A Simple Cerium Coating Strategy for Titanium Oxide Nanotubes’ Bioactivity Enhancement

Despite the well-known favorable chemical and mechanical properties of titanium-based materials for orthopedic and dental applications, poor osseointegration of the implants, bacteria adhesion, and excessive inflammatory response from the host remain major problems to be solved. Here, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzyme-like abilities of ceria (CeOx) were coupled to the advantageous features of titanium nanotubes (TiNTs). Cost-effective and fast methods, such as electrochemical anodization and drop casting, were used to build active surfaces with enhanced bioactivity. Surface composition, electrochemical response, and in vitro ability to induce hydroxyapatite (HA) precipitation were evaluated. The amount of cerium in the coating did not significantly affect wettability, yet a growing ability to induce early HA precipitation from simulated body fluid (SBF) was observed as the oxide content at the surface increased. The presence of 4%wt CeOx was also able to stimulate rapid HA maturation in a (poorly) crystalline form, indicating an interesting potential to induce rapid in vivo osseointegration process.

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Polyamines and Related Nitrogen Compounds in the Chemotherapy of Neglected Diseases Caused by Kinetoplastids

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1568026618666180427151338 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 321-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Juan A. Bisceglia ◽

Maria C. Mollo ◽

Nadia Gruber ◽

Liliana R. Orelli

Keyword(s):

Drug Targets ◽

Redox Homeostasis ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Structural Features ◽

Mammalian Host ◽

Neglected Diseases ◽

Nitrogen Compounds ◽

Chemical Structures

Neglected diseases due to the parasitic protozoa Leishmania and Trypanosoma (kinetoplastids) affect millions of people worldwide, and the lack of suitable treatments has promoted an ongoing drug discovery effort to identify novel nontoxic and cost-effective chemotherapies. Polyamines are ubiquitous small organic molecules that play key roles in kinetoplastid parasites metabolism, redox homeostasis and in the normal progression of cell cycles, which differ from those found in the mammalian host. These features make polyamines attractive in terms of antiparasitic drug development. The present work provides a comprehensive insight on the use of polyamine derivatives and related nitrogen compounds in the chemotherapy of kinetoplastid diseases. The amount of literature on this subject is considerable, and a classification considering drug targets and chemical structures were made. Polyamines, aminoalcohols and basic heterocycles designed to target the relevant parasitic enzyme trypanothione reductase are discussed in the first section, followed by compounds directed to less common targets, like parasite SOD and the aminopurine P2 transporter. Finally, the third section comprises nitrogen compounds structurally derived from antimalaric agents. References on the chemical synthesis of the selected compounds are reported together with their in vivo and/or in vitro IC50 values, and structureactivity relationships within each group are analyzed. Some favourable structural features were identified from the SAR analyses comprising protonable sites, hydrophobic groups and optimum distances between them. The importance of certain pharmacophoric groups or amino acid residues in the bioactivity of polyamine derived compounds is also discussed.

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Facile sonochemical-assisted synthesis of orthorhombic phase black phosphorus/rGO hybrids for effective photothermal therapy

Nanophotonics ◽

10.1515/nanoph-2019-0476 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 3023-3034

Author(s):

Weiyuan Liang ◽

Dou Wang ◽

Xiaohui Ren ◽

Chenchen Ge ◽

Hanyue Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrode Materials ◽

Orthorhombic Phase ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Black Phosphorus ◽

Antitumor Effects ◽

Covalent Bonds ◽

Preparation Conditions ◽

Reduced Graphene

AbstractTwo-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) has been demonstrated to be promising in photoelectronic devices, electrode materials, and biomedicine owing to its outstanding properties. However, the application of BP has been hindered by harsh preparation conditions, high costs, and easy degradation in ambient condition. Herein, we report a facile and cost-effective strategy for synthesis of orthorhombic phase BP and a kind of BP-reduced graphene oxide (BP/rGO) hybrids in which BP remains stable for more than 4 weeks ascribed to the formation of phosphorus-carbon covalent bonds between BP and rGO as well as the protection effect of the unique wrinkle morphology of rGO nanosheets. Surface modification BP/rGO hybrids (PEGylated BP/rGO) exhibit excellent photothermal performance with photothermal conversion efficiency as high as 57.79% at 808 nm. The BP/rGO hybrids exhibit enhanced antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, showing promising perspectives in biomedicine.

