First real-time imaging of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction by electrical impedance tomography.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) with one-way endobronchial valves (EBV) has better outcomes when the target lobe has poor collateral ventilation, resulting in complete lobe atelectasis. High-inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) promotes atelectasis through faster gas absorption after airway occlusion, but its application during BLVR with EBV has been poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the real-time effects of FIO2 on regional lung volumes and regional ventilation/perfusion by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) during BLVR with EBV. METHODS: Six piglets were submitted to left lower lobe occlusion by a balloon-catheter and EBV valves with FIO2 0.5 and 1.0. Regional end-expiratory lung impedances (EELI) and regional ventilation/perfusion were monitored. Local pocket pressure measurements were obtained (balloon occlusion method). One animal underwent simultaneous acquisitions of computed tomography (CT) and EIT. Regions-of-interest (ROIs) were right and left hemithoraces. RESULTS: Following balloon occlusion, a steep decrease in left ROI-EELI with FIO2 1.0 occurred, 3-fold greater than with 0.5 (p < 0.001). Higher FIO2 also enhanced the final volume reduction (ROI-EELI) achieved by each valve (p < 0.01). CT analysis confirmed the denser atelectasis and greater volume reduction achieved by higher FIO2 (1.0) during balloon occlusion or during valve placement. CT and pocket pressure data agreed well with EIT findings, indicating greater strain redistribution with higher FIO2. CONCLUSIONS: EIT demonstrated in real-time a faster and more complete volume reduction in the occluded lung regions under high FIO2 (1.0), as compared to 0.5. Immediate changes in the ventilation and perfusion of ipsilateral non-target lung regions were also detected, providing better estimates of the full impact of each valve in place. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Acidochromic Free-Standing Multilayered Chitosan-Pyranoflavylium/Alginate Membranes toward Food Smart Packaging Applications.

Food smart packaging has emerged as a promising technology to address consumer concerns regarding food conservation and food safety. In this context, we report the rational design of azide-containing pyranoflavylium-based pH-sensitive dye for subsequent click chemistry conjugation toward a chitosan-modified alkyne. The chitosan-pyranoflavylium conjugate was characterized by infrared (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), as well as its thermodynamic parameters related to their pH-dependent chromatic features. The fabrication of thin-films through electrostatic-driven layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technology was first screened by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) onto gold substrates, and then free-standing (FS) multilayered membranes from polypropylene substrate were obtained using a homemade automatic dipping robot. The membranes' characterization included morphology analysis and thickness evaluation, assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), pH-responsive color change performance tests using buffer solutions at different pH levels, and biogenic amines-enriched model solutions, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the chitosan-pyranoflavylium/alginate biomembranes for food spoilage monitoring. This work provides insights toward the development of innovative pH-responsive smart biomaterials for advanced and sustainable technological packaging solutions, which could significantly contribute to ensuring food safety and quality, while reducing food waste.

The Effect of Iron Oxide Insertion on the In Vitro Bioactivity, and Antibacterial Properties of the 45S5 Bioactive Glass.

The aging population and increasing incidence of trauma among younger age groups have heightened the increasing demand for reliable implant materials. Effective implant materials must demonstrate rapid osseointegration and strong antibacterial properties to ensure optimal patient outcomes and decrease the chance of implant rejection. This study aims to enhance the bone-implant interface by utilizing 45S5 bioglass modified with various concentrations of Fe3O4 as a coating material. The effect of the insertion of Fe3O4 into the bioglass structure was studied using Raman spectroscopy which shows that with the increase in Fe3O4 concentration, new vibration bands associated with Fe-related structural units appeared within the sample. The bioactivity of the prepared glasses was evaluated using immersion tests in simulated body fluid, revealing the formation of a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 24 h on the samples, indicating their potential for enhanced tissue integration. However, the sample modified with 8 mol% of Fe3O4 showed low reactivity, developing a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 96 h. All the bioglasses showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The modified bioglass did not present significant antibacterial properties compared to the bioglass base.

