Enhanced Antimalarial Activity of Extracts of Artemisia annua L. Achieved with Aqueous Solutions of Salicylate Salts and Ionic Liquids

Artemisinin, a drug used to treat malaria, can be chemically synthesized or extracted from Artemisia annua L. However, the extraction method for artemisinin from biomass needs to be more sustainable while maintaining or enhancing its bioactivity. This work investigates the use of aqueous solutions of salts and ionic liquids with hydrotropic properties as alternative solvents for artemisinin extraction from Artemisia annua L. Among the investigated solvents, aqueous solutions of cholinium salicylate and sodium salicylate were found to be the most promising. To optimize the extraction process, a response surface method was further applied, in which the extraction time, hydrotrope concentration, and temperature were optimized. The optimized conditions resulted in extraction yields of up to 6.50 and 6.44 mg·g-1, obtained with aqueous solutions of sodium salicylate and cholinium salicylate, respectively. The extracts obtained were tested for their antimalarial activity, showing a higher efficacy against the Plasmodium falciparum strain compared with pure (synthetic) artemisinin or extracts obtained with conventional organic solvents. Characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of artemisinin together with other compounds, such as artemitin, chrysosplenol D, arteannuin B, and arteannuin J. These compounds act synergistically with artemisinin and enhance the antimalarial activity of the obtained extracts. Given the growing concern about artemisinin resistance, the results here obtained pave the way for the development of sustainable and biobased antimalarial drugs.

Validation of a hematology analyzer in donkey medicine

Asinina de Miranda is a protected donkey sub-species from the Mirandês plateau in northeastern of Portugal. Donkeys are animals that have substantially lost their place as working animals in modern society, this had led to a decrease in their population numbers. A need to preserve native species has led to the foundation of organizations like Associação para o Estudo e Proteção do Gado Asinino (AEPGA) and the development of studies regarding breed welfare, such as hematology. The IDEXX ProCyte Dx is a veterinary hematology analyzer validated for several species, but not for donkeys. The aim of this study was to validate the ProCyte Dx for Asinina de Miranda donkeys. The validation requires a controlled study of precision, carryover, linearity and comparison between the equipment and the manually obtained values for the leukocyte differential count and hematocrit. Results indicated coefficient of variation was good (below 5 %) for both the intra-assay and the inter-assay precision, except for basophils. Carryover was 0 % for all the parameters except platelets (5.88 %). Linearity showed a very high Pearson correlation coefficient, above 0.99, for erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leucocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, platelets and plateletcrit. Comparison demonstrated excellent agreement for hematocrit (rs=0.96) and good Spearman rank correlation for neutrophils (rs=0.84) and lymphocytes (rs=0.90). Accuracy for total leukocyte count and platelets could not be determined. In conclusion, the ProCyte Dx seems appropriate to be used in Asinina de Miranda hematology.

Layer-by-Layer Coatings of Collagen-Hyaluronic acid Loaded with an Antibacterial Manuka Honey Bioactive Compound to Fight Metallic Implant Infections

Implant-associated severe infections can result in catastrophic implant failures; thus, advanced antibacterial coatings are needed to combat infections. This study focuses on harnessing nature-inspired self-assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM)-like coatings on Ti alloy with a combination of jellyfish-derived collagen (J-COLL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) using our customized automated hybrid layer-by-layer apparatus. To improve the anti-infection efficacy of coatings, we have incorporated a natural antibacterial agent methylglyoxal (MGO, a Manuka honey compound) in optimized multilayer coatings. The obtainment of MGO-loaded multilayer coatings was successfully assessed by profilometry, contact angle, attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro degradation confirmed the controlled release activity of MGO with a range of concentrations from 0.90 to 2.38 mM up to 21 days. A bacterial cell culture study using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) confirmed that the MGO incorporated within layers 7 and 9 had a favorable effect on preventing bacterial growth and colonization on their surfaces. An in vitro cytocompatibility study confirmed that MGO agents included in the layers did not affect or reduce the cellular functionalities of L929 fibroblasts. In addition, MGO-loaded layers with Immortalized Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Y201 TERT-hMSCs) were found to favor the growth and differentiation of Y201 cells and promote calcium nodule formation. Overall, these surface coatings are promising candidates for delivering antimicrobial activity with bone-inducing functions for future bone tissue engineering applications.

How similar is the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles coated with different capping agents?†

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represent one of the most commercialised metal nanomaterials, with an extensive number of applications that span from antimicrobial products to electronics. Bare AgNPs are very susceptible to aggregation, and capping agents are required for their protection and stabilisation. The capping agents can endow new characteristics which can either improve or deteriorate AgNPs (bio)activity. In the present work, five different capping agents were studied as stabilizing agents for AgNPs: trisodium citrate (citrate), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), dextran (Dex), diethylaminoethyl-dextran (Dex^DEAE) and carboxymethyl-dextran (Dex^CM). The properties of the AgNPs were studied using a set of methods, including transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy. Coated and bare AgNPs were also tested against Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to analyse their capacity to suppress bacterial growth and eradicate biofilms of clinically relevant bacteria. The results showed that all the capping agents endow long-term stability for the AgNPs in water; however, when the AgNPs are in bacterial culture media, their stability is highly dependent on the capping agent properties due to the presence of electrolytes and charged macromolecules such as proteins. The results also showed that the capping agents have a substantial impact on the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs. The AgNPs coated with the Dex and Dex^CM were the most effective against the three strains, due to their better stability which resulted in the release of more silver ions, better interactions with the bacteria and diffusion into the biofilms. It is hypothesized that the antibacterial activity of capped AgNPs is governed by a balance between the AgNPs stability and their ability to release silver ions. Strong adsorption of capping agents like PVP on the AgNPs endows higher colloidal stability in culture media; however, it can decrease the rate of Ag⁺ release from the AgNPs and reduce the antibacterial performance. Overall, this work presents a comparative study between different capping agents on the properties and antibacterial activity of AgNPs, highlighting the importance of the capping agent in their stability and bioactivity.

Nanosilver antibacterial activity is governed by a balance between the nanosilver stability and their ability to release/dope Ag⁺ to solution.