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Myocardial fibrosis reversion via rhACE2-electrospun fibrous patch for ventricular remodeling prevention

npj Regenerative Medicine ◽

10.1038/s41536-021-00154-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zeping Qiu ◽

Jingwen Zhao ◽

Fanyi Huang ◽

Luhan Bao ◽

Yanjia Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Myocardial Fibrosis ◽

Ventricular Remodeling ◽

Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Intramyocardial Injection ◽

Undesirable Consequence ◽

Adverse Remodeling

AbstractMyocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling were the key pathology factors causing undesirable consequence after myocardial infarction. However, an efficient therapeutic method remains unclear, partly due to difficulty in continuously preventing neurohormonal overactivation and potential disadvantages of cell therapy for clinical practice. In this study, a rhACE2-electrospun fibrous patch with sustained releasing of rhACE2 to shape an induction transformation niche in situ was introduced, through micro-sol electrospinning technologies. A durable releasing pattern of rhACE2 encapsulated in hyaluronic acid (HA)—poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) core-shell structure was observed. By multiple in vitro studies, the rhACE2 patch demonstrated effectiveness in reducing cardiomyocytes apoptosis under hypoxia stress and inhibiting cardiac fibroblasts proliferation, which gave evidence for its in vivo efficacy. For striking mice myocardial infarction experiments, a successful prevention of adverse ventricular remodeling has been demonstrated, reflecting by improved ejection fraction, normal ventricle structure and less fibrosis. The rhACE2 patch niche showed clear superiority in long term function and structure preservation after ischemia compared with intramyocardial injection. Thus, the micro-sol electrospun rhACE2 fibrous patch niche was proved to be efficient, cost-effective and easy-to-use in preventing ventricular adverse remodeling.

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Three-Dimensional Zirconia-Based Scaffolds for Load-Bearing Bone-Regeneration Applications: Prospects and Challenges

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14123207 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 3207

Author(s):

Kumaresan Sakthiabirami ◽

Vaiyapuri Soundharrajan ◽

Jin-Ho Kang ◽

Yunzhi Peter Yang ◽

Sang-Won Park

Keyword(s):

Bone Regeneration ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

High Mechanical Strength ◽

Real World Applications ◽

3D Fabrication ◽

Dental Applications

The design of zirconia-based scaffolds using conventional techniques for bone-regeneration applications has been studied extensively. Similar to dental applications, the use of three-dimensional (3D) zirconia-based ceramics for bone tissue engineering (BTE) has recently attracted considerable attention because of their high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. However, techniques to fabricate zirconia-based scaffolds for bone regeneration are in a stage of infancy. Hence, the biological activities of zirconia-based ceramics for bone-regeneration applications have not been fully investigated, in contrast to the well-established calcium phosphate-based ceramics for bone-regeneration applications. This paper outlines recent research developments and challenges concerning numerous three-dimensional (3D) zirconia-based scaffolds and reviews the associated fundamental fabrication techniques, key 3D fabrication developments and practical encounters to identify the optimal 3D fabrication technique for obtaining 3D zirconia-based scaffolds suitable for real-world applications. This review mainly summarized the articles that focused on in vitro and in vivo studies along with the fundamental mechanical characterizations on the 3D zirconia-based scaffolds.

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Relevance of Biofilm Models in Periodontal Research: From Static to Dynamic Systems

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9020428 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 428

Author(s):

María Carmen Sánchez ◽

Andrea Alonso-Español ◽

Honorato Ribeiro-Vidal ◽

Bettina Alonso ◽

David Herrera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Research Group ◽

