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Iglesias-Mejuto A, Pinto R, Faísca P, Catarino J, Rocha J, Durães L, Gaspar MM, Reis CP, García-González CA. 3D-printed aerogels as theranostic implants monitored by fluorescence bioimaging. Bioact Mater 2024; 41:471-484. [PMID: 39220405 PMCID: PMC11364008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aerogel scaffolds are nanostructured materials with beneficial properties for tissue engineering applications. The tracing of the state of the aerogels after their implantation is challenging due to their variable biodegradation rate and the lack of suitable strategies capable of in vivo monitoring the scaffolds. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have emerged as advanced tools for in vitro bioimaging because of their fluorescence properties. In this work, highly fluorescent UCNPs were loaded into aerogels to obtain theranostic implants for tissue engineering and bioimaging applications. 3D-printed alginate-hydroxyapatite aerogels labeled with UCNPs were manufactured by 3D-printing and supercritical CO2 drying to generate personalize-to-patient aerogels. The physicochemical performance of the resulting structures was evaluated by printing fidelity measurements, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, and different microscopies (confocal, transmission and scanning electron microscopies). Stability of the aerogels in terms of physicochemical properties was also tested after 3 years of storage. Biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro by different cell and hemocompatibility assays, in ovo and in vivo by safety and bioimaging studies using different murine models. Cytokines profile, tissue index and histological evaluations of the main organs unveiled an in vivo downregulation of the inflammation after implantation of the scaffolds. UCNPs-decorated aerogels were first-time manufactured and long-term traceable by fluorescence-based bioimaging until 3 weeks post-implantation, thereby endorsing their suitability as tissue engineering and theranostic nanodevices (i.e. bifunctional implants).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Iglesias-Mejuto
- AerogelsLab, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rui Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
- Joaquim Chaves Saúde, Joaquim Chaves Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Miraflores, 1495069, Algés, Portugal
| | - Pedro Faísca
- CECAV-Faculty of Veterinary Medicina- Lusófona University- Lisbon University Center, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Catarino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicina- Lusófona University- Lisbon University Center, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Rocha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luisa Durães
- University of Coimbra, CERES-Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. García-González
- AerogelsLab, I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Ramseier CA. Diagnostic measures for monitoring and follow-up in periodontology and implant dentistry. Periodontol 2000 2024; 95:129-155. [PMID: 38951873 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
This review discusses the role of diagnostic measures in the lifelong management of periodontal disease and peri-implant complications. After active treatment, these conditions require regular monitoring of the supporting structures of teeth and dental implants to assess bone and soft tissue health over time. Several clinical measures have been developed for the routine assessment of periodontal and peri-implant tissues, including periodontal and peri-implant probing, bleeding on probing, intraoral radiography, biomarker analysis, and microbiological testing. This review highlights the evolution of diagnostic practices, integrating traditional methods with emerging technologies such as resonance frequency analysis and ultrasound imaging to provide a holistic view of peri-implant health assessment. In addition to objective measurements, patient risk factors are considered. The goals of periodontal and peri-implant maintenance are to control disease activity and stabilize tissues through supportive care, which includes diagnostic measures at follow-up visits. This enables clinicians to monitor treatment outcomes, assess health status, and detect recurrence or progression early through routine evaluation, allowing additional interventions, including adjustment of supportive therapy intervals, to further improve and maintain periodontal and peri-implant stability over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph A Ramseier
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Liu X, Zhao T, Sun C, Shi H, Shi J, Shi G, Hou Y. Evaluation and analysis of surgical treatment for single-level or multi-level lumbar degenerative disease based on radiography. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:1441-1450. [PMID: 38415163 PMCID: PMC10895145 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Radiography has a low level of radiation exposure while providing valuable information. Due to its cost effectiveness and widespread availability, the preoperative radiographic imaging examination is a valuable approach for assessing patients with spinal disease. This study aimed to examine the influence of preoperative X-ray evaluation on the surgical treatment of patients with single- or multi-level lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 172 patients diagnosed with LDD who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery between December 2021 and February 2023 at the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital. Various parameters were measured on preoperative radiographs, including the iliac crest height, median iliac angle (MIA), lumbar lordosis (LL), intervertebral facet joint degeneration, lumbosacral angle (LSA), intervertebral foramen height (IFH), and surgical segment. The surgical treatment was evaluated based on the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications. A correlation analysis and independent sample