Studio della partecipazione di cellule staminali mesenchimali umane (hu-MSCs) nei processi di riparazione conseguenti al danno miocardico acuto in topi Balb/c Athymic Nude-Fox1nu

Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD) are the most common causes of death worldwide and, among these, the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) represents the leading one. Studies comparing the regenerative capacity of distinct stem cells populations suggest that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) could be the most indicated cells for these purpose. They have a multi-lineage differentiation, an immunomodulatory and self-renewal capacity as well as a high proliferative ratio. 3x106 BM-MSCs in 45 μl of D-MEM have been transplanted in Balb/c Athymic Fox1nu mice with different anesthetic e surgical protocols. The BM-MSCs has been characterized for mesenchymal (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105) and hematopoietic/endotelial (CD14, CD34 e CD45) markers, as well as evaluated for multi-lineage differentiation (osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic) and immunomodulatory property. Before in vivo use, the BM-MSCs have been transfected with trans-activator of transcription (TAT)-GFP and characterized again with CD73, CD105, HLA ABC, CD40, CD54, CD80, CD86, CD106 and HLA-DR. Supine position without intubation has reached the highest surgical successful ratio. AMI has been diagnosticated in 100% of hearts and atypical cells clusters have been observed in 13.85% (9/65) of cases. These atypical cells were positive for von Willebrand factor and α-SMA and negative for c-kit/CD117. Positive cells for human mitochondrial antigen and α-SMA has been observed in 2 cases by immunofluorescence technique (IF), whereas no positive cells were detected for GFP. In conclusion, these study has refined the anesthetic and surgical protocols and increased the successful surgical ratio reducing the use of animals. Moreover, it has ameliorated the isolation and expansion protocols for BM-MSCs as well as transfection TAT-GFP technique without phenotype changes. BM-MSCs involvement in repair processes post-AMI has been evaluated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) even though the same results have not been reached with IF technique. This different sensibility suggests more investigations between IHC and IF in order to find out the best revealing technical options for BM-MSCs. Lastly, this project seems to confirm the participation of BM-MSCs in the reparative processes after AMI although their number is not adequat

Seismic Anisotropy Analysis in the Victoria Land Region (Antarctica)

We present shear-wave splitting results obtained from analysis of core refracted teleseismic phases recorded by permanent and temporary seismographic stations located in the Victoria Land region (Antarctica). We used eigenvalue technique to linearize the rotated and shifted shear-wave particle motion, in order to determine the best splitting parameters. A well-scattered distribution of single shear-wave measurements has been obtained. Average values show clearly that dominant fast axis direction is NE-SW oriented, accordingly with previous measurements obtained around this zone. Only two stations, OHG and STAR show different orientations, with N-S and NNWSSE main directions. On the basis of the periodicity of single shear-wave splitting measurements with respect to back-azimuths of events under study, we inferred the presence of lateral and vertical changes in the deep anisotropy direction. To test this hypothesis we have modelling waveforms using a cross-convolution technique in one and two anisotropic layer’s cases. We obtained a significant improvement on the misfit in the double layer case for the cited couple of stations. For stations where a multi-layer structure does not fit, we looked for evidences of lateral anisotropy changes at depth through Fresnel zone computation. As expected, we find that anisotropy beneath the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) is considerably different from that beneath the Ross Sea. This feature influences the measurement distribution for the two permanent stations TNV and VNDA. Our results show a dominant NESW direction over the entire region, but other anisotropy directions are present and find an interpretation when examined in the context of regional tectonics

Circular economy in the water and wastewater sector: Tariff impact and financial performance of SMARTechs

This paper proposes a financial evaluation of the investment in SMARTechs in wastewater companies. SMAR Techs are innovative technologies that enable companies to work toward the circular economy approach, thanks to allowing the development of by-products from wastewater. A simulation of the financial impact of the SMARTech introduction was conducted based on the Italian tariff system. It is performed assuming two different scenarios. These relate to a market’s presence (or absence) for the by-products resulting from the application of SMARTechs. The results show that investing in these technologies provides both financial and environmental benefits

