Non-contact monitoring of glucose concentration and pH by integration of wearable and implantable hydrogel sensors with optical coherence tomography.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique with large penetration depth into the tissue, but limited chemical specificity. By incorporating functional co-monomers, hydrogels can be designed to respond to specific molecules and undergo reversible volume changes. In this study, we present implantable and wearable biocompatible hydrogel sensors combined with OCT to monitor their thickness change as a tool for continuous and real-time monitoring of glucose concentration and pH. The results demonstrate the potential of combining hydrogel biosensors with OCT for non-contact continuous in-vivo monitoring of physiological parameters.

A multi-center prospective study of plant-based nutritional support in adult community-based patients at risk of disease-related malnutrition.

Introduction: There is an emerging need for plant-based, vegan options for patients requiring nutritional support. Methods: Twenty-four adults at risk of malnutrition (age: 59 years (SD 18); Sex: 18 female, 6 male; BMI: 19.0 kg/m2 (SD 3.3); multiple diagnoses) requiring plant-based nutritional support participated in a multi-center, prospective study of a (vegan suitable) multi-nutrient, ready-to-drink, oral nutritional supplement (ONS) [1.5 kcal/mL; 300 kcal, 12 g protein/200 mL bottle, mean prescription 275 mL/day (SD 115)] alongside dietary advice for 28 days. Compliance, anthropometry, malnutrition risk, dietary intake, appetite, acceptability, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, nutritional goal(s), and safety were assessed. Results: Patients required a plant-based ONS due to personal preference/variety (33%), religious/cultural reasons (28%), veganism/reduce animal-derived consumption (17%), environmental/sustainability reasons (17%), and health reasons (5%). Compliance was 94% (SD 16). High risk of malnutrition ('MUST' score ≥ 2) reduced from 20 to 16 patients (p = 0.046). Body weight (+0.6 kg (SD 1.2), p = 0.02), BMI (+0.2 kg/m2 (SD 0.5), p = 0.03), total mean energy (+387 kcal/day (SD 416), p < 0.0001) and protein intake (+14 g/day (SD 39), p = 0.03), and the number of micronutrients meeting the UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) (7 vs. 14, p = 0.008) significantly increased. Appetite (Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) score; p = 0.13) was maintained. Most GI symptoms were stable throughout the study (p > 0.06) with no serious adverse events related. Discussion: This study highlights that plant-based nutrition support using a vegan-suitable plant-based ONS is highly complied with, improving the nutritional outcomes of patients at risk of malnutrition.

Reversible photonic hydrogel sensors via holographic interference lithography.

Continuous monitoring of physiological conditions and biomarkers via optical holographic sensors is an area of growing interest to facilitate the expansion of personalised medicine. Here, a facile laser-induced dual polymerization method is developed to fabricate holographic hydrogel sensors for the continuous and reversible colorimetric determination of pH variations over a physiological range in serum (pH 7-9). Readout parameters simulated through a Finite-difference time-domain Yee's algorithm retrieve the spectral response through expansion. Laser lithography of holographic hydrogel sensor fabrication is achieved via a single 355 nm laser pulse to initiate polymerization of ultrafine hydrogel fringes. Eliminating the requirement for complex processing of toxic components and streamlining the synthetic procedure provides a simpler route to mass production. Optimised pH-responsive hydrogels contain amine bearing functional co-monomers demonstrating reversible Bragg wavelength shifts of 172 nm across the entire visible wavelength range with pH variation from 7.0 to 9.0 upon illumination with broadband light. Photolithographic recording of information shows the ability to convey detailed information to users for qualitative identification of pH. Holographic sensor reversibility over 20 cycles showed minimal variation in replay wavelength supporting reliable and consistent readout, with optimised sensors showing rapid response times of <5 min. The developed sensors demonstrate the application to continuous monitoring in biological fluids, withstanding interference from electrolytes, saccharides, and proteins colorimetrically identifying bovine serum pH over a physiological range. The holographic sensors benefit point-of-care pH analysis of biological analytes which could be applied to the identification of blood gas disorders and wound regeneration monitoring through colorimetric readouts.

Mixed connective tissue disease and idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: A rare but important association.

Idiopathic Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a fibro-inflammatory disease. In patients with known mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) it has rarely been described. Our case illustrates a unique presentation of RPF in a patient with MCTD. We emphasise possible links between the two disease processes and the high level of clinical suspicion required to make a diagnosis.

A three-dimensional microenvironment alters CD73 expression in cervical cancer.

