Ferulic acid-nlc with lavandula essential oil: A possible strategy for wound-healing?

Nowadays, an increasing interest in combinatorial drug delivery systems is emerging, highlighting the possibility of exploiting essential oils (EO) for topical applications. This work aimed at developing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the combined delivery of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, whose beneficial effects in wound-healing processes have been widely reported. Homogeneous (polydispersity index, PDI < 0.2) nanoparticles with a small size ([removed]85%) were obtained. The co-presence of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, as compared to synthetic isopropyl myristate-based NLC, increased nanoparticles’ stability, due to higher ordering chains, as confirmed by morphological and physicochemical studies. An enhanced cytocompatibility was observed when combining ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, as confirmed by in vitro studies on fibroblasts. Furthermore, the combined delivery of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO significantly promoted cell migration with higher effectiveness in respect to the free drug solution and the carrier without the EO. Taken all together, our results suggest a potential combined effect of the antioxidant ferulic acid and Lavandula EO co-delivered in lipid nanoparticles in promoting cell proliferation and migration, representing a promising strategy in the treatment of wounds

Biharmonic Riemannian submersions from 3-manifolds

An important theorem about biharmonic submanifolds proved independently by Chen-Ishikawa [CI] and Jiang [Ji] states that an isometric immersion of a surface into 3-dimensional Euclidean space is biharmonic if and only if it is harmonic (i.e, minimal). In a later paper [CMO2], Cadeo-Monttaldo-Oniciuc shown that the theorem remains true if the target Euclidean space is replaced by a 3-dimensional hyperbolic space form. In this paper, we prove the dual results for Riemannian submersions, i.e., a Riemannian submersion from a 3-dimensional space form of non-positive curvature into a surface is biharmonic if and only if it is harmonic

Origin of electrochemical activity in nano-Li2MnO3; Stabilization via a 'point defect scaffold'

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the charging of Li2MnO3 reveal that the reason nanocrystalline-Li2MnO3 is electrochemically active, in contrast to the parent bulk-Li2MnO3, is because in the nanomaterial the tunnels, in which the Li ions reside, are held apart by Mn ions, which act as a pseudo 'point defect scaffold'. The Li ions are then able to diffuse, via a vacancy driven mechanism, throughout the nanomaterial in all spatial dimensions while the 'Mn defect scaffold' maintains the structural integrity of the layered structure during charging. Our findings reveal that oxides, which comprise cation disorder, can be potential candidates for electrodes in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Moreover, we propose that the concept of a 'point defect scaffold' might manifest as a more general phenomenon, which can be exploited to engineer, for example, two or three-dimensional strain within a host material and can be fine-tuned to optimize properties, such as ionic conductivity

Ceratonia siliqua L. Pod Extract: From Phytochemical Characterization to Liposomal Formulation and Evaluation of Behaviour in Cells

The formulation of plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to exploit their biological properties while solving problems related to poor solubility in water, high instability, and low skin permeation and retention time. In this study, Ceratonia siliqua ripe pods were used for the preparation of a hydro-ethanolic extract, which showed antioxidant properties owing to the presence of biologically active compounds identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (e.g., hydroxybenzoic acid and flavonoid derivatives). To improve the applicability of the extract in therapy, a topical formulation based on liposomes was explored. The vesicles were characterized by small size (around 100 nm), negative charge (−13 mV), and high entrapment efficiency (>90%). Furthermore, they displayed both spherical and elongated shapes, with oligolamellar structure. Their biocompatibility was demonstrated in cells, including erythrocytes and representative skin cell lines. The antioxidant activity of the extract was proved by the scavenging of free radicals, the reduction of ferric ions, and the protection of skin cells from oxidative damage

Phenolic Fingerprint, Bioactivity and Nanoformulation of Prunus spinosa L. Fruit Extract for Skin Delivery

The nanoformulation of plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to exploit the biological properties of natural bioactive substances and overcome drawbacks such as poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, low skin permeation and retention time, which strongly limit their topical application. In this study, Prunus spinosa berries were used for the preparation of a hydro-ethanolic extract, which showed antioxidant and antibacterial properties owing to the presence of phenolic compounds. Two types of phospholipid vesicles were developed to improve the applicability as topical formulations. Liposomes and Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles were characterized for mean diameter, polydispersity, surface charge, shape, lamellarity, and entrapment efficiency. Additionally, their safety was assayed with different cell models, including erythrocytes and representative skin cell lines

Molecular analysis of three known and one novel LPL variants in patients with type I hyperlipoproteinemia.

Abstract Background and aims Type I hyperlipoproteinemia, also known as familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by variants in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, LMF1 or GPIHBP1 genes. The aim of this study was to identify novel variants in the LPL gene causing lipoprotein lipase deficiency and to understand the molecular mechanisms. Methods and results A total of 3 individuals with severe hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent pancreatitis were selected from the Lipid Clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and LPL was sequenced. In vitro experiments were performed in human embryonic kidney 293T/17 (HEK293T/17) cells transiently transfected with wild type or mutant LPL plasmids. Cell lysates and media were used to analyze LPL synthesis and secretion. Media were used to measure LPL activity. Patient 1 was compound heterozygous for three known variants: c.337T > C (W113R), c.644G > A (G215E) and c.1211T > G (M404R); patient 2 was heterozygous for the known variant c.658A > C (S220R) while patient 3 was homozygous for a novel variant in the exon 5 c.679G > T (V227F). All the LPL variants identified were loss-of-function variants and resulted in a substantial reduction in the secretion of LPL protein. Conclusion We characterized at the molecular level three known and one novel LPL variants causing type I hyperlipoproteinemia showing that all these variants are pathogenic