The Best Protocol to Treat Equine Skin Wounds by Second Intention Healing: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Equine skin wound treatment continues to be a challenge for veterinarians. Despite being a frequent practice, it remains difficult to choose an evidence-based treatment protocol. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the literature and provide a scoping review of therapeutic strategies for equine skin wounds and identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research. This review was conducted using specific criteria to select literature that described methods to manage second intention wound healing. After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 81 manuscripts were included for data extraction. Of these, 59 articles were experimental studies, 10 were case reports, 9 were case series, and 3 were clinical studies. The most frequent wound location was the distal limbs. Macroscopic assessment was the main tool used to evaluate treatment effectiveness. All of the case reports, case series, and clinical studies reported positive outcomes with regard to the treatment used, while only 36% of the experimental studies found significant healing improvement in treated wounds compared to control groups. It was found that there are many treatments that have exhibited controversial results, and there exists a lack of evidence for the adoption of specific treatment protocols.

Early induction of luteolysis in a timed AI protocol increases reproductive performance in beef cows.

The aim of this study was to produce a longer proestrus by early administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) in a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol in non-suckling Bos taurus (Angus crossbreed) beef cows. On day 0, cows (n = 489) were treated with an intravaginal 1 g progesterone (P4) device and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate. On day 7, cows were randomized into two groups: PGF7(n = 244; 500 µg of sodium cloprostenol 24 h before P4 device removal) or PFG8 (n = 245; 500 µg of sodium cloprostenol at P4 device removal). On day 8, P4 device was removed and cows received 0.5 mg of estradiol cypionate. All cows were submitted to TAI on day 10 (48-50 hours after P4 device removal). Cows treated with PGF on day 7 had greater expression of estrus (91.3 vs 79.1 %; P = 0.0011), regardless of CL presence at beginning of the protocol. Cows from PGF7 group had lower circulating P4 concentrations on day 8 in comparison with PGF8 treated cows (1.86 vs 2.99 ng/mL; P < 0.001). However, preovulatory follicle diameter did not differ among treatments at TAI (11.9 vs 11.8 mm; P = 0.7881). Pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) was greater for PGF7 (63.9 vs 50.6 %; P = 0.0114) than PGF8 treated cows. In cows with follicles <8.5 mm at TAI, expression of estrus (33.3 vs 26.6 %; P = 0.6427) and P/TAI (40 vs 26.6 %; P = 0.3657) were low in both PGF7 and PGF8 treated cows, respectively. In cows with medium follicle size (8.5 to 11.9 mm) PGF7 treated cows had greater expression of estrus (90.5 vs 80 %; P = 0.033) and P/TAI (62.2 vs 49 %; P = 0.053). In cows with follicles >12 mm, expression of estrus was greater for PGF7 than PGF8 treated cows (99.1 vs 93.3 %; P = 0.045), however P/TAI did not differ (68.2 vs 59 %; P = 0.149). In cows with P4 < 1.99 ng/mL on day 8, expression of estrus was similar between PGF7 and PGF8 treated cows (92.6 vs 90.4 %; P = 0.53), and P/TAI tended to be greater for PGF7 than PGF8 treated cows (63 vs 52.1 % P = 0.076). However, in cows with P4 > 2 ng/mL PGF7 cows had higher expression of estrus (89 vs 67.5 %; P = 0.0005) and P/TAI (64.8 vs 48.7 %; P = 0.021) than PGF8. Thus, increasing the proestrous period by inducing luteolysis 24 hours earlier than removing the P4 intravaginal device enhanced fertility in non-suckling cyclic beef cows by increasing expression of estrus and P/TAI.

Impact of respiratory cycle during mechanical ventilation on beat-to-beat right ventricle stroke volume estimation by pulmonary artery pulse wave analysis.

