Semiconducting polymer nanoprodrugs enable tumor-specific therapy via sono-activatable ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of cell death, holds promise for cancer therapy, but concerns persist regarding its uncontrolled actions and potential side effects. Here, we present a semiconducting polymer nanoprodrug (SPNpro) featuring an innovative ferroptosis prodrug (DHU-CBA7) to induce sono-activatable ferroptosis for tumor-specific therapy. DHU-CBA7 prodrug incorporate methylene blue, ferrocene and urea bond, which can selectively and specifically respond to singlet oxygen (1O2) to turn on ferroptosis action via rapidly cleaving the urea bonds. DHU-CBA7 prodrug and a semiconducting polymer are self-assembled with an amphiphilic polymer to construct SPNpro. Ultrasound irradiation of SPNpro leads to the production of 1O2 via sonodynamic therapy (SDT) of the semiconducting polymer, and the generated 1O2 activated DHU-CBA7 prodrug to achieve sono-activatable ferroptosis. Consequently, SPNpro combine SDT with the controlled ferroptosis to effectively cure 4T1 tumors covered by 2-cm tissue with a tumor inhibition efficacy as high as 100 %, and also completely restrain tumor metastases. This study introduces a novel sono-activatable prodrug strategy for regulating ferroptosis, allowing for precise cancer therapy.

Relação entre apoio social e sono de pessoas idosas cuidadoras em vulnerabilidade social / Relationship between social support and sleep of elderly caregivers in social vulnerability / Relación entre apoyo social y sueño de adultos mayores cuidadores con vulnerabilidad social

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre apoio social e qualidade do sono de pessoas idosas que cuidam de outros idosos em ambiente de vulnerabilidade social. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 65 cuidadores entrevistados por meio de instrumento de caracterização, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton e Brody, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study, com dados analisados com testes de comparação e de correlação. Resultados: a maioria eram mulheres, cônjuges do idoso cuidado e possuíam sono de má qualidade. Observou-se correlação fraca e inversa entre má qualidade do sono e a dimensão interação social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Identificou-se relação significativa entre: apoio material e disfunção diurna (p=0,034); apoio afetivo e eficiência do sono (p=0,026); interação social positiva e qualidade subjetiva do sono (p=0,001) e disfunção diurna (p=0,008). Conclusão: Quanto maior a interação social positiva, melhor é a qualidade do sono.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between social support and sleep quality of elderly individuals who care for other elderly individuals in a socially vulnerable environment. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 65 caregivers interviewed using a characterization instrument, Katz Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, with data analyzed using comparison and correlation tests. Results: the majority were women, spouses of the elderly being cared for, and had poor sleep quality. A weak and inverse correlation was observed between poor sleep quality and the positive social interaction dimension (Rho=-0.27; p=0.028). Significant relationships were identified between: material support and daytime dysfunction (p=0.034); emotional support and sleep efficiency (p=0.026); positive social interaction and subjective sleep quality (p=0.001), as well as daytime dysfunction (p=0.008). Conclusion: The higher the positive social interaction, the better the sleep quality.

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre el apoyo social y la calidad del sueño de personas mayores que cuidan de otras personas mayores en entornos socialmente vulnerables. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 65 cuidadores entrevistados mediante un instrumento de caracterización, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton y Brody, Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y Escala de Apoyo Social del Medical Outcomes Study, los datos fueron analizados mediante pruebas de comparación y correlación. Resultados: la mayoría eran mujeres, cónyuges del adulto mayor que recibe el cuidado y tenían mala calidad del sueño. Se observó una correlación débil e inversa entre la mala calidad del sueño y la dimensión de interacción social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Se identificó que había relación significativa entre: apoyo material y disfunción diurna (p=0,034); apoyo afectivo y eficiencia del sueño (p=0,026); interacción social positiva y calidad subjetiva del sueño (p=0,001) y disfunción diurna (p=0,008). Conclusión: Cuanto mayor sea la interacción social positiva, mejor será la calidad del sueño.

Coupling Low-Frequency Ultrasound to a Crossflow Microfiltration Pilot: Effect of Ultrasonic Pulse Application on Sono-Microfiltration of Jackfruit Juice.

To reduce membrane fouling during the processing of highly pulpy fruit juices into clarified beverages, a crossflow Sono-Microfiltration (SMF) system was employed, strategically equipped with an ultrasonic probe for the direct application of low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) to the juice just before the entrance to the ceramic membrane. Operating conditions were standardized, and the application of LFUS pulses in both corrective and preventive modes was investigated. The effect of SMF on the physicochemical properties and the total soluble phenol (TSP) content of the clarified juice was also evaluated. The distance of ultrasonic energy irradiation guided the selection of the LFUS probe. Amplitude conditions and ultrasonic pulses were more effective in the preventive mode and did not cause membrane damage, reducing the operation time of jackfruit juice by up to 50% and increasing permeability by up to 81%. The SMF did not alter the physicochemical parameters of the clarified juice, and the measured LFUS energy ranges did not affect the TSP concentration during the process. This study is the first to apply LFUS directly to the feed stream in a pilot-scale crossflow microfiltration system to reduce the fouling of ceramic membranes and maintain bioactive compounds in jackfruit juice.

