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1.
J Health Soc Behav ; : 221465231214825, 2024 Jan 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38192210

ABSTRACT

In the United States, natural disasters have increased in frequency and intensity, causing significant damage to communities, infrastructure, and human life. Migrant workers form part of a growing occupational group that rebuilds in the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. The work these migrant workers perform is essential but also unstable, exploitative, and dangerous, which stresses their health and well-being. This study focuses on the health and well-being of migrant roofers, a precarious occupational group who restores communities and helps the U.S. population adjust to a climate-changed world. Using surveys (N = 359) and in-depth interviews (n = 58) from a convenience sample of migrant roofers, we examine how precarity in terms of employment, housing, and legal status affect the sleep outcomes of these workers, who derive their income from an industry where instability is the norm, live in substandard and irregular housing, and lack workplace protections given their legal status.

2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(2)2024 Jan 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38256074

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease considered a prototype of the main autoimmune disease and presents serious complications, such as lupus nephritis (LN), which generates a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The SPP1 gene encodes the osteopontin (OPN) protein, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation and immunity. The variants rs1126616 and rs9138 of this gene have been associated with the inflammatory response. The study aims to analyze the association of the rs1126616 and rs9138 variants of the SPP1 gene in SLE Mexican-Mestizo patients without LN (SLE-LN). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 171 genomic DNA samples from SLE patients were clinically confirmed, of which 111 were SLE without LN, 60 were SLE with LN, and 100 healthy individuals were included as reference group. The rs1126616 variant was genotyped using PCR-RFLPs, and the rs9138 variant was genotyped using qPCR TaqMan. The TT genotype, the recessive model [OR 2.76 (95% CI 1.31-5.82), p = 0.011], and the T allele [OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.26-3.16), p = 0.003] of the rs1126616 variant are risk factors for SLE with LN. By contrast, the rs9138 variant did not show statistically significant differences among SLE patients stratified by LN. In our study of SLE Mexican-Mestizo patients with and without NL, demographic and clinical characteristics do not differ from other SLE populations, and the TT genotype of the rs1126616 variant of the SPP1 gene confers a risk factor for the presentation of LN. Otherwise, the rs9138 variant did not show association with NL.


Subject(s)
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Lupus Nephritis , Humans , Lupus Nephritis/genetics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics , Alleles , Genotype , Osteopontin
3.
J Biol Eng ; 17(1): 64, 2023 Oct 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37845737

ABSTRACT

Hydrogels are three-dimensional structures with specific features that render them useful for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the search for improved mechanical properties of hydrogels derived from natural products to extend their applications in various fields, and there are different methods to obtain strengthened hydrogels. Cationic guar gum has physicochemical properties that allow it to interact with other polymers and generate hydrogels. This study aimed to develop an ultra-stretchable and self-healing hydrogel, evaluating the influence of adding PolyOX [poly(ethylene oxide)] on the mechanical properties and the interaction with cationic guar gum for potential tissue engineering applications. We found that variations in PolyOX concentrations and pH changes influenced the mechanical properties of cationic guar gum hydrogels. After optimization experiments, we obtained a novel hydrogel, which was semi-crystalline, highly stretchable, and with an extensibility area of approximately 400 cm2, representing a 33-fold increase compared to the hydrogel before being extended. Moreover, the hydrogel presented a recovery of 96.8% after the self-healing process and a viscosity of 153,347 ± 4,662 cP. Therefore, this novel hydrogel exhibited optimal mechanical and chemical properties and could be suitable for a broad range of applications in different fields, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, or food storage.

4.
Cancer Cell Int ; 23(1): 180, 2023 Aug 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37633886

ABSTRACT

Dietary compounds in cancer prevention have gained significant consideration as a viable method. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) are heterocyclic and bioactive chemicals found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. They are synthesized after glycolysis from the glucosinolate structure. Clinical and preclinical trials have evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic, effectiveness, antioxidant, cancer-preventing (cervical dysplasia, prostate cancer, breast cancer), and anti-tumor activities of I3C and DIM involved with polyphenolic derivatives created in the digestion showing promising results. However, the exact mechanism by which they exert anti-cancer and apoptosis-inducing properties has yet to be entirely understood. Via this study, we update the existing knowledge of the state of anti-cancer investigation concerning I3C and DIM chemicals. We have also summarized; (i) the recent advancements in the use of I3C/DIM as therapeutic molecules since they represent potentially appealing anti-cancer agents, (ii) the available literature on the I3C and DIM characterization, and the challenges related to pharmacologic properties such as low solubility, and poor bioavailability, (iii) the synthesis and semi-synthetic derivatives, (iv) the mechanism of anti-tumor action in vitro/in vivo, (v) the action in cellular signaling pathways related to the regulation of apoptosis and anoikis as well as the cell cycle progression and cell proliferation such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and PPARγ agonists; SR13668, Akt inhibitor, cyclins regulation, ER-dependent-independent pathways, and their current medical applications, to recognize research opportunities to potentially use these compounds instead chemotherapeutic synthetic drugs.