BACKGROUND: The same principle behind pulse wave analysis can be applied on the pulmonary artery (PA) pressure waveform to estimate right ventricle stroke volume (RVSV). However, the PA pressure waveform might be influenced by the direct transmission of the intrathoracic pressure changes throughout the respiratory cycle caused by mechanical ventilation (MV), potentially impacting the reliability of PA pulse wave analysis (PAPWA). We assessed a new method that minimizes the direct effect of the MV on continuous PA pressure measurements and enhances the reliability of PAPWA in tracking beat-to-beat RVSV. METHODS: Continuous PA pressure and flow were simultaneously measured for 2-3 min in 5 pigs using a high-fidelity micro-tip catheter and a transonic flow sensor around the PA trunk, both pre and post an experimental ARDS model. RVSV was estimated by PAPWA indexes such as pulse pressure (SVPP), systolic area (SVSystAUC) and standard deviation (SVSD) beat-to-beat from both corrected and non-corrected PA signals. The reference RVSV was derived from the PA flow signal (SVref). RESULTS: The reliability of PAPWA in tracking RVSV on a beat-to-beat basis was enhanced after accounting for the direct impact of intrathoracic pressure changes induced by MV throughout the respiratory cycle. This was evidenced by an increase in the correlation between SVref and RVSV estimated by PAPWA under healthy conditions: rho between SVref and non-corrected SVSD - 0.111 (0.342), corrected SVSD 0.876 (0.130), non-corrected SVSystAUC 0.543 (0.141) and corrected SVSystAUC 0.923 (0.050). Following ARDS, correlations were SVref and non-corrected SVSD - 0.033 (0.262), corrected SVSD 0.839 (0.077), non-corrected SVSystAUC 0.483 (0.114) and corrected SVSystAUC 0.928 (0.026). Correction also led to reduced limits of agreement between SVref and SVSD and SVSystAUC in the two evaluated conditions. CONCLUSIONS: In our experimental model, we confirmed that correcting for mechanical ventilation induced changes during the respiratory cycle improves the performance of PAPWA for beat-to-beat estimation of RVSV compared to uncorrected measurements. This was demonstrated by a better correlation and agreement between the actual SV and the obtained from PAPWA.

Are organics more nutritious than conventional foods? A comprehensive systematic review.

The growing consumer interest fueled by the belief in the superiority of organic foods raises questions about their actual nutritional superiority over conventional ones. This assumption remains a controversial issue. The present study addresses scientific evidence to clarify this controversy and provide relevant insights for informed decision-making regarding dietary choices. We collected 147 scientific articles containing 656 comparative analyses based on 1779 samples of 68 vegetable, fruit, and other (cereals, pulses, etc.) foods, 22 nutritional properties, and nine residues. Results show that in 191 (29.1%) comparisons, there were significant differences between organic and conventional foods. In a similar quantity of cases (190; 29.0%), there were divergences in the results since some studies reported significant differences while others did not. Finally, most of the comparative analyses (275; 41.9%) showed no significant difference between organic and conventional foods. Therefore, the results herein show no generalizable superiority of organic over conventional foods. Claims for nutritious advantages would eventually be applied to specific comparisons, depending on the food type and nutritional parameter.

Exploring the Impact of Copper Oxide Substitution on Structure, Morphology, Bioactivity, and Electrical Properties of 45S5 Bioglass®.

In recent decades, the requirements for implantable medical devices have increased, but the risks of implant rejection still exist. These issues are primarily associated with poor osseointegration, leading to biofilm formation on the implant surface. This study focuses on addressing these issues by developing a biomaterial for implant coatings. 45S5 bioglass® has been widely used in tissue engineering due to its ability to form a hydroxyapatite layer, ensuring a strong bond between the hard tissue and the bioglass. In this context, 45S5 bioglasses®, modified by the incorporation of different amounts of copper oxide, from 0 to 8 mol%, were synthesized by the melt-quenching technique. The incorporation of Cu ions did not show a significant change in the glass structure. Since the bioglass exhibited the capacity for being polarized, thereby promoting the osseointegration effectiveness, the electrical properties of the prepared samples were studied using the impedance spectroscopy method, in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz and temperature range of 200-400 K. The effects of CuO on charge transport mobility were investigated. Additionally, the bioactivity of the modified bioglasses was evaluated through immersion tests in simulated body fluid. The results revealed the initiation of a Ca-P-rich layer formation on the surface within 24 h, indicating the potential of the bioglasses to enhance the bone regeneration process.

