The cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode as an environmentally friendly electrochemical tool for the detection and monitoring of mesotrione in food samples.

Excessive pesticide use can harm human health, making it essential to develop new techniques to monitor hazardous pesticides in food. Our study focuses on detecting mesotrione (MST) using an unmodified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. This was the first application of cathodically pretreated BDD electrode for the detection of MST, based on its oxidation at a high potential value of +1.4 V. We theoretically examined the oxidation mechanism of MST trough the utilization of density functional theory (DFT) methodology. The utilized DPV method achieved a detection limit of 0.45 µM and showed satisfactory selectivity. The practical application of this method was demonstrated by examining corn-based food products. To ensure practical application of the method, MST was deliberately added to the samples to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The effectiveness of the method was confirmed by using HPLC method. This environmentally-friendly approach can establish a solid foundation for future use in food analysis.

Exploring Perforated Jejunal GIST: A Rare Case Report and Review of Molecular and Clinical Literature.

This case report details a rare instance of a perforated jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 76-year-old female patient. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and distension without any changes in bowel habits or episodes of nausea and vomiting. Initial diagnostics, including abdominal plain radiography and ultrasonography, were inconclusive; however, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumoperitoneum and an irregular fluid collection suggestive of small intestine perforations. Surgical intervention uncovered a 35 mm jejunal GIST with a 10 mm perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed a mixed cell type GIST with high malignancy potential, further substantiated by immunohistochemistry markers CD117, DOG1, and vimentin. Molecular analysis illuminated the role of key oncogenes, primarily KIT and PDGFRA mutations, emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnostics in GIST management. Despite the severity of the presentation, the patient's postoperative recovery was favorable, highlighting the effectiveness of prompt surgical and multidisciplinary approaches in managing complex GIST cases.

Triangle-Shaped Cerium Tungstate Nanoparticles Used to Modify Carbon Paste Electrode for Sensitive Hydroquinone Detection in Water Samples.

In this study, we propose an eco-friendly method for synthesizing cerium tungstate nanoparticles using hydrothermal techniques. We used scanning, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction to analyze the morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles. The results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were uniform and highly crystalline, with a particle size of about 50 nm. The electrocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles were then investigated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We further used the synthesized nanoparticles to develop an electrochemical sensor based on a carbon paste electrode that can detect hydroquinone. By optimizing the differential pulse voltammetric method, a wide linearity range of 0.4 to 45 µM and a low detection limit of 0.06 µM were obtained. The developed sensor also expressed excellent repeatability (RSD up to 3.8%) and reproducibility (RSD below 5%). Interferences had an insignificant impact on the determination of analytes, making it possible to use this method for monitoring hydroquinone concentrations in tap water. This study introduces a new approach to the chemistry of materials and the environment and demonstrates that a careful selection of components can lead to new horizons in analytical chemistry.

Galectin-3's Complex Interactions in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Cellular Signaling to Therapeutic Potential.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) plays a multifaceted role in the development, progression, and prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This review offers a comprehensive examination of its expression in PDAC, its interaction with various immune cells, signaling pathways, effects on apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. Additionally, the prognostic significance of serum levels of Gal-3 is discussed, providing insights into its potential utilization as a biomarker. Critical analysis is also extended to the inhibitors of Gal-3 and their potential therapeutic applications in PDAC, offering new avenues for targeted treatments. The intricate nature of Gal-3's role in PDAC reveals a complex landscape that demands a nuanced understanding for potential therapeutic interventions and monitoring.

The Enigma of Mammaglobin: Redefining the Biomarker Paradigm in Breast Carcinoma.

The continuous evolution of cancer biology has led to the discovery of mammaglobin, a potential novel biomarker for breast carcinoma. This review aims to unravel the enigmatic aspects of mammaglobin and elucidate its potential role in redefining the paradigm of breast carcinoma biomarkers. We will thoroughly examine its expression in tumoral and peritumoral tissues and its circulating levels in the blood, thereby providing insights into its possible function in cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the potential application of mammaglobin as a non-invasive diagnostic tool and a target for personalized treatment strategies will be discussed. Given the increasing incidence of breast carcinoma worldwide, the exploration of novel biomarkers such as mammaglobin is crucial in advancing our diagnostic capabilities and treatment modalities, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Appendiceal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: An Atypical Cause of Acute Appendicitis-A Case Study and Review of Current Knowledge.

