Search

Many types of cancer are currently treated using a combination of chemotherapeutics, but unfortunately, this strategy is considerably limited by severe side effects. The current development of nanocarriers enables the use of multiple drugs anchored on one unique platform thus enhancing the initiated therapeutic effect and minimizing the possibility of drug resistance. In this context, a graphene‐oxide‐based 2D nanoplatform is developed, which is functionalized using highly branched polyethylene‐glycol and a multimodal set of two drugs with various mechanisms of action, namely Pt‐based complex (a Pt(IV) prodrugs based on cisplatin) and doxorubicin (DOX). We performed in vitro 2D screening on two cancer cell lines, namely glioblastoma and osteosarcoma, that were selected as models of two aggressive tumors that remain a massive challenge in oncology. The therapeutic effect of the developed nano‐platform is higher at lower concentrations (15 μm of Pt‐drug, 0.6 μm DOX) compared to the impact of the free drugs. This indicates a possible positive effect of the accumulation and transport of the drugs using this nanoplatform. Results obtained on 3D cell models using MG63 osteosarcoma cells uncovered an understandable lowered diffusion profile of the developed nanoplatforms, compared to the application of free drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common clinical entity in people with asthma. EIB is characterized by postexercise airway obstruction that results in symptoms such as coughing, dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, and increased fatigue. The underlying mechanism of EIB is not completely understood. "Osmotic theory" and "thermal or vascular theory" have been proposed. Initial assessment must include a specific work-up to exclude alternative diagnoses like exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), cardiac disease, or physical deconditioning. Detailed medical history and clinical examination must be followed by basal spirometry and exercise challenge test. The standardized treadmill running (TR) test, a controlled and standardized method to assess bronchial response to exercise, is the most adopted exercise challenge test for children aged at least 8 years. In the TR test, the goal is to reach the target heart rate in a short period and maintain it for at least 6 min. The test is then followed by spirometry at specific time points (5, 10, 15, and 30 min after exercise). In addition, bronchoprovocation tests like dry air hyperpnea (exercise and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea) or osmotic aerosols (inhaled mannitol) can be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain. Treatment options include both pharmacological and behavioral approaches. Considering medications, the use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) just before exercise is the commonest option strategy, but daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can also be considered, especially when EIB is not controlled with SABA only or when the patients practice physical activity very often. Among the behavioral approaches, warm-up before exercise, breathing through the nose or face mask, and avoiding polluted environments are all recommended strategies to reduce EIB risk. This review summarizes the latest evidence published over the last 10 years on the pathogenesis, diagnosis using spirometry and indirect bronchoprovocation tests, and treatment strategies, including SABA and ICS, of EIB. A specific focus has been placed on EIB management in young athletes, since this condition can not only prevent them from practicing regular physical activity but also competitive sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noxious gases such as sulfur-containing compounds can inflict several different adverse effects on human health even when present at extremely low concentrations. The accurate detection of these gases at sub-parts per million levels is imperative, particularly in fields where maintaining optimal air quality is crucial. In this study, we harnessed the capabilities of nanostructured metal-oxide semiconducting materials to detect sulfur dioxide, since they have been extensively explored starting from the last decades for their effectiveness in monitoring toxic gases. We systematically characterized the sensing performance of seven chemoresistive devices. As a result, the SnO2:Au sensor demonstrated to be the most promising candidate for sulfur dioxide detection, owing to its highly sensitivity (0.5–10 ppm), humidity-independent behavior (30 RH% onwards), and selectivity vs. different gases at an operating temperature of 400 °C. This comprehensive investigation facilitates a detailed performance comparison to other devices explored for the SO2 sensing, supporting advancements in gas detection technology for enhanced workplace and environmental safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV) involves birds as primary hosts and mosquitoes as vectors, but this virus can spread to mammals, human beings included. Asymptomatic infected donors pose a risk to the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants, as WNV can be transmitted through these medical procedures. Since 2009, the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy has been implementing an integrated surveillance system in order to detect WNV circulation in the environment at an early stage. Here we report the results of the two components of the surveillance system, the active testing of corvids and humans, and demonstrate that bird surveillance alone improves a surveillance system based solely on human case detection. As WNV risk reduction measures are applied on a provincial basis, we assessed the ability of this surveillance system component to detect virus circulation prior to the notification of the first human case for each province. Overall, 99 epidemic seasons were evaluated as a result of 11 years (2013-2023) of surveillance in the nine provinces of the region. In this period, 22,314 corvids were tested for WNV and 642 (2.9%) were found to be infected. WNV was generally first detected in birds in July, with sample prevalence peaks occurring between August and September. During the same period, 469 autochthonous human cases were notified, about 60% of which were reported in August. WNV was detected 79 times out of the 99 seasons considered. The virus was notified in birds 73 times (92.4%) and 60 times (75.9%) in humans. WNV was first or only notified in birds in 57 seasons (72.1%), while it was first or only notified in humans in 22 seasons (27.8%). Active surveillance in corvids generally allows the detection of WNV before the onset of human cases. Failure of virus detection occurred mainly in seasons where the number of birds tested was low. Our results show that active testing of a minimum of 3.8 corvids per 100 km2 provides a satisfactory timeliness in the virus detection, but for early detection of WNV it is crucial to test birds between mid-June and mid-August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]