Search

Mechanical stimulation appears to be a critical modulator for many aspects of biology, both of living tissue and cells. The cell-stretcher, a novel device for the mechanical uniaxial stimulation of populations of cells, is described. The system is based on a variable stroke cam-lever-tappet mechanism which allows the delivery of cyclic stimuli with frequencies of up to 10 Hz and deformation between 1% and 20%. The kinematics is presented and a simulation of the dynamics of the system is shown, in order to compute the contact forces in the mechanism. The cells, following cultivation and preparation, are plated on an ad hoc polydimethylsiloxane membrane which is then loaded on the clamps of the cell-stretcher via force-adjustable magnetic couplings. In order to show the viability of the experimentation and biocompatibility of the cell-stretcher, a set of two in vitro tests were performed. Human epithelial carcinoma cell line A431 and Adult Mouse Ventricular Fibroblasts (AMVFs) from a dual reporter mouse were subject to 0.5 Hz, 24 h cyclic stretching at 15% strain, and to 48 h stimulation at 0.5 Hz and 15% strain, respectively. Visual analysis was performed on A431, showing definite morphological changes in the form of cellular extroflections in the direction of stimulation compared to an unstimulated control. A cytometric analysis was performed on the AMVF population. Results show a post-stimulation live-dead ratio deviance of less than 6% compared to control, which proves that the environment created by the cell-stretcher is suitable for in vitro experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: AFM was used to collect the whole force–deformation cell curves. They provide both the elasticity and adhesion behavior of mouse primary cardiac fibroblasts. To confirm the hypothesis that a link exists between the membrane receptors and the cytoskeletal filaments causing therefore changing in both elasticity and adhesion behavior, actin-destabilizing Cytochalsin D was administrated to the fibroblasts. From immunofluorescence observation and AFM loading/unloading curves, cytoskeletal reorganization as well as a change in the elasticity and adhesion was indeed observed. Elasticity of control fibroblasts is three times higher than that for fibroblasts treated with 0.5μM Cytochalasin. Moreover, AFM loading–unloading curves clearly show the different mechanical behavior of the two different cells analyzed: (i) for control cells the AFM cantilever rises during the dwell time while cells with Cytochalasin fail to show such an active resistance; (ii) the maximum force to deform control cells is quite higher and as far as adhesion is concern (iii) the maximum separation force, detachment area and the detachment process time are much larger for control compared to the Cytochalasin treated cells. Therefore, alterations in the cytoskeleton suggest that a link must exist between the membrane receptors and the cytoskeletal filaments beneath the cellular surface and inhibition of actin polymerization has effects on the whole cell mechanical behavior as well as adhesion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work a novel electrochemical biosensing platform based on the coupling of two different nanostructured materials (gold nanoparticles and fullerenols) displaying interesting electrochemical features, has been developed and characterized. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit attractive electrocatalytic behavior stimulating in the last years, several sensing applications; on the other hand, fullerene and its derivatives are a very promising family of electroactive compounds although they have not yet been fully employed in biosensing. The methodology proposed in this work was finalized to the setup of a laccase biosensor based on a multilayer material consisting in AuNPs, fullerenols and Trametes versicolor Laccase (TvL) assembled layer by layer onto a gold (Au) electrode surface. The influence of different modification step procedures on the electroanalytical performance of biosensors has been evaluated. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were used to characterize the modification of surface and to investigate the bioelectrocatalytic biosensor response. This biosensor showed fast amperometric response to gallic acid, which is usually considered a standard for polyphenols analysis of wines, with a linear range 0.03–0.30mmolL−1 (r 2=0.9998), with a LOD of 0.006mmolL−1 or expressed as polyphenol index 5.0–50mgL−1 and LOD 1.1mgL−1. A tentative application of the developed nanostructured enzyme-based biosensor was performed evaluating the detection of polyphenols either in buffer solution or in real wine samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The surface roughness can be considered one of the main drawbacks of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology applied to thermal applications. Favero et al. [1] experimentally and numerically demonstrated that the surface roughness of printed copper channels deeply affects their fluid dynamic performance and limits the predictive capabilities of the CFD tools. The authors proposed a methodology to calibrate the numerical tools in turbulent flow. However, the problem remains unsolved because the printed copper channels exhibit remarkably higher pressure drops when compared to