Biomedical Applications of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Current Insights Progress and Perspectives

The enormous development of nanomaterials technology and the immediate response of many areas of science, research, and practice to their possible application has led to the publication of thousands of scientific papers, books, and reports. This vast amount of information requires careful classification and order, especially for specifically targeted practical needs. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize to some extent the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical research. Summarizing the fundamental properties of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, the review’s next focus was to classify research studies related to applying these particles for cancer diagnostics and therapy (similar to photothermal therapy, hyperthermia), in nano theranostics, multimodal therapy. Special attention is paid to research studies dealing with the opportunities of combining different nanomaterials to achieve optimal systems for biomedical application. In this regard, original data about the synthesis and characterization of nanolipidic magnetic hybrid systems are included as an example. The last section of the review is dedicated to the capacities of magnetite-based magnetic nanoparticles for the management of oncological diseases.

212Pb: Production Approaches and Targeted Therapy Applications

Over the last decade, targeted alpha therapy has demonstrated its high effectiveness in treating various oncological diseases. Lead-212, with a convenient half-life of 10.64 h, and daughter alpha-emitter short-lived 212Bi (T1/2 = 1 h), provides the possibility for the synthesis and purification of complex radiopharmaceuticals with minimum loss of radioactivity during preparation. As a benefit for clinical implementation, it can be milked from a radionuclide generator in different ways. The main approaches applied for these purposes are considered and described in this review, including chromatographic, solution, and other techniques to isolate 212Pb from its parent radionuclide. Furthermore, molecules used for lead’s binding and radiochemical features of preparation and stability of compounds labeled with 212Pb are discussed. The results of preclinical studies with an estimation of therapeutic and tolerant doses as well as recently initiated clinical trials of targeted radiopharmaceuticals are presented.

Consensus on COVID-19 vaccination in pediatric oncohematological patients, on behalf of infectious working group of Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology

Vaccines represent the best tool to prevent the severity course and fatal consequences of pandemic by new Coronavirus 2019 infection (SARS CoV 2). Considering the limited data on vaccination of pediatric oncohematological patients, we develop a Consensus document to support the Italian pediatric hematological oncological (AIEOP) centers in a scientifically correct communication with families and patients and to promote vaccination. The topics of the Consensus were: SARS CoV 2 infection and disease (COVID 19) in the pediatric subject s; COVID 19 vaccines (type, schedule); which and when to vaccinate; contraindications and risk of serious adverse events; rare adverse events; third dose and vaccination after COVID 19; and other general prevention measures. Using the Delphi methodology fo r Consensus, 21 statements and their corresponding rationale were elaborated and discussed with the representatives of 31 centers, followed by voting. AIEOP Centers showed an overall agreement on all the statements that were therefore approved. This consensus document highlights that children and adolescents affected by hematological and oncological diseases are a fragile category. Vaccination plays an important role to prevent COVID19, to permit the regular administration of chemotherapy or other treatmen ts, to perform control visits and hospital admissions, and to prevent treatment delays.

The role of genes of the second phase of detoxification of xenobiotics in the pathogenesis of multifactorial diseases

The genetic status of a person is currently assigned a major role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. The most important genetic factors that have been attached great importance to are the genes of the glutathione-S-transferase family (GSTs). The genes of the glutathione-S-transferase family belong to the second phase of detoxification of xenobiotics and their altered activity leads to the development of many pathological conditions. GSTM, GSTT, GSTP are considered to be the most polymorphic. The issues of the participation of polymorphic GSTs in the development of infectious, allergic and oncological diseases, disorders of the reproductive system, as well as in the development of Alzheimer's disease are discussed in the article.

The Reliability and Test-Retest Stability of the Treatment Perception Questionnaire (TPQ) in the Oncology Field: A Pilot Study

Background: Patients' satisfaction is an indicator of technical, instrumental, environmental, and interpersonal aspects of care. It shows how much the health service “as a whole organization” meets the patients’ psychosocial expectations and if the health professionals combine their technical competence with relational skills. The Treatment Perception Questionnaire (TPQ) is a brief instrument developed in the United Kingdom for research with substance abuse disorder populations. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability and test-retest stability of the TPQ Italian translation in a sample of patients with solid and blood cancers. Methods: The TPQ was administered to 263 people with solid and blood cancers. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a subgroup of 116 participants who completed the TPQ again after 3 months. Results: The reliability of TPQ was good. Cronbach’s alpha: 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79-0.86), 0.66 (0.59-0.72), 0.71 (0.65-0.769), respectively, in the total test, and in subscales on “staff perception”, and “program perception”. Test-retest reliability was 0.82 (0.77-0.87). The mean difference between the first and the second assessment was 1.0 (SD = 7.1; 95% CI -0.35 to 2.33). By plotting the differences and the means of the two assessments, 5/116 cases (4.3%) were outside the upper and lower limits of agreement. Conclusions: This study points out good reliability and test-retest stability of the TPQ in the oncology field. The TPQ can be used to assess variation over time about satisfaction with care in patients with oncological diseases, favoring the identification of unmet patients’ needs about the quality of the service.

