Article
Biology
Loretta Ferrera, Valeria Capurro, Livia Delpiano, Ambra Gianotti, Oscar Moran
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting multiple organs, with respiratory disease being the most common cause of mortality. The defective function of CFTR protein causes obstructive lung disease and chronic bacterial infections. Direct application of bicarbonate may modify the properties of airway surface liquid, suggesting a potential supportive treatment option.
Article
Cell Biology
Dora Angyal, Marcel J. C. Bijvelds, Marco J. Bruno, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Hugo R. de Jonge
Summary: This review examines the role of CFTR in driving chloride, bicarbonate, and fluid secretion in the pancreatic duct, focusing on its involvement in genetic and acquired forms of pancreatitis. The potential of CFTR modulator therapy and the use of pancreatic organoids to study CFTR function are also discussed.
Article
Respiratory System
Maria Budai-Szucs, Szilvia Berko, Anita Kovacs, Pongsiri Jaikumpun, Rita Ambrus, Adrien Halasz, Piroska Szabo-Revesz, Erzsebet Csanyi, Akos Zsembery
Summary: This study investigated the effect of hypertonic salt solutions on CF sputum viscoelasticity in vitro, using a rheometer to measure the rheological properties of samples. The results showed significant changes in gel strength when different additives were used at varying ratios, with NaHCO3 having the most pronounced effect. The study highlights the importance of individual evaluation of sputum samples based on their rheological properties for effective treatment.
BMC PULMONARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Kathleen Boyne, Deborah A. Corey, Pan Zhao, Binyu Lu, Walter F. Boron, Fraser J. Moss, Thomas J. Kelley
Summary: Several aspects of CF epithelial cells are altered, including impaired lipid regulation, disrupted intracellular transport, and impaired microtubule regulation. This study demonstrates that the loss of CFTR function leads to a decrease in CA2 expression and activity, which may contribute to the observed cell signaling alterations in CF.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Michela Abrami, Massimo Maschio, Massimo Conese, Marco Confalonieri, Francesco Salton, Fabio Gerin, Barbara Dapas, Rossella Farra, Alessandra Adrover, Gesmi Milcovich, Claudia Fornasier, Alice Biasin, Mario Grassi, Gabriele Grassi
Summary: Cystic fibrosis is a disease characterized by the production of viscous mucoid secretions, which affects the muco-ciliary clearance and leads to inflammation and bacterial infection. Understanding the mucus nanostructure and drug penetration is crucial for improving therapy efficacy. The combined use of rheology and low field NMR can evaluate the effects of chest physiotherapy on CF sputum characteristics and enhance drug penetration through respiratory mucus.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhuang-Li Kang, Xue-hua Zhang, Ke Li, Yan-ping Li, Fei Lu, Han-jun Ma, Zhao-jun Song, Sheng-ming Zhao, Ming-ming Zhu
Summary: The research showed that adding sodium bicarbonate to pork batters can improve their pH, rheological properties, water holding capacity, and texture. However, excessive addition may destroy the gel structure.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Rosy Ghanem, Philippe Roquefort, Sophie Ramel, Veronique Laurent, Tanguy Haute, Tony Le Gall, Thierry Aubry, Tristan Montier
Summary: The mucus in CF patients' airways is a yield stress fluid with unique rheological properties. Rheological analyses can provide biophysical markers for disease management. Treatment with rhDNAse appears to lower the apparent yield stress of CF sputum, which could be a predictive biomarker for prognosis and aid in the development of new mucolytic agents.
