Biomimetic Scaffolds-A Novel Approach to Three Dimensional Cell Culture Techniques for Potential Implementation in Tissue Engineering.

Biomimetic scaffolds imitate native tissue and can take a multidimensional form. They are biocompatible and can influence cellular metabolism, making them attractive bioengineering platforms. The use of biomimetic scaffolds adds complexity to traditional cell cultivation methods. The most commonly used technique involves cultivating cells on a flat surface in a two-dimensional format due to its simplicity. A three-dimensional (3D) format can provide a microenvironment for surrounding cells. There are two main techniques for obtaining 3D structures based on the presence of scaffolding. Scaffold-free techniques consist of spheroid technologies. Meanwhile, scaffold techniques contain organoids and all constructs that use various types of scaffolds, ranging from decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) through hydrogels that are one of the most extensively studied forms of potential scaffolds for 3D culture up to 4D bioprinted biomaterials. 3D bioprinting is one of the most important techniques used to create biomimetic scaffolds. The versatility of this technique allows the use of many different types of inks, mainly hydrogels, as well as cells and inorganic substances. Increasing amounts of data provide evidence of vast potential of biomimetic scaffolds usage in tissue engineering and personalized medicine, with the main area of potential application being the regeneration of skin and musculoskeletal systems. Recent papers also indicate increasing amounts of in vivo tests of products based on biomimetic scaffolds, which further strengthen the importance of this branch of tissue engineering and emphasize the need for extensive research to provide safe for humansbiomimetic tissues and organs. In this review article, we provide a review of the recent advancements in the field of biomimetic scaffolds preceded by an overview of cell culture technologies that led to the development of biomimetic scaffold techniques as the most complex type of cell culture.

What Do We Know about Nociplastic Pain?

Nociplastic pain is a recently distinguished type of pain, distinct from neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and is well described in the literature. It is often mistaken for central sensitization. Pathophysiology has not been clearly established with regard to alteration of the concentration of spinal fluid elements, the structure of the white and gray matter of the brain, and psychological aspects. Many different diagnostic tools, i.e., the painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaires, have been developed to diagnose neuropathic pain, but they can also be applied for nociplastic pain; however, more standardized instruments are still needed in order to assess its occurrence and clinical presentation. Numerous studies have shown that nociplastic pain is present in many different diseases such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and irritable bowel syndrome. Current pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for nociceptive and neuropathic pain are not entirely suitable for treating nociplastic pain. There is an ongoing effort to establish the most efficient way to manage it. The significance of this field has led to several clinical trials being carried out in a short time. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the currently available evidence on pathophysiology, associated diseases, treatment possibilities, and clinical trials. It is important that physicians widely discuss and acknowledge this relatively new concept in order to provide optimized pain control for patients.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Cancer Patients-A Review.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important aspect in cancer patients. There are various pharmacological methods used for thrombotic event treatment. DOACs (direct-acting oral anticoagulants) are gaining popularity among both physicians and researchers and are slowly starting to replace VKAs (vitamin K antagonists), thus becoming a substitute or alternative option for LMWHs (low-molecular-weight heparins). In this article, we present DOACs' main therapeutic advantages and disadvantages in patients with cancer. The only major concern with using DOACs is the higher risk of bleeding; however, there are discrepancies in this matter. There are still some types of cancer for which DOACs are not recommended. Specific cancer types may influence the efficacy of DOAC therapy. Additionally, race and ethnicity may affect therapy in cancer patients with DOACs. A sizeable number of clinical trials are focused on comparing DOACs with other anticoagulants. The current guidelines of different scientific associations are not unanimous in their DOAC assessments. There is still a need for more evidence of DOACs' potential advantages over other methods of anticoagulation in cancer patients to facilitate their position in this recommendation. This literature review presents the current state of knowledge about the use of DOACs in patients with neoplastic growth.

Expression of RBMS3 in Breast Cancer Progression.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the localization and intensity of RNA-binding motif single-stranded-interacting protein 3 (RBMS3) expression in clinical material using immunohistochemical (IHC) reactions in cases of ductal breast cancer (in vivo), and to determine the level of RBMS3 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in breast cancer cell lines (in vitro). Moreover, the data obtained in the in vivo and in vitro studies were correlated with the clinicopathological profiles of the patients. Material for the IHC studies comprised 490 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cases and 26 mastopathy tissues. Western blot and RT-qPCR were performed on four breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, BT-474, SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231) and the HME1-hTERT (Me16C) normal immortalized breast epithelial cell line (control). The Kaplan-Meier plotter tool was employed to analyze the predictive value of overall survival of RBMS3 expression at the mRNA level. Cytoplasmatic RBMS3 IHC expression was observed in breast cancer cells and stromal cells. The statistical analysis revealed a significantly decreased RBMS3 expression in the cancer specimens when compared with the mastopathy tissues (p < 0.001). An increased expression of RBMS3 was corelated with HER2(+) cancer specimens (p < 0.05) and ER(-) cancer specimens (p < 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant higher expression of RBMS3 was observed in cancer stromal cells in comparison to the control and cancer cells (p < 0.0001). The statistical analysis demonstrated a significantly higher expression of RBMS3 mRNA in the SK-BR-3 cell line compared with all other cell lines (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was revealed between the expression of RBMS3, at both the mRNA and protein levels, and longer overall survival. The differences in the expression of RBMS3 in cancer cells (both in vivo and in vitro) and the stroma of breast cancer with regard to the molecular status of the tumor may indicate that RBMS3 could be a potential novel target for the development of personalized methods of treatment. RBMS3 can be an indicator of longer overall survival for potential use in breast cancer diagnostic process.