Light-curing process for clear aligners’ attachment reproduction: comparison between two nanocomposites cured by the auxiliary of a new tool

BACKGROUND: Attachments’ configuration play an important role during Clear Aligner Treatment (CAT) for aligner retention and control of movements planned. The aims were to compare the macroscopic morphology of attachments reproduced with flowable (FNC) and conventional (CNC) composites and the effects on them of two light-guide tips with different dimensions. METHODS: 4 resin casts derived from the initial scan of the same patient were obtained. 10 vestibular attachments were replaced on both upper and lower arches of each model with CNC (Models A, B) and FNC (Models C, D). Each composite was cured by means of the same LED lamp with both regular light-guide (Models A, B) and push and light tool® (Models C, D). The 80 attachments were qualitative analyzed by means of a digital stereo microscope. Surface roughness and waviness measurements were assessed by contact probe surface profiler (TalySurf CLI 2000; Taylor Hobson, Leicester, United Kingdom). Statistical analysis was performed with independent samples t-tests. Significance was established at the P < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Model A showed lower values of surface roughness (Ra − 1.41 µm, Rt − 3.46 µm) and waviness (Wa − 2.36 µm, Wt − 10.95 µm) when compared with Model C. Significant reduction of waviness (Wa − 3.85 µm, Wt − 4.90 µm) was observed on Model B when compared with Model D. Significant increase of roughness and waviness parameters (Ra 3.88 µm, Rt 21.07, Wa 2.89 µm, Wt 14.74 µm) was found when CNC sample (Model A) was cured with regular light-guide tip. Higher values (Ra 2.33 µm, Rt 24.07 µm, Wa 1.67 µm, Wt 20.79 µm) were observed after regular light-guide tips curing on FNC sample (Model C). CONCLUSIONS: CNC resins determine more regular surfaces of attachments profiles. The additional use of a smaller light- guide of the LED push and light tool® allows to improve the macroscopic morphology of the attachments and to maximize light irradiance delivering by enhancing the polymerization process and the integrity of the features during the treatment

Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect of in vitro digested cookies baked using different types of flours and fermentation methods

There is an increased amount of evidence showing that consumption of whole grains and whole-grain-based products is associated with a reduction of the risk of developing many diseases, due mainly to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of their components.In this study, cookies, baked using different types of flours and fermentation methods, were digested in vitro and supplemented to cultured liver cells. Three different flours (ancient KAMUT® khorasan wheat grown in North America, ancient khorasan wheat grown in Italy, and modern durum wheat) and two different types of fermentation (standard and lactic fermentation) were used. This experimental design allowed us to supplement cells with a real food part of the human diet, and to consider possible differences related to the food matrix (types of flour) and processing (methods of fermentation). Cells were supplemented with the bioaccessible fractions derived from cookies in vitro digestion. Although results herein reported highlight the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of all the supplementations, cookies made with khorasan flours appeared the most effective, particularly when the ancient grain was grown in North America under the KAMUT® brand. In light of the attempts to produce healthier food, this study underlines the importance of the type of grain to obtain baked products with an increased nutritional and functional value

Role of Kamut® brand khorasan wheat in the counteraction of non-celiac wheat sensitivity and oxidative damage

It has been suggested that ancient grains show lower immunogenic properties and therefore can be introduced in the diet of non-celiac wheat-sensitive people. In the present study we investigated the possible difference in inflammation caused by feeding ancient Kamut® wheat pasta (KP) compared to modern durum wheat pasta (WP) to rats. The effect of the two experimental diets on the oxidative status was also compared in basal condition and after an exogenous oxidative stress. In rats fed WP the histological evaluation of the duodenum morphology evidenced a flattened mucosa, an unusual shape and shortening of the villi, and a high lymphocyte infiltration, while no modifications were detected in KP fed animals. The fecal metabolite profiling was differently modified by the two diets, suggesting significant changes in the gut microflora. Furthermore, the results confirmed previous data on the antioxidant protection in rats by Kamut® wheat foods. It is conceivable that Kamut® components can act through a hormetic effect, eliciting an adaptive response that protects the organism against both oxidative stress and inflammatio