conventional smooth channels, hindering the proper deployment of the technology in the thermal sector. This paper proves how it is possible to smooth the internal walls of channels obtained via LPBF to reduce the surface roughness. In fact, the chemical milling process is proposed and applied. The smoothed channels showed a fluid dynamic behaviour similar to the conventional ones. Finally, by coupling Computer Tomography to the CFD tool, the fluid dynamic behaviour inside the smoothed channels is fairly predicted, confirming that the surface roughness and the channel dimensions are the controlling parameters of the fluid dynamic performance of channels printed via LPBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermal degradation study using TG-DTG thermogravimetry was performed on three saturated fatty acids esterified with glycerol (i.e. glyceryl-tristearate (C), -tripalmitate (C) and -trimyristate (C)) at different heating rates. In addition, thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) of glyceryl di -stearate and glyceryl mono -stearate were also carried out at different heating rates. A deconvolution procedure applied to the first process and overlapping at least two steps between about 200 and 350 °C, enabled the activation energy of decomposition to be determined both by the Kissinger and the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall isoconversional methods for the deconvoluted steps of the above-mentioned fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The acute oral toxicity of a new palytoxin congener, 42-hydroxy-palytoxin (42-OH-PLTX), was investigated in female CD-1 mice. The toxin (300–1697 μg/kg), administered by gavage, induced scratching, jumping, respiratory distress, cyanosis, paralysis and death of mice, with an LD50 of 651 μg/kg (95% confidence limits: 384–1018 μg/kg) within 24 h. Hematoclinical analyses showed increased plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate-aminotransferase at doses of 600 μg/kg and above, as well as of alanine-aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and potassium ions at ≥848 μg/kg. Histology revealed inflammatory lesions in the non-glandular area of the stomach of mice that survived up to 24 h after gavage (424–1200 μg/kg). Although no histological alterations were seen in skeletal and cardiac muscles, changes in some plasma biomarkers (creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase) suggested involvement of these tissues in 42-OH-PLTX oral toxicity, in agreement with epidemiological data on seafood poisonings ascribed to palytoxins. Complete recovery of the tissue and hematological changes was observed two weeks post-exposure. Furthermore, 42-OH-PLTX induced in vitro delayed erythrocyte hemolysis at concentrations similar to those of PLTX (EC50 = 7.6 and 13.2 × 10−12 M, respectively). This hemolysis could be completely neutralized by a monoclonal anti-PLTX antibody. The in vivo data, together with the in vitro data recorded for 42-OH-PLTX, seem to indicate Na+/K+-ATPase as one of the key cellular targets of this toxin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine the digestible lysine requirement for pacu juveniles, a dose–response feeding trial was carried out. The fish (8.66 ± 1.13 g) were fed six diets containing the digestible lysine levels: 6.8, 9.1, 11.4, 13.2, 16.1 and 19.6 g kg−1 dry diet. The gradual increase of dietary digestible lysine levels from 6.8 to 13.2 g kg−1 did not influence the average values of the parameters evaluated ( P > 0.05). The increase of dietary digestible lysine level to 16.1 g kg−1 significantly improved weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein productive value (PPV), protein efficiency rate (PER), and apparent feed conversion rate (FCR), but was not different from fish fed diets containing 19.6 g kg−1 lysine. Fish fed diets containing 16.1 and 19.6 g kg−1 digestible lysine showed lower body lipid contents than fish in the other treatments. The digestible lysine requirement as determined by the broken-line model, based on average WG values, was 16.4 g kg−1. The other essential amino acid requirements were estimated based on the ideal protein concept and the value determined for lysine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The acute oral toxicity of palytoxin (PLTX), a highly toxic compound associated with seafood intoxication in tropical and subtropical areas, was investigated in mice. After gavage administration (300–1697μg/kg) to groups of five female CD-1 mice, signs of toxicity and lethality were recorded for 24h. The LD50 was 767μg/kg (95% confidence limits: 549–1039μg/kg) and the main symptoms observed were scratching, jumping, respiratory distress and paralysis. Hematoclinical analyses showed increased levels of creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase at doses of 600μg/kg and above, and aspartate transaminase at 848μg/kg and above. Histological analysis revealed acute inflammation of the forestomach in mice surviving up to 24h after administration (424–1200μg/kg). Other histological alterations were observed in the liver and pancreas, while cardiac and skeletal muscle cells revealed only ultrastructural alterations visible by transmission electron microscopy. Ultrastructural and hematoclinical findings suggest an involvement of skeletal and/or cardiac muscle