Influence of PCL and PHBV on PLLA Thermal and Mechanical Properties in Binary and Ternary Polymer Blends

PLLA, PCL and PHBV are aliphatic polyesters which have been researched and used in a wide range of medical devices, and all three have advantages and disadvantages for specific applications. Blending of these materials is an attractive way to make a material which overcomes the limitations of the individual polymers. Both PCL and PHBV have been evaluated in polymer blends with PLLA in order to provide enhanced properties for specific applications. This paper explores the use of PCL and PHBV together with PLLA in ternary blends with assessment of the thermal, mechanical and processing properties of the resultant polymer blends, with the aim of producing new biomaterials for orthopaedic applications. DSC characterisation is used to demonstrate that the materials can be effectively blended. Blending PCL and PHBV in concentrations of 5-10% with PLLA produces materials with average modulus improved by up to 25%, average strength improved by up to 50% and average elongation at break improved by 4000%, depending on the concentrations of each polymer used. PHBV impacts most on the modulus and strength of the blends, whilst PCL has a greater impact on creep behaviour and viscosity. Blending PCL and PHBV with PLLA offers an effective approach to the development of new polyester-based biomaterials with combinations of mechanical properties which cannot be provided by any of the materials individually.

First Stage of the Development of an Eco-Friendly Detergent Formulation for Efficient Removal of Carbonized Soil

Detergent formulations for cleaning a carbonized soil—degreasers—typically comprise surfactants, organic solvents, phosphate-based cleaning agents, and alkaline agents, which results in high pH values (>11) that raise human and environmental risks. It is important to develop eco-friendly and safer degreasers, while maintaining their cleaning efficiency. In this work, simple degreaser formulations, with a pH below 11 and without phosphates, were developed by using a mixture of solvent, surfactant, and water to remove carbonized soil. The efficiency of the new degreaser formulations (with 5 wt% solvent, 5 wt% nonionic or ionic surfactant, and 90 wt% water) was evaluated by an abrasion test in the removal of carbonized soil from ceramic and stainless steel surfaces and compared with a commercial product. The results obtained show that the formulations comprising isopropylene glycol (IPG) with C11−C13 9EOs and diethylene glycol butyl ether (BDG) with octyltrimethylammonium octanoate ([N1118][C8O2]) present the best cleaning efficiency for both surfaces. The composition of these formulations was optimized for each surface using a mixture design. The resulting formulations, despite having a simpler composition, a pH lower than 11, and being phosphate-free, presented a cleaning efficiency equal or slightly higher than the commercial control. These results show that it is possible to design degreasers that are much less aggressive to the environment and user, while simultaneously fulfilling the market requirements.

The Man of a Thousand Pustules: A Case About Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare entity characterized by fever associated with the sudden appearance of erythematous lesions, on which multiple sterile, non-follicular pustules develop. We describe a case of a 44-year-old healthy male who developed fever and multiple erythematous and edematous lesions with progressive generalization to the entire body, associated with multiple small non-follicular pustules three days after having started flucloxacillin for the treatment of a furuncle. Considering the characteristics of the exanthema, fever, and association with aminopenicillin initiation, AGEP was considered. A skin biopsy revealed subcorneal and superficial epidermal pustules, with foci of spongiosis, papillary edema, and a superficial, perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate with neutrophils and eosinophils, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of AGEP. The culprit drug was suspended, and prednisolone was started, considering the rash extension, with progressive and complete improvement. Although it is a rare condition, the hypothesis of AGEP should be considered in acute febrile conditions with disseminated pustules. It resolves spontaneously after discontinuation of the offending drug, and the diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and skin biopsy.

Indexing calcium score of the aortic valve to the annulus area improves the grading of aortic stenosis severity in patients within the grey zone of aortic valve calcification

Introduction

Calcium score of the aortic valve (CaScAoV) is recommended as a supporting tool to assist in the grading of aortic stenosis (AS) severity when echocardiographic assessment is inconclusive. However, a significant proportion of patients have CaScAoV values within a “grey zone” between the “unlikely” and “likely” thresholds. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential usefulness of indexing CaScAoV to the area of the aortic annulus, in order to improve the discriminative power of CaScAoV in this subset of patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients evaluated at a single center TAVI program were retrospectively identified and included in the analysis if cardiac CT and echocardiography were performed within a 6-month timeframe. Those with LVEF <50%, indexed stroke volume <35 ml/m2, rheumatic heart disease, or bicuspid aortic valves were excluded. Severe AS was defined as mean transvalvular gradient ≥40 mmHg. The likelihood of severe AS assessed by CT was categorized according to the guideline-recommended sex-specific CaScAoV thresholds. Patients were considered to be in the “grey zone” if their CaScAoV values were between 800–1200 for women, and between 1600–2000 for men.

Results

A total of 655 patients were included (282 men (43.1%), median age 83 years [IQR 79–86]). AS was considered severe by echocardiographic criteria in 587 patients (89.6%), and moderate in the remainder. Median transvalvular gradient was 49 mmHg (IQR 43–59), and median CaScAoV values were 3329 (IQR 2356–4500) for men, and 1995 (IQR 1462–2781) for women.

Overall, 77 patients (11.7%) had CaScAoV values in the “grey zone”, of which 24 (31.2%) had moderate AS (Figure 1). Patients within this region of uncertainty were no different form the others in terms of age, sex, annulus size and body surface area.

In this subset of patients, indexing CaScAoV to aortic annulus area showed good discriminative power to identify severe AS (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.81, p=0.008). Using previously established thresholds (>300 AU/cm2 for women and >500 AU/cm2 for men), 48 patients (62.3%) were correctly reclassified (net reclassification index of 0.45, p=0.03). These findings were similar for both sexes.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing cardiac CT for known or suspected severe AS with CaScAoV values within the “grey zone”, indexing CaScAoV to the area of the aortic annulus improves the classification of AS severity and may decrease diagnostic uncertainty.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Myocardial deformation in athletes measured with feature tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Background

Morphological changes of the heart associated with exercise are well studied. However, changes in myocardial mechanics of athlete's heart are less understood. The aim of this study was to analyze myocardial deformation parameters in athletes and controls, using feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR).

Methods

In a cohort of 73 athletes who had been submitted to CMR at 1.5T and 3 T (mean age 31±12 years, 69% males), we used CMR-FT to measure longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain and strain rates of both ventricles. Left ventricle (LV) longitudinal, circumferential and radial dyssynchrony index (L-SDI, C-SDI and R-CDI, respectively) was calculated as the standard deviation of the calculated time to peak strain percentages of the cardiac cycle with segmental strain analysis. We also measured these parameters in 73 age-matched healthy subjects.