Stem-like cells (CSCs) have a tumour-initiating capacity and play critical role in tumour metastasis, relapse and resistance to therapy. The ectoenzyme CD73, encoded by the NT5E gene, which catalyses the hydrolysis of AMP into adenosine, has been associated to an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, tumour cell adhesion and migration. Therefore, we investigated the expression and activity of CD73 in sphere-forming cells from cervical cancer in comparison to monolayer cells in vitro. In addition, in silico analysis was performed to determine the expression of CD73 and other members of purinergic signalling in CSC-like population derived from different tumour types in comparison to monolayer cells. CD73 protein expression levels and functionality in SiHa cells were analysed by flow cytometry and enzymatic assay, respectively. In silico investigation was performed through the analysis of seven datasets from different tumour types using GEO database. In vitro analysis showed a decreased CD73 protein expression and enzymatic activity in cervical spheres, when compared to monolayers. In addition, when sphere-derived cells are re-plated as monolayer culture, the CD73 expression and activity are restored. Supporting the in vitro results, in silico analysis showed that three-dimensional spheres derived from cervical, thyroid and breast cancer presented decreased expression of CD73, when compared to their adherent counterparts. The decreased expression of CD73 in sphere-derived cells or CSC-enriched population reinforce its important role in cell adhesion, tumour spreading ability and metastasis, suggesting CD73 as potential target to be further investigated in cervical cancer.

Lipid-core nanocapsules containing simvastatin improve the cognitive impairment induced by obesity and hypercholesterolemia in adult rats.

The development of cognitive impairment may be related to high levels of plasma cholesterol and obesity. Simvastatin (SV) and lovastatin (LV) are drugs that can potentially be used for the treatment of cognitive deficit. This study aimed to develop and characterize lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing SV (SV-LNC) or LV (LV-LNC), evaluating the effects of SV-LNC in an animal model of cognitive deficit. The formulations SV-LNC and LV-LNC presented a particle average size around 200 nm, a low-polydispersity index, and negative zeta potential. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy showed that there is no reaction among LNC components: LV was crystallized in the suspensions, and SV was molecularly dispersed. The encapsulation efficiency of the SV was high (98.9 ± 1.4%), while that of the LV was low (21.5 ± 1.5%).Based on these results, SV-LNC was used in the preclinical studies. Animals fed with a hyperlipidic diet (HD) developed obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and cognitive impairment, which was corroborated by the brain lesions indicated by histological analysis of some of the animals that received the high-fat diet. We observed that free simvastatin (CS3) was able to reduce the enzymatic activity of pyruvate kinase, an important enzyme for brain energy homeostasis, without affecting the memory of the animals that received a standard diet. However, it failed to improve the cognitive damage caused by a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats. On the other hand, when simvastatin is "camouflaged" in the lipid-core nanocapsules (HNS3), this cognitive impairment improves. Thus, SV-LNC is a promising alternative therapy for the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Simultaneous nanoencapsulation of lipoic acid and resveratrol with improved antioxidant properties for the skin.

Cutaneous aging is intimately related to redox imbalance, which is mainly caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure. The aim of the present investigation was to develop lipid-core nanocapsules for the co-nanoencapsulation of resveratrol and lipoic acid aiming to improve the chemical stability and photostability of the compounds, as well as their antioxidant properties. Lipid-core nanocapsules were developed and characterized according to their mean size, size distribution, zeta potential, pH value, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, release profile, stability under storage, photostability and skin permeation profile. In vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed by lipid peroxidation method and the in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay and cellular count, using BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts. It was possible to co-nanoencapsulate resveratrol and lipoic acid into particles of average diameter close to 200 nm, low polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiencies around 90 %. Nanoencapsulation increased the substances stability under storage and photostability under UVA light exposure, besides controlling substances release. The actives were able to permeate a skin model membrane when nanoencapsulated, with a faster permeation of lipoic acid. The antioxidant activity was potentiated by the co-nanoencapsulation of resveratrol and lipoic acid, without signs of cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. Therefore, the co-nanoencapsulation of resveratrol and lipoic acid is promising for application in topical formulations aiming antioxidant effects.

Lipid-core nanocapsules are an alternative to the pulmonary delivery and to increase the stability of statins.

