IFI16 reduced expression is correlated with unfavorable outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. Its clinical course is typically indolent; however, based on a series of pathobiological, clinical, genetic, and phenotypic parameters, patient survival varies from less than 5 to more than 20 years. In this paper, we show for the first time that the expression of the interferon-inducible DNA sensor IFI16, a member of the PYHIN protein family involved in proliferation inhibition and apoptosis regulation, is associated with the clinical outcome in CLL. We studied 99 CLLs cases by immunohistochemistry and 10 CLLs cases by gene expression profiling. We found quite variable degrees of IFI16 expression among CLLs cases. Noteworthy, we observed that a reduced IFI16 expression was associated with a very poor survival, but only in cases with ZAP70/CD38 expression. Furthermore, we found that IFI16 expression was associated with a specific gene expression signature. As IFI16 can be easily detected by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry, it may become a part of phenotypic screening in CLL patients if its prognostic role is confirmed in independent series

From waste to adsorbent: Properties of CO2-activated biochars from pistachio hulls and walnut shells for advanced water remediation

This study investigates the properties of CO2-activated biochars derived from second-generation agricultural waste, specifically pistachio hulls and walnut shells. The biochars were prepared using varying pyrolysis temperatures of 500 degrees C and 750 degrees C, followed by physical activation with CO2 at 850 degrees C and, in some cases, acid washing. A range of characterization techniques were used to assess the effects of biomass type, pyrolysis temperature, and acid-washing on the biochars' properties. This comprehensive analysis provided insights into the surface chemistry and structural characteristics of biochars. The results demonstrate the significant versatility of pyrolysis in modulating the properties of the resultant biochars. Sorption experiments with atrazine showed high removal efficiencies (94-95 %), comparable to commercial active carbon. Notably, the acid washing treatment did not affect pesticide sorption. These findings indicate the potential of using waste-derived biochars as high-performance sorbents for sustainable water remediation and circular economy initiatives

From seaweeds to cosmeceutics: A multidisciplinar approach

Macroalgae are widespread on the coasts of all the globe and lead to a negative ecological impact, requiring expensive remediations. Therefore, the valorization of invasive seaweed as a renewable source of bioactive products could represent a valid solution. In this context, three algal biomasses, belonging to brown, green, and red families (Sargassum muticum, Ulva lactuca, Solieria filiformis), collected in the venetian Laguna, were investigated as a source of active compounds for the formulation of cosmeceutics. Microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) were applied to enhance the algae extraction by means of a hydroalcoholic solution. According to total phenolic content (TPC) evaluation, MW demonstrated the best performing outcomes, resulting in 19.77, 22.02, and 16.94 mgGAE/gExtr (30 min at 90◦C) for brown, green, and red algae, respectively. Antioxidant activity was tested as well, showing comparable trends (49.19, 26.24, and 3.02 mmolTrolox eq./gExtr for brown, green, and red algae, respectively). Due to natural algae predisposition to absorb contaminants, the metal content analysis helped to screen the applicability of these extracts, identifying Ulva lactuca as the most suitable source of antioxidants for cosmetic formulations. This MW extract was then adopted to formulate two different preparations, namely a gel and an emulsion. Thermal and mechanical tests confirmed the stability of each formulation, together with neutral organoleptic characteristics. Finally, the actives release was investigated by means of a tape stripping essay, showing an efficient controlled release for gel formulation, even after 7 h of test. The produced cosmeceutics merged non-conventional extraction technologies with formulation expertise, offering a valuable alternative to solve the macroalgae disposal issue

Edelfosine induced suicidal death of human erythrocytes

Background/Aims: The anti-inflammatory, anti-autoimmune, antiparasitic, and anti-viral ether phospholipid edelfosine (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methylglycero-3-phosphocholine) stimulates apoptosis of tumor cells and is thus considered for the treatment of malignancy. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Triggers of eryptosis include Ca2+ entry with increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) and oxidative stress. The present study explored, whether and how edelfosine induces eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry and photometry, respectively, were employed to estimate phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, hemolysis from hemoglobin release, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, and abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence. Results: A 6 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to edelfosine (5 \u3bcM) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells, significantly decreased forward scatter, and significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, but did not significantly modify DCFDA fluorescence. The effect of edelfosine on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Conclusions: Edelfosine triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to stimulation of Ca2+ entry

Nocodazole Induced Suicidal Death of Human Erythrocytes

Background: The microtubule assembly inhibitor nocodazole has been shown to trigger caspase-independent mitotic death and caspase dependent apoptosis. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may undergo eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress and ceramide. The present study explored, whether and how nocodazole induces eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to determine phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2\u2032,7\u2032-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) diacetate dependent fluorescence as well as ceramide surface abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Tubulin abundance was quantified by TubulinTracker\u2122 Green reagent and visualized by confocal microscopy. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to nocodazole ( 65 30 \u3bcg/ml) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells without significantly modifying average forward scatter. Nocodazole significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, significantly increased DCF fluorescence and significantly increased ceramide surface abundance. The effect of nocodazole on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and was not modified in the presence of Caspase 3 inhibitor zVAD (1 \u3bcM). Nocodazole treatment reduced the content of total tubulin. Conclusions: Nocodazole triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to stimulation of Ca2+ entry, oxidative stress and ceramide