An alternative hybrid lipid nanosystem combining cytotoxic and magnetic properties as a tool to potentiate antitumor effect of 5-fluorouracil.

AIMS: Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of cases are diagnosed at a later stage, leading to the need for more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), known for its high cytotoxic properties has emerged as a chemotherapeutic agent. However, it presents several drawbacks such as lack of specificity and short half-life. To reduce these drawbacks, several strategies have been designed namely chemical modification or association to drug delivery systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Current research was focused on the design, physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of a lipid-based system loaded with 5-FU. Furthermore, aiming to maximize preferential targeting and release at tumour sites, a hybrid lipid-based system, combining both therapeutic and magnetic properties was developed and validated. For this purpose, liposomes co-loaded with 5-FU and iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles were accomplished. KEY FINDINGS: The characterization of the developed nanoformulation was performed in terms of incorporation parameters, mean size and surface charge. In vitro studies assessed in a murine colon cancer cell line confirmed that 5-FU antiproliferative activity was preserved after incorporation in liposomes. In same model, iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles did not exhibit cytotoxic properties. Additionally, the presence of these nanoparticles was shown to confer magnetic properties to the liposomes, allowing them to respond to external magnetic fields. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, a lipid nanosystem loading a chemotherapeutic agent displaying magnetic characteristics was successfully designed and physicochemically characterized, for further in vivo applications.

Bioactive Hydroxyapatite Aerogels with Piezoelectric Particles.

Open-cell foams based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) can mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) to better replace damaged hard tissues and assist in their regeneration processes. Aerogels of HAp nanowires (NW) with barium titanate (BT) particles were produced and characterized regarding their physical and chemical properties, bioactivity, and in vitro cytotoxicity. Considering the role of piezoelectricity (mainly due to collagen) and surface charges in bone remodeling, all BT particles, of size 280 nm and 2 and 3 µm, contained BaTiO3 in their piezoelectric tetragonal phase. The synthesized nanowires were verified to be AB-type carbonated hydroxyapatite. The aerogels showed high porosity and relatively homogeneous distribution of the BT particles. Barium titanate proved to be non-cytotoxic while all the aerogels produced were cytotoxic for an extract concentration of 1 mg/mL but became non-cytotoxic at concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL and below. It is possible that these results were affected by the higher surface area and quicker dissolution rate of the aerogels. In the bioactivity assays, SEM/EDS, it was not easy to differentiate between the apatite deposition and the surface of the HAp wires. However, a quantitative EDS analysis shows a possible CaP deposition/dissolution cycle taking place.

Electrospun Polycaprolactone Membranes Expanded with Chitosan Granules for Cell Infiltration.

The small pore size of electrospun membranes prevents their use as three-dimensional scaffolds. In this work, we produced polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibrous membranes with expanded pores by incorporating chitosan (CS) granules into the PCL solution. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the presence of the CS granules embedded in the PCL fibers, creating an open structure. Tensile testing results showed that the addition of CS decreased both Young's modulus and the yield stress, but co-electrospun membranes (PCL fibers blended with CS-containing PCL fibers) exhibited higher values compared to single electrospun membranes (CS-containing PCL fibers). Human fibroblasts adhered to and proliferated on all scaffolds. Nuclear staining revealed that cells populated the entire scaffold when CS granules were present, while in PCL membranes, cells were mostly limited to the surface due to the small pore size. Overall, our findings demonstrate that electrospun membranes containing CS granules have sufficiently large pores to facilitate fibroblast infiltration without compromising the mechanical stability of the structure.

Natural Polymer-Polyphenol Bioadhesive Coacervate with Stable Wet Adhesion, Antibacterial Activity, and On-Demand Detachment.