Appendiceal signet ring cell carcinoma (ASRCC) is a rare and aggressive form of appendiceal cancer, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that overlap with acute appendicitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving patient outcomes in these rare malignancies. This case report and literature review aims to raise awareness among clinicians about ASRCC of the appendix as a cause of acute appendicitis and highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations or unexpected histopathological findings. We present a 65-year-old female patient with ASRCC who underwent successful surgical treatment and remains disease-free at the one-year follow-up. It also highlights the necessity of early detection and appropriate treatment in order to improve patient outcomes. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is provided, discussing the clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, potential pathogenesis, treatment options, and prognosis of ASRCC.

Easy, Flexible and Standardizable Anti-Nascent Biofilm Activity Assay to Assess Implant Materials.

Medical implants have improved the quality of life of many patients. However, surgical intervention may eventually lead to implant microbial contamination. The aims of this research were to develop an easy, robust, quantitative assay to assess surface antimicrobial activities, especially the anti-nascent biofilm activity, and to identify control surfaces, allowing for international comparisons. Using new antimicrobial assays to assess the inhibition of nascent biofilm during persistent contact or after transient contact with bacteria, we show that the 5 cent Euro coin or other metal-based antibacterial coins can be used as positive controls, as more than 4 log reduction on bacterial survival was observed when using either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa as targets. The methods and controls described here could be useful to develop an easy, flexible and standardizable assay to assess relevant antimicrobial activities of new implant materials developed by industries and academics.

Eu2O3@Cr2O3 Nanoparticles-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Efficient Electrochemical Sensing of Neurotransmitters Precursor L-DOPA.

There are ten million people in the world who have Parkinson's disease. The most potent medicine for Parkinson's disease is levodopa (L-DOPA). However, long-term consumption of L-DOPA leads to the appearance of side effects, as a result of which the control and monitoring of its concentrations are of great importance. In this work, we have designed a new electrochemical sensor for detecting L-DOPA using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with Eu2O3@Cr2O3 composite nanoparticles. Rare earth elements, including Eu, are increasingly used to design new electrode nanocomposites with enhanced electrocatalytic properties. Europium has been considered a significant lanthanide element with greater redox reaction behavior. We conducted a hydrothermal synthesis of Eu2O3@Cr2O3 and, for the first time, the acquired nanoparticles were used to modify CPE. The proposed Eu2O3@Cr2O3/CPE electrode was investigated in terms of its electrocatalytic properties and then used to develop an analytical method for detecting and quantifying L-DOPA. The proposed sensor offers a wide linear range (1-100 µM), high sensitivity (1.38 µA µM-1 cm-2) and a low detection limit (0.72 µM). The practical application of the proposed sensor was investigated by analyzing commercially available pharmaceutical tablets of L-DOPA. The corresponding results indicate the excellent potential of the Eu2O3@Cr2O3/CPE sensor for application in real-time L-DOPA detection.

Microspherical Titanium-Phosphorus Double Oxide: Hierarchical Structure Development for Sensing Applications.

Stable, water-soluble titanium complexed with mandelic acid was used as a precursor for titanium phosphorus double oxide obtained in hydrothermal conditions in the presence of phosphoric acid. Surprisingly, hydrolysis of organic complexes provided a microstructured sphere with narrow size distribution, low aggregation and a small fraction of morphological irregularities. Obtained microspheres had a complex structure comprised of flakes, whose size could be manipulated with temperature conditions. Samples were found to be electrochemically active against sulcotrione, a well-recognized herbicide. Electrochemical sensors based on the synthesized microspheres were successfully adapted for natural water reservoir analysis and exhibited low levels of detection of 0.61 µM, limit of quantification of 1.86 µM, wide dynamic linear range from 2 to 200 µM, good selectivity, excellent reproducibility and in-time stability.

The environmentally friendly approaches based on the heterojunction interface of the LaFeO3/Fe2O3@g-C3N4 composite for the disposable and laboratory sensing of triclosan.