The Quality of Life of Patients with Surgically Treated Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life is a topic increasingly being addressed by researchers. Due to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, this issue is particularly relevant. Despite the increasing number of publications on this topic each year, it still requires further research. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature from the past 10 years, addressing the topic of QoL in patients with colorectal cancer which has been treated surgically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review is based on 93 articles published between 2012 and 2022. It analyzes the impact of socioeconomic factors, the location and stage of the tumor, stoma and the method of surgical treatment on patients' QoL and sexual functioning. RESULTS: CRC has a negative impact on patients' financial status, social functioning, pain and physical functioning. Patients with stage II or III cancer have an overall lower QoL than patients with stage I. The more proximally the lesion is located to the sphincters, the greater the negative impact on the QoL. There was a significant difference in favor of laparoscopic surgery compared with open surgery. In patients with a stoma, the QoL is lower compared with patients with preserved gastrointestinal tract continuity. The more time has passed since surgery, the more the presence of a stoma has a negative impact on QoL. Surgery for CRC negatively affects patients' sex lives, especially in younger people and among men. CONCLUSIONS: This study may contribute to the identification of the factors that affect the QoL of patients with surgically treated colorectal cancer. This will allow even more effective and complete treatment, facilitating patients' return to normal physical, mental and social functioning.

Role of RBMS3 Novel Potential Regulator of the EMT Phenomenon in Physiological and Pathological Processes.

RNA-binding protein 3 (RBMS3) plays a significant role in embryonic development and the pathogenesis of many diseases, especially cancer initiation and progression. The multiple roles of RBMS3 are conditioned by its numerous alternative expression products. It has been proven that the main form of RBMS3 influences the regulation of microRNA expression or stabilization. The absence of RBMS3 activates the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. The expression of c-Myc, another target of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, is correlated with the RBMS3 expression. Numerous studies have focused solely on the interaction of RBMS3 with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein machinery. EMT plays a vital role in cancer progression, in which RBMS3 is a new potential regulator. It is also significant that RBMS3 may act as a prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) in different types of cancer. This review presents the current state of knowledge about the role of RBMS3 in physiological and pathological processes, with particular emphasis on carcinogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the role of RBMS3 are not fully understood; hence, a broader explanation and understanding is still needed.

Association between the Desire for Breast Augmentation and Instagram Engagement: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Young Polish Women.

The impact of social media on the eagerness to undergo aesthetic breast surgery is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between Instagram engagement and the willingness to undergo breast augmentation. Women aged between 19-34 years old participated in an online survey. Of the 1560 respondents, 1226 (78.59%) met the inclusion criteria. BMI, bra type, bra cup size, education, and level of activity on Instagram increased the willingness to undergo breast augmentation (OR = 1.520, p = 0.020). Moreover, concurrent Snapchat use (OR = 1.348, p = 0.024) and the number of published posts on a respondent's Instagram accounts (reference, n > 26; 0 < n ≤ 26; OR = 0.708, p = 0.009; lack of posts (n = 0): OR = 0.702, p = 0.155) were significant drivers of the respondents' willingness. Fashion (OR = 0.730, p = 0.021), design/architecture (OR = 0.730, p = 0.022), and models (OR = 0.623, p = 0.004) were the searched content categories that increased the desire for breast augmentation. Positive and negative feeling scores that were triggered by Instagram content were correlated with BREAST-Q scores. We concluded that Instagram is a commonly used social network service among young women, and it may drive a desire for breast augmentation. Further analyses of Instagram preferences may help assess the willingness to undergo breast surgery, and in turn assist in tailoring marketing campaigns.

The Impact of Iron Chelators on the Biology of Cancer Stem Cells.

Neoplastic diseases are still a major medical challenge, requiring a constant search for new therapeutic options. A serious problem of many cancers is resistance to anticancer drugs and disease progression in metastases or local recurrence. These characteristics of cancer cells may be related to the specific properties of cancer stem cells (CSC). CSCs are involved in inhibiting cells' maturation, which is essential for maintaining their self-renewal capacity and pluripotency. They show increased expression of transcription factor proteins, which were defined as stemness-related markers. This group of proteins includes OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, Nanog, and SALL4. It has been noticed that the metabolism of cancer cells is changed, and the demand for iron is significantly increased. Iron chelators have been proven to have antitumor activity and influence the expression of stemness-related markers, thus reducing chemoresistance and the risk of tumor cell progression. This prompts further investigation of these agents as promising anticancer novel drugs. The article presents the characteristics of stemness markers and their influence on the development and course of neoplastic disease. Available iron chelators were also described, and their effects on cancer cells and expression of stemness-related markers were analyzed.