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1.
Am J Nurs ; 2024 Sep 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39259867

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To improve patient safety, hospitals use alarm notification systems to increase nurses' real-time situational awareness of a patient's condition. Such alarms are critical to nurses' clinical decision-making and prioritization, thus helping to improve patient care and care efficiency. But the frequent and often simultaneous ringing of alarms, including many that are false, nonemergent, or nonactionable, has led to overwhelm, alarm distrust, and desensitization, resulting in alarm fatigue. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore oncology nurses' lived experiences with alarms and the adaptive and maladaptive strategies they use to cope with alarm fatigue. METHODS: This qualitative, phenomenological study was guided by the theoretical framework of the Roy Adaptation Model. A purposive sample of nine nurses was recruited from two oncology units at a large midwestern Magnet hospital in the United States. Qualitative data were collected using a six-question, semistructured interview guide. Interviews were conducted either face-to-face in a private conference room on the unit or via the online videoconferencing platform Zoom. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded five themes, the most prominent being the high volume and frequency of alarms. Nurse participants reported adopting more maladaptive than adaptive coping strategies. Overall, they felt that the high frequency of false, nonemergent, and nonactionable alarms disrupted their workflow and contributed to a general desensitization to alarms. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings offer valuable insight into the problem of alarm fatigue among nurses. Practical measures are urgently needed to reduce nurses' cognitive overload; shift nonnursing responsibilities to other staff; and implement efficiency-focused process changes, such as reengineering workflows to minimize interruptions. Every effort should be made to redesign protocols to reduce alarm fatigue, including by decreasing the number of false, nonemergent, and nonactionable calls and alarms.

2.
Vaccine ; 42(26): 126321, 2024 Sep 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39260057

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Monovalent rotavirus vaccine substantially reduced rotavirus disease burden after introduction (May 2014) in Madagascar. We examined the effectiveness and long-term impact on acute watery diarrhea and rotavirus-related hospitalizations among children <5 years old at two hospitals in Antananarivo, Madagascar (2010-2022). METHODS: We used a test-negative case-control design to estimate monovalent rotavirus vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed rotavirus hospitalizations among children age 6-23 months with documented vaccination status adjusted for year of symptom onset, rotavirus season, age group, nutritional status, and clinical severity. To evaluate the impact, we expanded to children age 0-59 months with acute watery diarrhea. First, we used admission logbook data to compare the proportion of all hospitalizations attributed to diarrhea in the pre-vaccine (January 2010-December 2013), transition period (January 2014-December 2014), and post-vaccine (January 2015-December 2022) periods. Second, we used active surveillance data (June 2013-May 2022) to describe rotavirus positivity and detected genotypes by vaccine introduction period and surveillance year (1 June-31 May). RESULT: Adjusted VE of at least one dose against hospitalization due to rotavirus diarrhea among children age 6-23 months was 61 % (95 % CI: -39 %-89 %). The annual median proportion of hospitalizations attributed to diarrhea declined from 28 % in the pre-vaccine to 10 % in the post-vaccine period. Rotavirus positivity among hospitalized children age 0-59 months with acute watery diarrhea was substantially higher during the pre-vaccine (59 %) than the post-vaccine (23 %) period. In the pre-vaccine period, G3P[8] (76 %) and G2P[4] (12 %) were the dominant genotypes detected. Although genotypes varied by surveillance year, G1P[8] and G2P[4] represented >50 % of the genotypes detected post-introduction. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus vaccine has been successfully implemented in Madagascar's routine childhood immunization program and had a large impact on rotavirus disease burden, supporting continued use of rotavirus vaccines in Madagascar.