Triclosan (TCS) is a polychlorinated phenoxy phenol (PCPPs) used as a disinfectant and a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent in personal hygiene products. TCS easily forms diphenyl ethers and dioxins, which are persistent organic pollutants. This work used a double approach for the TSC sensing: a) screen-printed (SPE) electrochemical platform for on-site application, modified with lanthanum iron oxide and graphitic carbon nitride composite (LaFeO3/Fe2O3@g-C3N4/SPE); and b) carbon paste electrode (CPE), modified with the same material and used in laboratory conditions. Linear range from 0.1 µM to 10 µM, the limit of detection (LOD) of 29 nM and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 91 nM were obtained for CP electrode in BRBS pH 8. SPE showed the best analytical parameters in BRBS at pH 3, with a linear range from 0.3 µM to 7 µM, LOD of 0.09 µM and LOQ of 0.28 µM. Furthermore, the influence of potential interferents was investigated and proven to be negligible. Determination of TSC was performed to estimate the environmental impact of this compound as well as the practical usefulness of the proposed sensor in the real sample analysis, confirmed with a HPLC analysis.

Two compartmental fractional derivative model with general fractional derivative.

This study presents a new two compartmental model with, recently defined General fractional derivative. We review that concept of General fractional derivative and use the kernel function that generalizes the classical Caputo derivative in a mathematically consistent way. Next we use this model to study the release of antibiotic gentamicin in poly (vinyl alcohol)/gentamicin(PVA/Gent) hydrogel aimed for wound dressing in medical treatment of deep chronical wounds. The PVA/Gent hydrogel was prepared by physical cross linking of poly (vinyl alcohol) dispersion using freezing-thawing method, and then was swollen in gentamicin solution at 37 °C during 48 h. The concentration of released gentamicin was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. The advantage of this model is the existence of new parameters in the definition of fractional derivative, as compared with classical fractional compartmental models. The model proposed here in the special case reduces to the classical (integer order) linear two compartmental model as well as classical fractional order two compartmental model since it has more parameters that are determined from the experimental results.

Circulating levels of IL-6 and TGF-ß1 in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy: associations with acute radiotoxicity and fatigue symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The goal of research was to investigate the possible relations between serum concentrations of IL-6 and TGF-ß1, individual and clinical characteristics, and adverse effects of radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer: acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity, and fatigue. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer who were treated with radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The acute radiotoxicity grades and fatigue levels were assessed during the radiotherapy and 1 month after the radiotherapy. Estimation of the late radiotoxicity was performed every three months in the first year, every four months in the second year, and then every six months. Serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-ß1 were determined before radiotherapy and after the 25th radiotherapy fraction by ELISA. RESULTS: The significant positive association between diabetes mellitus and changes in acute genitourinary toxicity grades during the radiotherapy was observed in prostate cancer patients. In addition, patients who were smokers had significantly higher maximum fatigue levels in comparison with patients who were non-smokers. The circulating IL-6 levels were significantly higher after the 25th radiotherapy fraction in comparison with levels determined before radiotherapy. The significant positive correlations between pretreatment TGF-ß1 levels and maximum genitourinary toxicity grades and between TGF-ß1 levels after the 25th fraction and genitourinary toxicity grades after the 25th fraction, were found. The pretreatment IL-6 concentrations and TGF-ß1 concentrations after the 25th fraction were positively correlated with maximum genitourinary toxicity grades. The IL-6 levels after the 25th fraction were positively associated with genitourinary toxicity grades after this fraction. The pretreatment IL-6 concentrations were significantly positively correlated with maximum fatigue scores. The significant positive correlation between IL-6 concentrations and fatigue scores after the 25th fraction was determined. The positive correlations between IL-6 and TGF-ß1 concentrations measured after the 25th fraction and maximum fatigue scores were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-ß1 might influence the severity of acute genitourinary radiotoxicity and fatigue in patients with prostate cancer. Combining clinical parameters and circulating cytokine levels might be useful for the prediction of adverse reactions to radiotherapy.

