Benzocaine Complexation with p‐Sulfonic Acid Calix[n]arene: Experimental (1H‐NMR) and Theoretical Approaches

The aim of this work was to study the interaction between the local anesthetic benzocaine and p‐sulfonic acid calix[n]arenes using NMR and theoretical calculations and to assess the effects of complexation on cytotoxicity of benzocaine. The architectures of the complexes were proposed according to ¹H NMR data (Job plot, binding constants, and ROESY) indicating details on the insertion of benzocaine in the cavity of the calix[n]arenes. The proposed inclusion compounds were optimized using the PM3 semiempirical method, and the electronic plus nuclear repulsion energy contributions were performed at the DFT level using the PBE exchange/correlation functional and the 6‐311G(d) basis set. The remarkable agreement between experimental and theoretical approaches adds support to their use in the structural characterization of the inclusion complexes. In vitro cytotoxic tests showed that complexation intensifies the intrinsic toxicity of benzocaine, possibly by increasing the water solubility of the anesthetic and favoring its partitioning inside of biomembranes.     

The skin structures and their role in the thermoregulation of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis)

The skin of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) is important for animal thermoregulation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Skin tissue samples were collected from A. australis for microscopic analysis and were related to anatomical references. The aim of this study was to describe the skin morphology, as well as to suggest the major anatomical regions and skin components involved in the thermoregulation of this species. Using light microscopy, the skin of six animals was examined based on histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical criteria. Hair follicle morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The skin was classified as either thick or thin based on its epidermal thickness. The thin epidermis regions had more abundant hair follicles, as well as high pigmentation, whereas the thick epidermis regions had very pigmented epidermal layers. Pigmentation of hair and skin is fundamental for protection against ultraviolet rays; moreover, hair is important in preventing abrasion, and provides an insulating layer against the external environment, which can be much colder than body temperature. Furthermore, the dermis is well vascularized, especially the superficial dermis. All regions of the skin have adaptations for maintaining the animal's condition in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Among the studied regions, the interdigital region from hindflipper showed important morphological characteristics related to thermoregulation, such as having an epidermis of intermediate thickness, a dermis with a small number of hairs, a large amount of blood vessels, and sweat glands with large lumens, indicating that heat exchange in this region may be faster.     

互联网+多元联动模式在恶性肿瘤患儿PICC居家延续性护理中的应用

目的 探讨互联网+多元联动模式在恶性肿瘤患儿PICC居家延续性护理中的应用效果。 方法 选取2018年9月—2019年9月在重庆市某医院置PICC并带管出院的130对患儿及其家长为研究对象,用随机数字法分为试验组和对照组,每组各65对。试验组采用互联网+多元联动模式进行居家延续性护理;对照组采用常规居家延续性护理,干预3个月后,对两组PICC并发症发生率、导管维护依从性、因导管维护产生的时间及费用、PICC专项护理服务满意度及PICC自我管理能力进行比较。 结果 试验组62对、对照组60对完成研究。干预后试验组的导管总体并发症发生率、因导管维护产生的时间及费用均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）;试验组的导管维护依从性、PICC专项护理服务满意度、PICC自我管理能力均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论 基于互联网+多元联动模式可有效降低肿瘤患儿PICC居家护理中并发症的发生率,提高患儿导管维护依从性和自我管理效能。     

Seasonal variation in physical activity,sedentary behaviour and sleep in a sample of UK adults

Background: Physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), sleep and diet have all been associated with increased risk for chronic disease. Seasonality is often overlooked as a determinant of these behaviours in adults. Currently, no study has simultaneously monitored these behaviours in UK adults to assess seasonal variation.

Aim: The present study investigated whether PA, SB, sleep and diet differed over season in UK adults.

Subjects and methods: Forty-six adults (72% female; age?=?41.7?±?14.4 years, BMI?=?24.9?±?4.4?kg/m²) completed four 7-day monitoring periods; one during each season of the year. The ActiGraph GT1M was used to monitor PA and SB. Daily sleep diaries monitored time spent in bed (TIB) and total sleep time (TST). The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessed diet. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to identify seasonal differences in behaviours.

Results: Light-intensity PA was significantly higher in summer and spring (p?p?p?>?0.05).

Conclusions: Findings support the concept that health promotion campaigns need to encourage year-round participation in light intensity PA, whilst limiting SB, particularly during the winter months.     

MAPLE-based method to obtain biodegradable hybrid polymeric thin films with embedded antitumoral agents

In this work, antitumor compounds, lactoferrin [recombinant iron-free (Apo-rLf)], cisplatin (Cis) or their combination were embedded within a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer thin film, by a modified approach of a laser-based technique, matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The structural and morphological properties of the deposited hybrid films were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vitro effect on the cells’ morphology and proliferation of murine melanoma B16-F10 cells was investigated and correlated with the films’ surface chemistry and topography. Biological assays revealed decreased viability and proliferation, lower adherence, and morphological modifications in the case of melanoma cells cultured on both Apo-rLf and Cis thin films. The antitumor effect was enhanced by deposition of Apo-rLf with Cis within the same film. The unique capability of the new approach, based on MAPLE, to embed antitumor active factors within a biodegradable matrix for obtaining novel biodegradable hybrid platform with increased antitumor efficiency has been demonstrated.