3.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 15: 1413810, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38952395

ABSTRACT

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) are a common type of lesion found in the sellar or suprasellar area. They are usually monitored clinically, but in some cases, surgery may be required. However, their natural progression is not yet well understood, and the outcomes of surgery are uncertain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the natural history of Rathke's cleft cysts in patients who are clinically monitored without treatment, and to determine the outcomes of surgery and the incidence of recurrences over time. Design and patients: National multicentric study of patients diagnosed of Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC- Spain) from 2000 onwards and followed in 15 tertiary centers of Spain. A total of 177 patients diagnosed of RCC followed for 67.3 months (6-215) and 88 patients who underwent surgery, (81 patients underwent immediate surgery after diagnosis and 7 later for subsequent growth) followed for 68.8 months (3-235). Results: The cyst size remained stable or decreased in 73.5% (133) of the patients. Only 44 patients (24.3%) experienced a cyst increase and 9 of them (5.1%) experienced an increase greater than 3 mm. In most of the patients who underwent surgery headaches and visual alterations improved, recurrence was observed in 8 (9.1%) after a median time of 96 months, and no predictors of recurrence were discovered. Conclusions: Rathke's cleft cysts without initial compressive symptoms have a low probability of growth, so conservative management is recommended. Patients who undergo transsphenoidal surgery experience rapid clinical improvement, and recurrences are infrequent. However, they can occur after a long period of time, although no predictors of recurrence have been identified.


Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Cysts , Humans , Central Nervous System Cysts/surgery , Central Nervous System Cysts/pathology , Female , Male , Spain/epidemiology , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Treatment Outcome , Aged , Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery , Pituitary Neoplasms/pathology , Disease Progression , Follow-Up Studies , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Child
4.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 177: 117051, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38959608

ABSTRACT

Due to the limitations of the current skin wound treatments, it is highly valuable to have a wound healing formulation that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical properties of natural skin tissue. Here, a novel biomimetic hydrogel formulation has been developed based on a mixture of Agarose-Collagen Type I (AC) combined with skin ECM-related components: Dermatan sulfate (DS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), and Elastin (EL) for its application in skin tissue engineering (TE). Different formulations were designed by combining AC hydrogels with DS, HA, and EL. Cell viability, hemocompatibility, physicochemical, mechanical, and wound healing properties were investigated. Finally, a bilayered hydrogel loaded with fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells was developed using the Ag-Col I-DS-HA-EL (ACDHE) formulation. The ACDHE hydrogel displayed the best in vitro results and acceptable physicochemical properties. Also, it behaved mechanically close to human native skin and exhibited good cytocompatibility. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis revealed a porous microstructure that allows the maintenance of cell growth and ECM-like structure production. These findings demonstrate the potential of the ACDHE hydrogel formulation for applications such as an injectable hydrogel or a bioink to create cell-laden structures for skin TE.


Subject(s)
Biomimetic Materials , Hydrogels , Tissue Engineering , Hydrogels/chemistry , Humans , Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Biomimetic Materials/pharmacology , Tissue Engineering/methods , Cell Survival/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry , Hyaluronic Acid/pharmacology , Wound Healing/drug effects , Collagen Type I/metabolism , Skin/drug effects , Skin/metabolism , Dermatan Sulfate/chemistry , Dermatan Sulfate/pharmacology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Elastin/chemistry , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Biomimetics/methods , Sepharose/chemistry , Dermis/drug effects , Dermis/metabolism , Dermis/cytology , Animals
5.
Clin Infect Dis ; 79(2): 420-429, 2024 Aug 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38769593

ABSTRACT

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a safe, noninvasive technique performed at the patient's bedside, providing immediate results to the operator. It complements physical examination and facilitates clinical decision-making. In infectious diseases, POCUS is particularly valuable, offering an initial assessment in cases of suspected infection. It often leads to an early tentative diagnosis enabling the prompt initiation of antimicrobial treatment without the delay associated with traditional radiology. POCUS provides direct visualization of affected organs, assists in evaluating fluid balance, and facilitates various interventions, all while reducing patient discomfort. For infectious disease specialists, becoming proficient in POCUS is a critical future challenge, requiring dedicated training for effective utilization.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases , Point-of-Care Systems , Ultrasonography , Humans , Ultrasonography/methods , Communicable Diseases/diagnostic imaging
6.
Neurol Clin Pract ; 14(4): e200315, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38808023