as targets of PLTX, according to the observed human symptoms. A NOEL of 300μg/kg can be estimated from this acute oral toxicity study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development and characterisation of a new biosensor for hydroperoxides is described, which is obtained by combining an oxygen gas diffusion amperometric electrode and two immobilized enzymes (peroxidase and tyrosinase) working in parallel and competing for the same substrate (catechol). The response of the biosensor to several hydroperoxides was investigated (LOD=0.5·10−4 M for hydrogen peroxide). It was experimentally found that the biosensor is able to respond also to aqueous solutions of ionic peroxides (LOD=0.2·10−4 M for potassium peroxidisulphate). The biosensor was applied to the determination of the hydrogen peroxide content of pharmaceutical products, i.e. aqueous disinfectant solutions (RSD% ⩽0.5; recoveries by standard addition method between 96.0 and 98.5%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The specimens studied in the present work consist of five terracotta fragments from an archaeological dig on the Libyan Tadrart Acacus massif, dating back to about 5000-8000 B.C. The specimens were analysed using thermogravimetric analysis (TG, DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), X-ray diffractometry, IR spectrophotometry and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). Analyses were aimed in particular to determine the most striking aspect of the finds, the difference in colour between the outer surface (reddish) and the darker inner portion of several of the specimens. The other main points investigated and discussed are related to the firing temperature and chemical and mineralogical composition, of terracotta specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the reconstruction of lipid bilayer membranes on a Au-covered polycarbonate membrane. Such a kind of like-biomembranes (namely mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membrane (MHBLM)) are characterised by appreciable long-term stability. Here we describe changes that have been made in the geometry of the experimental device in order to avoid artefacts and render membrane reproduction easier. Incorporation of valinomycin was performed to check the membrane and its stability: conductance and membrane potential following the changes of ion concentration were recorded. This new approach permits increase of successful trials and renders possible, when it breaks, easily formation of a new MHBLM on the same Au-covered polycarbonate membrane support. Finally, the stability shown by the MHBLM renders this system a promising tool for use under flowing conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present paper we describe the preparation and characterization of reconstituted bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) supported on a polycarbonate membrane. BLMs self-assemble on the holes of the membrane, which was previously covered with Au and an octadecanethiol (ODT) self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The obtained mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membranes (MHBLM) array allows recording of relatively intense signals. The steps leading to formation of the system have been investigated, its stability determined and reproducibility evaluated. The insertion of an ion channel (Gramicidin D) and a K+ carrier (Valinomycine) was also evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Efficient direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase from Corynascus thermophilus ( Ct CDH) and a novel gold electrode platform, obtained by covalent linking of green AuNPs and AgNPs modified with a dithiol self-assembled monolayer, consisting of biphenyl-4,4′-dithiol (BPDT), was presented. The green AuNPs and AgNPs were synthesized using quercetin as reducing agent at room temperature. TEM experiments showed that the AuNPs and AgNPs were circular in shape with an average diameter of 5 and 8 nm, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry of Ct CDH immobilized onto the AuNPs/BPDT/AuE and the AgNPs/BPDT/AuE electrode platforms were carried out and compared with naked AuE, BPDT/AuE, AuNPs/AuE, and AgNPs/AuE. A pair of well-defined redox waves in neutral pH solution due to efficient DET of CtCDH was present with both MNPs/BPDT/AuE platforms. No DET communication was found with platforms without MNPs linked to BPDT. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k S ) of Ct CDH were calculated to be 21.5±0.8 s −1 and 10.3±0.7 s −1 , for the AuNPs/BPDT/AuE and the AgNPs/BPDT/AuE platforms, respectively. The modified electrodes were successively used to develop an eco-friendly biosensor for lactose detection. The Ct CDH/AuNPs/BPDT/AuE based biosensor showed the best analytical performances with an excellent stability, a detection limit of 3 µM, a linear range between 5 and 400 µM and a sensitivity of 27.5±2.5 µA cm −2 mM −1 . Such performances were favorably compared with other lactose biosensors reported in literature. The biosensor was successively tested to quantify lactose content in real milk and cream samples. No significant interference present in the sample matrices was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sun exposure is responsible for long-term clinical skin changes such as photoageing, photodamage