Results

In comparison to the control subjects, athletes revealed lower left and right ventricle global longitudinal strain (−14.24% vs. −13.31%, p=0.03, and −18.12% vs. −15.95% p=0.01, respectively) and right ventricular (RV) global radial strain (19.28 vs 15.74, p<0.05) – Figure 1. There were no significant differences in LV global radial and circumferential strain. LV longitudinal, radial and circumferential systolic strain rate were also lower in athletes compared to controls (−0.69 s–1 vs. −0.78 s–1, p=0.04; 1.35 s–1 vs. 1.50 s–1, p=0.03: −0.92 s–1 vs −0.98 s–1, p=0.05, respectively). Regarding LV dyssynchrony index, we found no significant difference for L-SDI (10.76% vs. 10.72%, p=0.956), but athletes group showed lower C-SDI and R-SDI values (5.99% vs 4.84%, p=0.006, and 5.53% vs 4.47%, p=0.002).

Conclusion

Our study revealed attenuation of biventricular strain values and lower circumferential and radial LV dyssynchrony indexes in athletes, compared with healthy controls. We hypothesize that these differences may be related with exercise physiologic cardiac adaptations.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Valuable effect of Manuka Honey in increasing the printability and chondrogenic potential of a naturally derived bioink

Hydrogel-based bioinks are the main formulations used for Articular Cartilage (AC) regeneration due to their similarity to chondral tissue in terms of morphological and mechanical properties. However, the main challenge is to design and formulate bioinks able to allow reproducible additive manufacturing and fulfil the biological needs for the required tissue. In our work, we investigated an innovative Manuka honey (MH)-loaded photocurable gellan gum methacrylated (GGMA) bioink, encapsulating mesenchymal stem cells differentiated in chondrocytes (MSCs-C), to generate 3D bioprinted construct for AC studies. We demonstrated the beneficial effect of MH incorporation on the bioink printability, leading to the obtainment of a more homogenous filament extrusion and therefore a better printing resolution. Also, GGMA-MH formulation showed higher viscoelastic properties, presenting complex modulus G∗ values of ∼1042 ​Pa, compared to ∼730 ​Pa of GGMA. Finally, MH-enriched bioink induced a higher expression of chondrogenic markers col2a1 (14-fold), sox9 (3-fold) and acan (4-fold) and AC ECM main element production (proteoglycans and collagen).

Epigenetic reprogramming by TET enzymes impacts co-transcriptional R-loops

DNA oxidation by ten-eleven translocation (TET) family enzymes is essential for epigenetic reprogramming. The conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) initiates developmental and cell-type-specific transcriptional programs through mechanisms that include changes in the chromatin structure. Here, we show that the presence of 5hmC in the transcribed gene promotes the annealing of the nascent RNA to the template DNA strand, leading to the formation of an R-loop. Depletion of TET enzymes reduced global R-loops in absence of gene expression changes, whereas CRISPR-mediated tethering of TET to an active gene promoted the formation of R-loops. The genome-wide distribution of 5hmC and R-loops show a positive correlation in mouse and human stem cells and overlap in half of all active genes. Moreover, R-loop resolution leads to differential expression of a subset of genes that are involved in crucial events during stem cell proliferation. Altogether, our data reveal that epigenetic reprogramming via TET activity promotes co-transcriptional R-loop formation, disclosing new mechanisms of gene expression regulation.

The Impact of Size and Shape in the Performance of Hydrotropes: A Case-Study of Alkanediols

Inspired by the recently proposed cooperative mechanism of hydrotropy, where water molecules mediate the aggregation of hydrotrope around the solute, this work studies the impact of apolar volume and polar...

Predicting pacemaker dependency after TAVI with pre-procedural MSCT

Background and aim

High degree conduction disturbances is a burdensome complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There is limited data whether such disorders are permanent or reversible. Anatomic surrogates, such as membranous septum [MS, a distance marker from aortic annulus to His-bundle surge] and calcium distribution within aortic valve have been associated with pacemaker (PM) implantation. The aim of our study was to assess predictors of long-term pacemaker dependency following TAVI.

Methods

Single center prospectively included patients that underwent pacemaker implantation following TAVI (March 2017 to September 2020). Patients who were lost to follow up, with bicuspid aortic valve, previously implanted PM and non-available or low quality MSCT exam were excluded. On MSCT, MS length was measured on modified coronal view, the aortic-valvular complex (AVC) was characterized by leaflet sector and calcium distribution was assessed on a J-score threshold of 850-Hounsfield units. Pacemaker dependency was assessed by reducing ventricular pacing to 30 bpm and defined by subsequent complete AV dissociation in patients in sinus rhythm or an escape rhythm <50 bpm in atrial fibrillation, in addition of >90% pacing percentage since implantation.

Results

From the 352 patients with inclusion criteria, 67 underwent PM implantation (19%) and 55 included in the analysis (male 33.9%, median age=85) (Figure). Median time for pacemaker implantation was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) 3–5 days], mostly due to complete auriculo-ventricular block (76.4%, N=42). PM dependency occurred in 14 out of 55 (25.5%) patients at mean follow up of 500±363 days. Patients with PM dependency tended to have deeper implantation depth, (6.2 mm vs 5.5 mm, p=0.096) and a significantly shorter MS (5.8 mm vs 6.8 mm, P-value = 0.031) (Table). Increasing MS length was independently associated with a lower risk of PM dependency [odds ratio (OR) 0.58 per mm; 95% CI: 0.35–0.98, p=0.04] regardless prosthesis choice. MS length under 5 mm had 97.6% specificity (95% CI: 87.1–99.9) and 85.7% positive predictive value for pacemaker dependency (AUC=76.7; 95% CI 63.3–87).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of MSCT-derived MS length to stratify the risk of long term need for pacemaker. Patients with short MS (<5mm) in addition to conduction abnormality following TAVI had a high likelihood of PM dependency on the long term and should be considered for prompt PM implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Regurgitant volume to left ventricular end-diastolic volume ratio: the quest to identify Disproportionate MR is not over

Background

Quantification of secondary mitral valve regurgitation (SMR) remains challenging. Proportionate and Disproportionate SMR provides a conceptual framework that relates the degree of SMR to left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. In line with this concept, regurgitant volume to LV end-diastolic volume ratio (Rvol/LVEDV) was recently proposed as a possible strategy to identify patients with Disproportionate SMR. The aim of this study was to validate this approach in a Portuguese cohort.