Surface Composition ◽

Bacterial Colonization ◽

Implant Surface ◽

Biofilm Growth ◽

Biofilm Model ◽

Dental Implant Surface ◽

The Impact

Microbial biofilm modeling has improved in sophistication and scope, although only a limited number of standardized protocols are available. This review presents an example of a biofilm model, along with its evolution and application in studying periodontal and peri-implant diseases. In 2011, the ETEP (Etiology and Therapy of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases) research group at the University Complutense of Madrid developed an in vitro biofilm static model using representative bacteria from the subgingival microbiota, demonstrating a pattern of bacterial colonization and maturation similar to in vivo subgingival biofilms. When the model and its methodology were standardized, the ETEP research group employed the validated in vitro biofilm model for testing in different applications. The evolution of this model is described in this manuscript, from the mere observation of biofilm growth and maturation on static models on hydroxyapatite or titanium discs, to the evaluation of the impact of dental implant surface composition and micro-structure using the dynamic biofilm model. This evolution was based on reproducing the ideal microenvironmental conditions for bacterial growth within a bioreactor and reaching the target surfaces using the fluid dynamics mimicking the salivary flow. The development of this relevant biofilm model has become a powerful tool to study the essential processes that regulate the formation and maturation of these important microbial communities, as well as their behavior when exposed to different antimicrobial compounds.

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Development of Natural Bioactive Alkaloids: Anticancer perspective

Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1389557521666210712111331 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Ashish Patel ◽

Ravi Vanecha ◽

Jay Patel ◽

Divy Patel ◽

Umang Shah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anticancer Agents ◽

Low Cost ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Drug Discovery And Development ◽

Anticancer Properties ◽

Antimetastatic Activity ◽

New Chemical Entities

: Cancer is a frightful disease that still poses a 'nightmare' worldwide, causing millions of casualties annually due to one of the human race's most significant healthcare challenges that requires a pragmatic treatment strategy. However, plants and plant-derived products revolutionize the field as they are quick, cleaner, eco-friendly, low-cost, effective, and less toxic than conventional treatment methods. Plants are repositories for new chemical entities and have a promising cancer research path, supplying 60% of the anticancer agents currently used. Alkaloids are important chemical compounds that serve as a rich reservoir for drug discovery and development. However, some alkaloids derived from natural herbs display anti-proliferation and antimetastatic activity on different forms of cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Alkaloids have also been widely formulated as anticancer medications, such as camptothecin and vinblastine. Still, more research and clinical trials are required before final recommendations can be made on specific alkaloids. This review focuses on the naturally-derived bioactive alkaloids with prospective anticancer properties based on the information in the literature.

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LiquidCNA: tracking subclonal evolution from longitudinal liquid biopsies using somatic copy number alterations

10.1101/2021.01.05.425414 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eszter Lakatos ◽

Helen Hockings ◽

Maximilian Mossner ◽

Michelle Lockley ◽

Trevor A. Graham

Keyword(s):

Copy Number ◽

Evolutionary Dynamics ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Copy Number Alterations ◽

Liquid Biopsies ◽

Metastatic Lung ◽

Low Pass ◽

Somatic Copy Number Alterations

AbstractCell-free DNA (cfDNA) measured via liquid biopsies provides a way for minimally-invasive monitoring of tumour evolutionary dynamics during therapy. Here we present liquidCNA, a method to track subclonal evolution from longitudinally collected cfDNA samples based on somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs). LiquidCNA utilises SCNA profiles derived through cost-effective low-pass whole genome sequencing to automatically and simultaneously genotype and quantify the size of the dominant subclone without requiring prior knowledge of the genetic identity of the emerging clone. We demonstrate the accuracy of liquidCNA in synthetically generated sample sets and in vitro and in silico mixtures of cancer cell lines. Application in vivo in patients with metastatic lung cancer reveals the progressive emergence of a novel tumour sub-population. LiquidCNA is straightforward to use, computationally inexpensive and enables continuous monitoring of subclonal evolution to understand and control therapy-induced resistance.

