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1.
Acta Biomater ; 180: 104-114, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38583750

ABSTRACT

In the field of orthopedic surgery, there is an increasing need for the development of bone replacement materials for the treatment of bone defects. One of the main focuses of biomaterials engineering are advanced bioceramics like mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG´s). The present study compared the new bone formation after 12 weeks of implantation of MBG scaffolds with composition 82,5SiO2-10CaO-5P2O5-x 2.5SrO alone (MBGA), enriched with osteostatin, an osteoinductive peptide, (MBGO) or enriched with bone marrow aspirate (MBGB) in a long bone critical defect in radius bone of adult New Zealand rabbits. New bone formation from the MBG scaffold groups was compared to the gold standard defect filled with iliac crest autograft and to the unfilled defect. Radiographic follow-up was performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, and microCT and histologic examination were performed at 12 weeks. X-Ray study showed the highest bone formation scores in the group with the defect filled with autograft, followed by the MBGB group, in addition, the microCT study showed that bone within defect scores (BV/TV) were higher in the MBGO group. This difference could be explained by the higher density of newly formed bone in the osteostatin enriched MBG scaffold group. Therefore, MBG scaffold alone and enriched with osteostatin or bone marrow aspirate increase bone formation compared to defect unfilled, being higher in the osteostatin group. The present results showed the potential to treat critical bone defects by combining MBGs with osteogenic peptides such as osteostatin, with good prospects for translation into clinical practice. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment of bone defects without the capacity for self-repair is a global problem in the field of Orthopedic Surgery, as evidenced by the fact that in the U.S alone it affects approximately 100,000 patients per year. The gold standard of treatment in these cases is the autograft, but its use has limitations both in the amount of graft to be obtained and in the morbidity produced in the donor site. In the field of materials engineering, there is a growing interest in the development of a bone substitute equivalent. Mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG´s) scaffolds with three-dimensional architecture have shown great potential for use as a bone substitutes. The osteostatin-enriched Sr-MBG used in this long bone defect in rabbit radius bone in vivo study showed an increase in bone formation close to autograft, which makes us think that it may be an option to consider as bone substitute.


Subject(s)
Bone Substitutes , Glass , Tissue Scaffolds , Animals , Rabbits , Bone Substitutes/chemistry , Bone Substitutes/pharmacology , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Glass/chemistry , Porosity , Diaphyses/pathology , Diaphyses/diagnostic imaging , Diaphyses/drug effects , X-Ray Microtomography , Osteogenesis/drug effects , Ceramics/chemistry , Ceramics/pharmacology , Male , Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/pharmacology , Bone Regeneration/drug effects , Peptide Fragments
2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 7999, 2024 04 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38580713

ABSTRACT

The study of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evolutionary analyses is still in its incipient stage, however, it is particularly useful as it allows us to analyze detailed anatomical images and compare brains of rare or otherwise inaccessible species, evolutionarily contextualizing possible differences, while at the same time being non-invasive. A good example is the lungfishes, sarcopterygians that are the closest living relatives of tetrapods and thus have an interesting phylogenetic position in the evolutionary conquest of the terrestrial environment. In the present study, we have developed a three-dimensional representation of the brain of the lungfish Protopterus annectens together with a rostrocaudal anatomical atlas. This methodological approach provides a clear delineation of the major brain subdivisions of this model and allows to measure both brain and ventricular volumes. Our results confirm that lungfish show neuroanatomical patterns reminiscent of those of extant basal sarcopterygians, with an evaginated telencephalon, and distinctive characters like a small optic tectum. These and additional characters uncover lungfish as a remarkable model to understand the origins of tetrapod diversity, indicating that their brain may contain significant clues to the characters of the brain of ancestral tetrapods.