The Association of Polymorphisms in Genes Encoding Antioxidant Enzymes GPX1 (rs1050450), SOD2 (rs4880) and Transcriptional Factor Nrf2 (rs6721961) with the Risk and Development of Prostate Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Mounting evidence implicates oxidative damage in prostate carcinogenesis, contributing to modifications of macromolecules that drive cellular malignant transformation. Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of enzymes involved in redox homeostasis can disrupt pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, leading to accumulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage. We investigated the potential role of genetic polymorphisms of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1 rs1050450) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2 rs4880) and regulatory antioxidant protein nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2 rs6721961) in the susceptibility to prostate cancer development (PC) and prognosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case-control study consisting of 235 patients with PC and 240 controls. Gene polymorphisms were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTTP) methods. Multiple risk models were composed to inspect the separate and mutual effect of multiple genes and in combination with acquired contributory factors on the risk of PC development. Results: Independently, carriers of at least one SOD2*C allele had increased risk of PC development, which was significantly further amplified in advanced statistical models. When tested in combination, individuals with both SOD2*C allele and Nrf2*C/C genotype were also at increased risk of PC development, which was augmented when combined with acquired contributory factors. During the mean 75 ± 25 months of follow-up, investigated gene polymorphisms did not affect overall survival. Conclusion: Our results suggest that these gene polymorphisms could be used as risk biomarkers of PC evolution.

La(OH)3 Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Carbon Paste-Based Sensing Approach for the Detection of Uric Acid-A Product of Environmentally Stressed Cells.

This paper aims to develop an amperometric, non-enzymatic sensor for detecting and quantifying UA as an alert signal induced by allergens with protease activity in human cell lines (HEK293 and HeLa). Uric acid (UA) has been classified as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule that serves a physiological purpose inside the cell, while outside the cell it can be an indicator of cell damage. Cell damage or stress can be caused by different health problems or by environmental irritants, such as allergens. We can act and prevent the events that generate stress by determining the extent to which cells are under stress. Amperometric calibration measurements were performed with a carbon paste electrode modified with La(OH)3@MWCNT, at the potential of 0.3 V. The calibration curve was constructed in a linear operating range from 0.67 µM to 121 µM UA. The proposed sensor displayed good reproducibility with an RSD of 3.65% calculated for five subsequent measurements, and a low detection limit of 64.28 nM, determined using the 3 S/m method. Interference studies and the real sample analysis of allergen-treated cell lines proved that the proposed sensing platform possesses excellent sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability. Therefore, it can potentially be used to evaluate stress factors in medical research and clinical practice.

Function of s100 protein in coronary atherosclerosis / Función de la proteína s100 en aterosclerosis coronaria

SUMMARY: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease whose pathogenesis includes endothelial activation, accumulation of lipids in the subendothelium, formation of foam cells, fat bands and formation of atherosclerotic plaque. These complex mechanisms involve different cell populations in the intimate sub-endothelium, and the S-100 protein family plays a role in a number of extracellular and intracellular processes during the development of atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic characteristics of smooth muscle cells and the consequent expression of S100 protein in atherosclerotic altered coronary arteries in advanced stages of atherosclerosis. 19 samples of right atherosclerotic coronary arteries in stages of fibro atheroma (type V lesion) and complicated lesions (type VI lesion) have been analyzed. According to the standard protocol, the following primary antibodies have been used in the immunohistochemical analysis: a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and S-100 protein. All analyzed samples have been in advanced stages of atherosclerosis, fibro atheroma (stage V lesions) and complicated lesions (type VI lesions). Most of them have had the structure of a complicated lesion with atheroma or fibro atheroma as a basis, subsequently complicated by disruption (subtype VI a), hemorrhage (subtype VI b) or thrombosis (subtype VI c), as well as by the presence of several complications on the same sample. Marked hypocellularity is present in the subendothelium of plaques. Cell population at plaque margins is characterized by immunoreactivity to α-SMA, vimentin, and S100 protein. Some of these cells accumulate lipids and look like foam cells. In the cell population at the margins of the plaques, smooth muscle cells of the synthetic phenotype are present, some of which accumulate lipids and demonstrate S100 immunoreactivity. Summarizing numerous literature data and our results, we could assume that smooth muscle cells, due to their synthetic and proliferative activity in the earlier stages of pathogenesis, as well as the consequent expression of S100 protein, could accumulate lipids in the earlier stages of atherosclerosis which, in advanced stages analyzed in this study, result in immunoreactivity of foam cells of smooth muscle origin to S100 protein.

