Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), which are widely spread in the environment, have gained attention because of their ability to enter the human body mainly through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, thus representing a serious health threat. Several studies have reported the presence of MNPs in lung tissue and the potential role of MNP inhalation in triggering lung fibrosis and tumorigenesis. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the cellular response to MNPs composed of polyethylene (PE), one of the most common plastic pollutants in the biosphere. In this study, we investigated the effects of low/high concentrations of PE MNPs on respiratory epithelial cell viability and migration/invasion abilities, using MTT, scratch, and transwell assays. Morphological and molecular changes were assessed via immunofluorescence, Western blot, and qRT-PCR. We demonstrated that acute exposure to PE MNPs does not induce cellular toxicity. Instead, cells displayed visible morphological changes also involving actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Our data underlined the role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triggering this process. Moreover, a remarkable increase in migration potential was noticed, in absence of a significant alteration of the cell’s invasive capacity. The present study highlights the potential impact of PE MNPs inhalation on the human respiratory epithelium, suggesting a possible role in carcinogenesis.

Thyroid cancer (TC) incidence is rising, necessitating a refined understanding of its complex biology, particularly for advanced forms. This review synthesizes the state-of-the-art knowledge, guided by the WHO 5th Classification (2022), which incorporates molecular findings and introduces categories like Differentiated High-Grade Thyroid Carcinoma (DHGTC) to better stratify prognosis. The review summarizes the molecular changes in thyroid cancer (TC) by establishing a clear link between specific oncogenic alterations and the resulting tumor phenotype, prognosis, risk stratification and therapeutic vulnerabilities. The central importance of the review lies in its comprehensive integration of these molecular changes with the resulting immunological microenvironment and the rationale for novel, personalized therapies. Moreover, high-level genomic instability within aggressive thyroid malignancies promotes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via the selection and recruitment of suppressive immune components, contributing to immune evasion and poor prognosis. This characteristic immunosuppression identifies the aggressive tumors as prime candidates for targeted immunotherapies. The review implicitly argues that understanding the molecular drivers of this immunosuppression is essential for designing effective clinical trials using these novel agents. Diagnostic advancements, including molecular testing for high-risk mutations (BRAF, TERT) and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for refined risk stratification, are enabling personalized treatment. The evolving molecular and clinical understanding allows for a paradigm shift toward individualized therapies that balance optimal disease control with minimizing morbidity, especially in the context of high-risk disease.

Two-dimensional cell cultures are crucial research tools, and they have been widely used, although they are not completely representative of biological processes in vivo due to the lack of tissue architecture and complexity. Recent advances in organoid technology have addressed these limitations and are revolutionizing the tools available for in vitro culture. Although there are no unified protocols for generating organoids, they can be obtained with various techniques, leading to cell aggregation by promoting cell adhesion. This work aims to generate and characterise organoid models of dental pulp from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), a type of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells known for their high regenerative potential and ease of accessibility, to establish a model for translational studies. The organoids were subjected to osteogenic differentiation conditions. Cell viability was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay, while osteogenic morphology and mineralization were confirmed by Alizarin red analysis, Raman microspectroscopy, and by immunofluorescence for the lineage markers expression. The Alizarin red analysis indicated a higher presence of calcium phosphate deposits in the differentiated organoids than in the control group (CTR). These results were confirmed by spectral profiles obtained using Raman microspectroscopy, which were attributable to a hydroxyapatite-based biomaterial. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed increased expression of odonto/osteogenic markers (RUNX and OSX), alongside reduced expression of stemness markers. In conclusion, the organoids appeared to have successfully differentiated into an osteogenic lineage, forming a mineralized matrix containing hydroxyapatite and showing increased expression of relevant lineage markers.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed persistent weaknesses in health-data interoperability, cybersecurity, provenance, cross-organizational governance, and continuity of digital care. This short communication presents an updated focused narrative synthesis and a five-layer governance framework for integrating blockchain and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in patient-centered digital health. The literature was updated through 10 August 2026, with recent peer-reviewed evidence complemented by authoritative standards and European regulatory sources. The synthesis positions blockchain primarily as a distributed governance, provenance, and audit layer rather than a clinical database or stand-alone security solution, while IoMT provides heterogeneous sensing infrastructure for continuous and distributed care. The framework separates: (1) device and data acquisition; (2) network and edge orchestration, including 5G/SDN where clinically justified; (3) blockchain-based governance; (4) privacy-enhancing data, analytics, and AI; and (5) application and service delivery. Homomorphic encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, secure aggregation, differential privacy, and federated learning are treated as complementary controls with distinct threat models and computational trade-offs. The revised framework also incorporates the European Health Data Space, the EU AI Act and its medical-device interplay, and NIS2 as a regulatory overlay. Across six use-case domains, evidence is strongest for technical feasibility, provenance, and programmable access control; evidence for clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, equity, sustainability, and large-scale deployment remains limited. The proposed model therefore emphasizes standards-based interoperability, minimization of on-chain personal data, endpoint trust, auditable human oversight, and prospective real-world validation.