Subject(s)
Biological Evolution , Fishes , Animals , Phylogeny , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
3.
Biochem Pharmacol ; 223: 116177, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38552853

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases represents a major challenge in the developed world. Diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and arthritis have a high incidence and prevalence as a consequence of population aging, and they are also associated with a socioeconomic burden. Many efforts have been made to find a treatment for these diseases with various levels of success, but new approaches are still needed to deal with these pathologies. In this context, one peptide derived for the C-terminal extreme of the Parathormone related Peptide (PTHrP) called Osteostatin can be useful to treat musculoskeletal diseases. This pentapeptide (TRSAW) has demonstrated both in different in vitro and in vivo models, its role as a molecule with anti-resorptive, anabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-antioxidant properties. Our aim with this work is to review the Osteostatin main features, the knowledge of its mechanisms of action as well as its possible use for the treatment of osteoporosis, bone regeneration and fractures and against arthritis given its anti-inflammatory properties.


Subject(s)
Arthritis , Osteoporosis , Peptide Fragments , Humans , Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/pharmacology , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
4.
J Perinatol ; 44(3): 373-378, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38308011

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS) algorithms for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) have contributed towards decreasing neonatal mortality but cannot be applied at high altitudes. New POS algorithms at high altitudes are needed. METHODS: This observational, prospective study included newborns born at different altitudes from 0 to 4380 meters above the sea level in Peru. Healthy newborns underwent neonatal preductal and postductal oximetry, echocardiography and telephonic follow-up up to 12 months of age. Newborns with CCHD underwent preductal and postductal oximetry at the time of telemedicine evaluation while located at the high-altitude hospital where they were born, and their diagnoses were confirmed with echocardiography locally or after arriving to the referral center. Two new algorithms were designed using clinically accepted neonatal oximetry cutoffs or the 5th and 10th percentiles for preductal and postductal oximetry values. RESULTS: A total of 502 healthy newborns and 15 newborns with CCHD were enrolled. Echocardiography and telephonic follow-up were completed in 227 (45%) and 330 healthy newborns (65%), respectively. The algorithm based on clinically accepted cutoffs had a sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 73% and false positive rate of 27% The algorithm based on the 5th and 10th percentiles had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 88% and false positive rate of 12%. CONCLUSIONS: Two algorithms that detect CCHD at different altitudes had adequate performance but high false positive rates.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Heart Defects, Congenital , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Prospective Studies , Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnostic imaging , Oximetry , Neonatal Screening , Algorithms
5.
J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater ; 112(2): e35391, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38348754

ABSTRACT

Bone defects treatment may require the use of biomaterials that behave as a support and promote bone regeneration. Limitations associated with the use of autografts and allografts make it necessary to design new synthetic bone substitutes. Some of the most promising biomaterials currently under investigation are based on nanocarbonate hydroxyapatite (nCHA). In this study, we studied the bone-inducing capacity of nCHA-based scaffolds alone (SAG) and enriched with osteostatin (SAGO) or with bone marrow aspirate(SAGB) after implantation for 12 weeks in a 15-mm long critical defect performed in the radius of New Zealand rabbits. Bone formation obtained was compared with a group with the unfilled defect (CE), as control group, and other with the defect filed with iliac crest autograft (GS), as gold standard. X-ray follow-up was performed at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks and µCT and histological studies at 12 weeks. The radiological results showed a greater increment in bone formation in the GS group (75%-100%), followed by the SAG and SAGB groups (50%-75%). µCT results showed an increase of bone volume/tissue volume values in GS group followed by SAG and SAGB groups (0.53, 0.40, and 0.31 respectively) compared with CE group (0.26). Histological results showed limited resorption of the nCHA scaffolds and partial osseointegration in the SAG and SAGB groups. However, in the SAGO group, the presence of connective tissue encapsulating the scaffold was detected. In SAG, SAGB, and increase of bone formation were observed compared with CE group, but less than the GS group. Thus, the investigated materials represent a significant advance in the design of synthetic materials for bone grafting, but further studies are needed to bring their in vivo behavior closer to autograft, the gold standard.