and photocancers. Ultraviolet ( UV) A wavelengths stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) that may contribute to photoageing. To protect against oxidative stress, skin cells have developed several defence systems, including ROS and metal ion scavengers and a battery of detoxifying, haem-degrading and repair enzymes. Melatonin's antioxidant activity is the result of three different but complementary actions: (i) a direct action due to its ability to act as a free radical scavenger; (ii) an indirect action that is a consequence of melatonin's ability to reduce free radical generation (radical avoidance); and (iii) its ability to upregulate antioxidant enzymes. Objectives In this study, we focused our attention on the prevention of photodamage, choosing melatonin as an antioxidant agent. Methods In the present study we analysed the effects of pretreatment of murine fibroblasts cells ( NIH3T3) with melatonin (1 mmol L−1) followed by UVA irradiation (15 J cm−2). Thereafter, changes in components of the extracellular matrix and in some antioxidant enzymes (inducible and constitutive haem oxygenase) were evaluated. Results We observed that UVA radiation caused altered expression of extracellular matrix proteins and induced the expression of inducible haem oxygenase. This increase was not sufficient to protect the cells from damage. Instead, melatonin pretreatment led to increased expression of haem-degrading enzymes and suppression of UVA-induced photodamage. Conclusions These results suggest that melatonin, as a modifier of the dermatoendocrine system, may have utility in reducing the effects of skin ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of case reports and anecdotal references describe the adverse effects on human health ascribed to the marine toxin palytoxin (PLTX) after different exposure routes. They include poisonings after oral intake of contaminated seafood, but also inhalation and cutaneous/systemic exposures after direct contact with aerosolized seawater during Ostreopsis blooms and/or through maintaining aquaria containing cnidarian zoanthids. The symptoms commonly recorded during PLTX intoxication are general malaise and weakness, associated with myalgia, respiratory effects, impairment of the neuromuscular apparatus and abnormalities in cardiac function. Systemic symptoms are often recorded together with local damages whose intensity varies according to the route and length of exposure. Gastrointestinal malaise or respiratory distress is common for oral and inhalational exposure, respectively. In addition, irritant properties of PLTX probably account for the inflammatory reactions typical of cutaneous and inhalational contact. Unfortunately, the toxin identification and/or quantification are often incomplete or missing and cases of poisoning are indirectly ascribed to PLTXs, according only to symptoms, anamnesis and environmental/epidemiological investigations (i.e. zoanthid handling or ingestion of particular seafood). Based on the available literature, we suggest a “case definition of PLTX poisonings” according to the main exposure routes, and, we propose the main symptoms to be checked, as well as, hemato-clinical analysis to be carried out. We also suggest the performance of specific analyses both on biological specimens of patients, as well as, on the contaminated materials responsible for the poisoning. A standardized protocol for data collection could provide a more rapid and reliable diagnosis of palytoxin-poisoning, but also the collection of necessary data for the risk assessment for this family of toxins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solid-gas phase transition processes of some triazines were studied from kinetic and thermodynamic viewpoint. DSC measurements and Clausius-Clapeyron equation were used to determine enthalpy values related to these processes. Model-fitting methods (based on Arrhenius, Šatava equations and Šesták-Berggren equations) and model-free methods (based on Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger equations) allow to hypothesis R2 mechanism. An attempt to determine the activation parameters (ΔH#, ΔG#, ΔS#) related to these processes was carried out. Accordance between the activation enthalpy values with those of activation energy obtained by means of kinetic methods and with the experimental (DSC) and calculated (Clausius-Clapeyron) enthalpy values was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to experimentally evaluate the antioxidant capacity of different fresh aromatic herbs (field balm, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, sweet basil), several varieties of olives from Central Italy ('Carboncello', 'Rosciolo', 'Olivastro', 'Coratello', 'Leccino', 'Frantoio') and several types of fresh fruit (apple, apricot, banana, cherry, fig, grape, medlar, melon, peach, pear, pineapple, plum, water melon, yellow plum) using a superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensor developed by the present authors. Measurements were carried out by comparing the biosensor response to the concentration of superoxide radical produced in solution using a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system in the presence and absence of the antioxidant sample considered. Tests carried out on different samples of fruit and aromatic herbs showed