Preliminary Investigation on the Involvement of Cytoskeleton-Related Proteins,DAAM1 and PREP,in Human Testicular Disorders

Herein, for the first time, the potential relationships between the cytoskeleton-associated proteins DAAM1 and PREP with different testicular disorders, such as classic seminoma (CS), Leydig cell tumor (LCT), and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SOS), were evaluated. Six CS, two LCT, and two SOS tissue samples were obtained during inguinal exploration in patients with a suspect testis tumor based on clinical examination and ultrasonography. DAAM1 and PREP protein levels and immunofluorescent localization were analyzed. An increased DAAM1 protein level in CS and SOS as compared to non-pathological (NP) tissue was observed, while LCT showed no significant differences. Conversely, PREP protein level increased in LCT, while it decreased in CS and SOS compared to NP tissue. These results were strongly supported by the immunofluorescence staining, revealing an altered localization and signal intensity of DAAM1 and PREP in the analyzed samples, highlighting a perturbed cytoarchitecture. Interestingly, in LCT spermatogonia, a specific DAAM1 nuclear localization was found, probably due to an enhanced testosterone production, as confirmed by the increased protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes. Finally, although further studies are needed to verify the involvement of other formins and microtubule-associated proteins, this report raised the opportunity to indicate DAAM1 and PREP as new potential markers, supporting the cytoskeleton dynamics changes occurring during normal and/or pathological cell differentiation.     

Deactivation of a Ni-Based Reforming Catalyst During the Upgrading of the Producer Gas, from Simulated to Real Conditions

The deactivation of a nickel reforming catalyst during the upgrading of the producer gas obtained by gasification of lignocellulosic biomass was studied. The research involved several steps: the selective deactivation of the catalyst in a laboratory scale; the streaming of the catalyst with the producer gas of a downdraft and an oxygen/steam circulating fluidized bed (CFB) gasifier; and tests in a reformer placed in a slipstream of the CFB gasifier. The information obtained allowed to elucidate the catalyst deactivation mechanisms taking place during the reforming of the producer gas: physical deactivation by deposition of fine ashes, aerosol particulate or carbon; poisoning by H₂S and HCl present in the gas phase and thermal sintering because of the high operation temperatures required to avoid the chemical deactivation. These physical and chemical effects depended on the composition of the biomass fuel.     

Modulation Excitation X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy to Probe Surface Species on Heterogeneous Catalysts

The advantages and open questions of the combination of modulation excitation spectroscopy and phase sensitive detection (PSD) with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) for the analysis of heterogeneous catalysts at work are reviewed. The characteristic spectral signatures of two different edges (Pd K and Pt L₃) are described in relation to the red-ox chemistry of Pd/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Al₂O₃ with respect to NO reduction by CO and CO oxidation, respectively. Both examples demonstrate that PSD makes XAS sensitive to potentially active species for the catalytic reaction.     

Submicron laser-textured vents for self-cleaning injection molds

Clogging of venting slots in injection molds is a common maintenance problem caused by the degradation and the accumulation of gaseous and volatiles by-products of polymer melting. In this work, the effect of laser-induced periodic surface structures on the self-cleaning properties of venting slots is investigated. The degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) over different surfaces is characterized by reproducing the mechanisms that occurs in mold cavities when the air is pushed through the venting channel. An imaging technique is developed for the quantification of the sediment that deposits on sample surfaces due to condensation of by-products of PET melting. The experimental results indicate that the use of a multiscale texture minimizes the deposition of residues on the vent surface reducing it from 17.2 to 3.1%. A linear dependency between contact angle and clogging ratio indicates the efficacy of the model that explains vent self-cleaning properties considering their wetting properties.     

Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived submicron vesicles released under physiological or pathological conditions. EVs mediate the cellular crosstalk, thus contributing to defining the tumor microenvironment, including in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The available literature investigating the role of EVs in EOC has been reviewed following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the role of EVs in early disease diagnosis, metastatic spread, and the development of chemoresistance in EOC. Data were identified from searches of Medline, Current Contents, PubMed, and from references in relevant articles from 2010 to 1 April 2020. The research yielded 194 results. Of these, a total of 36 papers, 9 reviews, and 27 original types of research were retained and analyzed. The literature findings demonstrate that a panel of EV-derived circulating miRNAs may be useful for early diagnosis of EOC. Furthermore, it appears clear that EVs are involved in mediating two crucial processes for metastatic and chemoresistance development: the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and tumor escape from the immune system response. Further studies, more focused on in vivo evidence, are urgently needed to clarify the role of EV assessment in the clinical management of EOC patients.     

Redispersible Polymer Powders with High Bio-Based Content from Core–Shell Nanoparticles

Redispersible polymer powders (RDPPs), i.e., additives obtained from core–shell nanoparticles and commercialized in the form of a dry powder, find intensive application in the concrete industry. However, they are mainly produced from fossil resources. Therefore, the development of bio-based RDPPs is important to reduce the carbon footprint of these additives. In this work, two types of core–shell nanoparticles with a high percentage of bio-based content are synthesized and show to be good candidates as RDPPs. In the first case, up to 75% of bio-based content is obtained by combining lauryl acrylate, derived from coconut and palm kernel oil, as main core material, with isobornyl methacrylate, coming from pine resin, exploited to create the outer harder shell. In the second case, a degradable macromonomer obtained by the ring opening polymerization of lactide using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate as initiator is used as the core-forming monomer to obtain degradable RDPPs. In both cases, the particles are synthesized with a two-step emulsion polymerization process conducted in one pot and then spray-dried to obtain the RDPPs of interest. The morphology and redispersibility of the powders are characterized. Finally, their use as concrete additives is preliminarily assessed by evaluating their effect on changes in the surface morphologies of concrete specimens.     

A Critical Review of Biological Processes and Technologies for Landfill Leachate Treatment

The most common method to deal with the huge production of municipal wastes is still the disposal in landfills which, however, generates a leachate with high contents of organic and nitrogen pollutants. Requirements must be fixed by law to control leachate release from such landfills, and effective treatment processes and technologies must be applied to reduce its impact on the environment. Biological processes for leachate treatment are discussed in this review, in the former part of which attention is paid to leachate formation and its qualitative and quantitative features, while the latter deals with the state‐of‐the‐art of the most effective biotechnological treatments presently employed. Processes, alternative methods, and technological improvements are compared, with special focus on novel technologies to remove nitrogen pollutants from leachate, highlighting advantages and drawbacks of each treatment.