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Design and Characterization of Combinational Domperidone-Famotidine Floating Drug Delivery System - In vitro and In vivo studies

Ars Pharmaceutica (Internet) ◽

10.30827/ars.v62i2.15810 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 144-162

Author(s):

Mounika Chidurala ◽

Raveendra Reddy J

Keyword(s):

Drug Release ◽

Oral Administration ◽

Quality By Design ◽

Release Kinetics ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Fickian Diffusion ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Pharmacokinetic Studies

Introduction: The drawbacks assosiated with oral administration of drugscan be controlled or minimized by gastro retentive formulations that remain buoyant within the stomach for an extended time by providing prolonged gastric retention and releasethe drug in an exceedingly extended manner thereby improving bioavailability. The current research was to develop and optimize Domperidone and Famotidine floating tablets with extended release by Quality by Design approach. Method: Based on QTPP (Quality Target Product Profile), CQAs (Critical Quality Attributes)wereidentified. Risk analysis by the evaluation of formulation and process parameters showed that optimizing the levels of polymers could reduce high risk to achieve the target profile. A 23factor experimental design with midpoints was selected for statistical analysis and optimization. Results: HPMC K100 and Carbopol 934P had a positive effect while ethyl cellulose demonstrated a negative effect on the selected responses. Drug release kinetics followed the first-order release with Higuchi diffusion and Fickian diffusion. Optimized formula satisfying all the required parameters was selected and evaluated. The predicted response values were in close agreement with experimental response values. Abdominal X-ray imaging after oral administration of the tablets on a healthy rabbit’s stomach confirmed the extended floating behavior with shorter lag time. In vivo, pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits revealed that the optimized formulation exhibited prolonged drug release with enhanced Cmax, tmax, AUCo-t, and t1/2 of an optimized product when compared to the marketed product. Conclusions: It has been concluded that the application of Quality by Design in the formulation and optimization reduced the number of trials to produce a cost-effective formula.

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A Comparative Study of Bioceramics In Vitro and In Vivo

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.284-286.11 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 284-286 ◽

pp. 11-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yang Leng ◽

Ren Long Xin ◽

Ji Yong Chen

Keyword(s):

Calcium Phosphates ◽

Glass Ceramics ◽

Octacalcium Phosphate ◽

Rabbit Muscle ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Diffraction Patterns ◽

Dental Applications

Bioactive calcium phosphate (Ca-P) formation in bioceramics surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF) and in rabbit muscle sites was investigated. The examined bioceamics included most commonly used bioglass®, A-W glass-ceramics and calcium phosphates in orthopedic and dental applications. The Ca-P cyrstal structures were examined with single crystal diffraction patterns in transmission electron microscopy, which reduced possibility of misidentifying Ca-P phases. The experimental results show that capability of Ca-P formation considerably varied among bioceramics, particularly in vivo. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was revealed on the all types of bioceramics in vitro and in vivo experiments. This work leads us to rethink how to evaluate bioactivity of bioceramics and other orthopedic materials which exhibit capability of osteoconduction by forming direct bonding with bone.

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The ultrastructure of Candida albicans infections

Canadian Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.1139/m81-181 ◽

1981 ◽

Vol 27 (11) ◽

pp. 1156-1164 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Thomas J. Marrie ◽

J. William Costerton

Keyword(s):

Candida Albicans ◽

Oral Candidiasis ◽

Ruthenium Red ◽

Host Cells ◽

Yeast Cells ◽

Positive Matrix ◽

Urine Sediment ◽

Bacteria Adhesion

Scrapings of Candida albicans plaques from the tongue and buccal mucosa of patients with oral candidiasis were examined electron microscopy. In addition, urine sediment from patients with infection of their catheterized urinary tracts was similar examined. Three types of C. albicans – oral epithelial cell interactions were noted: a loose adherence apparently mediated by ruthenium red positive matrix, a "tight" adherence where no space could be seen between the host and yeast cell, and invasions host cells by yeast hyphal elements. Adhesion of Candida blastospores to hyphal elements and adhesion of bacteria to Candida cells was also frequently observed.Urine sediments from patients with mixed bacteria–yeast infections demonstrated adhesion of the bacteria to the yeast cells. This phenomenon was also demonstrated in in vitro experiments and fibrous ruthenium red material invariably occupied the zo*** of adhesion.Phagocytosis of yeast by polymorphonuclear leukocytes was found in urinary, but not in oral, candidiasis. Our in vivo and vitro observations indicate that a ruthenium red positive matrix covers the surfaces involved in the yeast to yeast, yeast to ho and yeast to bacteria adhesion.

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