5.
Pharmaceutics ; 15(7)2023 Jul 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37514100

ABSTRACT

Wound healing is a complex process that involves restoring the structure of damaged tissues through four phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Wound dressings are the most common treatment used to cover wounds, reduce infection risk and the loss of physiological fluids, and enhance wound healing. Despite there being several types of wound dressings based on different materials and fabricated through various techniques, polymeric films have been widely employed due to their biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, they are non-invasive, easy to apply, allow gas exchange, and can be transparent. Among different methods for designing polymeric films, solvent casting represents a reliable, preferable, and highly used technique due to its easygoing and relatively low-cost procedure compared to sophisticated methods such as spin coating, microfluidic spinning, or 3D printing. Therefore, this review focuses on the polymeric dressings obtained using this technique, emphasizing the critical manufacturing factors related to pharmaceuticals, specifically discussing the formulation variables necessary to create wound dressings that demonstrate effective performance.

6.
Front Pharmacol ; 14: 1206334, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37346293

ABSTRACT

Being the first or second cause of death worldwide, cancer represents the most significant clinical, social, and financial burden of any human illness. Despite recent progresses in cancer diagnosis and management, traditional cancer chemotherapies have shown several adverse side effects and loss of potency due to increased resistance. As a result, one of the current approaches is on with the search of bioactive anticancer compounds from natural sources. Neopeltolide is a marine-derived macrolide isolated from deep-water sponges collected off Jamaica's north coast. Its mechanism of action is still under research but represents a potentially promising novel drug for cancer therapy. In this review, we first illustrate the general structural characterization of neopeltolide, the semi-synthetic derivatives, and current medical applications. In addition, we reviewed its anticancer properties, primarily based on in vitro studies, and the possible clinical trials. Finally, we summarize the recent progress in the mechanism of antitumor action of neopeltolide. According to the information presented, we identified two principal challenges in the research, i) the effective dose which acts neopeltolide as an anticancer compound, and ii) to unequivocally establish the mechanism of action by which the compound exerts its antiproliferative effect.

7.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) ; 69(3): 52-63, 2023 Mar 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37300689

ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhea is the combination of cramps and pain associated with the menstrual period, and the symptoms affect at least 30% of women worldwide. Tolerance to symptoms depends on each person's pain threshold; however, dysmenorrhea seriously affects daily activities and chronically reduces the quality of life. Some dysmenorrhea cases even require hospitalization due to unbearable symptoms of severe pain. Dysmenorrhea is an underestimated affectation and remains even in different first-world countries as a taboo subject, promoted by the establishment of an apparent policy of gender equality. A person with primary or secondary dysmenorrhea requires medical assistance in choosing the best treatment and an integral approach. This review intends to demonstrate the impact of dysmenorrhea on quality of life. We describe the pathophysiology of this disorder from a molecular point of view and perform a comprehensive compilation and analysis of the most critical findings in the therapeutic management of dysmenorrhea. Likewise, we propose an interdisciplinary approach to the phenomenon of dysmenorrhea at the cellular level in a concise way and the botanical, pharmacological, and medical applications for its management. Since dysmenorrhea symptoms can vary between individuals, medical treatment cannot be generalized and depends on each patient. Therefore, we hypothesized that a suitable strategy could result from the combination of pharmacological therapy aided by a non-pharmacological approach.


