Northernmost Limit of Rhizophora mangle (Red

ABSTRACT The northernmost record of Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), recently vouchered from Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Johns County, Florida, is discussed in reference to the ecology, morphology, and preservation of the species

Differential Proteomic Analysis Predicts Appropriate Applications for the Secretome of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Dermal Fibroblasts

The adult stem cell secretome is currently under investigation as an alternative to cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine, thanks to the remarkable translational opportunity and the advantages in terms of handling and safety. In this perspective, we recently demonstrated the efficient performance of the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (ASC) secretome in contrasting neuroinflammation in a murine model of diabetic neuropathy, where the administration of factors released by dermal fibroblasts (DFs) did not exert any effect. Up to now, the complex mixture of the constituents of the conditioned medium from ASCs has not been fully deepened, although its appropriate characterization is required in the perspective of a clinical use. Herein, we propose the differential proteomic approach for the identification of the players accounting for the functional effects of the cell secretome with the aim to unravel its appropriate applications. Out of 967 quantified proteins, 34 and 62 factors were found preponderantly or exclusively secreted by ASCs and DFs, respectively. This approach led to the recognition of distinct functions related to the conditioned medium of ASCs and DFs, with the former being involved in the regulation of neuronal death and apoptosis and the latter in bone metabolism and ossification. The proosteogenic effect of DF secretome was validated in vitro on human primary osteoblasts, providing a proof of concept of its osteoinductive potential. Besides discovering new applications of the cell type-specific secretome, the proposed strategy could allow the recognition of the cocktail of bioactive factors which might be responsible for the effects of conditioned media, thus providing a solid rationale to the implementation of a cell-free approach in several clinical scenarios involving tissue regeneration

Does freeze-thawing influence the effects of platelet concentrates? An in vitro study on human adipose-derived stem cells

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a possible therapy for tissue regeneration in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. Today, platelet concentrates are used in a wide range of disciplines, but their storage has become a controversial aspect. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), after a freeze-thawing cycle, on the proliferation and biological activity of progenitor cells involved in soft tissue healing. Different formulations of activated PRGF were added to hASCs cultured in serum-free medium. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT test and cell count up to 7 and 12-day incubation. Osteo-differentiation ability of hASCs was also tested after 7 and 14-day incubation by alkaline phosphatase assay. The effects of 4 PRGF preparations (fresh/frozen and with/without platelets) were compared with corresponding formulations of plasma poor in growth factors and with standard medium. hASCs cultured in the presence of platelet concentrates increased proliferation rate with respect to cells grown in standard medium without significant differences among all the tested plasma formulations on cell viability up to 12 days of culture. PRGF activity is preserved after cryopreservation and platelet-rich preparations promoted osteo-differentiation of hASCs at day 7. In conclusion, PRGF supports the proliferation and the differentiation of progenitor cells in vitro also when applied after cryopreservation. Platelet concentrates, either alone or in combination with mesenchymal stem cells, might be a valuable tool in the field of tissue regeneration

Nitrogen Containing Bisphosphonates Impair the Release of Bone Homeostasis Mediators and Matrix Production by Human Primary Pre-Osteoblasts

Bisphosphonates (BPs) represent the first-line treatment for a wide array of bone disorders. Despite their well-known action on osteoclasts, the effects they induce on osteoblasts are still unclear. In order to shed light on this aspect we evaluated the impact of two nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, Alendronate (ALN) and Zoledronate (ZOL), on human primary pre-osteoblasts. At first, we showed an inhibitory effect on cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity starting from \u3bcM concentrations of both drugs. In addition, an inhibitory trend on mineralized nodules deposition was observed. Then low doses of both ALN and ZOL rapidly increased the release of the pro-inflammatory mediators TNF\u3b1 and IL-1\u3b2, while increased DKK-1 and Sclerostin, both inhibitors of osteoblastogenesis. Finally, ALN and 10-7M ZOL decreased the expression of type I Collagen and Osteopontin, while both drugs slightly stimulated SPARC production. With these results, we would like to suggest a direct inhibitory action on bone-forming cells by nitrogen containing bisphosphonates

Uso del aparato bucal “PMpositioner” en el tratamiento del ronquido y la apnea obstructiva del sueño.

La elección de un aparato bucal apropiado para lograr los mejores resultados en el tratamiento de la apnea obstructiva del sueño es importante.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de un aparato bucal específico, el PMPositioner, para el tratamiento del ronquido y la apnea obstructiva del sueño leve, a través de polisomnografía y la Escala de Epworth del sueño, después de seis meses de uso del mencionado aparato. Se incluyeron en el estudio 17 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: un grupo de roncadores (n=7) y otro grupo (n=10) con apnea obstructiva leve. Los resultados fueron significativos para el segundo grupo, revelando una disminución en el índice de apneahipoapnea de 7,4 ± 5,0 a 3,0 ± 2,5 (p <0,05), un aumento de la saturación de oxígeno en un rango de 88,0 ± 6,0 a 90,0 ± 2,8 (p <0,05), aumento del sueño REM de 16,0±4,0 a 19±6,0 y una mejora de la somnolencia en la Escala Epworth de 12,5±5,4 a 7,4±2,4. Se constató una disminución en los ronquidos y los síntomas subjetivos. PMPositioner, fue efectivo en el tratamiento de los ronquidos y la apnea obstructiva leve, la reducción de la somnolencia y de otros síntomas

Measurement of hadronic cross section and preliminary results on the pion form factor using the radiative return at DAPHNE

