of 0.118-1.706% w/w. Therefore, some samples exceeded the limits recommended for volatile matter in edible fats and oils (0.2%, including moisture). Yet, concerning the oil peroxide index, values were much lower than those corresponding to the oil extracted using hexane.

Attomolar detection of hepatitis C virus core protein powered by molecular antenna-like effect in a graphene field-effect aptasensor.

Biosensors based on graphene field-effect transistors have become a promising tool for detecting a broad range of analytes. However, their performance is substantially affected by the functionalization protocol. In this work, we use a controlled in-vacuum physical method for the covalent functionalization of graphene to construct ultrasensitive aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) able to detect hepatitis C virus core protein. These devices are highly specific and robust, achieving attomolar detection of the viral protein in human blood plasma. Such an improved sensitivity is rationalized by theoretical calculations showing that induced polarization at the graphene interface, caused by the proximity of covalently bound molecular probe, modulates the charge balance at the graphene/aptamer interface. This charge balance causes a net shift of the Dirac cone providing enhanced sensitivity for the attomolar detection of the target proteins. Such an unexpected effect paves the way for using this kind of graphene-based functionalized platforms for ultrasensitive and real-time diagnostics of different diseases.

MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: From epigenetics to potential clinical applications.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two relevant classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that play a pivotal role in a number of molecular processes through different epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of gene expression. As a matter of fact, the altered expression of these types of RNAs leads to the development and progression of a varied range of multifactorial human diseases. Several recent reports elucidated that miRNA and lncRNAs have been implicated in pancreatic cancer (PC). For instance, dysregulation of such ncRNAs has been found to be associated with chemoresistance, apoptosis, autophagy, cell differentiation, tumor suppression, tumor growth, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in PC. Moreover, several aberrantly expressed miRNAs and lncRNAs have the potential to be used as biomarkers for accurate PC diagnosis. Additionally, miRNAs and lncRNAs are considered as promising clinical targets for PC. Therefore, in this review, we discuss recent experimental evidence regarding the clinical implications of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the pathophysiology of PC, their future potential, as well as the challenges that have arisen in this field of study in order to drive forward the design of ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for PC.

Nimotuzumab in the Treatment of Inoperable Esophageal Tumors of Epithelial Origin.

Background: Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor. It was approved in Cuba for the indication of inoperable malignant tumors of the esophagus of epithelial origin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, overall and progression-free survival, clinical response, and quality of life, in adult patients with inoperable esophageal tumors of epithelial origin treated with nimotuzumab in a practical context. Material and Methods. The number of patients who developed adverse events was determined, and the frequency, seriousness, causality, and severity of these adverse events were determined. It also determined the median of survival and progression-free survival and rates at 12 and 24 months and the quality of life. Results: A total of 111 patients were included. The proportion of serious and related AE with the use of nimotuzumab was 1.3%. Most of the related AEs were mild and moderate, and the most frequent AEs were diarrhea, chills, and tremors. New diagnosed patients who received nimotuzumab concurrent with chemotherapy and radiotherapy reached a median OS of 12.2 months (95% CI, 6.9-17.5) and 12- and 24-month survival rates of 51.0% and 17.0%, respectively. Median PFS was 7.8 months (95% CI, 6.2-9.5), and 12- and 24-month PFS rates were 39.3% and 11.2%, respectively. A favorable evolution of the general state of health (p=0.03) was obtained from the beginning of treatment until month 12, with a significant reduction in the appearance of nausea (p=0.009), insomnia (p=0.04), constipation (p=0.04), eating difficulties (p=0.0006), and choking when swallowing (p=0.0001), but increased in dysphagia (p=0.02). Conclusions: The administration of nimotuzumab was safe in the real-world setting. New diagnosed patients that received nimotuzumab concurrent with chemotherapy and radiotherapy reached a higher overall and progression-free survival and better quality of life than the rest of the patients. Trial registration is RPCEC00000215 (Cuban Registry of Clinical Trials; https://registroclinico.sld.cu/en/home). It is registered prospectively on June 30, 2016.

