Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used clinically in liquid or gel form to promote tissue repair. Because of the poor mechanical properties, conventional PRP is often difficult to handle when used in clinical settings and requires secure implantation in a specific site, otherwise when released growth factors could be washed out during an operation. In this study, we analyzed the end product of a recently developed commercially available system (FIBRINET ® ), which is a dense pliable, platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). We characterized the mechanical properties of PRFM and tested whether PRFM releases growth factors and whether released factors induce the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Mechanical properties as well as platelet distribution were evaluated in PRFM. PRFM demonstrated robust mechanical properties, with a tear elastic modulus of 937.3 + 314.6 kPa, stress at a break of 1476.0 + 526.3 kPa, and an elongation at break of 146.3 + 33.8 %. PRFM maintained its mechanical properties throughout the testing process. Microscopic observations showed that the platelets were localized on one side of the matrix. Elevated levels of PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, EGF, VEGF, bFGF and TGF-β1 were measured in the day 1-conditioned media (CM) of PRFM and growth factor levels decreased thereafter. BMP2 and BMP7 were not detectable. MSC culture media supplemented with 20% PRFM-CM stimulated MSC cell proliferation; at 24 and 48 hours the induction of the proliferation was significantly greater than the induction obtained with media supplemented with 20% foetal bovine serum. The present study shows that the production of a dense, physically robust PRFM made through high-speed centrifugation of intact platelets and fibrin in the absence of exogenous thrombin yields a potential tool for accelerating tissue repair.

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Background Prison population is aging. Older prisoners are increasing and age‐related problems are a new challenge for the prison officers. Dementia is under detected among old prisoners although life style, substance abuse, custody condition, jail environment increase dementia risk. Older prisoners either may be affected by dementia before the crime or develop dementia during the detention. In Italy in 2017 there were 3700 older prisoner aged 60 and over and 776 aged 70 and over. Method In Sant’Anna prison in Modena district currently there are 19 prisoners over 65. In our district is possible to require psychogeriatric evaluation for older prisoners . Results Since 2017 10 prisoners in sex offender section have been evaluated (mean age 73,7 ds 8,6): 4 of them (30%) have been identified as people with dementia (20% vascular dementia and 10% mixed dementia) and 30% have been diagnosed as neurocognitive minor disorder. 1 of them 87 years old (10%) had Alzheimer disease (MMSE20/30) at the moment of the crime. He needs to be supported by a younger prisoner who is now involved in his care, as educational program. Conclusion In our preliminary experience all older prisoners examined have challenging behaviour related to dementia or cognitive impairment, evaluated with NPI scale (mean 25, 3 min 18 max 38). This is a preliminary picture of Italian dementia reality in prison. This topic deserves future attention.