RESUMEN: La aterosclerosis es una enfermedad compleja cuya patogenia incluye activación endotelial, acumulación de lípidos en el subendotelio, formación de células espumosas, bandas grasas y formación de placa aterosclerótica. Estos complejos mecanismos involucran diferentes poblaciones celulares en el subendotelio íntimo, y la familia de proteínas S-100 juega un papel en varios procesos extracelulares e intracelulares durante el desarrollo de lesiones ateroscleróticas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características fenotípicas de las células de músculo liso y la consecuente expresión de la proteína S100 en arterias coronarias alteradas ateroscleróticas en estadios avanzados de aterosclerosis. Se analizaron 19 muestras de arterias coronarias ateroscleróticas derechas en estadios de fibroateroma (lesión tipo V) y lesiones complicadas (lesión tipo VI). Según el protocolo estándar, en el análisis inmunohistoquímico se utilizaron los siguientes anticuerpos primarios: α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA), vimentina y proteína S-100. Todas las muestras analizadas han estado en estadios avanzados de aterosclerosis, fibroateroma (lesiones estadio V) y lesiones complicadas (lesiones tipo VI). La mayoría de ellos han tenido la estructura de una lesión complicada con ateroma o fibroateroma como base, complicada posteriormente por disrupción (subtipo VI a), hemorragia (subtipo VI b) o trombosis (subtipo VI c), así como por la presencia de varias complicaciones en la misma muestra. La hipocelularidad marcada estaba presente en el subendotelio de las placas. La población celular en los márgenes de la placa se caracterizaba por inmunorreactividad a α-SMA, vimentina y proteína S100. Algunas de estas células acumulan lípidos y parecen células espumosas. En la población celular en los márgenes de las placas, estaban presentes las células de músculo liso de fenotipo sintético, algunas de las cuales acumulaban lípidos y mostraban inmunorreactividad S100. Resumiendo numerosos datos de la literatura y nuestros resultados, podríamos suponer que las células del músculo liso, debido a su actividad sintética y proliferativa en las primeras etapas de la patogénesis, así como la consecuente expresión de la proteína S100, podrían acumular lípidos en las primeras etapas de la aterosclerosis que, en estadios avanzados analizados en este estudio, dan como resultado inmunorreactividad de células espumosas de origen muscular liso a la proteína S100.

Macrophages, the main marker in biocompatibility evaluation of new hydrogels after subcutaneous implantation in rats.

Biocompatibility of materials is one of the most important conditions for their successful application in tissue regeneration and repair. Cell-surface interactions stimulate adhesion and activation of macrophages whose acquaintance can assist in designing novel biomaterials that promote favorable macrophage-biomaterial surface interactions for clinical application. This study is designed to determine the distribution and number of macrophages as a means of biocompatibility evaluation of two newly synthesized materials [silver/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Ag/PVA) and silver/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene (Ag/PVA/Gr) nanocomposite hydrogels] in vivo, with approval of the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. Macrophages and giant cells were analyzed in tissue sections stained by routine H&E and immunohistochemical methods (CD68+). Statistical relevance was determined in the statistical software package SPSS 20 (IBM corp). The results of the study in terms of the number of giant cells localized around the implant showed that their number was highest on the seventh postoperative day (p.o.d.) in the group implanted with Ag/PVA hydrogels, and on the 30th p.o.d. in the group implanted with Ag/PVA/Gr. Interestingly, the number of macrophages measured in the capsular and pericapsular space was highest in the group implanted with the commercial Suprasorb© material. The increased macrophage number, registered around the Ag/PVA/Gr implant on 60th p.o.d. indicates that the addition of graphene can, in a specific way, modulate different biological responses of tissues in the process of wound healing, regeneration, and integration.

Is a Lead Isotope Ratios in Wine Good Marker for Origin Assessment?