La enseñanza deportiva y el entrenamiento deportivo / Educação desportiva e formação desportiva / Sports education and sports training

RESUMEN El artículo surge de la necesidad de contextualizar la enseñanza deportiva y de establecer las características que la diferencian del entrenamiento deportivo a partir de la definición de sus componentes y del sistema de categorías pedagógicas, principios y regularidades que le son inherentes. Todo ello, para dar respuesta a la contradicción latente hoy en la formación inicial y continua del profesor deportivo, así como al modo de actuación y desempeño de sus funciones profesionales en correspondencia con las exigencias reales del contexto de la esfera de actuación (eslabón de base) donde está indicado su práctica profesional. El objetivo de la investigación es reflexionar acerca de los componentes, categorías y sistema de principios que caracterizan la enseñanza deportiva, diferenciándolos de los del entrenamiento deportivo. Se realizó una extensa revisión bibliográfica en repositorios nacionales y en las bases de datos de EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus y Google Scholar, que recogen artículos y revistas del ámbito nacional e internacional. Los análisis realizados ofrecen una respuesta concreta y aplicable para el perfeccionamiento del plan de estudios de la carrera, así como de los documentos normativos del desempeño de los profesores deportivos en el eslabón de base.

RESUMO O artigo surge da necessidade de contextualizar o ensino desportivo e de estabelecer as características que o diferenciam da formação desportiva, definindo os seus componentes e o sistema de categorias pedagógicas, princípios e regularidades que lhe são inerentes. Tudo isto, a fim de responder à contradição latente hoje em dia na formação inicial e contínua dos professores desportivos, bem como à forma de agir e desempenhar as suas funções profissionais em correspondência com as exigências reais do contexto da esfera de ação (elo básico) onde a sua prática profissional é indicada. O objectivo da investigação é refletir sobre os componentes, categorias e sistema de princípios que caracterizam o ensino desportivo, diferenciando-os dos do treino desportivo. Foi realizada uma extensa revisão bibliográfica em repositórios nacionais e nas bases de dados EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus e Google Scholar, que incluem artigos e periódicos nacionais e internacionais. As análises efetuadas oferecem uma resposta concreta e aplicável para a melhoria do currículo do grau, bem como os documentos normativos do desempenho dos professores desportivos na ligação de base.

ABSTRACT The article arises from the need to contextualize sports teaching and to establish the characteristics that differentiate it from sports training from the definition of its components and the system of pedagogical categories, principles and regularities that are inherent to it. All this, in order to give an answer to the latent contradiction today in the initial and continuous training of the sports teacher, as well as to the way of acting and performing their professional functions in correspondence with the real demands of the context of the sphere of action (basic link) where their professional practice is indicated. The objective of the research is to reflect on the components, categories and system of principles that characterize sports teaching, differentiating them from those of sports training. An extensive bibliographic review was carried out in national repositories and in the EBSCO HOST, Dialnet, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar databases, which collect articles and journals of national and international scope. The analyses carried out offer a concrete and applicable answer for the improvement of the career curriculum, as well as of the normative documents for the performance of sports teachers in the basic link.

Nail Cancer: Review of the Two Main Types of an Underestimated Disease.

Neoplastic lesions (benign or malignant) in the nail region are rare when compared to lesions in the rest of the skin. Despite advances in diagnostic modalities, their diagnosis is frequently delayed or overlooked for days, months, or even years when they are misrecognized or when their approach is not appropriate. Undoubtedly, malignant tumors are the most important lesions since an inopportune diagnosis or treatment can drastically change the patient's prognosis. A review of all the scientific evidence on the two main malignant neoplasms of the nail apparatus (melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma) was carried out using the PubMed search engine from 2003 to 2022, in order to expose the appropriate diagnostic approach and treatment of these nail lesions to avoid delays that obscure the prognosis of patients. This review does not include reconstruction modalities after lesion resection, but the emphasis is placed on the great functional impact they produce. Surgical treatment in the early stages is the most important when talking about prognosis and emphasizing it; systemic oncological management of advanced stages is not so deep.

Uso de membrana de celulosa oxidada post-gingivectomía en hiperplasia gingival inducida por fenitoína / Use of oxidized cellulose regenerated post-gingivectomy on ginigival hyperplasia induced by phenytoin

Introducción: La hiperplasia gingival es una condición benigna caracterizada por el aumento de volumen de la encía. Algunos fármacos, factores genéticos, aparatología y placa dentobacteriana son factores que pueden inducir esta condición. Objetivo: Devolver la anatomía a la encía brindando una mejor estética y permitiendo una óptima higiene oral. Material y métodos: Paciente masculino de 20 años de edad con antecedentes de fenitoína presenta aumento de volumen en la encía. Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados estéticos y funcionales satisfactorios con el tratamiento quirúrgico y el uso de membrana de celulosa oxidada. Conclusión: En el manejo de la hiperplasia gingival es importante el enfoque no quirúrgico como control de placa dentobacteriana y medidas de higiene del mismo paciente (AU)

