No abstract

Clays for drug delivery have been used from ancient time due to the large availability of clay minerals and their unprecedented properties. The empirical use of nanoclays from the past is converted in a stimulating scientific task aimed at building up nanoarchitectonic vehicles for drug delivery in a targeted and stimuli-responsive fashion. Here the historical aspects are discussed; next the modern examples of applications of different clay-based materials are discussed. A special focus is given to halloysite clay nanotubes, which are an emerging and very promising nanomaterial for drug-delivery purposes due to its special morphology and unique chemical properties. Advantages and limitations of these natural nanomaterials are critically discussed pointing out the future perspectives and directions for further research.

No abstract

Obesity is associated to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. The aim of this narrative review is to assess the physio-pathological characteristics of obese patients and how they influence the clinical approach during different emergency settings, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A literature search for published manuscripts regarding emergency and obesity across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central was performed including records till January 1, 2021. Increasing incidence of obesity causes growth in emergency maneuvers dealing with airway management, vascular accesses, and drug treatment due to both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations. Furthermore, instrumental diagnostics and in/out-hospital transport may represent further pitfalls. Therefore, people with severe obesity may be seriously disadvantaged in emergency health care settings, and this condition is enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when obesity was stated as one of the most frequent comorbidity. Emergency in critical obese patients turns out to be an intellectual, procedural, and technical challenge. Organization and anticipation based on the understanding of the physiopathology related to obesity are very important for the physician to be mentally and physically ready to face the associated issues.

We report the first outcomes of producing a gluten‐free biscuit by replacing 2.5 wt% of the rice flour used in the preparation of a commercial gluten‐free cookie with lemon IntegroPectin, a new citrus pectin obtained from lemon processing waste via hydrodynamic cavitation. The cookie's friability, palate adhesion, flavor persistency and compactness remain virtually unchanged, whereas sapidity and color improve. Only the sweetness and the smell (flavor) of the functionalized cookie are lower than those of the commercial biscuit. The enhanced heat resistance and unique structure of this new citrus pectin unveiled by XRD and TGA structural and thermal analyses make it suitable for the straightforward functionalization of bakery products with numerous potential health benefits.