Subject(s)
Durapatite , Radius , Rabbits , Animals , Durapatite/pharmacology , Radius/pathology , Tissue Scaffolds , Biocompatible Materials , Bone Regeneration
6.
Biomolecules ; 14(2)2024 Jan 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38397380

ABSTRACT

Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) of the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system are biocompatible materials with a quick and effective in vitro and in vivo bioactive response. MBGs can be enhanced by including therapeutically active ions in their composition, by hosting osteogenic molecules within their mesopores, or by decorating their surfaces with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In previous studies, our group showed that MBGs, ZnO-enriched and loaded with the osteogenic peptide osteostatin (OST), and MSCs exhibited osteogenic features under in vitro conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone repair capability after large bone defect treatment in distal femur osteoporotic rabbits using MBGs (76%SiO2-15%CaO-5%P2O5-4%ZnO (mol-%)) before and after loading with OST and MSCs from a donor rabbit. MSCs presence and/or OST in scaffolds significantly improved bone repair capacity at 6 and 12 weeks, as confirmed by variations observed in trabecular and cortical bone parameters obtained by micro-CT as well as histological analysis results. A greater effect was observed when OST and MSCs were combined. These findings may indicate the great potential for treating critical bone defects by combining MBGs with MSCs and osteogenic peptides such as OST, with good prospects for translation to clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein , Peptide Fragments , Zinc Oxide , Animals , Rabbits , Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Silicon Dioxide , Bone Regeneration , Cell Differentiation
7.
Acta Trop ; 250: 107092, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38065375

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Bolivia, leishmaniasis occurs mainly in the cutaneous form (CL) followed by the mucosal or mucocutaneous form (ML or MCL), grouped as tegumentary leishmaniosis (TL), while cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are rare. The cases of TL are routinely diagnosed by parasitological methods: Direct Parasitological Exam (DPE) and axenic culture, the latter being performed only by specialized laboratories. The aim of the present study was to optimize the parasitological diagnosis of TL in Bolivia, using two sampling methods. Samples from 117 patients with suspected TL, obtained by aspiration (n = 121) and scraping (n = 121) of the edge of the lesion were tested by: direct parasitological exam, culture in TSTB medium, and miniculture and microculture in Schneider's medium. A positive laboratory result by any of the four techniques evaluated using either of the two sampling methods was considered the gold standard. Of the 117 suspected patients included, TL was confirmed in 96 (82 %), corresponding 79 of the confirmed cases (82.3 %) to CL and 16 (16.7 %) to ML. Parasitological techniques specificity was 100 % and their analytical sensitivity was greater with scraping samples in TSTB culture (98 %). Scraping samples in TSTB and miniculture correlated well with the reference (Cohen's kappa coefficient=0.88) and showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient ≥0.91). Microculture provided positive results earlier than the other culture methods (mean day 4.5). By day 14, 98 % of positive cultures had been detected. Scraping sampling and miniculture were associated with higher culture contamination (6 % and 17 %, respectively). Bacterial contamination predominated, regardless of the sampling and culture method, while filamentous fungi and mixed contamination were more frequently observed in cultures from scraping samples. In conclusion: (i) scraping samples proved more suitable for the diagnosis of TL as they increased analytical sensitivity, are less traumatic for the patient and are safer for laboratory personnel than aspirates; (ii) culture, mainly in TSBT medium, should be used for the diagnosis of TL due to its high sensitivity (doubling the number of cases diagnosed by DPE) and its low cost compared to other culture media.


Subject(s)
Leishmania , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous , Leishmaniasis, Visceral , Leishmaniasis , Humans , Bolivia , Reproducibility of Results , Leishmaniasis/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology
8.
JBRA Assist Reprod ; 28(1): 54-58, 2024 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37962968