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Mortality index is the ratio of observed-to-expected mortality. Accurate and thorough documentation of patient comorbidities and conditions is the key determinant of neuroscience expected mortality. In this study, we focused on reviewing neuroscience documentation, as optimizing mortality index provides accurate assessment of the quality of care provided, improves service-line rankings, and affects reimbursement. Methods: We assembled an interprofessional team of a neurologist and clinical documentation integrity (CDI) specialists to review clinical documentation of all mortalities from the neuroscience service lines at a tertiary academic medical center over 9 months. We identified common documentation opportunities among high acuity neuroscience patients to improve accuracy of expected mortality. Using the mortality risk adjustment method from Vizient Inc., we compared baseline and postreview expected mortality. Results: We reviewed 70 mortality charts over a 9-month period. Opportunities to improve documentation were present in 60%. Common underreported comorbidities included aspiration pneumonia, shock, encephalopathy, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic disorder due to anticoagulation, and nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The number of diagnoses identified per patient that affected mortality increased between the first and last quarter from 4.3 to 7.8 (p < 0.0001). Physician-identified additional diagnoses per patient decreased from 1.0 to 0.3 (p = 0.0037), as CDI specialists had increased capture of neuroscience specific diagnoses throughout the intervention. The average expected mortality significantly increased from baseline 0.33 to 0.42 (p < 0.0001). Discussion: Collaboration between physicians and CDI specialists optimizes expected mortality by identification of common gaps in documentation specific to neuroscience patients. Neurologist engagement is beneficial in CDI and lays the framework for clinical documentation education for neurology physicians.

7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38662335

ABSTRACT

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is considered one of the most advanced tools to build up materials for tissue engineering. The aim of this work was the design, development and characterization of a bioink composed of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) for extrusion through nozzles to create these 3D structures that might potentially be apply to replace the function of damaged natural tissue. In this study, we focused on the advantages and the wide potential of biocompatible biomaterials, such as hyaluronic acid and alginate for the inclusion of hMSC. The bioink was characterized for its physical (pH, osmolality, degradation, swelling, porosity, surface electrical properties, conductivity, and surface structure), mechanical (rheology and printability) and biological (viability and proliferation) properties. The developed bioink showed high porosity and high swelling capacity, while the degradation rate was dependent on the temperature. The bioink also showed negative electrical surface and appropriate rheological properties required for bioprinting. Moreover, stress-stability studies did not show any sign of physical instability. The developed bioink provided an excellent environment for the promotion of the viability and growth of hMSC cells. Our work reports the first-time study of the effect of storage temperature on the cell viability of bioinks, besides showing that our bioink promoted a high cell viability after being extruded by the bioprinter. These results support the suggestion that the developed hMSC-composed bioink fulfills all the requirements for tissue engineering and can be proposed as a biological tool with potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

8.
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis ; 43(5): 999-1002, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38376633

ABSTRACT

This case report details the management of a 79-year-old male with recurrent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus capitis bacteremia and endocarditis. The patient's clinical journey encompassed multiple hospital admissions, with challenges in managing endocarditis, pacemaker replacements, and potential cutaneous sources of infection. The treatment regimen included intravenous antibiotic therapy during hospitalization and suppressive antibiotic treatment upon discharge, alongside a decolonization strategy for his scalp lesions.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Bacteremia , Endocarditis, Bacterial , Staphylococcus capitis , Humans , Male , Aged , Bacteremia/drug therapy , Bacteremia/microbiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Endocarditis, Bacterial/drug therapy , Endocarditis, Bacterial/microbiology , Endocarditis, Bacterial/diagnosis , Staphylococcus capitis/drug effects , Staphylococcus capitis/isolation & purification , Staphylococcus capitis/genetics , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , Staphylococcal Infections/diagnosis , Recurrence
9.
Medicina (B Aires) ; 84(1): 125-137, 2024.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38271939

ABSTRACT

The Argentine Osteoporosis Society convened renowned specialists in the care of transgender people to prepare the first local position on the evaluation of bone health in this population. Law 26.743 on "Gender Identity" recognize all identities and guarantees free care throughout the health system. The impact of different gender affirmation treatments on bone mass has been topic of international debate. To date the evidence remains limited and different societies have issued suggestions and recommendations. For this reason, we believe it is relevant to mention our experience, capturing through this document a series of suggestions to be used in medical care.


