Objective: To perform an in silico bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis and evaluate their potential as biomarkers for assessing therapeutic efficacy and monitoring acupuncture treatment. Methods: miRNA microarray data (CEL and TXT formats) were acquired from human and murine RA models, with the latter undergoing acupuncture treatment. Data were normalized using the robust multi-array average (RMA) method and analyzed for differential expression. Differential expression analysis identified miRNAs through a comparative analysis of RA human tissues, acupuncture-treated murine RA models, and a bibliographic search for miRNAs implicated in RA pathogenesis and acupuncture treatment. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential target genes for each miRNA and signaling pathways via search tools for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and ShinyGO. Gene-drug interaction analysis was performed through Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb) screening. Interaction networks were constructed with the Cytoscape v3.10.3 software. Results: The hsa-miR-125a-5p and hsa-miR-125b-5p were identified as potential biomarkers associated with RA pathogenesis, presenting 468 and 455 target genes, respectively. These genes were enriched in 20 signaling pathways, including Janus kinasa-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which have been associated with RA pathogenesis and progression. Drug-gene interaction networks revealed that 22 genes were significantly associated with 58 RA treatment drugs, among which 13 genes interacted with members of the hsa-miR-125 family. Conclusion The hsa-miR-125a-5p and hsa-miR-125b-5p demonstrate critical regulatory role in RA pathogenesis by modulating signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and NF-κB. Our findings show that the hsa-miR-125a-5p and hsa-miR-125b-5p exhibit differential expression patterns in response to pharmacological intervention in various diseases, including RA management. This suggests their potential roles as biomarkers for monitoring acupuncture treatment. Although existing evidence indicates that acupuncture can modify miRNA expression profiles, rigorous validation through biological models remains essential to confirm these results.

BACKGROUND: 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds have gained popularity due to their controlled microarchitecture and their proven biocompatibility. However, their high brittleness makes their surgical implementation complex for weightbearing bone treatments. Thus, they would require difficult-to-instrument rigid internal fixations that limit a rigorous evaluation of the regeneration progress through the analysis of mechanic-structural parameters. METHODS: We investigated the compatibility of flexible fixations with fragile ceramic implants, and if mechanical monitoring techniques are applicable to bone tissue engineering applications. Tissue engineering experiments were performed on 8 ovine metatarsi. A 15 mm bone segment was directly replaced with a hydroxyapatite scaffold and stabilized by an instrumented Ilizarov-type external fixator. Several in vivo monitoring techniques were employed to assess the mechanical and structural progress of the tissue. RESULTS: The applied surgical protocol succeeded in combining external fixators and subject-specific bioceramic scaffolds without causing fatal fractures of the implant due to stress concentrator. The bearing capacity of the treated limb was initially altered, quantifying a 28–56% reduction of the ground reaction force, which gradually normalized during the consolidation phase. A faster recovery was reported in the bearing capacity, stiffening and bone mineral density of the callus. It acquired a predominant mechanical role over the fixator in the distribution of internal forces after one postsurgical month. CONCLUSION The bioceramic scaffold significantly accelerated in vivo the bone formation compared to other traditional alternatives in the literature (e.g., distraction osteogenesis). In addition, the implemented assessment techniques allowed an accurate quantitative evaluation of the bone regeneration through mechanical and imaging parameters.

COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has produced a serious emergency for global public health, placing enormous stress on national health systems in many countries. Several studies suggest that cytokine storms (interleukins) may play an important role in severe cases of COVID-19. Neutralizing key inflammatory factors in cytokine release syndrome (CRS) could therefore be of great value in reducing the mortality rate. Tocilizumab (TCZ) in its intravenous (IV) form of administration-RoActemra? 20 mg/mL (Roche)-is indicated for treatment of severe CRS patients. Preliminary in-vestigations have concluded that inhibition of IL-6 with TCZ appears to be efficacious and safe, with several ongoing clinical trials. This has led to a huge increase in demand for IV TCZ for treating severe COVID-19 patients in hospitals, which has resulted in drug shortages. Here, we present a comparability study assessing the main critical physicochemical attributes of TCZ solutions used for infusion, at 6 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, prepared from RoActemra? 20 mg/mL (IV form) and from RoActemra? 162 mg (0.9 mL solution pre-filled syringe, subcutaneous(SC) form), to evaluate the use of the latter for preparing clinical solutions required for IV administration, so that in a situation of shortage of the IV medicine, the SC form could be used to prepare the solutions for IV delivery of TCZ. It is important to remember that during the current pandemic all the medicines are used off-label, since none of them has yet been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.