Medical adhesives are emerging as an important clinical tool as adjuvants for sutures and staples in wound closure and healing and in the achievement of hemostasis. However, clinical adhesives combining cytocompatibility, as well as strong and stable adhesion in physiological conditions, are still in demand. Herein, a mussel-inspired strategy is explored to produce adhesive coacervates using tannic acid (TA) and methacrylate pullulan (PUL-MA). TA|PUL-MA coacervates mainly comprise van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. The methacrylic groups in the PUL backbone increase the number of interactions in the adhesives matrix, resulting in enhanced cohesion and adhesion strength (72.7 Jm-2), compared to the non-methacrylated coacervate. The adhesive properties are kept in physiologic-mimetic solutions (72.8 Jm-2) for 72 h. The photopolymerization of TA|PUL-MA enables the on-demand detachment of the adhesive. The poor cytocompatibility associated with the use of phenolic groups is here circumvented by mixing reactive oxygen species-degrading enzyme in the adhesive coacervate. This addition does not hamper the adhesive character of the materials, nor their anti-microbial or hemostatic properties. This affordable and straightforward methodology, together with the tailorable adhesivity even in wet environments, high cytocompatibility, and anti-bacterial activity, enables foresee TA|PUL-MA as a promising ready-to-use bioadhesive for biomedical applications.

Influence of the Addition of Zinc, Strontium, or Magnesium Oxides to the Bioglass 45S5 Network on Electrical Behavior.

45S5 Bioglass has been widely used in regenerative medicine due to its ability to dissolve when inserted into the body. Its typically amorphous structure allows for an ideal dissolution rate for the formation of the hydroxyapatite layer, which is important for the development of new bone. This bioactive capacity can also be controlled by adding other oxides (e.g., SrO, ZnO, and MgO) to the 45S5 Bioglass network or by storing electrical charge. Ions such as zinc, magnesium, and strontium allow for specific biological responses to be added, such as antibacterial action and the ability to increase the rate of osteoblast proliferation. The charge storage capacity allows for a higher rate of bioactivity to be achieved, allowing for faster attachment to the host bone, decreasing the patient's recovery time. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the variation in the structure of the bioglass with regard to the amount of non-bridging oxygens (NBOs), which is important for the bioactivity rate not to be compromised, and also its influence on the electrical behavior relevant to its potential as electrical charge storage. Thus, several bioactive glass compositions were synthesized based on the 45S5 Bioglass formulation with the addition of various concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2, mol%) of zinc, strontium, or magnesium oxides. The influence of the insertion of these oxides on the network was evaluated by studying the amount of NBOs using Raman spectroscopy and their implication on the electrical behavior. Electrical characterization was performed in ac (alternating current) and dc (direct current) regimes.

Potentiating-antibiotic activity and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties (ADMET) analysis of synthetic thiadiazines against multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains.

BACKGROUND: Thiadiazines are heterocyclic compounds that contain two nitrogen atoms and one sulfur atom in their structure. These synthetic molecules have several relevant pharmacological activities, such as antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the possible in vitro and in silico interactions of compounds derived from thiadiazines. METHODS: The compounds were initially synthesized, purified, and confirmed through HPLC methodology. Multi-drug resistant bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus 10 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24 were used to evaluate the direct and modifying antibiotic activity of thiadiazine derivatives. ADMET assays (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were conducted, which evaluated the influence of the compounds against thousands of macromolecules considered as bioactive targets. RESULTS: There were modifications in the chemical synthesis in carbon 4 or 3 in one of the aromatic rings of the structure where different ions were added, ensuring a variability of products. It was possible to observe results that indicate the possibility of these compounds acting through the cyclooxygenase 2 mechanism, which, in addition to being involved in inflammatory responses, also acts by helping sodium reabsorption. The amine group present in thiadiazine analogs confers hydrophilic characteristics to the substances, but this primary characteristic has been altered due to alterations and insertions of other ligands. The characteristics of the analogs generally allow easy intestinal absorption, reduce possible hepatic toxic effects, and enable possible neurological and anti-inflammatory action. The antibacterial activity tests showed a slight direct action, mainly of the IJ23 analog. Some compounds were able to modify the action of the antibiotics gentamicin and norfloxacin against multi-drug resistant strains, indicating a possible synergistic action. CONCLUSIONS: Among all the results obtained in the study, the relevance of thiadiazine analogs as possible coadjuvant drugs in the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neurological action with low toxicity is clear. Need for further studies to verify these effects in living organisms is not ruled out.