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Melanie Chin, Amanda L. Brennan, Scott C. Bell
Summary: Improved treatments for CF-related lung disease have led to increased longevity for patients, but also increased prevalence of extrapulmonary complications. Recognition of mild CF phenotypes has also changed the landscape of the disease.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Erhan I. Sulejmani, Osman S. Boran, Aysegul Coskun, Ali A. Hayaloglu
Summary: The rheological properties of sixteen milk jam treatments were examined, showing significant variations in pH, titratable acidity, total solids, and ash contents. The addition of sucrose, sodium bicarbonate, and CaCl2 impacted the flow behavior and consistency indices of the samples. Dynamic rheology revealed that skimmed milk jam exhibited more solid-like behavior compared to full-fat milk jam.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Avtar Singh, Natchaphol Buamard, Aimei Zhou, Soottawat Benjakul
Summary: This study found that the addition of sodium bicarbonate (SB) at appropriate levels can significantly improve the breaking force and water holding capacity of Asian sea bass mince gels. Fish mince gels with 80% water content and added with 0.05% and 0.1% SB showed the highest increase in breaking force, while a lower increase was observed for gels with 85% water content. It was also observed that the addition of SB resulted in a decrease in whiteness and an increase in water holding capacity.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petr Heneberg
Summary: Lactic acidosis plays a significant role in cancer by stimulating tumor invasion and metastasis. The understanding of lactate has shifted from it being considered a waste product to a nutrient exchanged between tumors and the microenvironment. Targeting tissue-specific lactic acidosis can improve the host's defense against cancer and allows for the targeting of anticancer compounds. However, systemic lactic acidosis usually has poor treatment outcomes in patients with solid cancer.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Yizeng Li, Xiaohan Zhou, Sean X. Sun
Summary: Cells without a stiff cell wall, such as mammalian cells, must actively regulate their volume, with water flow determining cell volume variation. Proton and bicarbonate play significant roles in cell volume regulation, and cells need redundant mechanisms to maintain homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patrick O. Hanafin, Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus, Matthias Griese, Matthias Kappler, Helmut Ellemunter, Carsten Schwarz, John Wilson, Marsha Tan, Tony Velkov, Gauri G. Rao, Elena K. Schneider-Futschik
Summary: In patients with cystic fibrosis, individual characteristics have a significant impact on the variability of pharmacokinetic parameters such as C-max and T-max. This study highlights the importance of understanding the sources of variability to ensure consistent patient outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Michela Abrami, Massimo Maschio, Massimo Conese, Marco Confalonieri, Fabio Gerin, Barbara Dapas, Rossella Farra, Alessandra Adrover, Lucio Torelli, Barbara Ruaro, Gabriele Grassi, Mario Grassi
Summary: The study confirmed a correlation between T-2(m) (measured in CF patient's sputum) and sputum viscoelasticity/average mesh-size, as well as with MCI/CCI, parameters related to airway mucus clearing. This indicates the potential of T-2(m) as an indirect monitoring tool for airway disease progression in CF patients.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Do Yeon Cho, Nicholas J. Rivers, Dong-Jin Lim, Shaoyan Zhang, Daniel Skinner, Lydia Yang, Adithya J. Menon, Olivia Jo Kelly, Martin P. Jones, Brenton T. Bicknell, Jessica W. Grayson, Elex Harris, Steven M. Rowe, Bradford A. Woodworth
Summary: The GSH/NaHCO3 nanoparticles showed sustained release without cellular toxicity, leading to increased apical surface pH, ciliary beat frequency, and periciliary liquid in CF airway disease. These nanoparticles could be a promising treatment option for viscous mucus in CF and other respiratory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Auriemma, Carmela Tommasino, Giovanni Falcone, Tiziana Esposito, Carla Sardo, Rita Patrizia Aquino
Summary: Novel additive manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, have been successfully applied in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Personalized therapeutical solutions can be designed and manufactured through layer-by-layer approaches to meet the specific needs of patients. Among various 3D printing techniques, extrusion-based technologies have received the most attention for their versatility, precision, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. This review provides an overview of different 3D printing techniques for personalized drug delivery systems and medical devices, discussing critical process parameters, starting materials, advantages, and limitations. The recent developments in fused filament fabrication and semi solid extrusion techniques are also summarized, along with future directions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Sardo, Carmela Tommasino, Giulia Auriemma, Tiziana Esposito, Rita Patrizia Aquino
Summary: A new polymeric construct with pH sensitivity and the potential to load hydrophobic antitumoral agents is proposed as a starting material for a liver-targeted delivery system. This construct is based on PEG-PLA, one of the most commonly used copolymers in nanomedicine. The design of this construct allows for ligand presentation strategy and targeting through a pH responsive PEG de-shielding mechanism and asialoglycoprotein receptor recognition.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Simona Pisanti, Teresa Mencherini, Tiziana Esposito, Valeria D'Amato, Tania Re, Maurizio Bifulco, Rita P. Aquino
Summary: This study critically compares medieval and modern dermocosmetics through the analysis of Trotula de Ruggiero's works. The results highlight Trotula's focus on female care, beauty and well-being, as well as the extraordinary combination of tradition and modernity in her work.
JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Falcone, Sonja Kuth, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Rita P. Aquino, Tiziana Esposito, Paola Russo
Summary: To fully utilize the potential of 3D printing, particularly in the case of semisolid extrusion (SSE), the technological challenges need to be addressed. This study focuses on investigating the physicochemical properties of natural polymers, specifically alginate hydrogel, for 3D printing tablets that are easy to swallow. By adding sorbitol as a plasticizer, the aim is to improve the swallowability of the tablets. Different concentrations of sorbitol solution are evaluated to determine the best composition in terms of printing and technological properties. The results highlight a predictable relationship between the amount of sorbitol loaded and the residual mass of the final platforms.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Chiara Amante, Valentina Andretto, Annalisa Rosso, Geraldine Augusti, Stefania Marzocco, Giovanna Lollo, Pasquale Del Gaudio
Summary: This study developed an innovative wound dressing using natural polymers and nanoemulsions. Alginate-pectin in situ gelling powders were spray-dried as carriers for curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions. The nanocomposites formed a gel in a short time upon contact with simulated wound fluid, allowing for good wound transpiration and prolonged release of curcumin.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmela Tommasino, Giulia Auriemma, Carla Sardo, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Emilia Garofalo, Silvana Morello, Giovanni Falcone, Rita P. Aquino
Summary: In this study, a PCL/INU-PLA hybrid biomaterial was prepared, which showed improved surface properties, swelling ability, and in vitro biodegradation rate compared to PCL alone. The 3D printed scaffolds exhibited dimensional and structural parameters close to the digital model and showed favorable results in biocompatibility and osteogenic activity tests.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Redouane Lemoui, Patrizia Picerno, Samira Benyahia, Teresa Mencherini, Antonio Vassallo, Maria Francesca Armentano, Labib Noman, Khaled Bouchama, Luca Rastrelli, Rita Patrizia Aquino
Summary: In this study, seven secondary metabolites were isolated and identified from the methanol extract of Stachys brachyclada de Noe ex Coss. leaves. The extract showed inhibition of alpha-glucosidase enzyme, radical scavenging activity, and reduction of oxidative stress level in Human Dermal Fibroblast. Stachysetin was identified as the major compound in the extract.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Chiara Amante, Chiara De Soricellis, Gianni Luccheo, Luigi Luccheo, Paola Russo, Rita Patrizia Aquino, Pasquale Del Gaudio
Summary: The National Institute of Health has found that 80% of chronic infections are linked to biofilms, which contribute to bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents. A novel mixture composed of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and various natural ingredients has been developed to enhance NAC's activity against different bacteria and reduce biofilm formation. This mixture has shown increased NAC permeation, fibrinolytic activity, antibiofilm activity, and reduced bacterial adhesion.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Rosaria Sellitto, Chiara Amante, Rita Patrizia Aquino, Paola Russo, Rosalia Rodriguez-Dorado, Monica Neagu, Carlos A. Garcia-Gonzalez, Renata Adami, Pasquale Del Gaudio
Summary: The use of polysaccharide-based aerogels as drug carriers for wound healing is being explored. Drug-loaded aerogel capsules were produced through prilling in tandem with supercritical extraction. The capsules had a hollow cavity and a thin alginate aerogel layer with good textural properties. These capsules effectively absorbed wound fluid and prolonged drug release due to a formed hydrogel barrier.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tiziana Esposito, Simona Pisanti, Rosanna Martinelli, Rita Celano, Teresa Mencherini, Tania Re, Rita P. Aquino
Summary: This study compared the metabolite profile of Couroupita guianensis bark decoction produced by Amazonian shamans with that obtained under laboratory conditions and investigated their biological properties in wound healing and inflammation. The analysis revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds and uncommon sulphated derivatives of ellagic acid in the decoction. A new sulphated molecule was identified as the potential active compound responsible for wound healing. The decoction also showed anti-inflammatory effects and potential therapeutic applications in skin diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrizia Picerno, Lucia Crasci, Patrizia Iannece, Tiziana Esposito, Silvia Franceschelli, Michela Pecoraro, Virgilio Giannone, Anna Maria Panico, Rita Patrizia Aquino, Maria Rosaria Lauro, Francisca Rodrigues, Ana Margarida Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the biological and technological activity of a dry aqueous extract from Sicilian almond peels, finding significant antioxidant and metalloproteinase inhibition effects. The use of Eudraguard (R) Natural improved the solubility and release of the extract and protected it from degradation and oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of the final product.