Methods

In a single center cohort of patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF <50%) under optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), we retrospectively identified those with at least moderate SMR. According to the published literature, we divided the study population into 2 risk groups: those with a Rvol/LVEDV ratio ≥20% (greater MR/smaller LVEDV) and those with a ratio <20% (smaller MR/ larger EDV). Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to assess the association between Rvol/LVEDV ratio and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 154 patients (mean age 69±12 years; 81% male) were included. Mean LVEF was 31±8% and median LVEDV was 193 mL (IQR: 155 to 236 mL). There were 74 patients (48.1%) with a Rvol/LVEDV ratio <20% and 80 patients (51.9%) Rvol/LVEDV ratio ≥20%. Regarding GDMT, 141 (91.6%) received beta-blockers, 139 (90.3%) angiotensin converting–enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and 77 (50.0%) were under mineralocorticoid therapy. Also, there were patients 49 (31.8%) under cardiac resynchronization therapy and 40 patients (26.0%) had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. During a median follow-up of 2.1 years (IQR 0.7 to 3.8 years), 92 (59.7%) patients died. Cox regression and survival analysis showed no mortality difference between patients with a Rvol/LVEDV ratio <20% and those with a ratio ≥20% (HR: 1.04; 95% CI 0.69–1.57; P=0.854; Log-rank P=0.967) – see also figure.

Conclusion

In a Portuguese cohort of HFrEF patients under optimized GDMT and with at least moderate SMR, the Rvol/LVEDV ratio was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. As such, the Rvol/LVEDV ratio does not seem to be a reliable surrogate of Disproportionate SMR, possibly because it does not account for the degree of LV dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Coronary artery calcium score to predict coronary CT angiography interpretability. An old problem revisited

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend against the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with heavy calcification due to interpretability concerns, but no specific approach or threshold is provided. Recently, alternative methods have been proposed as more reliable predictors of CCTA interpretability than the classic coronary artery calcium score (CACS). The purpose this study was to compare the performance of different measures of coronary calcification as predictors of CCTA interpretability.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing CACS and CCTA between 2018 and 2020. The key exclusion criteria were known coronary artery disease, CACS of zero, and presence of non-assessable coronary lesions for reasons other than calcification (movement/gating artifacts or vessel diameter <2mm). CCTA studies were considered non-interpretable if the main reader considered one or more coronary lesions non-assessable due to calcification. Three different measures of coronary calcification were compared using ROC curve analysis: 1) total CACS; 2) CACS-to-lesion ratio (total CACS divided by the number of calcified plaques); and 3) calcium score of the most calcified plaque. Decision-tree analysis was performed to identify the algorithm that best predicts CCTA interpretability.

Results

A total of 432 patients (191 women, mean age 64±11 years) were included. Overall, 31 patients (7.2%) had a non-interpretable CCTA due to calcification. Patients with non-interpretable CCTA had higher CACS (median 589 vs. 50 AU, p<0.001), higher CACS-to-lesion ratio (median 43 vs. 14 AU/lesion, p<0.001), and higher score of the most calcified plaque (median 445 vs. 43 AU, p<0.001). Among the 3 methods, CACS showed the highest discriminative power to predict a non-interpretable CCTA (C-statistic 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.95, p<0.001) – Figure 1.

Decision-tree analysis identified a single-variable algorithm (CACS value ≤515 AU) as the best discriminator of CCTA interpretability: 396 of the 409 patients (97%) with CACS ≤515 AU had an interpretable CCTA, whereas only 5 of the 23 patients (22%) with CACS >515 AU had an interpretable test, yielding a total of 96% correct predictions.

Conclusions

The recently proposed and more complex measures of coronary calcification seem unable to outperform total CACS as a predictor of CCTA interpretability. A simple CACS cutoff-value around 500 AU remains the best discriminator for this purpose.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

A Chondrosphere-Based Scaffold Free Approach to Manufacture an In Vitro Articular Cartilage Model

In vitro engineering of human articular cartilage (AC) is a regenerative medicine challenge. The main objective of this study was the development of a repeatable scaffold-free in vitro model of chondrocyte spheroid-based treatments of cartilage defects, to allow for systematic study and further optimization of this type of treatment. Human articular chondrocytes (HC) and immortalized mesenchymal cells differentiated in chondrocytes (Y201-Cs) were cultured in round-bottom 96-well plates to produce multicellular spheroids and their growth kinetics, and viability was evaluated over 7 days of culture. Then, the spheroids were assembled and cultured for 21 days on a gelatin-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospun membrane (10 spheroids/cm²), following a protocol in line with the clinically approved Chondrosphere^® (CO.DON AG) technique. Both HC and Y201-C cells formed compact and viable spheroids after 7 days of culture with a reduction of diameter over the 7 days from 1300 ± 150 μm to 600 ± 90 μm and from 1250 ± 60 μm to 800 ± 20 μm for HC and Y201-C, respectively. When the spheroids were transferred onto the support membrane, these adhered on the membrane itself and fused themselves, producing collagen type II (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN), according to gene expression and glycosaminoglycans quantification analyses. We detected higher expression of COL2A1 in HC cells, while the Y201-C constructs were characterized by an increased ACAN expression. The approach we presented allows a standardizable production of spheroids with predictable geometry and the creation of a reproducible scaffold-free in vitro AC-like construct showing high expression of chondrogenic markers, using both HC and Y201-C. In addition, the bankable Y201-C cells provide an effective base model for experimentation with the spheroid approach to further enhance the process. Impact statement This is first work on the development of a repeatable scaffold-free in vitro model based on an optimized protocol in line with a recent clinically approved Chondrosphere^® (CO.DON AG) technique. In addition, we demonstrated that a bankable cell type (Y201-C) could produce an engineered cartilage-like construct, giving a repeatable model as a key tool for experimentation of therapeutic treatment ahead of studies with heterogeneous cell populations.

Patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography after a positive single-photon emission computed tomography or a positive stress cardiac magnetic resonance - What to expect at the cath lab

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 Randomized controlled trials comparing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) suggest similar diagnostic accuracy for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are few data on whether or not this remains true in routine clinical practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and angiographic characteristics of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) after a positive stress CMR or positive SPECT, and to compare their positive predictive value with published results from the CE-MARC trial.

Methods

In this retrospective tertiary-center analysis, we included 429 patients (mean age 67 ± 10 years, 28% women, 42% diabetic) undergoing ICA between January 2016 and December 2020, after a positive stress CMR or positive SPECT. Regarding stress test, an adenosine protocol was performed in all stress CMR and in 76.4% (n = 272) of stress SPECT. 

Stress test results, including ischemia location and severity, were classified as reported by their primary readers. Patients with missing data on key variables, and those in whom microvascular disease was considered likely in the original stress test report were excluded. Obstructive CAD was defined as any coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50% in a vessel compatible with the ischemic territory on stress testing.