Lead isotope ratio pattern (206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/206Pb, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb) was analyzed in 59 samples of Serbian wine, from four geographical regions. By utilization of powerful inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS), lead isotope ratios were used as unique "fingerprint", when combined with multivariate methods of analysis (Principal Component Analysis), provided information on the geographical origin of wine. In validation of ICP- QMS method and quantitative analysis, the certified reference material NIST SRM 981 was employed to test the mass-bias correction and thallium isotopes 203Tl and 205Tl (NIST SRM 997) as an internal standard. The obtained results were discussed in correlation with the corresponding values of LIRs of different European and Australian wines. In addition, the impact of anthropogenic Pb from different sources on the total Pb isotopic composition in Serbian wines was analyzed too. On the other side, the obtained values of Pb content were compared with the applicable health safety standards, according to the International Code of Oenological Practices.

Clinical analysis of COVID-19 positive cancer inpatients in National Cancer Center in Serbia.

INTRODUCTION: The outbreak of COVID-19 has had an impact on global healthcare as well as on radiotherapy practice in many countries. This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected cancer inpatients, as well as what impact this infection had on radiation treatment of the patients. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective study, we included cancer inpatients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection during the radiotherapy or chemoradiation in April 2020 in National Cancer Research Center in Serbia. Data were obtained from the medical records between 1 April and 1 July 2020. RESULTS: A total of 49 COVID-19 infected cancer inpatients were included. The most frequently reported cancers were head and neck cancers, in twenty-three patients (46.8%). Lymphopenia was present in 77.5% of the patients. Red blood cells, haemoglobin and platelets were significantly lower during incubation or diagnosis of COVID-19. Twenty-seven (55.1%) patients did not finish radiotherapy. The age of patients who finished radiotherapy after COVID-19 infection was significantly lower compared to the patients who did not finish radiotherapy (60.5 ± 7.8 vs. 68.6 ± 11.2; p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infected cancer patients in radiotherapy practice show similar symptoms and demographic characteristics as the general population infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients with head and neck cancers may be susceptible to infection with COVID-19. Old age and male gender may be risk factors for discontinuation of radiotherapy in COVID-19 infected cancer patients.

Electrophoretic Deposition of Biocompatible and Bioactive Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings on Titanium.

Current trends in biomaterials science address the issue of integrating artificial materials as orthopedic or dental implants with biological materials, e.g., patients' bone tissue. Problems arise due to the simple fact that any surface that promotes biointegration and facilitates osteointegration may also provide a good platform for the rapid growth of bacterial colonies. Infected implant surfaces easily lead to biofilm formation that poses a major healthcare concern since it could have destructive effects and ultimately endanger the patients' life. As of late, research has centered on designing coatings that would eliminate possible infection but neglected to aid bone mineralization. Other strategies yielded surfaces that could promote osseointegration but failed to prevent microbial susceptibility. Needless to say, in order to assure prolonged implant functionality, both coating functions are indispensable and should be addressed simultaneously. This review summarizes progress in designing multifunctional implant coatings that serve as carriers of antibacterial agents with the primary intention of inhibiting bacterial growth on the implant-tissue interface, while still promoting osseointegration.

Breast Cancer and p16: Role in Proliferation, Malignant Transformation and Progression.

The definition of new molecular biomarkers could provide a more reliable approach in predicting the prognosis of invasive breast cancers (IBC). The aim of this study is to analyze the expression of p16 protein in IBC, as well as its participation in malignant transformation. The study included 147 patients diagnosed with IBC. The presence of non-invasive lesions (NIL) was noted in each IBC and surrounding tissue. p16 expression was determined by reading the percentage of nuclear and/or cytoplasmic expression in epithelial cells of IBC and NIL, but also in stromal fibroblasts. Results showed that expression of p16 increases with the progression of cytological changes in the epithelium; it is significantly higher in IBC compared to NIL (p < 0.0005). Cytoplasmic p16 expression is more prevalent in IBC (76.6%), as opposed to nuclear staining, which is characteristic of most NIL (21.1%). There is a difference in p16 expression between different molecular subtypes of IBC (p = 0.025). In the group of p16 positive tumors, pronounced mononuclear infiltrates (p = 0.047) and increased expression of p16 in stromal fibroblasts (p = 0.044) were noted. In conclusion, p16 protein plays an important role in proliferation, malignant transformation, as well as in progression from NIL to IBC.