Subject(s)
Dysmenorrhea , Quality of Life , Female , Humans , Dysmenorrhea/drug therapy , Pain Measurement
8.
J Biol Eng ; 17(1): 35, 2023 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37221599

ABSTRACT

The freeze-thaw (F/T) method is commonly employed during the processing and handling of drug substances to enhance their chemical and physical stability and obtain pharmaceutical applications such as hydrogels, emulsions, and nanosystems (e.g., supramolecular complexes of cyclodextrins and liposomes). Using F/T in manufacturing hydrogels successfully prevents the need for toxic cross-linking agents; moreover, their use promotes a concentrated product and better stability in emulsions. However, the use of F/T in these applications is limited by their characteristics (e.g., porosity, flexibility, swelling capacity, drug loading, and drug release capacity), which depend on the optimization of process conditions and the kind and ratio of polymers, temperature, time, and the number of cycles that involve high physical stress that could change properties associated to quality attributes. Therefore, is necessary the optimization of F/T conditions and variables. The current research regarding F/T is focused on enhancing the formulations, the process, and the use of this method in pharmaceutical, clinical, and biological areas. The present review aims to discuss different studies related to the impact and effects of the F/T process on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties (porosity, swelling capacity) of diverse pharmaceutical applications with an emphasis on their formulation properties, the method and variables used, as well as challenges and opportunities in developing. Finally, we review the experimental approach for choosing the standard variables studied in the F/T method applying the systematic methodology of quality by design.

9.
J Pers Med ; 12(12)2022 Dec 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36556263

ABSTRACT

Although acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a common injury following trauma involving the shoulder, it is rare in the absence of trauma. In this manuscript, we describe a case of ACJ in a 15-year-old girl who presented a painful dislocation with spontaneous shortening of the right acromioclavicular joint that forced her to temporarily abandon her sports career. After failure of conservative physiotherapy treatment, surgical intervention was proposed by performing an arthroscopic-assisted button slide combined with augmented hamstring allograft reconstruction. After the intervention and the subsequent recovery period, the athlete was able to return to her semi-professional training. The follow-up of the patient is 5.5 years post-surgery. The result obtained could help in planning the treatment of future cases.

10.
RSC Adv ; 12(34): 21713-21724, 2022 Aug 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36043115

ABSTRACT

The search for materials and process parameters capable of generating hydrogels for soft tissue engineering applications, based on an experimental design strategy that allows the evaluation of several factors involved in their development and performance, has greatly increased. Nevertheless, the fabrication technique can influence their mechanical properties, swelling, crystallinity, and even their susceptibility to contamination by microorganisms, compromising their performance within the tissue or organ. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the freeze/thaw technique on different characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol-xanthan gum hydrogel. Methods: this research analyzed the critical variables of the freeze/thaw process through a systematic study of a 2 k factorial design of experiments, such as the proportion and concentration of polymers, freezing time and temperature, and freeze/thaw cycles. Additionally, physicochemical analysis, susceptibility to bacterial growth, and cell viability tests were included to approximate its cytotoxicity. The optimized hydrogel consisted of polyvinyl alcohol and xanthan gum at a 95 : 5 ratio, polymer mixture concentration of 15%, and 12 h of freezing with three cycles of freeze/thaw. The hydrogel was crystalline, flexible, and resistant, with tensile strengths ranging from 9 to 87 kPa. The hydrogel was appropriate for developing scaffolds for soft tissue engineering such as the cardiac and skeletal muscle, dermis, thyroid, bladder, and spleen. Also, the hydrogel did not expose an in vitro cytotoxic effect, rendering it a candidate for biomedical applications.

11.
Oxid Med Cell Longev ; 2022: 5766199, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35509832

ABSTRACT

Pesticides have been used in agricultural activity for decades because they represent the first defense against pathogens, harmful insects, and parasitic weeds. Conventional pesticides are commonly employed at high dosages to prevent their loss and degradation, guaranteeing effectiveness; however, this results in a large waste of resources and significant environmental pollution. In this regard, the search for biocompatible, biodegradable, and responsive materials has received greater attention in the last years to achieve the obtention of an efficient and green pesticide formulation. Nanotechnology is a useful tool to design and develop "nanopesticides" that limit pest degradation and ensure a controlled release using a lower concentration than the conventional methods. Besides different types of nanoparticles, polymeric nanocarriers represent the most promising group of nanomaterials to improve the agrochemicals' sustainability due to polymers' intrinsic properties. Polymeric nanoparticles are biocompatible, biodegradable, and suitable for chemical surface modification, making them attractive for pesticide delivery. This review summarizes the current use of synthetic and natural polymer-based nanopesticides, discussing their characteristics and their most common design shapes. Furthermore, we approached the instability phenomena in polymer-based nanopesticides and strategies to avoid it. Finally, we discussed the environmental risks and future challenges of polymeric nanopesticides to present a comprehensive analysis of this type of nanosystem.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Nanostructures , Pesticides , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Nanotechnology/methods , Polymers
12.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) ; 67(1): 96-100, 2021 Jan 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34817362