In the fixed energy environment of the $e^{+}e^{-}$ collider DA$\Phi$NE, KLOE can measure the cross section of the process $e^{+}e^{-} \to$ hadrons as a function of the hadronic system energy using the radiative return. At energies below 1 GeV, $e^{+}e^{-} \to \rho \to \pi^{+}\pi^{-}$ is the dominating hadronic process. We report here on the status of the analysis for the e^{+}e^{-} \to \ppg channel, which allows to obtain a preliminary measurement of the pion form factor using an integrated luminosity of $\sim73 pb^{-1}$.Comment: Invited talk at the Seventh International Workshop on Tau Lepton Physics (TAU02-WE07), Santa Cruz, Ca, USA, Sept 2002, 9 pages, LaTeX, 9 eps figure

Measurement of the ratio Gamma(K_L -> gamma gamma)/Gamma(K_L -> pi^0 pi^0 pi^0) with the KLOE detector

We have measured the ratio R=Gamma(K_L -> gamma gamma)/ \Gamma(K_L -> 3 pi^0) using the KLOE detector. From a sample of ~ 10^9 phi-mesons produced at DAFNE, the Frascati phi-factory, we select ~ 1.6 10^8 K_L-mesons tagged by observing K_S -> pi^+ pi^- following the reaction e^+ e^- -> phi -> K_L K_S. From this sample we select 27,375 K_L -> gamma gamma events and obtain R = (2.79 \pm 0.02_{stat} \pm 0.02_{syst}) \times 10^{-3}. Using the world average value for BR(K_{L} -> 3 pi^0), we obtain BR(K_{L} -> gamma gamma) = (5.89 \pm 0.07 \pm 0.08) \times 10^{-4} where the second error is due to the uncertainty on the 3 pi^0 branching fraction.Comment: 14 page

Raman spectroscopy uncovers biochemical tissue-related features of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are emerging as valuable therapeutic agents for tissue regeneration and immunomodulation, but their clinical applications have so far been limited by the technical restraints of current isolation and characterisation procedures. This study shows for the first time the successful application of Raman spectroscopy as label-free, sensitive and reproducible means of carrying out the routine bulk characterisation of MSC-derived vesicles before their use in vitro or in vivo, thus promoting the translation of EV research to clinical practice. The Raman spectra of the EVs of bone marrow and adipose tissue-derived MSCs were compared with human dermal fibroblast EVs in order to demonstrate the ability of the method to distinguish the vesicles of the three cytotypes automatically with an accuracy of 93.7%. Our data attribute a Raman fingerprint to EVs from undifferentiated and differentiated cells of diverse tissue origin, and provide insights into the biochemical characteristics of EVs from different sources and into the differential contribution of sphingomyelin, gangliosides and phosphatidilcholine to the Raman spectra themselves

Hate crimes against trans people: assessing emotions, behaviors and attitudes towards criminal justice agencies

Based on a survey of 593 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Kingdom, this study shows that direct anti-LGBT hate crimes (measured by direct experiences of victimization) and indirect anti-LGBT hate crimes (measured by personally knowing other victims of hate crime) are highly prolific and frequent experiences for LGBT people. Our findings show that trans people are particularly susceptible to hate crimes, both in terms of prevalence and frequency. This article additionally highlights the negative emotional and (intended) behavioral reactions that were correlated with an imagined hate crime scenario, showing that trans people are more likely to experience heightened levels of threat, vulnerability, and anxiety compared with non-trans LGB people. The study found that trans people are also more likely to feel unsupported by family, friends, and society for being LGBT, which was correlated with the frequency of direct (verbal) abuse they had previously endured. The final part of this study explores trans people’s confidence levels in the Government, the police, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to addressing hate crime. In general, trans people felt that the police are not effective at policing anti-LGBT hate crime, and they are not respectful toward them as victims; this was especially true where individuals had previous contact with the police. Respondents were also less confident in the CPS to prosecute anti-LGBT hate crimes, though the level of confidence was slightly higher when respondents had direct experience with the CPS. The empirical evidence presented here supports the assertion that all LGBT people, but particularly trans individuals, continue to be denied equal participation in society due to individual, social, and structural experiences of prejudice. The article concludes by arguing for a renewed policy focus that must address this issue as a public health problem

Observational study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers - protocol study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disease characterized by the collapse of the extrathoracic airway and has important social implications related to accidents and cardiovascular risk. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the drop in expiratory flow and the volume expired in 0.2 s during the application of negative expiratory pressure (NEP) are associated with the presence and severity of OSA in a population of professional interstate bus drivers who travel medium and long distances.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>An observational, analytic study will be carried out involving adult male subjects of an interstate bus company. Those who agree to participate will undergo a detailed patient history, physical examination involving determination of blood pressure, anthropometric data, circumference measurements (hips, waist and neck), tonsils and Mallampati index. Moreover, specific questionnaires addressing sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness will be administered. Data acquisition will be completely anonymous. Following the medical examination, the participants will perform a spirometry, NEP test and standard overnight polysomnography. The NEP test is performed through the administration of negative pressure at the mouth during expiration. This is a practical test performed while awake and requires little cooperation from the subject. In the absence of expiratory flow limitation, the increase in the pressure gradient between the alveoli and open upper airway caused by NEP results in an increase in expiratory flow.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Despite the abundance of scientific evidence, OSA is still underdiagnosed in the general population. In addition, diagnostic procedures are expensive, and predictive criteria are still unsatisfactory. Because increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, the response to the application of NEP could be a predictor of this disorder. With the enrollment of this study protocol, the expectation is to encounter predictive NEP values for different degrees of OSA in order to contribute toward an early diagnosis of this condition and reduce its impact and complications among commercial interstate bus drivers.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p><it>Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos </it>(local acronym RBEC) [Internet]: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): <it>Instituto de Informaçao Cientifica e Tecnologica em Saude </it>(Brazil); 2010 - Identifier RBR-7dq5xx. Cross-sectional study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers; 2011 May 31 [7 pages]. Available from <url>http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7dq5xx/</url>.</p