Results

Out of the total 429 patients, 356 (83%) were referred after a positive SPECT, and 73 (17%) after a positive stress CMR. Patients did not differ regarding age, cardiovascular risk factors, previous revascularization or left ventricular dysfunction, but patients with SPECT were more frequently male (p = 0.046). Overall, 320 patients (75%) had obstructive CAD on ICA. The prevalence of obstructive CAD was similar in patients with positive SPECT vs. positive stress CMR (76.1% vs. 80.8%, respectively, p = 0.385). There were also no significant differences in the prevalence of left main or 3-vessel disease (9.0% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.871, and 19.7% vs. 23.3% p = 0.483, respectively). Revascularization was performed or planned in 59.3% of patients in the SPECT group, and 52.1% of those in the stress CMR group (p = 0.255). The positive predictive values of both techniques were similar to those reported in the CE-MARC trial (Figure), and would increase to 88.1% and 89.4% for SPECT and stress CMR, respectively, if patients reported as having only mild ischemia were excluded.

Conclusion

In this tertiary center analysis, stress CMR and SPECT showed similar positive predictive values, comparable to those reported in the CE-MARC trial.

Sustainable liquid supports for laccase immobilization and reuse: Degradation of dyes in aqueous biphasic systems

Novel liquid supports for enzyme immobilization and reuse based on aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) constituted by cholinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) and polymers for the degradation of dyes are here proposed. The biocatalytic reaction for dye decolorization using laccase occured in the biphasic medium, with the enzyme being "supported" in the IL-rich phase and the dye and degradation products being enriched in the polymer-rich phase. An initial screening of the laccase activity in aqueous solutions of ABS constituents, namely cholinium dihydrogen citrate ([Ch][DHC]), cholinium dihydrogen phosphate ([Ch][DHP]), cholinium acetate ([Ch][Acet]), polypropylene glycol 400 (PPG 400), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and K₂ HPO₄ was carried out. Compared to the buffered control, a relative laccase activity of up to 170%, 257%, and 530% was observed with PEG 400, [Ch][DHP], and [Ch][DHC], respectively. These ABS constituents were then investigated for the in situ enzymatic biodegradation of the Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye. At the optimized conditions, the ABS constituted by PPG 400 at 46 wt% and [Ch][DHC] at 16 wt% leads to the complete degradation of the RBBR dye, further maintaining the enzyme activity. This ABS also allows an easy immobilization, recovery, and reuse of the biocatalyst for six consecutive reaction cycles, achieving a degradation yield of the dye of 96% in the last cycle. In summary, if properly designed, high enzymatic activities and reaction yields are obtained with ABS as liquid supports, while simultaneously overcoming the safety and environmental concerns of conventional organic solvents used in liquid-liquid heterogeneous reactions, thus representing more sustainable biocatalytic processes.

The impact of the counterion in the performance of ionic hydrotropes

The efficiency of an ionic hydrotrope is shown to increase with the hydrophobicity of its counterion, challenging the common view that ionic hydrotropes should possess a small, densely charged counterion such as sodium or chloride.

Strategies for Enhancing Polyester-Based Materials for Bone Fixation Applications

Polyester-based materials are established options, regarding the manufacturing of bone fixation devices and devices in routine clinical use. This paper reviews the approaches researchers have taken to develop these materials to improve their mechanical and biological performances. Polymer blending, copolymerisation, and the use of particulates and fibre bioceramic materials to make composite materials and surface modifications have all been studied. Polymer blending, copolymerisation, and particulate composite approaches have been adopted commercially, with the primary focus on influencing the in vivo degradation rate. There are emerging opportunities in novel polymer blends and nanoscale particulate systems, to tune bulk properties, and, in terms of surface functionalisation, to optimise the initial interaction of devices with the implanted environment, offering the potential to improve the clinical performances of fracture fixation devices.

Calcium score of the aortic valve as a predictor of aortic stenosis severity

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The calcium score of the aortic valve (CaScAoV) is now recommended as a supporting tool to assist in the grading of aortic stenosis (AS) severity when echocardiographic assessment is inconclusive. However, the proposed CaScAoV cut-offs for considering severe AS "unlikely", "likely", or "very likely" have never been validated in Portuguese cohorts.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of the proposed CaScAoV cut-offs in identifying patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Methods

A total of 513 consecutive patients (median age 83 years [IQR 79–87], 38% males) evaluated at a single-centre TAVI-programme between Jan/2016 and Nov/2019 were retrospectively identified. Only patients with an ECG-gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) and a transthoracic echocardiography performed within a 6-month time-frame were included. Main exclusion criteria were left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, indexed stroke volume < 35 ml/m2, previous valve surgery and

bicuspid aortic disease. CaScAoV was measured according to the Agatston method (Agatston units – AU). As previously reported, the likelihood of aortic stenosis as assessed by CT was categorized as: "very likely" (>3000 AU for men, >1600 AU for women); "likely" (>2000 AU for men, >1200 AU for women) ; or unlikely (<1600 AU for men, <800 AU for women). Diagnostic tests performance measures were calculated for each category. Separate analyses were performed for each gender.

Results

Severe AS (mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg) was present in 422 patients (overall 82.3%: 83.1% in females and 80.8% in males), with a median transvalvular gradient of 49 mmHg (IQR 42 – 60).

Overall, the discriminative ability of the CaScAoV to distinguish severe from non-severe AS was higher in men when compared with women (c-statistic 0.86 [95%CI 0.80 – 0.93] vs. 0.72 [95%CI 0.64 – 0.80], p for comparison < 0.001). In males, the "very likely" cut-off had a sensitivity of 71% (95%CI 63 – 78%), a specificity of 81% (95%CI 65 – 92%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94% (95%CI 89 – 97%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 40% (95%CI 33 – 46%) for the diagnosis of severe AS. Conversely, in women the sensitivity was 75% (95%CI 69 – 80%), specificity was 57% (95%CI 43 – 71%), PPV was 90% (95%CI 86 – 92%) and NPV was 32% (95%CI 25 – 39%).

On the other end of the spectrum, the "unlikely" cut-off showed poor performance in dismissing severe AS, particularly in females – NPV of 43% (95%CI 25-63%) in women vs. 83% (95%CI 63-93%) in men.

Conclusion

In our population, the discriminative power of CaScAoV for identifying patients with severe AS was lower than in previously published cohorts, particularly in females. While very high CaScAoV is strongly supportive of severe AS, caution should be employed when interpreting low CaScAoV values in women, since the recommended cut-off value does not allow the safe exclusion of severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract Figure. Waterfall chart of individuals CaScAoV

Biomimetic hydrogels designed for cartilage tissue engineering

Cartilage-like hydrogels based on materials like gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol are reviewed and contrasted, revealing existing limitations and challenges on biomimetic hydrogels for cartilage regeneration.