Introduction: Gingival hyperplasia is a benign condition characterized for the grown on the gingival volume. Some drugs, genetic, orthodontic and dental plaque are some factors that can induce this condition. Objective: To return the gingival anatomy, providing a better aesthetic allowing also good oral hygiene. Material and methods: A male 20 years of age with medical history of phenytoin display grown on the gingival volume. Results: Aesthetic and functional results were achieved with the surgical treatment and the oxidized cellulose membrane. Conclusion: In the gingival hyperplasia management is important de non-surgical approach, as dental plaque control and oral hygiene of the patient (AU)

Steering Hydrocarbon Selectivity in CO2 Electroreduction over Soft-Landed CuOx Nanoparticle-Functionalized Gas Diffusion Electrodes.

The use of physical vapor deposition methods in the fabrication of catalyst layers holds promise for enhancing the efficiency of future carbon capture and utilization processes such as the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Following that line of research, we report in this work the application of a sputter gas aggregation source (SGAS) and a multiple ion cluster source type apparatus, for the controlled synthesis of CuOx nanoparticles (NPs) atop gas diffusion electrodes. By varying the mass loading, we achieve control over the balance between methanation and multicarbon formation in a gas-fed CO2 electrolyzer and obtain peak CH4 partial current densities of -143 mA cm-2 (mass activity of 7.2 kA/g) with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 48% and multicarbon partial current densities of -231 mA cm-2 at 76% FE (FEC2H4 = 56%). Using atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, and quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we trace back the divergence in hydrocarbon selectivity to differences in NP film morphology and rule out the influence of both the NP size (3-15 nm, >20 µg cm-2) and in situ oxidation state. We show that the combination of the O2 flow rate to the aggregation zone during NP growth and deposition time, which affect the NP production rate and mass loading, respectively, gives rise to the formation of either densely packed CuOx NPs or rough three-dimensional networks made from CuOx NP building blocks, which in turn affects the governing CO2RR mechanism. This study highlights the potential held by SGAS-generated NP films for future CO2RR catalyst layer optimization and upscaling, where the NPs' tunable properties, homogeneity, and the complete absence of organic capping agents may prove invaluable.

The role of microRNAs in solving COVID-19 puzzle from infection to therapeutics: A mini-review.

Nowadays, one of the major global health concerns is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Even though numerous treatments and vaccines to combat this virus are currently under development, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this disease are yet to be elucidated to design future therapeutic tools against SARS-CoV-2 variants. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20-24 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Recently, it has been demonstrated that both host and viral-encoded miRNAs are crucial for the successful infection of SARS-CoV-2. For instance, dysregulation of miRNAs that modulate multiple genes expressed in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities (e.g., type 2 diabetes, lung adenocarcinoma, and cerebrovascular disorders) could affect the severity of the disease. Thus, altered expression levels of circulating miRNAs might be helpful to diagnose this illness and forecast whether a COVID-19 patient could develop a severe state of the disease. Besides, researchers have found a number of miRNAs could inhibit the expression of proteins, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, spike, and Nsp12, involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, miRNAs represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this devastating viral disease. Therefore, in this current review, we present the recent discoveries regarding the clinical relevance and biological roles of miRNAs in COVID-19.

Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Masquerading as Recalcitrant Epithelial Keratitis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a unique case of ocular surface squamous neoplasia that masqueraded as a nonresolving toxic epithelial keratitis. METHODS: This was a case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A 79-year-old man presented with decreased vision, redness, and a foreign body sensation in his right eye that was refractory to treatment with lubrication and topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drops. Before presentation, the referring provider believed that he had medicamentosa-related keratitis and placed him on oral methazolamide. Slitlamp biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed diffuse epitheliopathy with punctate fluorescein staining and subtle underlying corneal epithelial opalescence. A mildly thickened and inflamed pinguecula was noted from 2 to 5 o'clock at the limbus of the right eye. An anterior segment high-resolution optical coherence tomography revealed thickened, hyperreflective epithelium with an abrupt transition. An incisional biopsy confirmed conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia. The patient improved after 4 cycles of topical chemotherapy with 1% 5-fluorouracil eye drops with complete resolution of the corneal and conjunctival pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface squamous neoplasia can rarely masquerade as a recalcitrant medicamentosa and epithelial keratitis. In subtle cases or in cases with combined ocular surface morbidities, anterior segment high-resolution optical coherence tomography can be helpful to diagnose and direct therapy.