Morbidity with malignant neoplasms of female genital organs in Amur region

Morbidity with malignant neoplasms offemale genital organs in Amur region makes up 38-45per 100000 women. Cervical and uterine carcinomae dominate through all malignant tumors. The authors point to the low rate оfcase detecting as to women with genital neoplasms. Late diagnostics lead to unfavourable prognosis. General cancer mortality decreased for the last three years but still remains high. To reduce the rate of oncological diseases a regional programme including tumor and pretumor screening is to be elaborated.

The relationship of polymorphic variants of genes GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1 with the risk of developing diseases (literature review)

Authors analyzed the relationship of the most studied polymorphisms of glutathione-S-transferase genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1) with the risk of developing diseases in the territory of the Russian Federation. The authors analyzed domestic articles on gene polymorphisms and their association with various conditions. A systematic review of scientific papers was carried out using the following electronic databases: Cyberleninka, Electronic Library and Google Scholar, which searched for glutathione transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms from 1900 to 2020. The following keywords were used for the search: “GST polymorphism”. The search for articles was carried out in English but took into account the results obtained only in the territory of the Russian Federation. The search for scientific publications was independently checked and compared to filter out duplicate articles. The sample size, the number of loci included in the analysis, and the analyzed population (ethnic group) are essential in studying the relationship between glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms and the development of diseases. In general, the analysis of the articles makes it possible to reveal the association between the polymorphisms of the glutathione-S-transferase genes and the high risk of developing oncological diseases, respiratory diseases and other pathologies. This article did not consider the relationship of polymorphisms with reproductive pathologies because this topic includes a large amount of work and requires separate consideration. The least studied issue is the relationship between polymorphisms of genes for biotransformation of xenobiotics and the development of occupational diseases.

Clinical signs of genital papillomavirus infection

702 women were observed: the basic group consisted оf 450patients with sexual-transmitted infections (STI); control group included 252 women without STI. 19 women with oncological diseases of reproductive system were specially examined.The women with genital papillomavirus infection complained of itch, burning, and warts of anogenital area. The most widespread diseases in STI patients were cervical pseudoerosion and endocervicitis. In presence of HPV of high oncogenic risk in these women endocervicitis, vaginal warts and vulvovaginitis were diagnosed.High oncogenic risk of HPV was noticed in all women with the established diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Psychological Characteristics and Quality of Life of Patients with Penile Cancer: Pilot Study on a Russian Sample

Research into the psychological aspects of oncological diseases is nowadays relevant and widespread; however, there are very few studies in patients with penile cancer (PC). Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the psychological characteristics and quality of life of patients with PC for further organization of psychological counseling. The study included 17 male patients (mean age 49.0 3.76 years) of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. The following techniques were used: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Big Five Inventory (BFI), Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), Purpose in Life Test (PLT), Quality of Life of Cancer Patients (EORTC QLQ-C30). The patients overall health status was assessed by D.A. Karnofskys scale; a specific psychological structured interview was also conducted. The emotional state of most patients is characterized by low indexes of anxiety and depression. Most of them are purposeful, organized, emotionally stable, unwilling to form trusting relationships. They have high rates of life meaningfulness, a normative level of internality and a decreased purpose in life indicator. The patients are not prone to active and conscious overcoming stress compared to healthy men. The indexes of quality of life, as well as the rates of its specific parameters (cognitive, physical and emotional activity) in the studied group of patients exceed the same values in patients with different tumor localizations and are not consistent with the objectively estimated condition. Health-related quality of life is largely determined by the characteristics of patients value system, especially in oncological diseases that are related not only to a vital threat, but also to deep personal experiences, including the experience of patients male identity.

Resolution of the plenum of the interdepartmental scientific council on obstetrics and gynecology, RAMS M3 RF

Over the past 10 years in Russia, there has been an intensive increase in the incidence of malignant tumors of the reproductive system in women, whose share in the structure of oncological diseases amounted to 36.9%. The current situation is primarily due to an increase in the incidence of malignant tumors of the mammary gland, endometrium, and ovaries. The incidence of breast cancer is growing at a particularly fast pace. Over the past decade, the indicators have increased by more than 70%. The emerging trend towards a decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer in the 70-80s was replaced by a new rise in the period 1990-1999, mainly due to the II-III stages of the disease. The main peak of incidence corresponds to the age period of 56-65 years with a tendency to "rejuvenate" breast cancer up to 35-50 years.