Percutaneous Ultrasound-Assisted Carpal Tunnel Release Using Sono-Instruments®.

Percutaneous ultrasound-assisted carpal tunnel (CT) release is an emerging minimally invasive technique in hand surgery that could reduce complications, enhance patient satisfaction, and facilitate earlier return to daily activities. Among the various devices employed for this procedure, the Sono-Instrument allows pin-hole surgery. Its safety and effectiveness have been established. This study presents the technical nuances, pearls and pitfalls, advantages, and challenges of using the Sono-Instrument for percutaneous ultrasound-assisted CT release.

Exogenous microbubbles contribute to valorization of microalgal compounds by ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) shows great potential in exploiting microalgal compounds. However, upgrading the extraction system lacks concerns. This study proposes a novel sono-reactor featuring a microbubble distributor for increasing bubble abundance and correspondingly improving microalgal compound extraction. Results indicate that protein concentrations increase with ultrasound powers and extraction time while an optimized gas flow rate exists. The optimal parameters by Box-Behnken design are power 646.0 W, nitrogen flow rate 25.0 mL/min, and time 40.0 min, with an optimal protein concentration of 249.1 mg/L - a substantial improvement over gas-free extraction. The strategic increase in bubble abundance enhances microalgal compound extraction efficiency and extraction kinetics. The system innovation will contribute to the advancement of bioresource utilization and sustainability.

Modified sono-Fenton process for oxidative degradation of chloramphenicol.

Oxidative degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) using a hybrid approach (US/HA+/n-Fe2O3/SPC) involving sodium percarbonate (SPC; "solid H2O2" carrier), Fe2O3 nanoparticles (n-Fe2O3; H2O2 decomposition catalyst), hydroxylamine in its protonated form (HA+; Fe (III) to Fe (II) reducer), and ultrasonic cavitation (to increase the generation of hydroxyl radicals) has been studied for the first time. The average size of n-Fe2O3 synthesized by the sonochemical method, as calculated according to the Debye-Scherrer equation, was ~ 18 nm. The maximum degradation degree of CAP (83.1%) and first-order oxidative degradation rate constant of CAP as 1.253 × 10-3 s-1 were achieved using the modified sono-Fenton process under the optimized conditions as the initial concentration of CAP - 50 mg/L, the molar ratio of CAP:HA+:n-Fe2O3:SPC of 1:100:100:100, pH as 3, the temperature as 318 K, the specific ultrasonic power as 53.3 W/L, and the treatment duration of 7200 s. In general, the efficiency and intensity of CAP degradation increased with a decrease in the pH value, an increase in the molar ratio of CAP:HA+:n-Fe2O3:SPC, a decrease in the initial concentration of CAP, an increase in temperature, and showed a minor change with the specific power of US. The synergistic coefficient for the combination of the US and the heterogeneous Fenton process was 17.9. The active participation of hydroxyl radicals in the oxidative degradation of CAP using the modified sono-Fenton process was confirmed by scavenging experiments performed using tert-butyl alcohol. The proposed process can be a promising direction in the remediation of pharmaceutical effluents with significant potential for commercial exploitation.

Ansiedad, depresión y calidad del sueño en estudiantes de Odontología / Anxiety, depression and sleep quality in dental students / Ansiedade, depressão e qualidade do sono em estudantes de Odontologia

La calidad del sueño en los estudiantes es un factor esencial que influye en el correcto desarrollo de los procesos cognitivos del aprendizaje, así como en la calidad de vida y la salud mental y física de los futuros profesionales. Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre la ansiedad, la depresión y la calidad del sueño en estudiantes de la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno. Materiales y métodos: estudio de tipo observacional de cohorte transversal con la participación de 78 estudiantes, con edad promedio de 22.63±2.87 años, con una distribución de género de 32 varones (41,0 %) y 46 mujeres (59,0 %). Se utilizó la escala de valoración de Hamilton para la evaluación de la ansiedad y la depresión, con una consistencia interna de α = 0,88 y 0,86, respectivamente y el cuestionario de Pittsburgh para medir el índice de calidad del sueño (α = 0,87). Resultados: en el modelo predictivo los coeficientes estandarizados ß señalan que la ansiedad psíquica (ß = -,870; p<0,001), la depresión (ß = ,119; p<0,05) y el desarrollo de prácticas clínicas (ß = -0,019; p<0,05) fueron los factores que más contribuyeron significativamente al índice de calidad del sueño de los estudiantes. Conclusión: estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de abordar los problemas del sueño como parte integral del tratamiento de la ansiedad y la depresión, además de resaltar la necesidad de tener en cuenta la salud mental en la evaluación y el manejo de los trastornos del sueño