La Sociedad Argentina de Osteoporosis convocó a especialistas reconocidos en la atención de personas transgénero para la elaboración del primer posicionamiento local sobre la evaluación de la salud ósea en esta población. La ley 26.743 de "Identidad de género" reconoce todas las identidades y garantiza su atención de manera gratuita en el sistema de salud. El impacto de los diferentes tratamientos de afirmación de género sobre la masa ósea ha sido tópico de debate internacional. Hasta la fecha la evidencia sigue siendo limitada y diferentes sociedades han emitido sugerencias y recomendaciones. Por tal motivo, creemos relevante mencionar nuestra experiencia plasmando mediante este documento una serie de sugerencias para ser utilizadas en la atención médica.


Subject(s)
Osteoporosis , Transgender Persons , Humans , Bone Density , Gender Identity , Osteoporosis/diagnosis
10.
Medicina (B.Aires) ; 84(1): 125-137, 2024. graf
Article in Spanish | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1558457

ABSTRACT

Resumen La Sociedad Argentina de Osteoporosis convocó a especialistas reconocidos en la atención de personas transgénero para la elaboración del primer posiciona miento local sobre la evaluación de la salud ósea en esta población. La ley 26.743 de "Identidad de género" reco noce todas las identidades y garantiza su atención de manera gratuita en el sistema de salud. El impacto de los diferentes tratamientos de afirmación de género sobre la masa ósea ha sido tópico de debate internacional. Hasta la fecha la evidencia sigue siendo limitada y diferentes sociedades han emitido sugerencias y recomendaciones. Por tal motivo, creemos relevante mencionar nuestra experiencia plasmando mediante este documento una serie de sugerencias para ser utilizadas en la atención médica.


Abstract The Argentine Osteoporosis Society convened renowned specialists in the care of transgender people to prepare the first local position on the evaluation of bone health in this population. Law 26.743 on "Gender Identity" recognize all identities and guarantees free care throughout the health system. The impact of different gender affirmation treatments on bone mass has been topic of international debate. To date the evidence remains limited and different societies have issued suggestions and recommendations. For this reason, we believe it is relevant to mention our experience, capturing through this document a series of suggestions to be used in medical care.

11.
Pediatr. aten. prim ; 25(100): 411-414, Oct.-Dic. 2023. tab
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-228832

ABSTRACT

La sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) es una entidad escasamente comprendida y controvertida. La SQM es un síndrome polisintomático y multisistémico. Los sujetos con SQM muestran una sintomatología compleja debido a la intolerancia a los agentes químicos. Los síntomas incluyen malestar general, inestabilidad cardiovascular, irritación de órganos de los sentidos, desórdenes respiratorios, con hipersensibilidad que afecta a piel, recubrimiento epitelial de intestino, garganta y pulmones. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 8 años, valorada por sensibilización química con síntomas inhalatorios y faríngeos, conjuntivitis, disfonía y accesos de tos con sensación de dificultad respiratoria. El seguimiento se ha realizado durante 6 años, durante los cuales se ha repetido el test inhalatorio en dos ocasiones con los mismos resultados concluyentes para el diagnóstico de SQM. El caso comunicado reúne los criterios de SQM, siendo excepcional el inicio de los síntomas a una edad tan temprana. (AU)


Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a controversial little understood entity. MCS is a multisystem and poly-symptomatic syndrome. MCS subjects display a complex symptomatology due to the intolerance of chemical agents. Symptoms include general discomfort, cardiovascular instability, sensory organs irritation, breath disorders, hypersensitivity affecting the skin and epithelial lining of the gut, throat and lungs. We report the case of an 8 years old female, assessed in medical consultation for chemical sensitization when presenting inhalation and pharyngeal symptoms, conjunctivitis, dysphonia, coughing spells and respiratory distress. A 6-year follow-up was carried out and the provocation inhaler test which was performed twice among that period obtained the same conclusive results for the diagnosis of MCS. The case submitted meets the criterion of MCS, being exceptional a debut of the symptons at such an early age. (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Child , Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/diagnosis , Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/therapy , Olfaction Disorders
12.
Cureus ; 15(11): e48735, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38094526

ABSTRACT

Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of diarrhea in hospitalized adult patients. This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, clinical cure, recurrence and mortality in patients with CDI treated with either fidaxomicin or vancomycin. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients with CDI treated with either fidaxomicin or vancomycin at a hospital from January 2019 to March 2022. Results We assessed 140 patients with CDI episodes, 70 patients treated with fidaxomicin and 70 with vancomycin. Seventy (50%) were male. Median age was 70 years old (IQR: 56-81). Fidaxomicin group had more recurrent CDI episodes within six months (59% vs 11%, p ≤ 0.001), more severity (43% vs 16%, p ≤ 0.001) and less treatment response (84% vs 100%, p ≤ 0.002) compared with vancomycin group. Recurrence and mortality rates in the follow-up period did not differ in both groups. Conclusions Our study found fidaxomicin treatment had worse outcomes due to restricted usage, potentially impacting its effectiveness in CDI. This finding is especially significant for patients with severe or recurrent CDI, as prescribing of the drug was limited until May 2022 in Spain with the lifting of this restriction, further research is necessary to better understand the potential benefits of fidaxomicin in treating CDI.

13.
Arch Rheumatol ; 38(4): 542-548, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38125061

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and serological profile in systemic sclerosis (SSc) by comparing females and males. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 215 SSc patients (193 females, 22 males; mean age: 50.1±14.5 years; range, 16 to 88 years) between September 2005 and September 2020. Disease severity was calculated by the Medsger severity score. Males and females were compared for clinical and serological markers. Results: Females more frequently had esophageal involvement (p=0.003), telangiectasias (p=0.03), and antinuclear antibodies (p=0.04). Males more frequently had fingertip scars (p=0.03), digital ulcers (p=0.006), and a worse median Medsger severity score (6 in males vs. 4 in females, p=0.05). Conclusion: In the studied sample, males had more severe disease than females with greater repercussions in periferic circulatory system.

14.
Int J Pharm ; 647: 123535, 2023 Nov 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37865132

ABSTRACT

Wound healing is a natural physiological reaction to tissue injury. Hydrogels show attractive advantages in wound healing not only due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility and permeability but also because provide an excellent environment for cell migration and proliferation. The main objective of the present study was the design and characterization of a hydrogel loaded with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) for use in would healing of superficial skin injures. Poloxamer 407® was used as biocompatible biomaterial to embed hMSCs. The developed hydrogel containing 20 % (w/w) of polymer resulted in the best formulation with respect to physical, mechanical, morphological and biological properties. Its high swelling capacity confirmed the hydrogel's capacity to absorb wounds' exudate. LIVE/DEAD® assay confirm that hMSCs remained viable for at least 48 h when loaded into the hydrogels. Adding increasing concentrations of hMSCs-loaded hydrogel to the epithelium did not affect keratinocytes' viability and healing capacity and all wound area was closed in less than one day. Our study opens opportunities to exploit poloxamer hydrogels as cell carriers for the treatment of skin superficial wound.