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and embryo parameters to predict embryo ploidy. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we studied 838 biopsied day-5 blastocysts from 219 patients in the period from May 2021 to July 2022. All embryos were morphologically classified before biopsy and were divided into two groups according to genetic test results. Euploid embryos (299) were compared with aneuploid embryos (539) based on maternal age, anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, and embryo morphology. RESULTS: Maternal age (36.2±3.0) of euploid embryos was lower than maternal age (37.1±2.5) of aneuploid embryos (p<0.0001). AMH levels were higher (3.9±1.2) in the group of euploid embryos than in the group of aneuploid embryos (3.6±1.3, p<0.0001). However, the AFC was not different in the group of euploid embryos (15.3±6.0) compared to the group of aneuploid embryos (14.5±5.9, p=0.07). The presence of aneuploidy was negatively correlated with top embryo quality (embryos 4AA and 4AB). All euploid embryos (299) were top quality versus 331 of 539 (61.49%) aneuploid embryos (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that euploid embryos were associated with lower maternal age, higher AMH levels, and higher quality embryos.


Subject(s)
Preimplantation Diagnosis , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Preimplantation Diagnosis/methods , Retrospective Studies , Maternal Age , Blastocyst , Aneuploidy
9.
J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs ; 31(2): 158-173, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37638556

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Though the evidence of the role of the arts in mental health is growing, no systematic review has focused on the impact of art groups in non-clinical settings in the process of recovery following the CHIME framework. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of engaging in community-based art groups in mental health recovery. METHOD: A search in five electronic databases for relevant research using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods published between 2000 and 2019 identified nine eligible studies. RESULTS: While there was great methodological heterogeneity, most studies were qualitative, used visual arts, facilitated by artists and assessed by mental health nurses, and took place in community locations or artistic venues. Quantitative outcomes, though few, provided evidence of increased well-being, and qualitative outcomes corresponded mostly with the recovery process of Connectedness. Additional outcomes related to the settings were a sense of safety and to the intervention: self-expression, development of skills and achievements, and the impact of final exhibitions and peer leadership. DISCUSSION: Studies should aim at prospective designs following mixed methods approaches, with larger and gender-sensitive samples, control groups and follow-up assessments, and evaluate cost-effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Community-based art groups which increase well-being and promote connectedness should be key in recovery-action planning.


Subject(s)
Art Therapy , Mental Health Recovery , Humans , Mental Health
11.
Gac Sanit ; 37: 102345, 2023.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38006664

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the psychometric properties of MoVac-flu scale in order to be used in Spanish. METHOD: The present research was an analytical observational study of cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Spanish of the MoVac-flu scale. It has been carried out between the months of March and July 2022. The sample size was 142 people who were obtained by consecutive sampling. The processes used for the adaptation have been translation, validation by a committee of experts, back-translation and pilot test. For validation, the psychometric properties of reliability, internal consistency, appearance validity, content validity, utility and ceiling-floor effect have been verified. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the MoVac-flu scale in its version translated into Spanish was high, showing a McDonald's ω of 0.914. CONCLUSIONS: The MoVac-flu scale in Spanish allows to measure the degree of motivation towards vaccination against influenza in the adult population.


Subject(s)
Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human , Adult , Humans , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Motivation , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires , Translations , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology , Treatment Adherence and Compliance/psychology
13.
Int J Ment Health Nurs ; 32(5): 1416-1428, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37403842

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization encourages mental health services to adopt a strategic intersectoral approach by acknowledging the potential of the arts and the value of culture on the process of mental health recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of participatory arts in museums on mental health recovery. A quasi-experimental, pre-post and multicentre study was carried out. By using a mixed methods evaluation at baseline and at 3 months, quantitative outcome measures were used to assess the changes in recovery and social support and qualitative interviews to explore the self-perceived impact on five processes of recovery. One hundred mental health service users participated for 3 years in the face-to-face programme RecuperArte, of which the data of 54 were analysed. The results indicate a significant increase in recovery measured with the QPR-15-SP (42 vs. 44; p = 0.034) and almost significant in functional social support measured with the DUKE-UNC (41.50 vs. 43.50; p = 0.052), with almost large (r = 0.29) and medium (r = 0.26) effect sizes, respectively. Participants perceived mostly an impact on the recovery process of Meaning in life 30/54 (55.56%), Hope and optimism about the future 29/54 (53.7%) and Connectedness 21/54 (38.89%), followed by Identity 6/54 (11.11%) and Empowerment 5/54 (9.26%). The findings contribute to the growing evidence of the potential of the arts as a therapeutic tool, the value of museums as therapeutic spaces and the role of nurses in intersectoral coordination, between the mental health and cultural sectors, as facilitators and researchers of these evidence-based practices.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Mental Health Recovery , Mental Health Services , Humans , Mental Disorders/therapy , Mental Disorders/psychology , Museums , Mental Health
14.
Front Psychol ; 14: 1178341, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37484089