The quality of sleep-in students is an essential factor that influences the correct development of cognitive learning processes, as well as the quality of life and the mental and physical health of future professionals. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, depression and sleep quality in students of the Dentistry program at the National University of the Altiplano of Puno. Materials and methods: observational cross-sectional cohort study with the participation of 78 students, with an average age of 22.63±2.87 years, with a gender distribution of 32 men (41.0%) and 46 women (59.0%). The Hamilton rating scale was used to evaluate anxiety and depression, with an internal consistency of α = 0.88 and 0.86, respectively, and the Pittsburgh questionnaire was used to measure the sleep quality index (α = 0.87). Results: in the predictive model, the standardized ß coefficients indicate that psychological anxiety (ß = -.870; p<0.001), depression (ß = .119; p<0.05) and the development of clinical practices (ß = -0.019; p<0.05) were the factors that contributed most significantly to the students' sleep quality index. Conclusion: these findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep problems as an integral part of the treatment of anxiety and depression, as well as highlighting the need to consider mental health in the assessment and management of sleep disorders

A qualidade do sono dos estudantes é um fator essencial que influencia o correto desenvolvimento dos processos de aprendizagem cognitiva, bem como a qualidade de vida e a saúde mental e física dos futuros profissionais. Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre ansiedade, depressão e qualidade do sono em estudantes do curso de Odontologia da Universidade Nacional do Altiplano de Puno. Materiais e métodos: estudo de coorte transversal observacional com a participação de 78 estudantes, com idade média de 22,63±2,87 anos, com distribuição por género de 32 homens (41,0%) e 46 mulheres (59,0%). A escala de avaliação de Hamilton foi utilizada para avaliar ansiedade e depressão, com consistência interna de α = 0,88 e 0,86, respectivamente, e o questionário de Pittsburgh foi utilizado para mensurar o índice de qualidade do sono (α = 0,87). Resultados: no modelo preditivo, os coeficientes ß padronizados indicam que a ansiedade psicológica (ß = -0,870; p<0,001), a depressão (ß = 0,119; p<0,05) e o desenvolvimento de práticas clínicas (ß = -0,019; p<0,05) foram os fatores que mais contribuíram significativamente para o índice de qualidade do sono dos estudantes. Conclusão: estas descobertas sublinham a importância de abordar os problemas do sono como parte integrante do tratamento da ansiedade e da depressão, bem como realçam a necessidade de considerar a saúde mental na avaliação e gestão dos distúrbios do sono

Relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes universitarios / Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in university students / Qualidade do sono e sonolência diurna em estudantes universitários

Los estudiantes universitarios están propensos a sufrir alteraciones en el sueño como la somnolencia diurna, lo cual tiene repercusión directa en su calidad de vida y desempeño diario. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes de la Universidad nombre, en Perú. Materiales y Métodos. Se consideró el enfoque cuantitativo, de diseño no experimental, con la aplicación de los instrumentos de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh y la escala de somnolencia Epworth. La población fue de 446 estudiantes y se obtuvo una muestra de 220 estudiantes universitarios, mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Resultados. Se presentan severos problemas en relación a la calidad del sueño en un 60,9 %; así como en la calidad subjetiva del sueño en un 49,5 %, duración del sueño en un 54,5 %, uso de medicación hipnótica en un 56,8 %, disfunción diurna 50,5 %; y la latencia del sueño, eficiencia de sueño habitual y alteraciones del sueño en un 57,7 %. Entre tanto, la somnolencia diurna fue alta en un 58,6 %. Conclusiones. Existe relación positiva y significativa entre la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna en los alumnos de la Universidad nombre, alcanzando una ρ = 0.000 (ρ < 0.05); del mismo modo se encontró relación significativa en cada una de las dimensiones de la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna; de lo que se interpreta que la calidad del sueño de problemas de nivel leve, la somnolencia diurna se encuentra en niveles bajos en los universitarios.

University students are prone to sleep disturbances such as daytime sleepiness, which has a direct impact on their quality of life and daily performance. Objective. Determine the relationship between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in students at the Universidad Nombre, in Peru. Materials and methods. The quantitative approach was considered, with a non-experimental design, with the application of the Pittsburgh sleep quality instruments and the Epworth sleepiness scale. The population was 446 students and a sample of 220 university students was obtained, through non-probabilistic sampling. Results. There are severe problems in relation to sleep quality in 60.9 %; as well as in the subjective quality of sleep in 49.5 %, duration of sleep in 54.5 %, use of hypnotic medication in 56.8 %, daytime dysfunction 50.5 %; and sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency and sleep disturbances by 57.7 %. Meanwhile, daytime sleepiness was high at 58.6 %. Conclusions. There is a positive and significant relationship between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in the students of the Name University, reaching ρ = 0.000 (ρ < 0.05); Likewise, a significant relationship was found in each of the dimensions of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness; from which it is interpreted that the quality of sleep has mild problems, daytime sleepiness is at low levels in university students.