ABSTRACT

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and due to its barrier function, it is susceptible to multiple injuries. The appearance of infections during the wound healing process is a complication that represents a formidable hospital challenge. The presence of opportunistic bacteria with sophisticated resistance mechanisms is difficult to eradicate and compromises patients' lives. Therefore, the search for new efficacious treatments from natural sources that prevent and counteract infections, in addition to promoting the healing process, has increased in recent years. In this respect, films with the capability to protect wounds and release drugs are the presentation that predominates commercially in the hospital environment. Those films can offer several mechanical advantages such as physical protection to prevent opportunistic bacteria's entry, regulation of gas exchange, and capture of exudate through a swelling process. Wound dressings are generally curative materials easily adaptable to different anatomical regions, with high strength and elasticity, and some are even bioabsorbable. Additionally, the components of the films can actively participate in promoting the healing process. Even more, the film can be made up of carriers with other active participants to prevent and eradicate infections. Therefore, the extensive versatility, practicality, and usefulness of films from natural sources to address infectious processes during wound healing are relevant and recurrent themes. This work presents an analysis of the state-of-the-art of films with natural products focused on preventing and eradicating infections in wound healing.


Subject(s)
Biological Products/pharmacology , Opportunistic Infections/prevention & control , Wound Healing/drug effects , Wound Infection/prevention & control , Wounds and Injuries/prevention & control , Biological Products/chemistry , Humans , Hydrogels/chemistry , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Membranes, Artificial , Opportunistic Infections/microbiology , Plasticizers/chemistry , Plasticizers/pharmacology , Protective Agents/chemistry , Protective Agents/pharmacology , Wound Infection/microbiology , Wounds and Injuries/microbiology
13.
Front Pharmacol ; 12: 704197, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34483907

ABSTRACT

In the last decades, the search for natural products with biological applications as alternative treatments for several inflammatory diseases has increased. In this respect, terpenes are a family of organic compounds obtained mainly from plants and trees, such as tea, cannabis, thyme, and citrus fruits like lemon or mandarin. These molecules present attractive biological properties such as analgesic and anticonvulsant activities. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that certain terpenes could reduce inflammation symptoms by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines for example, the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B, interleukin 1, and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Thus, due to various anti-inflammatory drugs provoking side effects, the search and analysis of novel therapeutics treatments are attractive. In this review, the analysis of terpenes' chemical structure and their mechanisms in anti-inflammatory functions are addressed. Additionally, we present a general analysis of recent investigations about their applications as an alternative treatment for inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we focus on terpenes-based nanoformulations and employed dosages to offer a global perspective of the state-of-the-art.

14.
Materials (Basel) ; 14(12)2021 Jun 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34200640

ABSTRACT

Surfactants are essential in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles by emulsion formation methods and to preserve the stability of carriers in liquid media. The deposition of non-ionic surfactants at the interface allows a considerable reduction of the globule of the emulsion with high biocompatibility and the possibility of oscillating the final sizes in a wide nanometric range. Therefore, this review presents an analysis of the three principal non-ionic surfactants utilized in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles; polysorbates, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poloxamers. We included a section on general properties and uses and a comprehensive compilation of formulations with each principal non-ionic surfactant. Then, we highlight a section on the interaction of non-ionic surfactants with biological barriers to emphasize that the function of surfactants is not limited to stabilizing the dispersion of nanoparticles and has a broad impact on pharmacokinetics. Finally, the last section corresponds to a recommendation in the experimental approach for choosing a surfactant applying the systematic methodology of Quality by Design.