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Reliable and valid instruments are needed to measure the impact of mental health services and programs on the journeys of recovery of service users. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the cross-culturally adapted 15-item Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery in Spain (QPR-15-SP). Methods: One hundred and ten participants from three locations in Spain (Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid), who were users of primary and specialized mental health services, were interviewed from October 2021 to June 2022. Results: The internal consistency obtained was excellent: ω =.93 and α =.92. Temporal reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients was moderate (ICC=.684, p <.000). Regarding convergent validity, the QPR-15-SP had a moderate correlation with the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) (ρ =-.500, p <.000), a Visual Numeric Recovery Scale (VNRS) (ρ =.591, p <.000), and the Stages of Recovery Instrument (STORI) (r =.566, p <.000). Correlations between advanced stages of recovery and higher QPR-15-SP scores were found (Moratorium: ρ =-.579, p <.000; Awareness: ρ =-.130, p =.189; Preparation: r =-.043, P=.665; Rebuilding: r =.460, p <.000; Growth: ρ =.697, p <.000). In terms of divergent validity, the QPR-15-SP had low correlation with the DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support Scale (ρ =.273, p <.005). The confirmatory factor analysis of the 1-factor structure obtained reasonable goodness of fit indexes. Discussion: The QPR-15-SP has acceptable psychometric properties, providing support for measuring recovery in Spain and allowing international comparison research.

15.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 13(12)2023 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37368258

ABSTRACT

Vaccines represent one of the most significant advancements in public health since they prevented morbidity and mortality in millions of people every year. Conventionally, vaccine technology focused on either live attenuated or inactivated vaccines. However, the application of nanotechnology to vaccine development revolutionized the field. Nanoparticles emerged in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry as promising vectors to develop future vaccines. Regardless of the striking development of nanoparticles vaccines research and the variety of conceptually and structurally different formulations proposed, only a few of them advanced to clinical investigation and usage in the clinic so far. This review covered some of the most important developments of nanotechnology applied to vaccine technologies in the last few years, focusing on the successful race for the preparation of lipid nanoparticles employed in the successful anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

16.
Sci Adv ; 9(26): eadf2860, 2023 06 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37390209

ABSTRACT

Cell cycle dysregulation is prerequisite for cancer formation. However, it is unknown whether the mode of dysregulation affects disease characteristics. Here, we conduct comprehensive analyses of cell cycle checkpoint dysregulation using patient data and experimental investigations. We find that ATM mutation predisposes the diagnosis of primary estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor (HER)2- cancer in older women. Conversely, CHK2 dysregulation induces formation of metastatic, premenopausal ER+/HER2- breast cancer (P = 0.001) that is treatment-resistant (HR = 6.15, P = 0.01). Lastly, while mutations in ATR alone are rare, ATR/TP53 co-mutation is 12-fold enriched over expected in ER+/HER2- disease (P = 0.002) and associates with metastatic progression (HR = 2.01, P = 0.006). Concordantly, ATR dysregulation induces metastatic phenotypes in TP53 mutant, not wild-type, cells. Overall, we identify mode of cell cycle dysregulation as a distinct event that determines subtype, metastatic potential, and treatment responsiveness, providing rationale for reconsidering diagnostic classification through the lens of the mode of cell cycle dysregulation..