Os estudantes universitários são propensos a distúrbios do sono, como a sonolência diurna, o que tem impacto direto na sua qualidade de vida e no desempenho diário. Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre qualidade do sono e sonolência diurna em estudantes da Universidad Nombre, no Peru. Materiais e métodos. Considerou-se a abordagem quantitativa, com desenho não experimental, com aplicação dos instrumentos de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh e da escala de sonolência de Epworth. A população foi de 446 estudantes e obteve-se uma amostra de 220 estudantes universitários, através de amostragem não probabilística. Resultados. Existem problemas graves em relação à qualidade do sono em 60,9 %; bem como na qualidade subjetiva do sono em 49,5 %, duração do sono em 54,5 %, uso de medicação hipnótica em 56,8 %, disfunção diurna 50,5 %; e latência do sono, eficiência habitual do sono e distúrbios do sono em 57,7 %. Enquanto isso, a sonolência diurna foi elevada, 58,6 %. Conclusões. Existe uma relação positiva e significativa entre a qualidade do sono e a sonolência diurna nos estudantes da Universidade do Nome, atingindo ρ = 0,000 (ρ <, 05); Da mesma forma, foi encontrada relação significativa em cada uma das dimensões da qualidade do sono e da sonolência diurna; a partir do qual se interpreta que a qualidade do sono apresenta problemas leves, a sonolência diurna é baixa em estudantes universitários.

Relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes universitarios

Los estudiantes universitarios están propensos a sufrir alteraciones en el sueño como la somnolencia diurna, lo cual tiene repercusión directa en su calidad de vida y desempeño diario. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre la calidad de sueño y somnolencia diurna en estudiantes de la Universidad nombre, en Perú. Materiales y Métodos. Se consideró el enfoque cuantitativo, de diseño no experimental, con la aplicación de los instrumentos de calidad del sueño de Pittsburgh y la escala de somnolencia Epworth. La población fue de 446 estudiantes y se obtuvo una muestra de 220 estudiantes universitarios, mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Resultados. Se presentan severos problemas en relación a la calidad del sueño en un 60,9 %; así como en la calidad subjetiva del sueño en un 49,5 %, duración del sueño en un 54,5 %, uso de medicación hipnótica en un 56,8 %, disfunción diurna 50,5 %; y la latencia del sueño, eficiencia de sueño habitual y alteraciones del sueño en un 57,7 %. Entre tanto, la somnolencia diurna fue alta en un 58,6 %. Conclusiones. Existe relación positiva y significativa entre la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna en los alumnos de la Universidad nombre, alcanzando una ρ = 0.000 (ρ < 0.05); del mismo modo se encontró relación significativa en cada una de las dimensiones de la calidad del sueño y la somnolencia diurna; de lo que se interpreta que la calidad del sueño de problemas de nivel leve, la somnolencia diurna se encuentra en niveles bajos en los universitarios.

University students are prone to sleep disturbances such as daytime sleepiness, which has a direct impact on their quality of life and daily performance. Objective. Determine the relationship between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in students at the Universidad Nombre, in Peru. Materials and methods. The quantitative approach was considered, with a non-experimental design, with the application of the Pittsburgh sleep quality instruments and the Epworth sleepiness scale. The population was 446 students and a sample of 220 university students was obtained, through non-probabilistic sampling. Results. There are severe problems in relation to sleep quality in 60.9 %; as well as in the subjective quality of sleep in 49.5 %, duration of sleep in 54.5 %, use of hypnotic medication in 56.8 %, daytime dysfunction 50.5 %; and sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency and sleep disturbances by 57.7 %. Meanwhile, daytime sleepiness was high at 58.6 %. Conclusions. There is a positive and significant relationship between sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in the students of the Name University, reaching ρ = 0.000 (ρ < 0.05); Likewise, a significant relationship was found in each of the dimensions of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness; from which it is interpreted that the quality of sleep has mild problems, daytime sleepiness is at low levels in university students.

Os estudantes universitários são propensos a distúrbios do sono, como a sonolência diurna, o que tem impacto direto na sua qualidade de vida e no desempenho diário. Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre qualidade do sono e sonolência diurna em estudantes da Universidad Nombre, no Peru. Materiais e métodos. Considerou-se a abordagem quantitativa, com desenho não experimental, com aplicação dos instrumentos de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh e da escala de sonolência de Epworth. A população foi de 446 estudantes e obteve-se uma amostra de 220 estudantes universitários, através de amostragem não probabilística. Resultados. Existem problemas graves em relação à qualidade do sono em 60,9 %; bem como na qualidade subjetiva do sono em 49,5 %, duração do sono em 54,5 %, uso de medicação hipnótica em 56,8 %, disfunção diurna 50,5 %; e latência do sono, eficiência habitual do sono e distúrbios do sono em 57,7 %. Enquanto isso, a sonolência diurna foi elevada, 58,6 %. Conclusões. Existe uma relação positiva e significativa entre a qualidade do sono e a sonolência diurna nos estudantes da Universidade do Nome, atingindo ρ = 0,000 (ρ < 0,05); Da mesma forma, foi encontrada relação significativa em cada uma das dimensões da qualidade do sono e da sonolência diurna; a partir do qual se interpreta que a qualidade do sono apresenta problemas leves, a sonolência diurna é baixa em estudantes universitários.

