Mitochondrial bioenergetics reprogramming is an essential response of cells to stress. Platelets, an accessible source of mitochondria, have a crucial role in cancer development; however, the platelet mitochondrial function has not been studied in urothelial carcinoma (UC) patients. A total of 15 patients with UC and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. Parameters of platelet mitochondrial respiration were evaluated using the high-resolution respirometry method, and the selected antioxidant levels were determined by HPLC. In addition, oxidative stress was evaluated by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in plasma. We demonstrated deficient platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain functions, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and electron transfer (ET) capacity with complex I (CI)-linked substrates, and reduced the endogenous platelet coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) concentration in UC patients. The activity of citrate synthase was decreased in UC patients vs. controls (p = 0.0191). γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol in platelets, and β-carotene in plasma were significantly lower in UC patients (p = 0.0019; p = 0.02; p = 0.0387, respectively), whereas the plasma concentration of TBARS was increased (p = 0.0022) vs. controls. The changes in platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics are consistent with cell metabolism reprogramming in UC patients. We suppose that increased oxidative stress, decreased OXPHOS, and a reduced platelet endogenous CoQ₁₀ level can contribute to the reprogramming of platelet mitochondrial OXPHOS toward the activation of glycolysis. The impaired mitochondrial function can contribute to increased oxidative stress by triggering the reverse electron transport from the CoQ₁₀ cycle (Q-junction) to CI.

Introduction: Bone tissue engineering has emerged as a promising field in regenerative medicine, aiming to develop innovative materials and approaches for bone repair and regeneration, which also leads to the simplification and search for new approaches in postoperative rehabilitation. The integration of novel materials into scaffolds and implants plays a crucial role in improving bone tissue engineering strategies. In recent years, scientific research has made significant progress in identifying and characterizing novel materials with superior properties and functionalities. Aim: This article explores the most recent scientific findings and research breakthroughs concerning novel materials for bone tissues, focusing on their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and potential clinical applications. Conclusion: In recent years, the field of bone tissue engineering has witnessed remarkable advancements in the development of novel materials for bone repair and regeneration, which also simplify the medical rehabilitation of the patient. From bioactive glasses and calcium phosphate-based materials to biodegradable magnesium-based materials and graphene-based composites, researchers have explored a wide range of materials with diverse properties and functionalities. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing and nanotechnology, is expected to further enhance the efficacy and clinical relevance of these novel materials, ultimately benefiting patients with bone defects and diseases. The experimental scaffold series maintained comparable macroporosity, with mean pore diameters from 238 ± 44 µm to 262 ± 51 µm and total porosity from 67.9 ± 4.1 % to 72.4 ± 4.8 %, providing reproducible geometry for bone-repair scaffold evaluation. HA incorporation reduced the contact angle from 83.2 ± 4.8° to 68.5 ± 5.1° and increased hydrated compressive modulus from 12.6 ± 1.8 MPa to 18.9 ± 2.2 MPa, supporting improved wet-state handling and early low-load support. PolyP45 strengthened the SBF surface response, with day-14 recovered Ca2+ concentration of 1.86 ± 0.06 mmol×L-1 and mass gain of 6.4 ± 1.0 %, indicating enhanced surface mineral-deposition capacity. Silk-fibroin coating further improved the scaffold interface by reducing the contact angle to 42.7 ± 5.2°, increasing water uptake to 128.0 ± 16.2 %, and preserving hydrated modulus at 22.2 ± 2.6 MPa. The coated scaffold also showed extract viability of 107.5 ± 8.5 % and ALP activity of 1.95 ± 0.27-fold relative to PCL, supporting a favorable preliminary osteoblast-like response. Observed material features support postoperative material selection because protected mobilization, staged loading and patient handling depend on scaffold wetting, wet-state stability and early low-load defect support. The PCL/HA/polyP45-SF group provided the most balanced profile in this series for further preclinical studies linking scaffold-guided repair, postoperative care, recovery-time assessment and personalized selection of bone-repair materials.

Since the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) causing pneumonia, often progressing to rapid deterioration with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring advanced life support, has been spreading worldwide. The humanitarian crisis we are currently witnessing across the globe is threatening access to artificial ventilation of the lungs (AVL) for patients with respiratory failure. Q‐vent is a multi‐way air valve system with filters and heater/humidifier module produced by 3D printer from a new composite material based on Phloxine B, Saponite and Polylactic acid that prevents the formation of bacterial biofilms. This automated device, which can be fitted with commercially available Ambu^® Breathing Bags or similar, provides a high degree of controllability along with one‐box complexity. A built‐in cough sensor warns of patient's awakening. In the case of power failure, Q‐vent switches to battery reserve. The developed device was tested on an intubated model (Gaumard^® Scientific ‐ UNI^®) corresponding to a patient (80 kg) with lung compliance 50 ml/cm H2O to simulate ARDS for 24 hours. The inspiration‐to‐expiration (I:E) ratio, tidal volume set to 8 ml/kg PBW (L‐type pneumonia) and 6 ml/kg PBW (H‐type Pneumonia), and frequency of inspiration were adjusted to test Q‐Vent operation at a range of different conditions. All functions performed reliably throughout the testing procedure. Q‐Vent successfully passed the Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator System (RMVS001) validation issued by MHRA and is awaiting clinical trials to determine its value in overcoming crises caused by the lack of conventional AVL.