15.
Molecules ; 26(7)2021 Apr 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33916823

ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles possess a huge potential to be employed in numerous biomedical purposes; their applications may include drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. However, the in vivo use in biomedical applications requires that nanoparticles exhibit sterility. Thus, diverse sterilization techniques have been developed to remove or destroy microbial contamination. The main sterilization methods include sterile filtration, autoclaving, ionizing radiation, and nonionizing radiation. Nonetheless, the sterilization processes can alter the stability, zeta potential, average particle size, and polydispersity index of diverse types of nanoparticles, depending on their composition. Thus, these methods may produce unwanted effects on the nanoparticles' characteristics, affecting their safety and efficacy. Moreover, each sterilization method possesses advantages and drawbacks; thus, the suitable method's choice depends on diverse factors such as the formulation's characteristics, batch volume, available methods, and desired application. In this article, we describe the current sterilization methods of nanoparticles. Moreover, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these methods, pointing out the changes in nanoparticles' biological and physicochemical characteristics after sterilization. Our main objective was to offer a comprehensive overview of terminal sterilization processes of nanoparticles for biomedical applications.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Technology , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Sterilization , Filtration , Radiation, Ionizing
16.
Ann Rheum Dis ; 80(9): 1227-1235, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33926923

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP) is a symptom of fibromyalgia and a complex trait with poorly understood pathogenesis. CWP is heritable (48%-54%), but its genetic architecture is unknown and candidate gene studies have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a genome-wide association study to get insight into the genetic background of CWP. METHODS: Northern Europeans from UK Biobank comprising 6914 cases reporting pain all over the body lasting >3 months and 242 929 controls were studied. Replication of three independent genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms was attempted in six independent European cohorts (n=43 080; cases=14 177). Genetic correlations with risk factors, tissue specificity and colocalisation were examined. RESULTS: Three genome-wide significant loci were identified (rs1491985, rs10490825, rs165599) residing within the genes Ring Finger Protein 123 (RNF123), ATPase secretory pathway Ca2+transporting 1 (ATP2C1) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). The RNF123 locus was replicated (meta-analysis p=0.0002), the ATP2C1 locus showed suggestive association (p=0.0227) and the COMT locus was not replicated. Partial genetic correlation between CWP and depressive symptoms, body mass index, age of first birth and years of schooling were identified. Tissue specificity and colocalisation analysis highlight the relevance of skeletal muscle in CWP. CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel association of RNF123 locus and a suggestive association of ATP2C1 locus with CWP. Both loci are consistent with a role of calcium regulation in CWP. The association with COMT, one of the most studied genes in chronic pain field, was not confirmed in the replication analysis.


Subject(s)
Calcium-Transporting ATPases/genetics , Chronic Pain/genetics , Musculoskeletal Pain/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Body Mass Index , Catechol O-Methyltransferase/genetics , Chronic Pain/physiopathology , Depression/genetics , Female , Fibromyalgia/physiopathology , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Musculoskeletal Pain/physiopathology , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Young Adult
17.
Membranes (Basel) ; 10(9)2020 Aug 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32872576

ABSTRACT

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a sophisticated and very selective dynamic interface composed of endothelial cells expressing enzymes, transport systems, and receptors that regulate the passage of nutrients, ions, oxygen, and other essential molecules to the brain, regulating its homeostasis. Moreover, the BBB performs a vital function in protecting the brain from pathogens and other dangerous agents in the blood circulation. Despite its crucial role, this barrier represents a difficult obstacle for the treatment of brain diseases because many therapeutic agents cannot cross it. Thus, different strategies based on nanoparticles have been explored in recent years. Concerning this, chitosan-decorated nanoparticles have demonstrated enormous potential for drug delivery across the BBB and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, gliomas, cerebral ischemia, and schizophrenia. Our main objective was to highlight the high potential of chitosan adsorption to improve the penetrability through the BBB of nanoformulations for diseases of CNS. Therefore, we describe the BBB structure and function, as well as the routes of chitosan for crossing it. Moreover, we define the methods of decoration of nanoparticles with chitosan and provide numerous examples of their potential utilization in a variety of brain diseases. Lastly, we discuss future directions, mentioning the need for extensive characterization of proposed nanoformulations and clinical trials for evaluation of their efficacy.

18.
Mutat Res ; 821: 111706, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32516654

ABSTRACT

Chromosome motion is an intrinsic feature of all DNA-based metabolic processes and is a particularly well-documented response to both DNA damage and repair. By using both biological and polymer physics approaches, many of the contributing factors of chromatin motility have been elucidated. These include the intrinsic properties of chromatin, such as stiffness, as well as the loop modulators condensin and cohesin. Various biological factors such as external tethering to nuclear domains, ATP-dependent processes, and nucleofilaments further impact chromatin motion. DNA damaging agents that induce double-stranded breaks also cause increased chromatin motion that is modulated by recruitment of repair and checkpoint proteins. Approaches that integrate biological experimentation in conjunction with models from polymer physics provide mechanistic insights into the role of chromatin dynamics in biological function. In this review we discuss the polymer models and the effects of both DNA damage and repair on chromatin motion as well as mechanisms that may underlie these effects.