Sono-blasting Triggered Cascading-Amplification of Oxidative Stress for Enhanced Interventional Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Interventional therapy is widely regarded as a highly promising treatment approach for nonsurgical liver cancer. However, the development of drug resistance and tolerance to hypoxic environments after embolization can lead to increased angiogenesis, enhanced tumor cell stemness, and greater invasiveness, resulting in metastasis and recurrence. To address these challenges, a novel approach involving the use of lecithin and DSPE-PEG comodified Ca2+ loaded (NH4)2S2O8 (LDCNSO) drug in combination with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been proposed. The sono-blasting effect of LDCNSO under ultrasound triggers a cascading amplification of oxidative stress, by releasing sulfate radical (·SO4-), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and superoxide (·O2-), inducing Ca2+ overload, and reducing glutathione (GSH) levels, which eventually leads to apoptosis. LDCNSO alongside TAE has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic efficacy in the rabbit orthotopic cancer model, resulting in significant inhibition of tumor growth. This research provides valuable insights for the effective treatment of orthotopic tumors.

Flexible Sono-Piezo Patch for Functional Sweat Gland Repair through Endogenous Microenvironmental Remodeling.

Remodeling the endogenous regenerative microenvironment in wounds is crucial for achieving scarless, functional tissue regeneration, especially the functional recovery of skin appendages such as sweat glands in burn patients. However, current approaches mostly rely on the use of exogenous materials or chemicals to stimulate cell proliferation and migration, while the remodeling of a pro-regenerative microenvironment remains challenging. Herein, we developed a flexible sono-piezo patch (fSPP) that aims to create an endogenous regenerative microenvironment to promote the repair of sweat glands in burn wounds. This patch, composed of multifunctional fibers with embedded piezoelectric nanoparticles, utilized low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to activate electrical stimulation of the target tissue, resulting in enhanced pro-regenerative behaviors of niche tissues and cells, including peripheral nerves, fibroblasts, and vasculatures. We further demonstrated the effective wound healing and regeneration of functional sweat glands in burn injuries solely through such physical stimulation. This noninvasive and drug-free therapeutic approach holds significant potential for the clinical treatment of burn injuries.

Ultrasonic disintegration of municipal sludge: fundamental mechanisms, process intensification and industrial sono-reactors.

Sludge disintegration is an environmental and industrial challenge that requires intensive research and technological development. Sludge contains a complex structure with a high yield of various chemical and biological compounds. Anaerobic digestion is the most used process for sludge disintegration to produce biogas, detoxify the sludge, and generate biosolids that can be used in agricultural. Biological cell lysis is the rate-limiting cell lysis. This review discusses the application of sonolysis as a sludge pretreatment for enhanced anaerobic digestion via three combined processes: thermal destruction, hydrochemical shear forces, and radical oxidation. The mechanistic pathways of sono-pretreatment to enhance biogas, sludge-enhanced dewatering, activation of filamentous bacteria, oxidation of organic pollutants, release of heavy metals, reduction of bulking and foaming sludge, and boosting ammonia-oxidizing bacteria activity are discussed in this report. The combination of ultrasound with other chemical processes, such as Fenton and cation binding agents for enhanced sludge disintegration, is discussed. Finally, we reviewed the most common large-scale sono-reactors available on the market for sludge disintegration.

The emergence of cancer sono-immunotherapy.

Owing to its remarkable ease of use, ultrasound has recently been explored for stimulating or amplifying immune responses during cancer therapy, termed 'sono-immunotherapy'. Ultrasound can cause immunogenic cell death in cancer cells via thermal and nonthermal effects to regulate the tumor microenvironment, thereby priming anticancer immunity; by integrating well-designed biomaterials, novel sono-immunotherapy approaches with augmented efficacy can also be developed. Here, we review the advances in sono-immunotherapy for cancer treatment and summarize existing limitations along with potential trends. We offer emerging insights into this realm, which might prompt breakthroughs and expand its potential applications to other diseases.

Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analysis of sono-biochemical control over post-acidification of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus.

Thermosonication (UT) prestress treatments combining with varied fermentation patterns has been revealed as an effective method to regulate post-acidification as exerted by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (L. delbrueckii), but sono-biochemical controlling mechanisms remain elusive. This study employed physiological and transcriptomic analysis to explore the response mechanism of L. delbrueckii to UT-induced microstress (600 W, 33 kHz, 10 min). UT stress-induced inhibition of acidification of L. delbrueckii during (post)-fermentation was first confirmed, relying on the UT process parameters such as stress exposure duration and UT power. The significantly enhanced membrane permeability in cells treated by 600 W for 10 min than the microbes stressed by 420 W for 20 min suggested the higher dependence of UT-derived stresses on the treatment durations, relative to the ultrasonic powers. In addition, ultrasonication treatment-induced changes in cell membrane integrity enhanced and/or disrupted permeability of L. delbrueckii, resulting in an imbalance in intracellular conditions associated with corresponding alterations in metabolic behaviors and fermentation efficiencies. UT-prestressed inoculum exhibited a 21.46% decrease in the membrane potential during the lag phase compared to untreated samples, with an intracellular pH of 5.68 ± 0.12, attributed to the lower activities of H+-ATPase and lactate dehydrogenase due to UT stress pretreatments. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that UT prestress influenced the genes related to glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and ABC transport. The genes encoding 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductases I, II, and III, CoA carboxylase, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate oxidase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were downregulated, thus identifying the relevance of the UT microstresses-downregulated absorption and utilization of carbohydrates with the attenuated fatty acid production and energy metabolisms. These findings could contribute to provide a better understanding of the inactivated effects on the post-acidification of L. delbrueckii by ultrasonic pretreatments, thus providing theoretical basis for the targeted optimization of acidification inhibition efficiencies for yogurt products during chilled preservation processes.