t-tests were used to assess the relationship between preoperative radiographic variables and surgical treatments. Further, a multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors affecting the clinical outcomes. Results The correlation analysis and t-test results showed that the MIA, height of the iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were significantly correlated with the surgical treatments (P<0.05). Specifically, the height of the iliac crest, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were positively correlated with the surgical treatments. Conversely, the MIA was negatively correlated with the surgical treatments. However, no significant differences were observed between the IFH, LSA, and LL in relation to posterior lumbar surgery (P>0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the height of the iliac crest, MIA, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment were independent factors affecting the surgical treatments of patients with single- or multi-level LDD. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors when planning and performing lumbar surgery. Conclusions The measurements taken from radiographs, including the height of the iliac crest, MIA, intervertebral facet joint degeneration, and surgical segment, demonstrate potential influences on the treatment of single- and multi-level lumbar spine surgery. These variables can be captured in plain film imaging and can provide valuable insights into the surgical procedure and offer guidance for the operation. By analyzing these radiographic measurements, surgeons can gain a better understanding of a patient's condition and tailor the surgical approach accordingly, thus optimizing the outcomes of the surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxi Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Ioannidis I, Pashalidis I, Raptopoulos G, Paraskevopoulou P. Radioactivity/Radionuclide (U-232 and Am-241) Removal from Waters by Polyurea-Crosslinked Alginate Aerogels in the Sub-Picomolar Concentration Range. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030211. [PMID: 36975660 PMCID: PMC10048139 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The removal of radionuclide/radioactivity from laboratory and environmental water samples under ambient conditions was investigated via batch-type experiments using polyurea-crosslinked calcium alginate (X-alginate) aerogels. Water samples were contaminated with traces of U-232 and Am-241. The removal efficiency of the material depends strongly on the solution pH; it is above 80% for both radionuclides in acidic solutions (pH 4), while it decreases at about 40% for Am-241 and 25% for U-232 in alkaline solutions (pH 9). This is directly associated with the presence of the radionuclide species in each case; the cationic species UO22+ and Am3+ prevail at pH 4, and the anionic species UO2(CO3)34– and Am(CO3)2− prevail at pH 9. Adsorption on X-alginate aerogels is realized by coordination of cationic species on carboxylate groups (replacing Ca2+) or other functional groups, i.e., –NH and/or –OH. In environmental water samples, i.e., ground water, wastewater and seawater, which are alkaline (pH around 8), the removal efficiency for Am-241 is significantly higher (45–60%) compared to that for U-232 (25–30%). The distribution coefficients (Kd) obtained for the sorption of Am-241 and U-232 by X-alginate aerogels are around 105 L/kg, even in environmental water samples, indicating a strong sorption affinity of the aerogel material for the radionuclides. The latter, along with their stability in aqueous environments, make X-alginate aerogels attractive candidates for the treatment of radioactive contaminated waters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the removal of americium from waters using aerogels and the first investigation of adsorption efficiency of an aerogel material at the sub-picomolar concentration range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ioannidis
- Laboratory of Radioanalytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia Cy-1678, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Pashalidis
- Laboratory of Radioanalytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia Cy-1678, Cyprus
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Grigorios Raptopoulos
- Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Patrina Paraskevopoulou
- Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (P.P.)
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Polylactide-Grafted Metal-Alginate Aerogels. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14061254. [PMID: 35335584 PMCID: PMC8953683 DOI: 10.3390/polym14061254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Τhis work describes the synthesis of PLA-grafted M-alginate (g-M-alginate; M: Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+) aerogels. DL-lactide (LA) was attached on the surface of preformed M-alginate beads and was polymerized, using stannous octoate as catalyst and the –OH groups of the alginate backbone as initiators/points of attachment. The material properties of g-M-alginate aerogels were not affected much by grafting, because the linear PLA chains grew on the M-alginate framework like a brush and did not bridge their points of attachment as in polyurea-crosslinked M-alginate aerogels. Thus, all g-M-alginate aerogels retained the fibrous morphology of their parent M-alginate aerogels, and they were lightweight (bulk densities up to 0.24 g cm−3), macroporous/mesoporous materials with high porosities (up to 96% v/v). The BET surface areas were in the range of 154–542 m2 g−1, depending on the metal, the nature of the alginate framework and the PLA content. The latter was found at about 15% w/w for Ca- and Ni-based materials and at about 29% w/w for Co- and Cu-based materials. Overall, we have demonstrated a new methodology for the functionalization of alginate aerogels that opens the way to the synthesis of polylactide-crosslinked alginate aerogels with the use of multifunctional monomers.
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