Functional tests and isokinetic knee assessment in street runner athletes correlation / Correlación entre pruebas funcionales y evaluación isokinética de rodilla en practicantes de carrera de calle / Correlação entre testes funcionais e avaliação isocinética do joelho em atletas corredores de rua

ABSTRACT Introduction: The assessment of biomechanical changes related to the lower limbs is necessary in clinical practice to measure the potential risks of injury and the influences on existing dysfunction. Biomechanical changes related to previous ankle injuries are known to influence the performance of the entire lower limb. Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate muscle strength tests, performance tests and ankle stability with the Single Hop Test (SHT). Methods: 82 amateur runners were evaluated with isokinetic tests of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, as well as Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT), and the SHT. Results: The results showed there was a significant correlation between the SHT and the YBT in subjects with hamstring/quadriceps ratio (I/Q ratio) <0.55, and the length of the unilateral SHT with the peak torque of ipsilateral knee extensors. Conclusion: The study was successful in correlating the functional tests in question with the results obtained in isokinetic dynamometry. Level of Evidence V; Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La evaluación de los cambios biomecánicos relacionados con las extremidades inferiores es necesaria en la práctica clínica para medir los riesgos potenciales de lesión y las influencias sobre la disfunción existente. Se sabe que los cambios biomecánicos relacionados con lesiones previas de tobillo influyen en el rendimiento de toda la extremidad inferior. Objetivo: Correlacionar las pruebas de fuerza muscular, las pruebas de rendimiento y la estabilidad del tobillo con la prueba de salto simple (Single Hop Test, SHT). Métodos: Se evaluó a 82 corredores aficionados con pruebas isocinéticas de fuerza muscular de cuádriceps e isquiotibiales, además de pruebas como Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT) y la prueba SHT. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que existía una correlación significativa entre el SHT y el YBT en sujetos con ratio isquiotibiales/cuádriceps (ratio I/Q) <0,55, y la longitud del SHT unilateral con el par máximo de los extensores de la rodilla ipsilateral. Conclusión: El estudio logró correlacionar las pruebas funcionales en cuestión con los resultados obtenidos en la dinamometría isocinética. Nivel de Evidencia V; Estudio Transversal.

RESUMO Introdução: A avaliação de alterações biomecânicas relacionadas aos membros inferiores é necessária na prática clínica para mensurar os riscos potenciais de alguma lesão e as influencias sobre uma disfunção existente. As alterações biomecânicas relacionadas a lesões prévias de tornozelo são conhecidas pela influência na performance de todo o membro inferior. Objetivo: Correlacionar testes de força muscular, testes de performance e estabilidade do tornozelo com o teste de salto simples (Single Hop Test - SHT). Métodos: Foram avaliados 82 corredores amadores com testes isocinéticos de força muscular de quadríceps e isquiotibiais, além de testes Y Balance Test (YBT), Weight-bearing Lung Test (WBLT), e o SHT. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram haver correlação significativa entre o SHT e o YBT nos indivíduos com relação Isquiotibiais/Quadríceps (relação I/Q) <0,55, e o comprimento do SHT unilateral com o pico de torque de extensores de joelho ipsilateral. Conclusão: O estudo foi bem sucedido em correlacionar os testes funcionais em questão com os resultados obtidos na dinamometria isocinética. Nível de Evidência V; Estudo Transversal.

Recent Developments in Layer-by-Layer Assembly for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering Applications.

Surfaces with biological functionalities are of great interest for biomaterials, tissue engineering, biophysics, and for controlling biological processes. The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a highly versatile methodology introduced 30 years ago, which consists of assembling complementary polyelectrolytes or biomolecules in a stepwise manner to form thin self-assembled films. In view of its simplicity, compatibility with biological molecules, and adaptability to any kind of supporting material carrier, this technology has undergone major developments over the past decades. Specific applications have emerged in different biomedical fields owing to the possibility to load or immobilize biomolecules with preserved bioactivity, to use an extremely broad range of biomolecules and supporting carriers, and to modify the film's mechanical properties via crosslinking. In this review, the focus is on the recent developments regarding LbL films formed as 2D or 3D objects for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Possible applications in the fields of vaccinology, 3D biomimetic tissue models, as well as bone and cardiovascular tissue engineering are highlighted. In addition, the most recent technological developments in the field of film construction, such as high-content liquid handling or machine learning, which are expected to open new perspectives in the future developments of LbL, are presented.