A sono-responsive antibacterial nanosystem co-loaded with metformin and bone morphogenetic protein-2 for mitigation of inflammation and bone loss in experimental peri-implantitis.

Background: Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth, and the prevalence of peri-implantitis has also increased, which is expected to become a public health problem worldwide and cause high economic and health burdens. This scenario highlights the need for new therapeutic options to treat peri-implantitis. Methods: In this study, we proposed a novel sono-responsive antibacterial nanosystem co-loaded with metformin (Met) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) to promote efficacy in treating peri-implantitis. We introduced the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a carrier for hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) to enhance the antibacterial effect of sonodynamic antibacterial therapy and tested its reactive oxygen species (ROS) production efficiency and bactericidal effect in vitro. Afterward, HMME-loaded ZIF-8, BMP-2-loaded polylactic acid-glycolic acid (PLGA), and Met were incorporated into gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels to form HMME@ZIF-8/Met/BMP-2@PLGA/GelMA composite hydrogels, and the biocompatibility of which was determined in vitro and in vivo. A bacterial-induced peri-implantitis model in the maxilla of rats was established to detect the effects of the composite hydrogels with adjunctive use of ultrasound on regulating inflammation and promoting bone tissue repair in vivo. Results: The results indicated that HMME@ZIF-8 with ultrasound stimulation demonstrated more better ROS production efficiency and antimicrobial efficacy. The composite hydrogels had good biocompatibility. Ultrasound-assisted application of the composite hydrogels reduced the release of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and reduced bone loss around the implant in rats with bacterial-induced peri-implantitis. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that HMME@ZIF-8 may be a new good sonosensitizer material for sonodynamic antibacterial therapy. The use of HMME@ZIF-8/Met/BMP-2@PLGA/GelMA composite hydrogels in combination with ultrasound can provide a novel option for treating peri-implantitis in the future.

O Trabalho por Turnos e a Qualidade do Sono de Enfermeiros de um Serviço de Urgência / Shift Work and Sleep Quality Emergency Service Nurses / Trabajo por Turnos y Calidad del Sueño de las Enfermeras el Servicio de Emergencia

Resumo Introdução: O sono é uma das necessidades primordiais do ser humano, cujo papel fundamental é relaxar e restabelecer o organismo para um novo ciclo. A privação de sono e o trabalho por turnos podem agravar as condições de saúde física e mental dos enfermeiros que trabalham por turnos. Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade do sono de enfermeiros de um serviço de urgência de um hospital da região norte de Portugal e a sua relação com o trabalho por turnos. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo-correlacional, transversal e quantitativo. Aplicou-se o Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh, amostra constituída por 60 enfermeiros. Tratamento de dados foi elaborado com recurso à estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes foram enfermeiras (68,3%), idade entre 31 e 40 anos (61,7%). Verificámos, quer os enfermeiros do sexo feminino quer os com a categoria profissional de enfermeiros de cuidados gerais percecionaram uma má qualidade de sono. Os participantes com horário fixo, que trabalham em turnos noturnos e que têm até dois turnos noturnos por semana apresentaram uma qualidade de sono mais baixa, (80%) dos enfermeiros evidenciaram dificuldade em adormecer e percecionaram má qualidade de sono. Conclusão: É necessário intervir a nível individual e organizacional, para adoção de medidas que visem melhorar a qualidade de sono de enfermeiros que trabalham por turnos. Importa sensibilizar a adoção de estratégias de higiene do sono, promovendo hábitos de vida saudáveis, tendo em vista melhorar a qualidade do sono dos enfermeiros, o que se traduzirá numa melhoria dos cuidados saúde prestados.

Abstract Introduction: Sleep is one of the primordial needs of human beings, and plays a fundamental role in relaxing and reestablishing the body for a new cycle. Sleep deprivation and shift work can have negative consequences for the physical and mental health of nurses working shifts. Objective: To analyze the sleep quality of nurses in an emergency department at a hospital in the north of Portugal and its relationship with shift work. Methodology: Descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional and quantitative study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was applied to a sample of 60 nurses. Data processing was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of participants were nurses (68.3%), aged between 31 and 40 years old (61.7%). We found that both female nurses and those with the professional category of general care nurses perceived poor sleep quality. Participants with a fixed schedule, who work night shifts and who work up to two-night shifts per week had a lower quality of sleep, (80%) of nurses had difficulty falling asleep and perceived poor quality of sleep. Conclusion: It is necessary to intervene at an individual and organizational level to promote the adoption of measures to improve the quality of sleep of nurses who work shifts. It is important to raise awareness about the adoption of sleep hygiene strategies, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, with the aim of improving the quality of sleep of nurses, which will translate into an improvement in the health care provided.