Aims: Lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs) loaded with simvastatin (SV, SV-LNC) or lovastatin (LV, LV-LNC) were formulated for pulmonary administration. Methods: The LNC suspensions were characterized physicochemically, their stability was evaluated, and drug delivery by the pulmonary route was tested in vitro. Results: The loaded LNCs had a particle size close to 200 nm, a low polydispersity index, and a zeta potential around -20 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was high for SV (99.21 ± 0.7%) but low for LV (20.34 ± 1.2%). SV release from nanocapsules was slower than it was from SV in solution, with a monoexponential release profile, and the drug emitted and aerosol output rate was higher for SV-LNCs (1.58 µg/s) than for SV in suspension (0.54 µg/s). Conclusions: SV-LNCs had a median aerodynamic diameter of 3.51 µm and a highly respirable fraction (61.9%), indicating that nanoparticles are a suitable system for efficient delivery of simvastatin to the lung.

Azelaic acid-loaded nanoemulsion with hyaluronic acid - a new strategy to treat hyperpigmentary skin disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an azelaic acid (AzA)-loaded nanoemulsion with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a double targeting strategy to increase drug retention and tyrosinase inhibition activity. SIGNIFICANCE: Dermic melasma is a recalcitrant disease. Therefore, the development of new technologies that allow a deeper penetration in the skin while enhancing the efficacy of a safe and well-known dermatological active, like AzA, is a very promising alternative to improve the treatment of this disease. METHODS: An oil-in-water nanoemulsion was developed and characterized according to its droplet size distribution, zeta potential, pH value, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, spectroscopic characteristics, morphology, and stability. In vitro mushroom tyrosinase inhibition assay, cytotoxicity, and permeation studies were performed. A descriptive sensory evaluation was also carried out. RESULTS: Drug content was 10 mg/ml, particle size 419 ± 23 nm with monomodal distribution, encapsulation efficiency was 84.65%, zeta potential -10.9 ± 0.44 mV and pH 5.01 ± 0.01. The nanoemulsion was stable for 30 days (30 °C/65% RH). The nanoemulsion decreased tyrosinase activity and permeated through the skin, reaching viable epidermis and dermis and did not show signs of cytotoxicity. Sensory evaluation profile showed a higher spreadability with lesser whitening residue. CONCLUSION: The nanoemulsion presented characteristics within the nanoscale and reached the deeper layers of the skin while improving in vitro tyrosinase inhibition; hence, it could be a promising treatment to dermic melasma.

Idiopathic scrotal fat necrosis: an unusual cause of scrotal pain.

The clinical differential diagnosis of scrotal pain with a mass in a prepubertal boy is difficult. Often conditions such as testicular torsion and epididymo-orchitis are diagnosed. We present a rare cause of scrotal pain, idiopathic scrotal fat necrosis. This condition has a typical clinical presentation and ultrasound findings that have been described in a limited number of case reports. However, if it is diagnosed correctly and confirmed with ultrasound, we hope that people will be treated without surgical intervention. We present a case of scrotal wall necrosis and a literature review.

Cervical cancer stem-like cells: systematic review and identification of reference genes for gene expression.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Among many factors, the presence of cancer stem cells, a subpopulation of cells inside the tumor, has been associated with a worse prognosis. Considering the importance of gene expression studies to understand the biology of cervical cancer stem cells (CCSC), this work identifies stable reference genes for cervical cancer cell lines SiHa, HeLa, and ME180 as well as their respective cancer stem-like cells. A literature review was performed to identify validated reference genes currently used to normalize RT-qPCR data in cervical cancer cell lines. Then, cell lines were cultured in regular monolayer or in a condition that favors tumor sphere formation. RT-qPCR was performed using five reference genes: ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, and TBP. Stability was assessed to validate the selected genes as suitable reference genes. The evaluation validated B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, and TBP in these experimental conditions. Among them, GAPDH and TBP presented the lowest variability according to the analysis by Normfinder, Bestkeeper, and ΔCq methods, being therefore the most adequate genes to normalize the combination of all samples. These results suggest that B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, and TBP are suitable reference genes to normalize RT-qPCR data of established cervical cancer cell lines SiHa, HeLa, and ME180 as well as their derived cancer stem-like cells. Indeed, GAPDH and TBP seem to be the most convenient choices for studying gene expression in these cells in monolayers or spheres.

Circulating extracellular vesicles in the aging process: impact of aerobic exercise.