Subject(s)
Adenosine Triphosphatases/metabolism , Cell Nucleus/physiology , Chromatin/physiology , DNA Damage , DNA Repair , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Genome, Human , Multiprotein Complexes/metabolism , Polymers/chemistry , Cell Nucleus/chemistry , Chromatin/chemistry , Humans
19.
JMIR Mhealth Uhealth ; 8(5): e16207, 2020 05 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32374270

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Substance use by adolescents remains to be at unacceptably high levels, and there is evidence that teens' social norms are becoming more favorable toward recreational use and perceived safety of substances such as marijuana and prescription opioids. Social media offer a low-cost, potentially high-impact approach to disseminate prevention messages. OBJECTIVE: Living the Example (LTE) is a program that trains adolescent youth ambassadors to develop and disseminate prevention messages within their own social media networks and through in-school activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to LTE-based social media on students in the youth ambassadors' networks. METHODS: The George Washington (GW) University designed and implemented a quasi-experimental evaluation of the LTE program in 3 Maryland high schools. Before program launch, a sample of 826 students (wave 1) at the 3 schools, drawn from a census of freshmen enrolled in a class attended by all students at the grade level, completed a survey. A total of 584 students were surveyed at the wave 2 program midpoint and 542 at the wave 3 endpoint. The survey contained questions on drug use-related attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and behaviors, all based on validated measures. We evaluated the effects of LTE on the intended next 30-day drug use, and controlling for LTE self-reported exposure, age, and gender from waves 2 and 3 was appended into a single dataset. We first conducted ordinal logistic regressions for each drug use intention in wave 3 (ie, sell or distribute illegal drugs, smoke cigarettes, drink beer/wine/hard liquor when parents do not know about it, use marijuana, use lysergic acid diethylamide, cocaine, amphetamines or other illegal drugs, use heroin, use synthetic drugs, and use any prescription pills without a prescription) to examine the association between LTE exposure and drug use intentions. We included an interaction term for the study wave to examine intervention effects. RESULTS: We found a significant positive effect of LTE exposure on all 8 measured drug use intentions: sell/distribute illegal drugs; smoke cigarettes; drink beer, wine, or liquor when my parents do not know about it; use marijuana; use cocaine, amphetamines, or other illegal drug; use heroin; use synthetic drugs; use any prescription pills without a prescription (all P<.05; odds ratios ranging from 2.12 to 3.71). We also found that boys were more likely than girls to exhibit reduced drug use intentions. We also found reductions in 30-day intentions between the second and third survey waves for all 8 measured drug use variables. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results are consistent with and indicate a stronger LTE effect in this study compared with a previous pilot study. LTE appears to offer a protective effect, with exposure to program messages leading to reduced/improved drug use intentions.


Subject(s)
Social Media , Female , Humans , Male , Maryland , Peer Group , Pilot Projects , Substance-Related Disorders/prevention & control
20.
Eur J Pharm Sci ; 146: 105231, 2020 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32007518

ABSTRACT

A thermo-responsive hydrogel of Pluronic F-127, containing PLGA nanoparticles loaded with a platelet lysate for wound treatment, was prepared. A high rate of incorporation of the lysate (about 80%) in the nanoparticles was achieved by the double emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by measuring their size (about 318 nm), polydispersity index (0.29) and Z potential (-17.6), as well as by infrared and calorimetric techniques, and determining their stability as a function of time. It was found through measures of transepidermal water loss that the hydrogel containing the nanoparticles was capable of providing a semi-occlusive environment, necessary for the recovery of a wound. The inclusion of lysate in nanoparticles and this in turn in the hydrogel allowed a gradual release, which would avoid contact of the total dose with the biological medium. Studies with fibroblasts and in vivo in mice showed that the hydrogel containing nanoparticles with platelet lysate promoted faster tissue regeneration than the lysate in its free form, so this system is presented as a good alternative for the treatment of wounds.


Subject(s)
Bandages , Blood Platelets/chemistry , Hydrogels/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Poloxamer/chemistry , Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer/chemistry , Wound Healing , Calorimetry , Humans , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
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