Resumen Introducción: El sueño es una de las necesidades primordiales del ser humano, cuyo papel fundamental es relajar y restablecer el organismo para un nuevo ciclo. La falta de sueño y el trabajo por turnos pueden empeorar las condiciones de salud física y mental de las enfermeras que trabajan por turnos. Objetivo: Analizar la calidad del sueño de las enfermeras que trabajan en urgencias de un hospital del norte de Portugal y su relación con el trabajo por turnos. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo-correlacional, transversal y cuantitativo. Se aplicó el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh, muestra compuesta por 60 enfermeras. El tratamiento de los datos se elaboró mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes eran enfermeras (68,3%), con edades entre los 31 y 40 años (61,7%). Observamos que tanto las enfermeras como las que tienen la categoría profesional de enfermeras de cuidados generales perciben uma mala calidad del sueño. Los participantes con horario fijo, que trabajan en turnos nocturnos y que tienen hasta dos turnos nocturnos por semana tuvieron una menor calidad de sueño, (80%) dos enfermeras tuvieron dificultad para conciliar el sueño y percibieron mala calidad del sueño. Conclusión: Es necesario intervenir a nivel individual y organizacional de forma a adoptar medidas que mejoren la calidad del sueño de los enfermeros que trabajan por turnos. Del mismo modo es importante generar conciencia sobre la adopción de estrategias de higiene del sueño, para que se puedan promover hábitos de vida saludables, y así mejorar la calidad del sueño de las enfermeras, lo que se traducirá en una mejora de la atención médica brindada.

Influencia da Qualidade do Sono na Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho de Policais Militares / Influencia de la Calidad del Sueño en la Calidad de Vida en el Trabajo de la Policía Militar / Influence of Sleep Quality on the Quality of Life and Work of Military Police Officers

Resumo Introdução: A profissão policial é considerada de alto risco e exige um vigor físico e mental do trabalhador diante do serviço realizado. De tal modo que uma boa qualidade do sono é importante, pois impacta diretamente em diversos aspectos na saúde desses trabalhadores. Ademais, a falta de uma boa qualidade do sono devido ao trabalho pode influenciar negativamente a qualidade de vida no trabalho. Objetivo: Analisar a influência da qualidade do sono na qualidade de vida no trabalho de policiais militares. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo, correlacionalde corte transversal, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2019, com policiais de três municípios da Bahia, Brasil. Foram utilizados três instrumentos: sociodemográfico e características laborais; qualidade de vida de vida no trabalho; e qualidade do sono. Foi aplicado o teste do qui quadrado para as variáveis sociodemograficas e ocupacionais. Posteriormente, foi aplicado o teste de correlação de Spearman entre a qualidade do sono com as dimensões da qualidade de vida no trabalho. Resultados: Evidenciou-se entre os 298 policiais que a mediana da idade foi de 40 anos e tempo de serviço ≤ 7 anos, observou-se também que os policiais com pior qualidade do sono apresentaram qualidade de vida no trabalho insatisfatória em todas as dimensões (biológica/fisiológica; psicológica/comportamental; sociológica/relacional; econômica/política, ambiental/organizacional). Conclusão: Os policiais sofrem com a qualidade do sono e consequentemente influencia negativamente a qualidade de vida no trabalho. Assim, há uma necessidade de desenvolver ações no ambiente de trabalho que possam diminuir os afastamentos decorrentes dos problemas de saúde ocasionados pela qualidade do sono.

Resumen Introdución: La formación policial se considera de alto riesgo y requiere vigor físico y mental por parte de la persona trabajadora antes de realizar el servicio. Para esto, la buena calidad de sueño es importante, ya que impacta directamente en la salud de la población trabajadora en varios aspectos. Además, la falta de una buena calidad de sueño debido al trabajo puede influir negativamente en la calidad de vida fuera del trabajo. Objetivo: Analizar la influencia de la calidad del sueño en la calidad de vida en el trabajo de policías militares. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional transversal, realizado en el primer semestre de 2019, con policías de tres municipios de Bahía, Brasil. Se utilizaron tres instrumentos: características sociodemográficas y laborales, calidad de vida en el trabajo y calidad de sueño. Se aplicó la prueba chi cuadrado para las variables sociodemográficas y ocupacionales. Posteriormente, se aplicó la prueba de correlación de Spearman entre la calidad del sueño y las dimensiones de calidad de vida en el trabajo. Resultados: La muestra fue de 298 policías, la mediana de edad fue de 40 años y la antigüedad en el servicio fue ≤ 7 años. También, se observó quienes tuvieron peor calidad de sueño, también tuvieron una calidad de vida en el trabajo insatisfactoria en todos sus dimensiones (biológica/fisiológica; psicológica/conductual; sociológica/relacional; económica/política, ambiental/organizacional). Conclusión: Quienes son agentes de policía sufren de mala calidad de sueño y, en consecuencia, se influye negativamente su calidad de vida en el trabajo. Por lo tanto, existe la necesidad de desarrollar acciones en el lugar de trabajo que pueda reducir los riesgos de problemas de salud causados por la calidad del sueño.