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Aged , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Epidermal Growth Factor , Cell Cycle/genetics , Cell Division , Mutation , Receptors, Estrogen
17.
Acta Biomater ; 166: 655-669, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37142110

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology-based approaches are emerging as promising strategies to treat different bone pathologies such as infection, osteoporosis or cancer. To this end, several types of nanoparticles are being investigated, including those based on mesoporous bioactive glasses (MGN) which exhibit exceptional structural and textural properties and whose biological behaviour can be improved by including therapeutic ions in their composition and loading them with biologically active substances. In this study, the bone regeneration capacity and antibacterial properties of MGNs in the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system were evaluated before and after being supplemented with 2.5% or 4% ZnO and loaded with curcumin. in vitro studies with preosteoblastic cells and mesenchymal stem cells allowed determining the biocompatible MGNs concentrations range. Moreover, the bactericidal effect of MGNs with zinc and curcumin against S. aureus was demonstrated, as a significant reduction of bacterial growth was detected in both planktonic and sessile states and the degradation of a pre-formed bacterial biofilm in the presence of the nanoparticles also occurred. Finally, MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells and S. aureus were co-cultured to investigate competitive colonisation between bacteria and cells in the presence of the MGNs. Preferential colonisation and survival of osteoblasts and effective inhibition of both bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation of S. aureus in the co-culture system were detected. Our study demonstrated the synergistic antibacterial effect of zinc ions combined with curcumin and the enhancement of the bone regeneration characteristics of MGNs containing zinc and curcumin to obtain systems capable of simultaneously promoting bone regeneration and controlling infection. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In search of a new approach to regenerate bone and fight infections, a nanodevice based on mesoporous SiO2-CaO-P2O5 glass nanoparticles enriched with Zn2+ ions and loaded with curcumin was designed. This study demonstrates the synergistic effect of the simultaneous presence of zinc ions and curcumin in the nanoparticles that significantly reduces the bacterial growth in planktonic state and is capable to degrade pre-formed S. aureus biofilms whereas the nanosystem exhibits a cytocompatible behaviour in the presence of preosteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Based on these results, the designed nanocarrier represents a promising alternative for the treatment of acute and chronic infections in bone tissues, while avoiding the significant current problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.


Subject(s)
Curcumin , Nanoparticles , Curcumin/pharmacology , Silicon Dioxide/chemistry , Zinc/pharmacology , Staphylococcus aureus , Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Bone and Bones , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Ions , Glass/chemistry
18.
Science ; 380(6642): 260-265, 2023 04 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37079694

ABSTRACT

Sleep is a crucial part of the daily activity patterns of mammals. However, in marine species that spend months or entire lifetimes at sea, the location, timing, and duration of sleep may be constrained. To understand how marine mammals satisfy their daily sleep requirements while at sea, we monitored electroencephalographic activity in wild northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) diving in Monterey Bay, California. Brain-wave patterns showed that seals took short (less than 20 minutes) naps while diving (maximum depth 377 meters; 104 sleeping dives). Linking these patterns to accelerometry and the time-depth profiles of 334 free-ranging seals (514,406 sleeping dives) revealed a North Pacific sleepscape in which seals averaged only 2 hours of sleep per day for 7 months, rivaling the record for the least sleep among all mammals, which is currently held by the African elephant (about 2 hours per day).


Subject(s)
Brain , Seals, Earless , Sleep , Animals , Brain/physiology , Seals, Earless/physiology , Time Factors
19.
J Comp Neurol ; 531(11): 1126-1146, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37071579