Biocomposite Macrospheres Based on Strontium-Bioactive Glass for Application as Bone Fillers.

Traditional bioactive glass powders are typically composed of irregular particles that can be packed into dense configurations presenting low interconnectivity, which can limit bone ingrowth. The use of novel biocomposite sphere formulations comprising bioactive factors as bone fillers are most advantageous, as it simultaneously allows for packing the particles in a 3-dimensional manner to achieve an adequate interconnected porosity, enhanced biological performance, and ultimately a superior new bone formation. In this work, we develop and characterize novel biocomposite macrospheres of Sr-bioactive glass using sodium alginate, polylactic acid (PLA), and chitosan (CH) as encapsulating materials for finding applications as bone fillers. The biocomposite macrospheres that were obtained using PLA have a larger size distribution and higher porosity and an interconnectivity of 99.7%. Loose apatite particles were observed on the surface of macrospheres prepared with alginate and CH by means of soaking into a simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days. A dense apatite layer was formed on the biocomposite macrospheres' surface produced with PLA, which served to protect PLA from degradation. In vitro investigations demonstrated that biocomposite macrospheres had minimal cytotoxic effects on a human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOS-2 cells). However, the accelerated degradation of PLA due to the degradation of bioactive glass may account for the observed decrease in SaOS-2 cells viability. Among the biocomposite macrospheres, those composed of PLA exhibited the most promising characteristics for their potential use as fillers in bone tissue repair applications.

Injectable Thermoresponsive Microparticle/Hydrogel System with Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Release and Magnetic Hyperthermia Applications.

Cancer is a disease that continues to greatly impact our society. Developing new and more personalized treatment options is crucial to decreasing the cancer burden. In this study, we combined magnetic polysaccharide microparticles with a Pluronic thermoresponsive hydrogel to develop a multifunctional, injectable drug delivery system (DDS) for magnetic hyperthermia applications. Gellan gum and alginate microparticles were loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with and without coating. The magnetic microparticles' registered temperature increases up to 4 °C upon the application of an alternating magnetic field. These magnetic microparticles were mixed with drug-loaded microparticles, and, subsequently, this mixture was embedded within a Pluronic thermoresponsive hydrogel that is capable of being in the gel state at 37 °C. The proposed DDS was capable of slowly releasing methylene blue, used as a model drug, for up to 9 days. The developed hydrogel/microparticle system had a smaller rate of drug release compared with microparticles alone. This system proved to be a potential thermoresponsive DDS suitable for magnetic hyperthermia applications, thus enabling a synergistic treatment for cancer.

Perception of Brazilian Agricultural Sciences Students on Animal Welfare: A Profile-based Approach.

The agricultural professionals are ethically obligated to provide good care for the animals under their care. We analysed Brazilian agricultural science students' profiles based on their perceptions of animal welfare (AW). The survey included 239 students from agronomy, animal science, and veterinary courses in 44 universities. A factor analysis and a cluster analysis identified four students' profiles. "The farm animal stewards" group (n= 79) focused their perceptions of AW on basic health and functioning as a basis for meat, wool, egg, and dairy production, while the "the industrial view" group (n= 15), in the profitability and economic factors. "The animal rights position" (n= 76), in the face of conflicting interests (animals vs. owners), perceive that the animal's interest should prevail and give an equal treatment for all species. "The balanced" group (n= 69) incorporates concepts from animal and human to explain their perceptions. The students' perception of AW is multifaceted and influenced by value-based ideas about what is important or desirable for animals and all stakeholders. Scientific fields focusing on AW need to be emphasized within agricultural science curriculum.