In-situ gelling xyloglucan formulations as 3D artificial niche for adipose stem cell spheroids.

Three-dimensional spheroidal cell aggregates of adipose stem cells (SASCs) are a distinct upstream population of stem cells present in adipose tissue, with enhanced regeneration properties in vivo. The preservation of the 3D structure of the cells, from extraction to administration, can be a promising strategy to ensure optimal conditions for cell viability and maintenance of stemness potential. With this aim, an artificial niche was created by incorporating the spheroids into an injectable, in-situ gelling solution of partially degalactosylated xyloglucan (dXG) and an ad hoc formulated culture medium for the preservation of stem cell spheroid features. The evolution of the mechanical properties and the morphological structure of this artificial niche was investigated by small amplitude rheological analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Comparatively, systems produced with the same polymer and the typical culture medium (DMEM) used for adipose stem cell (ASC) growth in adherent cell culture conditions were also characterised. Cell viability of both SASCs and ASCs incorporated inside the hydrogel or seeded on top of the hydrogel were investigated as well as the preservation of SASC stemness conditions when embedded in the hydrogel.

Radiation Engineering of Multifunctional Nanogels.

Nanogels combine the favourable properties of hydrogels with those of colloids. They can be soft and conformable, stimuli-responsive and highly permeable, and can expose a large surface with functional groups for conjugation to small and large molecules, and even macromolecules. They are among the very few systems that can be generated and used as aqueous dispersions. Nanogels are emerging materials for targeted drug delivery and bio-imaging, but they have also shown potential for water purification and in catalysis. The possibility of manufacturing nanogels with a simple process and at relatively low cost is a key criterion for their continued development and successful application. This paper highlights the most important structural features of nanogels related to their distinctive properties, and briefly presents the most common manufacturing strategies. It then focuses on synthetic approaches that are based on the irradiation of dilute aqueous polymer solutions using high-energy photons or electron beams. The reactions constituting the basis for nanogel formation and the approaches for controlling particle size and functionality are discussed in the context of a qualitative analysis of the kinetics of the various reactions.

Surgical treatment of pharyngostomes in irradiated patients. Our experience with musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION: Our experience confirms that pectoralis major flap is the first-choice technique for repairing recurrent hypopharyngeal fistulae in previously irradiated patients in whom microsurgical techniques are not indicated, and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to solve this complex pathology. OBJECTIVES: A pharyngostome is a complication encountered when performing surgical operations on pharyngolaryngeal structures. The authors present their experience of treating recurrent complex pharyngostomes in previously irradiated patients in poor physical health. These patients need a simple, safe reconstruction with a low incidence of postoperative complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A pedicled pectoralis major flap was used for reconstruction: the skin side of the flap was used to restore the continuity of the pharyngeal mucosa, while the muscle was used to reconstruct the intermediate layer. The skin layer was completed by means of a free skin graft. In all cases, surgical treatment was combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy before and after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients, all of whom had previously undergone surgery and radiotherapy, had recurring or pluri-recurring pharyngostomes. All patients (8 males, 2 females; age range 52-80 years) had previously been affected by carcinoma of the pharyngolaryngeal region. All underwent major local Ablation together with radical neck dissection and radiotherapy. In all cases there was mucosa on the posterior wall; a musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap was used in all cases for reconstruction.

Frontal sinus osteoma and palpebral abscess: case report.

Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are slow-growing, benign tumours most frequently found in the frontal sinus with an incidence that varies from 47% to 80% of the cases; there are often no symptoms and they are diagnosed by chance during an x-ray examination. The symptoms are usually headaches and those secondary to ocular or neurological complications. The therapy to be preferred is surgery. The authors describe a case of frontal osteoma complicated by frontal sinusitis and palpebral abscess.

Cytarabine release from alpha, beta-poly (N-hydroxyethyl)-DL-aspartamide matrices cross-linked through gamma-radiation.

alpha, beta-Poly (N-hydroxyethyl)-DL-aspartamide solutions were cross-linked through gamma-radiation and the systems obtained were tested as matrices for drug sustained release, using cytarabine as model drug. We performed the characterization of the cross-linked polymer, both drug-loaded and unloaded. through water swelling measurements, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. Finally, we investigated the in vitro release behaviour of cytarabine.

Management of nasal septal abscess in childhood: our experience.

UNLABELLED: A nasal septal abscess is usually the result of an infected hematoma of the septum. A secondary septal abscess may be the result of infections extending from any of the neighbouring tissues. The necrosis of septal cartilage may lead to nasal deformities and severe impairment of nasal patency and growth. OBJECTIVES: Assess if the drainage of the abscess and the immediate reconstruction of the destroyed nasal septum in the acute phase is the best treatment to prevent short- and long-term effect on nasal and midface growth. METHODS: Three pediatric patients treated with drainage and immediate implantation of homologous bank cartilage prior to 1990 and four treated with mosaic plastic using small pieces of residual septal cartilage assembled with fibrin glue. RESULT: No complication were observed in the follow-up and any deformities in the long-term controls. CONCLUSIONS: The drainage and immediate reconstruction of the nasal septum are the golden standard in the treatment of the septum infected haematoma.

Endoscopic treatment of maxillary sinus mucocele.

Four patients with mucocele of maxillary sinus, observed between 1995 and 2001, with two years' follow-up, are described. Aim of the present study was to establish whether endoscopic marsupialization of the maxillary sinus mucocele is adequate resolutive treatment without complete removal of the mucocele wall, using more invasive approaches. The surgical procedure used was endoscopic endonasal marsupialization by a middle and/or inferior meatal antrostomy. Outcome confirms that this technique is the gold standard treatment in this disorder. In fact, complete removal of the mucocele wall is not necessary thus avoiding the risk of iatrogenic lesions of neighbouring structures in the case of a bony erosion (orbital floor, posterior wall of the maxillary sinus).

Frontal sinus osteoma complicated by palpebral abscess: case report.

Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are slow-growing, benign tumours most frequently found in the frontal sinus with an incidence that varies from 47% to 80% of the cases; there are often no symptoms and they are diagnosed by chance during an X-ray examination. When there are symptoms, they are usually headaches and ocular or neurological complications. The treatment of choice is surgery. A case of frontal osteoma complicated by frontal sinusitis and by a palpebral abscess is described.

[Frontal-lateral laryngectomy]. / La laringectomía fronto-lateral.

We present our series of 21 patients treated since 1991 to 2000 with glottic carcinomas T1a-b with commissure extension. The surgical technique used has been frontolateral laryngectomy as Leroux-Robert in 8 cases, and in the other 13 cases we have contributed with somme variations using a piece of superficial cervical fascia to close the thyroid opening and a piece of the vestibular band for the reconstruction at the glottic level. We studied the functional and oncological results we have obtained with a minimum control of one year and maximum of seven years.

Maltose-conjugated chitosans induce macroscopic gelation of pectin solutions at neutral pH.

Injectable polymer scaffolds are particularly attractive for guided tissue growth and drug/cell delivery with minimally invasive intervention. In the present work, "all-polymeric" gelling systems based on pectins and water-soluble maltose-conjugated chitosans (CM) have been developed. Maltose-conjugated chitosan has been synthesized at three different molar ratios, as evaluated by FITR analysis and fluorimetric titration. A thorough rheological characterization of the blends and their parent solutions has been performed. Macroscopic gelation has been achieved by mixing the high esterification degree pectins with CM at higher maltose grafted to chitosan contents. Gels form in a few minutes and reach their full strength in less than two hours. These features encourage their further development as scaffold for tissue engineering.