Febrile Neutropenia Duration Is Associated with the Severity of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication in pediatric patients receiving al-logeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Frequently, a precise cause cannot be identified, and many factors can contribute to its genesis. Gut microbiota (GM) has been recently linked to many transplant-related complications, and may also play a role in the pathogenesis of FN. Here, we conducted a longitudinal study in pediatric patients receiving HSCT from three centers in Europe profiling their GM during the transplant course, particularly at FN onset. We found that a more stable GM configuration over time is associated with a shorter duration of fever. Moreover, patients with longer lasting fever exhibited higher pre-HSCT levels of Collinsella, Megasphaera, Prevotella and Roseburia and increased proportions of Eggerthella and Akkermansia at the engraftment. These results suggest a possible association of the GM with the genesis and course of FN. Data seem consistent with previous reports on the relationship of a so-called “healthy” GM and the reduction of transplant complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the pediatric HSCT setting. Future studies are warranted to define the underling biological mechanisms and possible clinical implications

Biharmonic PNMC Submanifolds in Spheres

We obtain several rigidity results for biharmonic submanifolds in $\mathbb{S}^{n}$ with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field. We classify biharmonic submanifolds in $\mathbb{S}^{n}$ with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field and with at most two distinct principal curvatures. In particular, we determine all biharmonic surfaces with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field in $\mathbb{S}^n$. Then we investigate, for (not necessarily compact) proper biharmonic submanifolds in $\mathbb{S}^n$, their type in the sense of B-Y. Chen. We prove: (i) a proper biharmonic submanifold in $\mathbb{S}^n$ is of 1-type or 2-type if and only if it has constant mean curvature {\mcf}=1 or {\mcf}\in(0,1), respectively; (ii) there are no proper biharmonic 3-type submanifolds with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field in $\mathbb{S}^n$.Comment: 17 page

First detection of Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora, Bolinopsidae) in Sardinia (S'Ena Arrubia Lagoon, Western Mediterranean): a threat for local fishery and species recruitment

The invasive comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi is a lobate ctenophore native of coastal and estuarine waters of the temperate western Atlantic Ocean. In the last decades this species has expanded its range of distribution, colonizing marine and transitional environments in Europe. In October 2015, during a survey fishing the European eel Anguilla anguilla in Sardinia (western Mediterranean), a massive bloom of this specie was observed in the eutrophic S'Ena Arrubia Lagoon for the first time. In November 2015, sampling was conducted at three stations in the lagoon and in a fyke net, in order to estimate the abundance of M. leidyi and to determine its impact on the fishing activity. The results showed an abundance of 2.83 ctenophores m-3. Specimens were all adults, measuring 18 - 62 mm total length. The abundant number of ctenophores (6837 individuals per fyke net) damaged fishing operations, reducing catches and affecting the performance of fishing gears. Since there is no effective mechanical, chemical or biological method to counter M. leidyi, the short term economic damage may be approached by new management measures of fisheries. In addition, other actions against the recurring of M. leidyi invasion, can include management strategies, in particular those finalized to reduce the high trophic state of the lagoon

Structure-Activity Map of Ceria Nanoparticles, Nanocubes and Mesoporous Architectures

Structure-activity mapping is central to the exploitation and optimisation of nanomaterial catalysts in a variety of technologically important heterogeneous reactions, such as automotive catalysis and water gas shift reactions. Here, we present a catalytic activity map for nanoceria, calculated as a function of shape, size, architecture and defect content, using atom-level models. The activity map reveals that as oxygen is gradually depleted from the nanoceria catalyst, so it becomes energetically more difficult to extract further oxygen. We propose that the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of ceria corresponds to the level of oxygen depletion where it becomes thermodynamically prohibitive to extract further oxygen from the material (positive free energy). Moreover, because the reaction enthalpy contributes to the free energy, we predict that the OSC is influenced by the particular reaction being performed. Specifically, the more negative the reaction enthalpy, the higher the potential OSC (notwithstanding entropic contributions). The decrease in catalytic activity during an oxidation reaction - emanating from the increase in energy required to extract oxygen - suggests that there exists a ‘window of catalytic operation’, where the activity of the catalyst can be controlled by operating at different points within this window. We show experimentally, how the activity can be modified by engineering the oxygen vacancy concentration and hence the oxygen content of the catalyst to facility tunable activity. In addition to the defect content, we find that size (particle diameter, mesoporous wall thickness) and nanostructuring (particle, cube, mesoporous architecture, morphology and surfaces exposed) are key drivers of catalytic activity. To generate the atom-level models of ceria nanostructures, we use non-equilibrium Molecular Dynamics to simulate the self-assembly of mesoporous ceria from amorphous nano-building blocks, followed by a (simulated) crystallisation step; the latter evolves the crystal structure and microstructural features such as grain-boundaries and dislocations. Our simulated crystallisations emanate wholly from a multitude of ‘random’ atom collisions, which result in the spontaneous evolution of a crystalline seed that nucleates crystallisation of the whole system. The atomistic models generated by ‘simulating synthesis’ are shown to be in quantitative structural agreement with experiment