Adenosine signaling mediates hypoxic responses in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia microenvironment

The chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) niche is a closed environment where leukemic cells derive growth and survival signals through their interaction with macrophages and T lymphocytes. Here, we show that the CLL lymph node niche is characterized by overexpression and activation of HIF-1a, which increases adenosine generation and signaling, affecting tumor and host cellular responses. Hypoxia in CLL lymphocytes modifies central metabolic pathways, protects against drug-driven apoptosis, and induces interleukin 10 (IL-10) production. In myeloid cells, it forces monocyte differentiation to macrophages expressing IRF4, IDO, CD163, and CD206, hallmarks of the M2 phenotype, which promotes tumor progression. It also induces IL-6 production and enhances nurturing properties. Low oxygen levels decrease T-cell proliferation, promote glycolysis, and cause the appearance of a population of PD-11 and IL-10–secreting T cells. Blockade of the A2A adenosine receptor counteracts these effects on all cell populations, making leukemic cells more susceptible to pharmacological agents while restoring immune competence and T-cell proliferation. Together, these results indicate that adenosine signaling through the A2A receptor mediates part of the effects of hypoxia. They also suggest that therapeutic strategies to inhibit the adenosinergic axis may be useful adjuncts to chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of CLL patients

SPR Enhanced Molecular Imprinted Sol-Gel Film: a Promising Tool for Gas-Phase TNT Detection

An innovative surface plasmon resonance (SPR) approach for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) gas traces, obtained using an engineered molecular imprinted sol-gel film as recognition layer onto a plasmonic gold grating, is here proposed. The SPR substrate combined with the sol-gel matrix is able to trap gas phase TNT molecules from a TNT-saturated environment (4.9 ppb). Taking advantage of the azimuthally-controlled grating-coupled SPR, this sensing platform demonstrates the potentiality to detect TNT traces <1 ppb with a sensitivity of 0.47\ub0/ppb

Short-term effects of a multidisciplinary inpatient intensive rehabilitation treatment on body image in anorexia nervosa

Abstract Background Positive changes in weight gain and eating pathology were reported after inpatient treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). However, changes in the physical body do not always mirror changes in the imagined body. Here, the effect of a treatment focused on body image (BI) was described. Methods This retrospective observational study had a quasi-experimental pre-post design without the control group. During the treatment, participants (N = 72) undertake a variety of activities focused on BI. The main outcome was tested through the Body Uneasiness Test. Results At the end of the treatment, BI uneasiness decreased with a significant increase in weight gain. Conclusion This study highlights the positive short-term effect of a multidisciplinary inpatient intensive rehabilitation treatment on BI in AN. We encourage to design of psychological treatments focusing on the cognitive and emotional bodily representation (i.e. the body in the mind) to increase physical well-being

Partial substitution of 40 g/100 g fresh milk with reconstituted low heat skim milk powder in high-moisture mozzarella cheese production: Rheological and water-related properties

Skim milk powders may be used as a convenient alternative to fresh milk in high moisture Mozzarella cheese manufacturing. The effects of a blend of 40&nbsp;g/100&nbsp;g of reconstituted low heat skim milk powder and 60&nbsp;g/100&nbsp;g fresh milk on processing and quality of Mozzarella cheese (experimental) were evaluated, in comparison with cheeses produced only with fresh milk (control). The ability of experimental curd to retain fat during stretching was lower than control, as showed by the fat content in stretching water (2.85&nbsp;±&nbsp;0.45&nbsp;g/100&nbsp;g and 2.01&nbsp;±&nbsp;0.31&nbsp;g/100&nbsp;g for experimental and control curds, respectively). However, cheeses showed a similar composition. Cheese rheological properties were affected, as experimental Mozzarella showed a more organized casein network with tanδ and n’ values lower than control cheeses. The use of powder milk also increased the fraction of solvation water measured with low field NMR when compared with control cheeses. This study demonstrated the applicability of a blend with 40&nbsp;g/100&nbsp;g of reconstituted milk to obtain Mozzarella cheese without major changes in product quality