CaCO3 crystals as versatile carriers for controlled delivery of antimicrobials

CaCO₃ crystals have been known for a long time as naturally derived and simply fabricated nano(micro)-sized materials able to effectively host and release various molecules. This review summarises the use of CaCO₃ crystals as versatile carriers to host, protect and release antimicrobials, offering a strong tool to tackle antimicrobial resistance, a serious global health problem. The main methods for the synthesis of CaCO₃ crystals with different properties, as well as the approaches for the loading and release of antimicrobials are presented. Finally, prospects to utilize the crystals in order to improve the therapeutic outcome and combat antimicrobial resistance are highlighted. Ultimately, this review intends to provide an in-depth overview of the application of CaCO₃ crystals for the smart and controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents and aims at identifying the advantages and drawbacks as well as guiding future works, research directions and industrial applications.

pH-Triggered Adhesiveness and Cohesiveness of Chondroitin Sulfate-Catechol Biopolymer for Biomedical Applications

Nature provides biomaterials that tend to be effective to control both their adhesive and cohesive properties. A catecholamine motif found in the marine mussels, the mytilus edulis foot protein, can play adhesiveness and cohesiveness. Particularly, acidic pH drives catechol (Cat) to have adhesive function, resulting in surface coating, while basic pH allows to enhance its cohesive properties, resulting in the formation of hydrogels. In this work, we demonstrated the usefulness of Cat-conjugated chondroitin sulfate (CS) as a platform for mesenchymal stem cell culture, utilizing the adhesive property of CS-Cat as coating for different substrates and the cohesive properties as hydrogel for cells encapsulation. To prepare the CS-Cat biopolymer, dopamine (DP) was coupled to the CS by carbodiimide coupling reaction and the Cat content was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy (4.8 ± 0.6%). To demonstrate the adhesive properties of the biopolymer, PLA, PCL, TiO₂, and SiO₂ substrates were immersed in CS-Cat solution (pH < 2). Following the coating, the surfaces became highly hydrophilic, exhibiting a contact angle less than 35°. Also, in the presence of an oxidizing agent at pH 8, CS-Cat solution immediately became a hydrogel, as shown by inverted-vial test. Finally, immortalized TERT human mesenchymal stem cells (Y201) confirmed the high cytocompatibility of the biopolymer. The CS-Cat coating significantly enabled the Y201 adhesion onto PLA substrates, while the prepared hydrogel demonstrated to be a suitable environment for the encapsulation of cells as suitable bioink for further bioprinting applications.

Surface Characterization of Electro-Assisted Titanium Implants: A Multi-Technique Approach

The understanding of chemical-physical, morphological, and mechanical properties of polymer coatings is a crucial preliminary step for further biological evaluation of the processes occurring on the coatings' surface. Several studies have demonstrated how surface properties play a key role in the interactions between biomolecules (e.g., proteins, cells, extracellular matrix, and biological fluids) and titanium, such as chemical composition (investigated by means of XPS, TOF-SIMS, and ATR-FTIR), morphology (SEM-EDX), roughness (AFM), thickness (Ellipsometry), wettability (CA), solution-surface interactions (QCM-D), and mechanical features (hardness, elastic modulus, adhesion, and fatigue strength). In this review, we report an overview of the main analytical and mechanical methods commonly used to characterize polymer-based coatings deposited on titanium implants by electro-assisted techniques. A description of the relevance and shortcomings of each technique is described, in order to provide suitable information for the design and characterization of advanced coatings or for the optimization of the existing ones.

A FABP4-PPARγ signaling axis regulates human monocyte responses to electrophilic fatty acid nitroalkenes

Nitro-fatty acids (NO2-FA) are electrophilic lipid mediators derived from unsaturated fatty acid nitration. These species are produced endogenously by metabolic and inflammatory reactions and mediate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory responses. NO2-FA have been postulated as partial agonists of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ), which is predominantly expressed in adipocytes and myeloid cells. Herein, we explored molecular and cellular events associated with PPARγ activation by NO2-FA in monocytes and macrophages. NO2-FA induced the expression of two PPARγ reporter genes, Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) and the scavenger receptor CD36, at early stages of monocyte differentiation into macrophages. These responses were inhibited by the specific PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. Attenuated NO2-FA effects on PPARγ signaling were observed once cells were differentiated into macrophages, with a significant but lower FABP4 upregulation, and no induction of CD36. Using in vitro and in silico approaches, we demonstrated that NO2-FA bind to FABP4. Furthermore, the inhibition of monocyte FA binding by FABP4 diminished NO2-FA-induced upregulation of reporter genes that are transcriptionally regulated by PPARγ, Keap1/Nrf2 and HSF1, indicating that FABP4 inhibition mitigates NO2-FA signaling actions. Overall, our results affirm that NO2-FA activate PPARγ in monocytes and upregulate FABP4 expression, thus promoting a positive amplification loop for the downstream signaling actions of this mediator.

The interplay between chondrocyte spheroids and mesenchymal stem cells boosts cartilage regeneration within a 3D natural-based hydrogel

Articular cartilage (AC) lacks the ability to self-repair and cell-based approaches, primarily based on using chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are emerging as effective technology to restore cartilage functionality, because cells synergic functionality may support the maintenance of chondrogenic phenotype and promote extracellular matrix regeneration. This work aims to develop a more physiologically representative co-culture system to investigate the influence of MSCs on the activity of chondrocytes. A thermo-sensitive chitosan-based hydrogel, ionically crosslinked with β–glycerophosphate, is optimised to obtain sol/gel transition at physiological conditions within 5 minutes, high porosity with pores diameter <30 µm, and in vitro mechanical integrity with compressive and equilibrium Young’s moduli of 37 kPa and 17 kPa, respectively. Live/dead staining showed that after 1 and 3 days in culture, the encapsulated MSCs into the hydrogels are viable and characterised by round-like morphology. Furthermore chondrocyte spheroids, seeded on top of gels that contained either MSCs or no cells, show that the encapsulated MSCs stimulate chondrocyte activity within a gel co-culture, both in terms of maintaining the coherence of chondrocyte spheroids, leading to a larger quantity of CD44 (by immunofluorescence) and a higher production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (by histology) compared with the mono-culture.

P2849Prevalence and significance of sustained pulmonary vein isolation in repeat AF ablation procedures

Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is a common cause of relapse after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, some patients have AF recurrence despite durable PV isolation. The aim of this study was to assess the PV isolation status at the time of a second catheter ablation (redo) procedure, and its relationship with subsequent AF relapse.