The use of functional tests and planned coronary angiography after percutaneous coronary revascularization in clinical practice. Results from the AFTER multicenter study

Background: The follow-up strategies after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have relevant clinical and economic implications. The purpose of this prospective observational multicenter study was to evaluate the effect of clinical, procedural and organizational variables on the execution of functional testing (FT) and planned coronary angiography (CA) after PCI, and to assess the impact of American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines on clinical practice. Methods: Four hundred twenty consecutive patients undergoing PCI were categorized as class I, IIB and III indications for follow-up FT according to ACC/AHA guidelines recommendations. Furthermore, all patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of FT and/or planned CA over 12 months after PCI. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the potential predictors of test execution. Results: During the 12-month follow-up at least one test was performed in 72% of patients with class I indication, 63% of patients with class IIB indication and 75% of patients with class III indication (p=ns). A total of 283 patients (67%) underwent testing. The use of tests was associated with younger age (R. R. 0.94, C. I. 0.91 +/- 0.97, p<0.001), a lower number of diseased vessels (R.R. 0.60, C.I. 0.43 +/- 0.84, p=0.003), follow-up by the center performing PCI (R. R. 2.64, C. I. 1.43 +/- 4.86, p=0.002), and the specific center at which PCI was performed. Most asymptomatic patients completed their testing prematurely with respect to the risk period for restenosis. Conclusions: The use of FT and planned CA after PCI is unrelated to patient's symptom status, and depends on patient's age and logistics. ACC/AHA guidelines have no influence in clinical practice, and test timing is not tailored to the risk period for restenosis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Contribution of KRAS mutations and c.2369C > T (p.T790M) EGFR to acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR mutant NSCLC: a study on circulating tumor DNA

INTRODUCTION: KRAS oncogene mutations (MUTKRAS) drive resistance to EGFR inhibition by providing alternative signaling as demonstrated in colo-rectal cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the efficacy of treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) depends on activating EGFR mutations (MUTEGFR). However, inhibition of EGFR may select resistant cells displaying alternative signaling, i.e., KRAS, or restoration of EGFR activity due to additional MUTEGFR, i.e., the c.2369C &gt; T (p.T790MEGFR). AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the appearance of MUTKRAS during EGFR-TKI treatment and their contribution to drug resistance. METHODS: This study used cell-free circulating tumor DNA (cftDNA) to evaluate the appearance of codon 12 MUTKRAS and p.T790MEGFR mutations in 33 advanced NSCLC patients progressing after an EGFR-TKI. RESULTS: p.T790MEGFR was detected in 11 (33.3%) patients, MUTKRAS at codon 12 in 3 (9.1%) while both p.T790MEGFR and MUTKRAS codon 12 were found in 13 (39.4%) patients. Six patients (18.2%) were KRAS wild-type (WTKRAS) and negative for p.T790MEGFR. In 8 subjects paired tumor re-biopsy/plasma samples were available; the percent concordance of tissue/plasma was 62.5% for p.T790MEGFR and 37.5% for MUTKRAS. The analysis of time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) in WTKRAS vs. MUTKRAS were not statistically different, even if there was a better survival with WTKRAS vs. MUTKRAS, i.e., TTP 14.4 vs. 11.4 months (p = 0.97) and OS 40.2 vs. 35.0 months (p = 0.56), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MUTKRAS could be an additional mechanism of escape from EGFR-TKI inhibition and cftDNA is a feasible approach to monitor the molecular development of drug resistance