ABSTRACT

Islet-1 (Isl1) is one of the most conserved transcription factors in the evolution of vertebrates, due to its continuing involvement in such important functions as the differentiation of motoneurons, among other essential roles in cell fate in the forebrain. Although its functions are thought to be similar in all vertebrates, the knowledge about the conservation of its expression pattern in the central nervous system goes as far as teleosts, leaving the basal groups of actinopterygian fishes overlooked, despite their important phylogenetic position. In order to assess the extent of its conservation among vertebrates, we studied its expression pattern in the central nervous system of selected nonteleost actinopterygian fishes. By means of immunohistochemical techniques, we analyzed the Isl1 expression in the brain, spinal cord, and sensory ganglia of the cranial nerves of young adult specimens of the cladistian species Polypterus senegalus and Erpetoichthys calabaricus, the chondrostean Acipenser ruthenus, and the holostean Lepisosteus oculatus. We also detected the presence of the transcription factor Orthopedia and the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to better locate all the immunoreactive structures in the different brain areas and to reveal the possible coexpression with Isl1. Numerous conserved features in the expression pattern of Isl1 were observed in these groups of fishes, such as populations of cells in the subpallial nuclei, preoptic area, subparaventricular and tuberal hypothalamic regions, prethalamus, epiphysis, cranial motor nuclei and sensory ganglia of the cranial nerves, and the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Double labeling of TH and Isl1 was observed in cells of the preoptic area, the subparaventricular and tuberal hypothalamic regions, and the prethalamus, while virtually all motoneurons in the hindbrain and the spinal cord coexpressed ChAT and Isl1. Altogether, these results show the high degree of conservation of the expression pattern of the transcription factor Isl1, not only among fish, but in the subsequent evolution of vertebrates.


Subject(s)
Brain , Central Nervous System , Animals , Phylogeny , Central Nervous System/metabolism , Brain/metabolism , Fishes/metabolism , Choline O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism , Prosencephalon/metabolism , Cholinergic Agents/metabolism , Transcription Factors/metabolism
20.
Brain Struct Funct ; 228(3-4): 921-945, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37002478

ABSTRACT

Satb1 and Satb2 belong to a family of homeodomain proteins with highly conserved functional and regulatory mechanisms and posttranslational modifications in evolution. However, although their distribution in the mouse brain has been analyzed, few data exist in other non-mammalian vertebrates. In the present study, we have analyzed in detail the sequence of SATB1 and SATB2 proteins and the immunolocalization of both, in combination with additional neuronal markers of highly conserved populations, in the brain of adult specimens of different bony fish models at key evolutionary points of vertebrate diversification, in particular including representative species of sarcopterygian and actinopterygian fishes. We observed a striking absence of both proteins in the pallial region of actinopterygians, only detected in lungfish, the only sarcopterygian fish. In the subpallium, including the amygdaloid complex, or comparable structures, we identified that the detected expressions of SATB1 and SATB2 have similar topologies in the studied models. In the caudal telencephalon, all models showed significant expression of SATB1 and SATB2 in the preoptic area, including the acroterminal domain of this region, where the cells were also dopaminergic. In the alar hypothalamus, all models showed SATB2 but not SATB1 in the subparaventricular area, whereas in the basal hypothalamus the cladistian species and the lungfish presented a SATB1 immunoreactive population in the tuberal hypothalamus, also labeled with SATB2 in the latter and colocalizing with the gen Orthopedia. In the diencephalon, all models, except the teleost fish, showed SATB1 in the prethalamus, thalamus and pretectum, whereas only lungfish showed also SATB2 in prethalamus and thalamus. At the midbrain level of actinopterygian fish, the optic tectum, the torus semicircularis and the tegmentum harbored populations of SATB1 cells, whereas lungfish housed SATB2 only in the torus and tegmentum. Similarly, the SATB1 expression in the rhombencephalic central gray and reticular formation was a common feature. The presence of SATB1 in the solitary tract nucleus is a peculiar feature only observed in non-teleost actinopterygian fishes. At these levels, none of the detected populations were catecholaminergic or serotonergic. In conclusion, the protein sequence analysis revealed a high degree of conservation of both proteins, especially in the functional domains, whereas the neuroanatomical pattern of SATB1 and SATB2 revealed significant differences between sarcopterygians and actinopterygians, and these divergences may be related to the different functional involvement of both in the acquisition of various neural phenotypes.


Subject(s)
Brain , Fishes , Animals , Mice , Brain/metabolism , Fishes/metabolism , Dopamine/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Thalamus
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