Subject(s)
Hydrogels , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Humans , Poloxamer , Wound Healing , Skin
15.
J Cell Sci ; 136(11)2023 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37288673

ABSTRACT

Gap junction channels, composed of connexins, allow direct cell-to-cell communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43; also known as GJA1) is widely expressed in tissues, including the epidermis. In a previous study of human papillomavirus-positive cervical epithelial tumour cells, we identified Cx43 as a binding partner of the human homologue of Drosophila Discs large (Dlg1; also known as SAP97). Dlg1 is a member of the membrane associated-guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffolding protein family, which is known to control cell shape and polarity. Here, we show that Cx43 also interacts with Dlg1 in uninfected keratinocytes in vitro and in keratinocytes, dermal cells and adipocytes in normal human epidermis in vivo. Depletion of Dlg1 in keratinocytes did not alter Cx43 transcription but was associated with a reduction in Cx43 protein levels. Reduced Dlg1 levels in keratinocytes resulted in a reduction in Cx43 at the plasma membrane with a concomitant reduction in gap junctional intercellular communication and relocation of Cx43 to the Golgi compartment. Our data suggest a key role for Dlg1 in maintaining Cx43 at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes.


Subject(s)
Connexin 43 , Discs Large Homolog 1 Protein , Keratinocytes , Humans , Cell Communication , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Connexin 43/genetics , Connexin 43/metabolism , Gap Junctions/metabolism , Guanylate Kinases/metabolism , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Discs Large Homolog 1 Protein/genetics , Discs Large Homolog 1 Protein/metabolism
16.
Nutrients ; 15(6)2023 Mar 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36986062

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, generating pain, disability, and socioeconomic costs worldwide. Currently there are no approved disease-modifying drugs for OA, and safety concerns have been identified with the chronic use of symptomatic drugs. In this context, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals have emerged as potential alternatives. Among them, collagen is being a focus of particular interest, but under the same term different types of collagens coexist with different structures, compositions, and origins, leading to different properties and potential effects. The aim of this narrative review is to generally describe the main types of collagens currently available in marketplace, focusing on those related to joint health, describing their mechanism of action, preclinical, and clinical evidence. Native and hydrolyzed collagen are the most studied collagen types for joint health. Native collagen has a specific immune-mediated mechanism that requires the recognition of its epitopes to inhibit inflammation and tissue catabolism at articular level. Hydrolyzed collagen may contain biologically active peptides that are able to reach joint tissues and exert chondroprotective effects. Although there are preclinical and clinical studies showing the safety and efficacy of food ingredients containing both types of collagens, available research suggests a clear link between collagen chemical structure and mechanism of action.


Subject(s)
Osteoarthritis , Humans , Osteoarthritis/metabolism , Collagen , Pain , Inflammation , Dietary Supplements
17.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(5)2023 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36902203

ABSTRACT

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycans (such as dermatan sulphate (DS) and chondroitin sulphate (CS)) are the main components of the extracellular matrix of the skin, along with collagen and elastin. These components decrease with age, which implies a loss of skin moisture causing wrinkles, sagging and aging. Currently, the external and internal administration of effective ingredients that can reach the epidermis and dermis is the main alternative for combating skin aging. The objective of this work was to extract, characterise and evaluate the potential of an HA matrix ingredient to support anti-aging. The HA matrix was isolated and purified from rooster comb and characterised physicochemically and molecularly. In addition, its regenerative, anti-aging and antioxidant potential and intestinal absorption were evaluated. The results show that the HA matrix is composed of 67% HA, with an average molecular weight of 1.3 MDa; 12% sulphated glycosaminoglycans, including DS and CS; 17% protein, including collagen (10.4%); and water. The in vitro evaluation of the HA matrix's biological activity showed regenerative properties in both fibroblasts and keratinocytes, as well as moisturising, anti-aging and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, the results suggest that the HA matrix could be absorbed in the intestine, implying a potential oral as well as topical use for skin care, either as an ingredient in a nutraceutical or a cosmetic product.


Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Hyaluronic Acid , Regeneration , Skin Aging , Skin , Animals , Male , Antioxidants/metabolism , Chickens , Chondroitin Sulfates/metabolism , Collagen/metabolism , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Glycosaminoglycans/metabolism , Hyaluronic Acid/metabolism , Skin/metabolism , Skin Aging/physiology
18.
mSphere ; 8(2): e0068022, 2023 04 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36877023

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Gram-negative bacterium, has been listed as a critical pathogen for urgent intervention by the World Health Organization. With no licensed vaccine and increasing resistance to antibiotics, Klebsiella pneumoniae causes a high incidence of hospital- and community-acquired infections. Recently, there has been progress in anti-Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccine development, which has highlighted the lack of standardized assays to measure vaccine immunogenicity. We have developed and optimized methods to measure antibody level and function after vaccination with an in-development Klebsiella pneumoniae O-antigen vaccine. We describe the qualification of a Luminex-based multiplex antibody binding assay and both an opsonophagocytic killing assay and serum bactericidal assay to measure antibody function. Serum from immunized animals were immunogenic and capable of binding to and killing specific Klebsiella serotypes. Cross-reactivity was observed but limited among serotypes sharing antigenic epitopes. In summary, these results demonstrate the standardization of assays that can be used to test new anti-Klebsiella pneumoniae vaccine candidates, which is important for moving them into clinical trials. IMPORTANCE There is no licensed vaccine for the prevention of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections, and increasing levels of antibiotic resistance make this pathogen a high priority for vaccine and therapeutic development. Standardized assays for testing vaccine immunogenicity are paramount for the development of vaccines, and so in this study, we optimized and standardized both antibody-level and function assays for evaluating in-development K. pneumoniae bioconjugate vaccine response in rabbits.


Subject(s)
Klebsiella pneumoniae , O Antigens , Animals , Rabbits , Antibodies, Bacterial , Phagocytosis , Bacterial Vaccines
19.
Biotechnol Bioeng ; 120(9): 2717-2724, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36919270

ABSTRACT

Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging technology that enables complex spatial modeling of cell-based tissue engineering products, whose therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine is enormous. However, its success largely depends on the definition of a bioprintable zone, which is specific for each combination of cell-loaded hydrogels (or bioinks) and scaffolds, matching the mechanical and biological characteristics of the target tissue to be repaired. Therefore proper adjustment of the bioink formulation requires a compromise between: (i) the maintenance of cellular critical quality attributes (CQA) within a defined range of specifications to cell component, and (ii) the mechanical characteristics of the printed tissue to biofabricate. Herein, we investigated the advantages of using natural hydrogel-based bioinks to preserve the most relevant CQA in bone tissue regeneration applications, particularly focusing on cell viability and osteogenic potential of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) displaying tripotency in vitro, and a phenotypic profile of 99.9% CD105+ /CD45,- 10.3% HLA-DR,+ 100.0% CD90,+ and 99.2% CD73+ /CD31- expression. Remarkably, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, and gelatin allowed for optimal recovery of viable cells, while preserving MSC's proliferation capacity and osteogenic potency in vitro. This was achieved by providing a 3D structure with a compression module below 8.8 ± 0.5 kPa, given that higher values resulted in cell loss by mechanical stress. Beyond the biocompatibility of naturally occurring polymers, our results highlight the enhanced protection on CQA exerted by bioinks of natural origin (preferably HA, gelatin, and fibrin) on MSC, bone marrow during the 3D bioprinting process, reducing shear stress and offering structural support for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.


Subject(s)
Bioprinting , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Hydrogels/chemistry , Osteogenesis , Gelatin/chemistry , Tissue Engineering/methods , Fibrin/metabolism , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Bioprinting/methods , Printing, Three-Dimensional
20.
Eur J Hosp Pharm ; 2023 Feb 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36737227

ABSTRACT

Severe asthma has an important impact on patients and healthcare resources. Recently, the new specific treatments have defined a new scenario in which person-focused care and specialist multidisciplinary teams are necessary. Our Severe Asthma Unit (SAU) started the ASfarMA project along with an external human-centered design company to understand patients' vision of their illness, treatment, and healthcare experience, and to define the ideal SAU by performing a core group session, in-depth semistructured interviews and co-creation workshop. Herein, a series of tips classified as either 'transformative solutions' or 'quick wins', according to a value versus effort matrix are presented. Successful implementation of the proposed solutions will be valuable for patients and healthcare professionals, optimising patient care and resources. These findings can also be helpful to other SAUs or other humanisation projects involving complex, chronic and multidisciplinary pathologies.

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