Methods

Consecutive patients with symptomatic drug-resistant AF who underwent redo procedures from January 2006 to December 2017 were identified in a single-center observational registry. Pulmonary vein isolation status was assessed during the electrophysiologic study with a circular mapping catheter. Additional radiofrequency (RF) energy applications were also recorded. AF relapse was defined as symptomatic or documented AF/atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter after a 3-month blanking period.

Results

We identified 240 patients (77 [32%] females, median age 61 [IQR 53–67] years, 85 [35%] with non-paroxysmal AF) undergoing redo procedures during the study period. At the time of redo, 17 (7%) of the patients presented bidirectional conduction block of all PVs. PV reconnection occurred in 157 (65%) of cases in the left superior vein, 142 (59%) in the left inferior vein, 177 (73%) in the right superior vein, and 163 (68%) in the right inferior vein (table). All of the PVs were reconducted in 91 (38%) patients. Additional RF applications were performed in the left atrium (LA) roof, LA posterior wall, cavotricuspid isthmus, mitral isthmus, superior vena cava, coronary sinus, and left atrial appendage ostium, at the operator's discretion (table 1).

Over a median follow-up of 2-years (IQR 1–5), 126 patients (53%) suffered AF recurrence, yielding a mean relapse rate of 17%/year. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the lack of PV reconnection at the time of redo emerged as an independent predictor of subsequent relapse (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–3.49, p=0.019) even after adjustment for univariate predictors including non-paroxysmal AF, body mass index, female sex, and active smoking.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing redo AF ablation procedures, less than 10% present with complete PV isolation. Despite being relatively infrequent, this finding is independently associated with greater likelihood of subsequent recurrence, suggesting that other mechanisms, not fully addressed by additional RF applications, are at play.

P5699Endocardial vs. epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation: a propensity score matched analysis

Introduction

Direct comparisons of long-term clinical outcomes of endocardial vs. epicardial catheter ablation techniques for drug-resistant ventricular tachycardia (VT) have been scarcely reported.

We aim to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of endocardial vs. epicardial catheter ablation (END-ABL and EPI-ABL, respectively) in a propensity score (PS) matched population.

Methods

Single-center observational registry including 215 consecutive patients who underwent END-ABL (181) or EPI-ABL (n=34) for drug-resistant VT between January 2007 and June 2018. Efficacy endpoint was defined as VT-free survival after catheter ablation, while safety outcomes were defined by 30-days mortality and procedure-related complications. A propensity score was used to match patients in a 1:1 fashion according to the following variables: VT storm at presentation, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV at presentation, ischemic ethology, presence of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and previous endocardial catheter ablation. Independent predictors of VT recurrence were assessed by Cox regression.

Results

The PS yielded two groups of 31 patients each well matched for baseline characteristics (Table 1). Over a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR 1–3), 58% (n=18) ENDO-ABL patients had VT recurrence vs. 26% (n=8) in the EPI-ABL group (P=0.020). The yearly rates of VT recurrence were 28%/year for END-ABL vs. 11%/year for EPI-ABL (P=0.021). Multivariate survival analysis identified previous endocardial ablation (HR= 3.52; 95% CI 1.17–10.54, p=0.026) and VT storm at presentation (HR=3.57; 95% CI 1.50–8.50, p=0.004) as independent predictors of VT recurrence. EPI-ABL was independently associated with fewer VT recurrences (HR=0.28; 95 CI 0.12–0.69, p=0.005), but only in patients with a previous endocardial ablation (p for interaction = 0.004) – Figure A.

No patients died at 30-days post-procedure. Hospital length of stay was similar between END-ABL and EPI-ABL (5 vs. 4 days respectively, p=0.139), as was the complication rate (6.5% vs. 12.9% respectively, p=0.390), although driven by different causes (Table 1).

Conclusion

VT storm at presentation and previous catheter ablation were independent predictors of VT recurrence. In patients with a previous failed endocardial catheter ablation, epicardial ablation seems to provide greater VT-free survival than repeat endocardial ablation. Both strategies seem equally safe.

1204Pericardial fat volume outperforms classic risk markers in the prediction of relapse after pulmonary vein isolation

Introduction

Pericardial adipose tissue has been implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF), but its relevance to clinical practice remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of pericardial fat as predictor of recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

We assessed 453 patients (278 men, age 61±13 years, 348 paroxysmal AF) with symptomatic AF undergoing cardiac CT prior to a PVI procedure. Pericardial fat was quantified on contrast-enhanced images using a new simplified semi-automated method. The study endpoint was symptomatic and/or documented AF recurrence.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 14 months (IQR 7–23), 170 patients (38%) relapsed. Survival analysis showed significant differences in AF-free survival across tertiles of pericardial fat (Figure). Pericardial fat volume was weakly correlated to body mass index [(BMI), Pearson's R=0.34]. After adjustment for BMI and other univariate predictors of relapse, three variables emerged independently associated with time to AF recurrence: non-paroxysmal AF (HR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.51–2.87, p<0.001), indexed left atrial (LA) volume (HR 1.02 per mL/m2, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02, p<0.001), and indexed pericardial fat volume (HR 1.50 per mL/m2, 95% CI: 1.37–1.64, p<0.001). Based on the Wald test, indexed pericardial fat volume was the strongest of these predictors of relapse (X2 values of 20, 13, and 77, respectively). The population attributable risk (PAF) was higher for pericardial fat (PAF=37% for 1st vs 4th quartile) vs LA volume (PAF=11% for 1st quartile vs 4th quartile) and non-paroxysmal AF (PAF=23%). Pericardial fat volume also showed greater discriminate power than indexed LA volume, with a C-statistic of 0.80 (95% CI 0.76–0.85) vs. 0.61 (95% CI 0.55–0.66), p for difference <0.001. The method for quantifying pericardial fat showed high inter-observer reproducibility (Pearson's R=0.90) and was quick to perform (38±3 seconds).

Conclusion

Pericardial fat volume is a strong independent predictor of AF relapse after PVI, outperforming classic risk markers such as LA volume and type of AF. The underlying mechanisms of this association deserve further study. Meanwhile, this simple parameter may help select patients who are more likely to derive sustained benefit from AF ablation.