Our aim was to investigate transitory and delayed exercise effects on serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in aging process. Male Wistar rats of 3-, 21-, and 26-month old were allocated into exercised and sedentary groups. The exercise protocol consisted in a daily moderate treadmill exercise (20 min daily during 2 weeks). Trunk blood was collected 1 and 18 h after the last exercise session, and circulating EVs were obtained. CD63 levels and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were used as markers of exosome, a subtype of EVs. In addition, the quantification of amyloid-ß (Aß) levels and the oxidative status parameters, specifically reactive species content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and SOD1 content were evaluated. Aged rats showed reduced CD63 levels and increased AChE activity in circulating exosomes compared to young ones. Moreover, higher reactive species levels were found in circulating EVs of aged rats. Delayed exercise effects were observed on peripheral EVs, since CD63, reactive species content, and AChE activity were altered 18 h after the last exercise session. Our results suggest that the healthy aging process can modify circulating EVs profile, and exercise-induced beneficial effects may be related to its modulation on EVs.

DPPIV/CD26: a tumor suppressor or a marker of malignancy?

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) is a multifunctional protein with intrinsic peptidase activity that inactivates or degrades some bioactive peptides. It is the main cellular binding protein for ecto-adenosine deaminase and interacts with extracellular matrix proteins, besides participating in different signaling pathways. Due to these multiple functions, DPPIV/CD26 has been shown to be closely related to the tumor process. It has been reported that the progression of certain types of cancer is accompanied by a decrease in DPPIV/CD26 expression, and studies have shown that the malignant phenotype can be reverted when DPPIV/CD26 expression is induced in these cancer cells, characterizing this protein as a tumor suppressor. On the other hand, DPPIV/CD26 was described as a protein associated with invasion and metastatic spread, characterizing it as a marker of malignancy. Thus, this review explores the roles of DPPIV/CD26 expression in tumor progression in different types of cancer and demonstrates the importance of this protein as a promising therapeutic target and tumor biomarker.

CD26 a cancer stem cell marker and therapeutic target.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a tumor subpopulation responsible for tumor maintenance, resistance to chemotherapy, recurrence and metastasis. The identification of this cell group is very important, but there is still no consensus on its characterization. Several CSC markers have been described, like CD133, CD24, CD44 and ALDH1, but more research to identify new markers to facilitate the identification of CSC in a heterogeneous tumoral mass is required. Thus, this article describes the CD26 expression as a CSC marker and the role that it plays in different types of cancer. CD26 expression correlates with some characteristics of CSCs, like the formation of spheres in vitro, formation of new tumors, and resistance to chemotherapy. CD26 is therefore suggested as an auxiliary marker for CSC in different types of cancer, and as a potential therapeutic target.

Cognitive enrichment for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): evaluation of a novel underwater maze device.

Cognitive enrichment is gaining popularity as a tool to enhance captive animal well-being, but research on captive cetaceans is lacking. Dolphin cognition has been studied intensively since the 1950s, and several hundred bottlenose dolphins are housed in major zoos and aquaria worldwide, but most dolphin enrichment consists of simple floating objects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a novel, underwater maze device (UMD) was cognitively enriching for one group of male and one group of female dolphins at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, CA. The dolphin's task was to navigate a rubber ball through a maze of pipes, towards an exit pipe. We also tested a modification where an edible gelatine ball fell into the pool once the UMD was solved. The UMD was provided to each group between 8 and 11 times over a 4-week period. Male dolphins used the UMD without prior training, whereas females did not use the UMD at all. Two male dolphins solved the UMD 17 times, using a variety of problem-solving strategies. The UMD had no significant effect on circular (repetitive) swimming patterns, but males spent significantly more time underwater when the UMD was present. Males used the UMD significantly more when it contained the rubber ball, but the gelatine ball stimulated social play. The UMD is a safe and practical device for captive dolphins. It now requires further testing on other dolphins, particularly females, to in order to examine whether the sex differences we observed are a general phenomenon.

Antibiotics and probiotics in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Many experimental and clinical observations suggest that intestinal microflora plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Manipulation of the luminal content using antibiotics or probiotics represents a potentially effective therapeutic option. The available studies do not support the use of antibiotics in ulcerative colitis (UC). Antibiotics are effective in treating septic complications of Crohn's disease (CD) but their use as a primary therapy is more controversial, although this approach is frequently and successfully adopted in clinical practice. There is evidence that probiotic therapy may be effective in the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate UC. In contrast, a lack of successful study data at present precludes the widespread use of probiotics in the treatment of CD. Both antibiotics and probiotics appear to play a beneficial role in the treatment and prevention of pouchitis and further trials are warranted to fully quantify their clinical efficacy.