Multiple solutions to a perturbed Neumann problem

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The bone marrow pericyte:An orchestrator of vascular niche

The concept of pericyte has been changing over years. This cell type was believed to possess only a function of trophic support to endothelial cells and to maintain vasculature stabilization. In the last years, the discovery of multipotent ability of perivascular populations led to the concept of vessel/wall niche. Likewise, several perivascular populations have been identified in animal and human bone marrow. In this review, we provide an overview on bone marrow perivascular population, their cross-talk with other niche components, relationship with bone marrow stromal stem cells, and similarities and differences with the perivascular population of the vessel/wall niche. Finally, we focus on the regenerative potential of these cells and the forthcoming challenges related to their use as cell therapy products. </jats:p

A functionalized enol lactone containing a protected α-amino acid

The crystal structure of N-(3,9-dimethyl-4-phenyl-2,5-dioxo-3,4-dihydro-2H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromen-3-yl)-N-methylbenzamide methanol monosolvate, C28H23NO5·CH3OH, has been determined at room temperature by X-ray diffraction. Structural parameters are discussed with reference to ab initio calculations

Effects of dental methacrylates on oxygen consumption and redox status of human pulp cells

Several studies have already demonstrated that the incomplete polymerization of resin based dental materials causes the release of monomers which might affect cell metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of triethylenglycol-dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol-dimethacrylate, urethane-dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate on 1) cellular energy metabolism, evaluating oxygen consumption rate, glucose consumption, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and lactate production 2) cellular redox status, through the evaluation of glutathione concentration and of the activities of enzymes regulating glutathione metabolism. Methods: Human pulp cells were used and oxygen consumption was measured by means of a Clark electrode. Moreover, reactive oxygen species production was quantified. Enzymatic activity, glucose and lactate concentrations were determined through a specific kit. Results: triethylenglycol-dimethacrylate, 1,4-butanediol-dimethacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate induced a decrease in oxygen consumption rate, an enhancement of glucose consumption and lactate production, whilst glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase activity were not significantly modified. Moreover, the monomers induced an increase of reactive oxygen species production with a consequent increase of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities. A depletion of both reduced and total glutathione was also observed. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that dental monomers might alter energy 44 metabolism and glutathione redox balance in human pulp cell

Effects of Melatonin Treatment in Septic Newborns

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The adipokine leptin modulates adventitial pericyte functions by autocrine and paracrine signalling

AbstractTransplantation of adventitial pericytes (APCs) improves recovery from tissue ischemia in preclinical animal models by still unknown mechanisms. This study investigates the role of the adipokine leptin (LEP) in the regulation of human APC biological functions. Transcriptomic analysis of APCs showed components of the LEP signalling pathway are modulated by hypoxia. Kinetic studies indicate cultured APCs release high amounts of immunoreactive LEP following exposure to hypoxia, continuing upon return to normoxia. Secreted LEP activates an autocrine/paracrine loop through binding to the LEP receptor (LEPR) and induction of STAT3 phosphorylation. Titration studies using recombinant LEP and siRNA knockdown of LEP or LEPR demonstrate the adipokine exerts important regulatory roles in APC growth, survival, migration and promotion of endothelial network formation. Heterogeneity in LEP expression and secretion may influence the reparative proficiency of APC therapy. Accordingly, the levels of LEP secretion predict the microvascular outcome of APCs transplantation in a mouse limb ischemia model. Moreover, we found that the expression of the Lepr gene is upregulated on resident vascular cells from murine ischemic muscles, thus providing a permissive milieu to transplanted LEP-expressing APCs. Results highlight a new mechanism responsible for APC adaptation to hypoxia and instrumental to vascular repair.</jats:p