Abstract Background: Police training is considered high risk and demands physical and mental vigor from the worker before preforming the service. Therefore, sleep quality is important as it directly impacts the health of these workers in several aspects. Furthermore, the lack of sleep quality due to work can negatively influence the quality of life outside of work. Aim: To analyze the influence of sleep quality on the quality of life and work of military police officers. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study, conducted in the first half of 2019 with police officers from three municipalities in Bahia, Brazil. Three instruments were used: sociodemographic and work characteristics; quality of life at work; and sleep quality. The chi-square test was applied for sociodemographic and occupational variations. Subsequently, the Spearman correlation test was applied between sleep quality and the quality of life and work dimensions. Results: Among the 298 police officers the median age was 40 years and the length of service was ≤ 7 years. It was also observed that police officers with poorer sleep quality had an unsatisfactory quality of life at work in all its dimensions (biological/physiological; psychological/behavioral; sociological/relational; economic/political, environmental/organizational). Conclusion: Police officers suffer from poor sleep quality and this negatively influence their quality of life and work. Therefore, there is a need to develop actions in the workplace that may reduce the risks of health problems caused by poor sleep quality.

Fully Floatable Mortise-and-Tenon Architecture for Synergistically Photo/Sono-Driven Evaporation Desalination and Plastic-Enabled Value-Added Co-Conversion of H2O and CO2.

Establishing an advanced ecosystem incorporating freshwater harvesting, plastic utilization, and clean fuel acquisition is profoundly significant. However, low-efficiency evaporation, single energy utilization, and catalyst leakage severely hinder sustainable development. Herein, a nanofiber-based mortise-and-tenon structural Janus aerogel (MTSJA) is strategically designed in the first attempt and supports Z-scheme catalysts. By harnessing of the upper hydrophilic layer with hydrophilic channels embedding into the hydrophobic bottom layer to achieve tailoring bottom wettability states. MTSJA is capable of a fully-floating function for lower heat loss, water supply, and high-efficiency solar-to-vapor conversion. Benefiting from the ultrasonic cavitation effect and high sensitivity of materials to mechanical forces, this is also the first demonstration of synergistic solar and ultrasound fields to power simultaneous evaporation desalination and waste plastics as reusable substrates generating fuel energy. The system enables persistent desalination with an exceptional evaporation rate of 3.1 kg m-2 h-1 and 82.3% efficiency (21 wt.% NaCl solution and 1 sun), and realizes H2, CO, and CH4 yields with 16.1, 9.5, and 3 µmol h-1 g-1, respectively. This strategy holds great potential for desalination and plastics value-added transformation toward clean energy and carbon neutrality.

K-ras mutation detected by peptide nucleic acid-clamping polymerase chain reaction, Ki-67, S100P, and SMAD4 expression can improve the diagnostic accuracy of inconclusive pancreatic EUS-FNB specimens.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of an immunohistochemical panel including calcium-binding protein P, p53, Ki-67, and SMAD family member 4 and K-ras mutation for diagnosing pancreatic solid lesion specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy and to confirm their usefulness in histologically inconclusive cases. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and peptide nucleic acid-clamping polymerase chain reaction for K-ras mutation were performed on 96 endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy specimens. The diagnostic efficacy of each marker and the combination of markers was calculated. The diagnostic performances of these markers were evaluated in 27 endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy specimens with histologically inconclusive diagnoses. A classification tree was constructed. RESULTS: K-ras mutation showed the highest accuracy and consistency. Positivity in more than two or three of the five markers showed high diagnostic accuracy (94.6 % and 93.6 %, respectively), and positivity for more than three markers showed the highest accuracy for inconclusive cases (92.0 %). A classification tree using K-ras mutation, Ki-67, S100P, and SMAD4 showed high diagnostic performance, with only two misclassifications in inconclusive cases. CONCLUSIONS: K-ras mutation detection via peptide nucleic acid-clamping polymerase chain reaction is a stable and accurate method for distinguishing between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and non-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lesions. A classification tree using K-ras mutation, Ki-67, S100P, and SMAD4 helps increase the diagnostic accuracy of cases that are histologically difficult to diagnose.

Monitoring of singlet oxygen generation of a novel Schiff-base substituted silicon phthalocyanines by sono-photochemical studies and in vitro activities on prostate cancer cell.

This study demonstrates the potential of sono-photodynamic therapy as an effective approach for enhancing singlet oxygen generation using the synthesized Schiff-base diaxially substituted silicon phthalocyanines. In photochemical studies, the singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ∆) were determined as 0.43 for Si1a, 0.94 for Q-Si1a, 0.58 for S-Si1a, and 0.49 for B-Sia1. In sono-photochemical studies, the Φ∆ values were reached to 0.67 for Si1a, 1.06 for Q-Si1a, 0.65 for S-Si1a, and 0.67 for B-Sia1. In addition, this study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of phthalocyanines synthesized as sensitizers on the PC3 prostate cancer cell line through in vitro experiments. The application of these treatment modalities exhibited notable outcomes, leading to a substantial decrease in cell viability within the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these synthesized phthalocyanines as promising therapeutic agents for prostate cancer treatment.