Biosourced Disposable Trays Made of Brewer's Spent Grain and Potato Starch

Single-use plastic items made of non-biodegradable and fossil-based materials have been identified as a major environmental problem in modern society. Food packaging materials represent an important fraction of these, and replacement with biosourced, sustainable and low-cost alternatives, is a key priority. In the present work, and for the first time, trays suitable for some food packaging applications were produced by the hot-pressing of brewer’s spent grains (BSG, a low added-value byproduct of the beer industry), bound with potato starch. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays were used as reference, since this material has been widely used in food packaging trays. The results demonstrated that all trays produced with varying proportions of BSG and potato starch have appropriate flexural strength, with values ranging between 1.51 ± 0.32 MPa, for 80% BSG content, and 2.62 ± 0.46 MPa, for 40% BSG content, which is higher than for EPS, 0.64 ± 0.50 MPa. Regardless of BSG content, flexural strength and modulus decreased significantly after contact with water, due to starch plasticization, attaining values below EPS. Trays produced with 60% BSG, and also with the addition of chitosan and glyoxal presented the highest flexural strength, both before and after contact with water, 3.75 ± 0.52 MPa and 0.44 ± 0.11 MPa, respectively. The latter is reasonably close to the reference value obtained for EPS.

Multi-compartment scaffold fabricated via 3D-printing as in vitro co-culture osteogenic model

The development of in vitro 3D models to get insights into the mechanisms of bone regeneration could accelerate the translation of experimental findings to the clinic, reducing costs and duration of experiments. This work explores the design and manufacturing of multi-compartments structures in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) 3D-printed by Fused Filament Fabrication technique. The construct was designed with interconnected stalls to host stem cells and endothelial cells. Cells were encapsulated within an optimised gellan gum (GG)-based hydrogel matrix, crosslinked using strontium (Sr2+) ions to exploit its bioactivity and finally, assembled within compartments with different sizes. Calcium (Ca2+)-crosslinked gels were also used as control for comparison of Sr2+ osteogenic effect. The results obtained demonstrated that Sr2+ ions were successfully diffused within the hydrogel matrix and increased the hydrogel matrix strength properties under compressive load. The in vitro co-culture of human-TERT mesenchymal stem cells (TERT- hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), encapsulated within Sr2+ ions containing GG-hydrogels and inter-connected by compartmentalised scaffolds under osteogenic conditions, enhanced cell viability and supported osteogenesis, with a significant increase of alkaline phosphatase activity, osteopontin and osteocalcin respect with the Ca2+-crosslinked GG-PCL scaffolds. These outcomes demonstrate that the design and manufacturing of compartmentalised co-culture of TERT-hMSCs and HUVEC populations enables an effective system to study and promote osteogenesis.

Biosourced Binder for Wood Particleboards Based on Spent Sulfite Liquor and Wheat Flour

Currently, the majority of binders used in wood particleboard (PB) manufacturing are formaldehyde-based synthetic resins. Because of the toxicity of formaldehyde, there is a strong demand for eco-friendly alternatives with similar performances and economic viability. In this work, thick spent sulfite liquor (TSSL), an industrial byproduct from sulfite pulp mills, is proposed as a binder for fully bio-based PBs. The results showed that PBs bound with TSSL present appropriate mechanical performance, which was further improved when TSSL was combined with wheat flour at an 84:16 dry weight ratio and preheated to 94 °C prior to application. For 13.2% binder content per dry wood weight, the PB internal bond strength was 0.46 N mm-2, which is above the standard requirements for PB type P2 (0.35 N mm-2). Optical microscopy showed that TSSL hinders the gelatinization of starch granules during preheating, allowing the binder mixture to maintain a low viscosity suitable for combination with wood particles and PB production.

Data on Manuka Honey/Gellan Gum composite hydrogels for cartilage repair

This work contains original data supporting our research paper “Antibacterial effectiveness meets improved mechanical properties: Manuka Honey/Gellan Gum composite hydrogels for cartilage repair”, Bonifacio et al., in press [1], in which innovative composite hydrogels, based on Gellan Gum/Manuka honey/Halloysite nanotubes were described as biomaterials for cartilage regeneration. Here the composites were further examined by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode (FT-IR/ATR). Materials devoted to cartilage replacement must possess adequate fluid permeability and lubricating capability, therefore, a deeper investigation on water uptake kinetics of freeze-dried specimens up to 21 days in PBS was carried out. Moreover, since the degradation rate of a biomaterial plays a pivotal role in tissue engineering, weight loss measurements of the prepared hydrogels were performed in simulated synovial fluid, in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and in lysozyme. Scanning Electron Microscopy images provide insight into the morphology of the freeze-dried samples.

Finally, additional information on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis ability to adhere onto the prepared hydrogel composites in short times were obtained, as well as the chondrogenic potential of the composites assessed by SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie blue gel staining.

Antigen B from Echinococcus granulosus is a novel ligand for C-reactive protein

Antigen B (EgAgB) is a phosphatidylcholine (PC)-rich lipoprotein of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. larva, potentially capable of modulating the activation of various myeloid cells, including macrophages. As C-reactive protein (CRP) can act as an innate receptor with ability to bind the phosphocholine moiety of PC in lipoproteins, we investigated whether EgAgB and CRP could interact during cystic echinococcosis infection (CE), and how CRP binding could affect the modulation activities exerted by EgAgB on macrophages. To that end, we firstly investigated the occurrence of CRP induction during human CE. We found that 61% of CE patients, but none of healthy donors, exhibited serum CRP levels higher than 10 mg/mL, suggesting that CRP can be induced during the chronic phase of CE. Furthermore, human CRP was capable of binding specifically to EgAgB with high affinity (0.6 ± 0.1 nM); this binding was Ca²⁺ -dependent and involved the phosphocholine moiety of PC, but not EgAgB8/1, EgAgB8/2 or EgAgB8/3 apolipoproteins. Finally, CRP presence altered the modulation exerted by EgAgB on the cytokine response of LPS-activated macrophages. Overall, our results suggest that CRP presence during CE may contribute to a complex scenario of interactions between EgAgB and myeloid cells, influencing the cytokine response induced during macrophage activation.

Enhanced separation performance of aqueous biphasic systems formed by carbohydrates and tetraalkylphosphonium- or tetraalkylammonium-based ionic liquids

Aiming at establishing more effective and sustainable separation processes, herein we propose the use of carbohydrates combined with tetralkylphosphonium- and tetralkylammonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) to form aqueous biphasic systems (ABS). The formation of ABS composed of non-aromatic and non-fluorinated ILs with carbohydrates is here shown for the first time. These novel systems are competive extraction platforms when compared against more conventional ABS formed by ILs and salts or fluorinated ILs and carbohydrates. Finally, it is shown that these systems can be efficiently recovered and reused.