Irisin and Secondary Osteoporosis in Humans

Irisin is a peptide secreted by skeletal muscle following exercise that plays an important role in bone metabolism. Numerous experiments in vitro and in mouse models have shown that the administration of recombinant irisin promotes osteogenesis, protects osteocytes from dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, prevents disuse-induced loss of bone and muscle mass, and accelerates fracture healing. Although some aspects still need to be elucidated, such as the dose- and frequency-dependent effects of irisin in cell cultures and mouse models, ample clinical evidence is emerging to support its physiological relevance on bone in humans. A reduction in serum irisin levels, associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, was observed in postmenopausal women and in both men and women during aging, Recently, cohort studies of subjects with secondary osteoporosis showed that these patients have lower circulating levels of irisin, suggesting that this myokine could be a novel marker to monitor bone quality in this disease. Although there are still few studies, this review discusses the emerging data that are highlighting the involvement of irisin in some diseases that cause secondary osteoporosis.     

Systemic Administration of Recombinant Irisin Accelerates Fracture Healing in Mice

To date, pharmacological strategies designed to accelerate bone fracture healing are lacking. We subjected 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice to closed, transverse, mid-diaphyseal tibial fractures and treated them with intraperitoneal injection of a vehicle or r-irisin (100 µg/kg/weekly) immediately following fracture for 10 days or 28 days. Histological analysis of the cartilaginous callus at 10 days showed a threefold increase in Collagen Type X (p = 0.0012) and a reduced content of proteoglycans (40%; p = 0.0018). Osteoclast count within the callus showed a 2.4-fold increase compared with untreated mice (p = 0.026), indicating a more advanced stage of endochondral ossification of the callus during the early stage of fracture repair. Further evidence that irisin induced the transition of cartilage callus into bony callus was provided by a twofold reduction in the expression of SOX9 (p = 0.0058) and a 2.2-fold increase in RUNX2 (p = 0.0137). Twenty-eight days post-fracture, microCT analyses showed that total callus volume and bone volume were increased by 68% (p = 0.0003) and 67% (p = 0.0093), respectively, and bone mineral content was 74% higher (p = 0.0012) in irisin-treated mice than in controls. Our findings suggest that irisin promotes bone formation in the bony callus and accelerates the fracture repair process, suggesting a possible use as a novel pharmacologic modulator of fracture healing.     

Microbial and physicochemical modifications of hake (Merluccius merluccius) steaks stored under carbon dioxide enriched atmospheres

Microbial counts (total viable, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae), biochemical parameters [pH, total volatile nitrogen, nucleotide breakdown products, non‐volatile amines, D (−) and L (+) lactic acid and short‐chain fatty acids] and sensory attributes (colour and odour) of refrigerated (2 °C) hake (Merluccius merluccius) steaks under carbon dioxide enriched air (CO₂ /air, 20/80 v/v and CO₂ /air, 40/60 v/v) and air atmospheres were determined. When compared with air, sensory results showed shelf‐life extension of 4 and 11 days for 20% and 40% CO₂‐enriched atmospheres, respectively. Microbial and biochemical results also revealed that the 40% CO₂‐enriched atmosphere was the most effective packaging type for refrigerated hake. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate acid gels: Stabilisation of W/W emulsions

Microstructural, rheological, and textural behaviour of tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate aqueous mixtures and their acid gels were evaluated. Acid gels with different microstructures and texture were obtained. These results can be related to a competition between the protein acid gelation process and the segregative phase separation. Depending on the concentration ratio of both biopolymers, a continuous protein gel network or a water‐in‐water emulsion stabilised by acid gelation was observed. These findings may be used to address the development of new food‐grade gels with different textures and also for the obtention of protein microgels to encapsulate hydrophilic compounds.     

Accurate assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease lesions in liver allograft biopsies by a smartphone platform: A proof of concept

Macrovesicular steatosis (MS) is a major risk factor for liver graft failure after transplantation and pathological microscopic examination of a frozen tissue section remains the gold standard for its assessment. However, the latter requires an experienced in‐house pathologist for correct and rapid diagnosis as well as specific equipment that is not always available. Smartphones, which are must‐have tools for everyone, are very suitable for incorporation into promising technology to generate moveable diagnostic tools as for telepathology. The study aims to compare the microscopic assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum in liver allograft biopsies by a smartphone microscopy platform (DIPLE device) to standard light microscopy. Forty‐two liver graft biopsies were evaluated in transmitted light, using an iPhone X and the microscopy platform. A significant correlation was reported between the two different approaches for graft MS assessment (Spearman's correlation coefficient: r = .93; p < .001) and for steatohepatitis feature (r = .56; p < .001; r = .45; p < .001). Based on these findings, a smartphone integrated with a cheap microscopy platform can achieve adequate accuracy in the assessment of NAFLD in liver graft and could be used as an alternative to standard light microscopy when the latter is unavailable.     

Microwave‐assisted extraction in goji berries: effect on composition and bioactivity,evaluated through conventional and nonconventional methodologies

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) parameters on the composition and bioactivity of goji (Lycium barbarum) extracts. Extracts were obtained under a central composite design combination of experimental conditions, and characterised through HPLC‐DAD; their bioactive capacity was ascertained for antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity, the later by spectrophotometric [2,2‐azinobis (3‐ ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt‐radical scavenging activity assay – 413–748 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g DW and oxygen radical absorbance capacity – 1901–2292 mg trolox equivalents/100 g DW] and electrochemical (DNA‐based sensor – 3571–6602 mg ascorbic acid/100 g DW) methods. The quantitative profile of phenolic compounds was strongly dependent on MAE conditions. Significant correlations were found between the presence of several flavonoids and solvent composition, as well as between phenolic acids with methoxy group and the response to DNA‐based sensor. Results may improve targeted extractions for specific compounds, leading to the achievement of extracts richer in antioxidant capacity, as well as in the tailoring of the biosensor response sensitivity to the composition of the extracts under analysis.     

Recommendations for Capacity Development in Water Resources Engineering and Environmental Management in Latin America

Socioeconomic development often causes environmental and water related problems. Any solution requires knowledge, willingness and sufficient financial and technical means. Such capacity is limited in many developing and threshold countries. To identify opportunities for strengthening capacity in water and environmental management, we analysed University curricula, identified synergies between Universities and practice, explored the potential of vocational training and awareness raising, and developed regional concepts for risk communication. The results present ways how Universities can make capacity development in the water sector in Latin America more efficient. We recommend to modernize curricula, to strengthen vocational training, to intensify public involvement and cooperation with practice, and provide methodological advice for implementation.     

P-Glycoprotein and Drug Resistance in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic inflammatory disorders of unknown etiology characterized by a wide range of abnormalities of the immune system that may compromise the function of several organs, such as kidney, heart, joints, brain and skin. Corticosteroids (CCS), synthetic and biologic immunosuppressive agents have demonstrated the capacity to improve the course of autoimmune diseases. However, a significant number of patients do not respond or develop resistance to these therapies over time. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a transmembrane protein that pumps several drugs out of the cell, including CCS and immunosuppressants; thus, its over-expression or hyper-function has been proposed as a possible mechanism of drug resistance in patients with autoimmune disorders. Recently, different authors have demonstrated that P-gp inhibitors, such as cyclosporine A (CsA) and its analogue Tacrolimus, are able to reduce P-gp expression and or function in SLE, RA and PsA patients. These observations suggest that P-gp antagonists could be adopted to revert drug resistance and improve disease outcome. The complex inter-relationship among drug resistance, P-gp expression and autoimmunity still remains elusive.