that the homogenised samples had better antioxidant properties than the centrifuged ones (obtained by centrifuging the homogenate), which sometimes gave extremely low antioxidant capacity values. The reliability of the proposed method was checked by comparing the trend of some experimental results found using the SOD biosensor with those reported in the literature obtained using the classic (ORAC) method. The precision of this method of analysis was found to be good for samples of aromatic herbs (RSD% ≤8%), acceptable for homogenised fruit samples (RSD% ≤13%) and less good for homogenised and centrifuged samples (RSD% ≤20%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adult stem cells (ASCs) are a population of tissue-resident cells that have the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into different cell types with potential for cell therapies. New approaches for ASCs isolation, including many tissue sources and new protocols that are more effective and less expensive are under investigation. Thus this work aim is to isolate, maintain in cell culture and evaluate cryopreservation protocols for adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) from different tissues such as subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral mesenteric and omental visceral taken from the same individual. Material and Methods: The techniques of mechanical and enzymatic dissociation were used, in order to investigate the most appropriated method to ADSCs isolation. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylformamide (DMF) in different concentrations were tested as cryoprotectors in 24, 48 and 72 hours thawing protocols. The samples were collected from obese patients with associated diseases undergoing bariatric surgery, between 30 to 45 years old. Results: Among 10 collected samples it was possible to measure cell viability from 4 patients. The higher cell rate was obtained from the visceral tissue of omentum. Conclusion: DMSO was the more efficient cryopreservant for this condition. This adipose tissue source could be explored for ADSCs isolation and future clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a complex structure that protects the central nervous system from peripheral insults. Understanding the molecular basis of BBB function and dysfunction holds significant potential for future strategies to prevent and treat neurological damage. The aim of our study was (1) to investigate BBB alterations following excitotoxicity and (2) to test the protective properties of melatonin. Ibotenate, a glutamate analog, was injected intracerebrally in postnatal day 5 (P5) rat pups to mimic excitotoxic injury. Animals were than randomly divided into two groups, one receiving intraperitoneal (i.p.) melatonin injections (5 mg/kg), and the other phosphate buffer saline (PBS) injections. Pups were sacrificed 2, 4 and 18 h after ibotenate injection. We determined lesion size at 5 days by histology, the location and organization of tight junction (TJ) proteins by immunohistochemical studies, and BBB leakage by dextran extravasation. Expression levels of BBB genes (TJs, efflux transporters and detoxification enzymes) were determined in the cortex and choroid plexus by quantitative PCR. Dextran extravasation was seen 2 h after the insult, suggesting a rapid BBB breakdown that was resolved by 4 h. Extravasation was significantly reduced in melatonin-treated pups. Gene expression and immunohistochemical assays showed dynamic BBB modifications during the first 4 h, partially prevented by melatonin. Lesion-size measurements confirmed white matter neuroprotection by melatonin. Our study is the first to evaluate BBB structure and function at a very early time point following excitotoxicity in neonates. Melatonin neuroprotects by preventing TJ modifications and BBB disruption at this early phase, before its previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and axonal regrowth-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates adipogenic response with adipocyte hypertrophy by increasing oxidative stress. Recent studies have shown the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPARδ) agonist in attenuation of angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to explore a potential mechanistic link between PPARδ and the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and to elucidate the contribution of HO-1 to the adipocyte regulatory effects of PPARδ agonism in an animal model of enhanced RAS, the Goldblatt 2 kidney 1 clip (2K1C) model.Method:We first established a direct stimulatory effect of the PPARδ agonist (GW 501516) on the HO-1 gene by demonstrating increased luciferase activity in COS-7 cells transfected with a luciferase-HO-1 promoter construct. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated animals, 2K1C rats and 2K1C rats treated with GW 501516, in the absence or presence of the HO activity inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP).Results:2K1C animals had increased visceral adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, increased inflammatory cytokines, increased circulatory and adipose tisssue levels of renin and Ang II along with increased adipose tissue gp91 phox expression (P<0.05) when compared with sham-operated animals. Treatment with GW 501516 increased adipose tissue HO-1 and adiponectin levels (P<0.01) along with enhancement of Wnt10b and β-catenin expression. HO-1 induction was accompanied by the decreased expression of Wnt5b, mesoderm specific transcript (mest) and C/EBPα levels and an increased number of small adipocytes (P<0.05). These effects of GW501516 were reversed in 2K1C animals exposed to SnMP (P<0.05).Conclusion:Taken together, our study demonstrates, for the first time, that increased levels of Ang II contribute towards adipose tissue dysregulation, which is abated by PPARδ-mediated upregulation of the heme-HO system. These findings highlight the pivotal role and symbiotic relationship of HO-1, adiponectin and PPARδ in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in adipose tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) regulates adipogenic response with adipocyte hypertrophy by increasing oxidative stress. Recent studies have shown the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPARδ) agonist in attenuation of angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to explore a potential mechanistic link between PPARδ and the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and to elucidate the contribution of HO-1 to the adipocyte regulatory effects of PPARδ agonism in an animal model of enhanced RAS, the Goldblatt 2 kidney 1 clip (2K1C) model.Method: We first established a direct stimulatory effect of the PPARδ agonist (GW 501516) on the HO-1 gene by demonstrating increased luciferase activity in COS-7 cells transfected with a luciferase-HO-1 promoter construct. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated animals, 2K1C rats and 2K1C rats treated with GW 501516, in the absence or presence of the HO activity inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP).Results: 2K1C animals had increased visceral adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, increased inflammatory cytokines, increased circulatory and adipose tisssue levels of renin and Ang II along with increased adipose tissue gp91 phox expression (P<0.05) when compared with sham-operated animals. Treatment with GW 501516 increased adipose tissue HO-1 and adiponectin levels (P<0.01) along with enhancement of Wnt10b and β-catenin expression. HO-1 induction was accompanied by the decreased expression of Wnt5b, mesoderm specific transcript (mest) and C/EBPα levels and an increased number of small adipocytes (P<0.05). These effects of GW501516 were reversed in 2K1C animals exposed to SnMP (P<0.05).Conclusion: Taken together, our study demonstrates, for the first time, that increased levels of Ang II contribute towards adipose tissue dysregulation, which is abated by PPARδ-mediated upregulation of the heme-HO system. These findings highlight the pivotal role and symbiotic relationship of HO-1, adiponectin and PPARδ in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in adipose tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) staging and, after preoperative chemo-radiation therapy (CRT), restaging workup could be useful to tailor therapeutic approaches. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([(18)F]FDG-PET) is a promising tool for monitoring the effect of antitumor therapy. This study was aimed to evaluate the possible role of dual time sequential FDG-PET scans in the staging and restaging workup of LARC. Methods and Materials: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with LARC were enrolled. CRT consisted of external-beam intensified radiotherapy (concurrent boost), with concomitant chemotherapy PVI 5-FU (300 mg/m(2)/day) followed 8-10 weeks later by surgery. All patients underwent [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT before and 5-6 weeks later after the completion of CRT. Measurements of FDG uptake (SUV(max)), and percentage of SUV(max) difference (Response Index = RI) between pre- and post-CRT [(18)F]FDG-PET scans were evaluated. Results: Six of 87 patients were excluded due to protocol deviation. Following CRT, 40/81 patients (49%) were classified as responders according to Mandard's criteria (TRG1-2). The mean pre-CRT SUV(max) was significantly higher than post-CRT (15.8, vs 5.9; p < 0.001). The mean RI was significantly higher in responders than in nonresponder patients (71.3% vs 38%; p = 0.0038). Using a RI cut-off of 65% for defining response to therapy, the following parameters have been obtained: 84.5% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 81.4% positive predictive value, 84.2% negative predictive value, and 81% overall accuracy. Conclusion: These results suggest the potential role of [(18)F]FDG-PET in the restaging workup after preoperative CRT in LARC. RI seems the best predictor to identify CRT response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant capacity of several drug specialities containing as mean component acetylsalicylic acid were experimentally evaluated using an enzymatic electrode, recently developed by the present authors, based on superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. The precision of this method of analysis was found to be good (for drug samples RSD ≤ 5%). The results were also compared with those ones by a traditional spectrofluorimetric method and by two other methods, respectively, based on cyclic and pulsed voltammetry, recently trialled by the present authors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]