Leptin in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Player or Bystander?

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a specialized tissue whose main function is lipid synthesis and triglyceride storage. It is now considered as an active organ secreting a plethora of hormones and cytokines namely adipokines. Discovered in 1994, leptin has emerged as a key molecule with pleiotropic functions. It is primarily recognized for its role in regulating energy homeostasis and food intake. Currently, further evidence suggests its potent role in reproduction, glucose metabolism, hematopoiesis, and interaction with the immune system. It is implicated in both innate and adaptive immunity, and it is reported to contribute, with other adipokines, in the cross-talking networks involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and immune-related diseases of the musculo-skeletal system such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this review, we summarize the most recent findings concerning the involvement of leptin in immunity and inflammatory responses in OA and RA.     

Artificial Tears: Biological Role of Their Ingredients in the Management of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease (DED) is the most common ocular surface disease, characterized by insufficient production and/or instability of the tear film. Tear substitutes are usually the first line of treatment for patients with DED. Despite the large variety of tear substitutes available on the market, few studies have been performed to compare their performance. There is a need to better understand the specific mechanical and pharmacological roles of each ingredient composing the different formulations. In this review, we describe the main categories of ingredients composing tear substitutes (e.g., viscosity-enhancing agents, electrolytes, osmo-protectants, antioxidants, lipids, surfactants and preservatives) as well as their effects on the ocular surface, and we provide insight into how certain components of tear substitutes may promote corneal wound healing, and/or counteract inflammation. Based on these considerations, we propose an approach to select the most appropriate tear substitute formulations according to the predominant etiological causes of DED.     

Characterization of polypropylene–poly(1-butene)–hydrogenated olygo(cyclopentadiene) ternary blends

Ternary blends containing polypropylene (PP), poly(1-butene) (PB), and hydrogenated oligo(cyclopentadiene) (HOCP) have been studied using microscopic calorimetric and dynamic mechanical techniques, with no phase separation having been observed in the melt for all the considered compositions. The morphology of the crystallized blends and spherulite growth rate of the PP component appeared to be influenced by the blend composition. The presence of one or two T_gs revealed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) on quenched or crystallized blends has suggested that demixing phenomena can occur during the crystallization of the components. The blend composition has been found to affect the overall crystallization rate and the equilibrium melting temperature of the PP component. A parameter describing the enthalpic interactions between the PP component and the diluent fraction evidenced that the addition of HOCP to PP and PB increases the stability of the ternary blend. The above results suggest that the three components can form a miscible blend in the melt. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65:1659–1665, 1997     

Broom fibers as reinforcing materials for polypropylene-based composites

Broom fibers have been used as reinforcement for the conventional polypropylene (iPP) and a maleate modified one (iPPMA). A conventional alkaline treatment and a steam explosion extraction process were applied to obtain the cellulosic material from broom branches. Composites were prepared by melt mixing materials with different weight percentages of broom fibers. Also ternary blends (iPPMA/iPP/broom fibers 5/45/50 wt) were obtained to examine the possibility of utilizing the maleate polypropylene as a compatibilizing agent. The fibers and the composites were thermally, morphologically, and mechanically characterized. Water absorption tests, to examine the behavior of these materials in wet conditions, were also performed. Particular attention was addressed to the study of the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. The results showed that the iPPMA-based composites, reinforced with alkaline extracted broom fibers, present specific mechanical properties competitive with those of the homologous polypropylene-based materials reinforced with short glass fibers. The ternary blends gave similar properties to those of the corresponding whole iPPMA-based composites. It is considered that the esteric linkage between the cellulose —OH, and the maleic anhydride groups grafted on the polypropylene backbone is greatly responsible for the similarity in the properties. In spite of better adhesion observed in the samples reinforced by the steam-exploded fibers, less improvement of the mechanical properties was observed, owing to significant damage of the structure of the fibers during the steam explosion process. A general decrease of mechanical properties is observed in normal polypropylene-based composites. The results are also supported by the water absorption tests: whereby the iPPMA-based composites showed good capability to return their dry properties when kept in an oven after wetting for many days. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 1077–1089, 1998     

Wine vinegar production using base wines made with different yeast species

The influence of base wines obtained by the fermentation of different yeast species on acetic acid bacteria growth and on the analytical profile of vinegars was investigated. Results show that the substrates for wine vinegar production exerted a strong influence on both acetic acid bacteria growth and analytical profile of vinegars. The base wine obtained from the alcoholic fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was not always the best substrate. The fermentate made with Candida stellata positively influenced the acetic acid bacteria growth and the quality of vinegar, while the wine obtained from the fermentation of Kloeckera apiculata was a good substrate for acetic acid bacteria growth and acetic acid production and could be used for ‘ordinary’ vinegar production. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry     

Mobile Spatial coordinate Measuring System (MScMS) – introduction to the system

In many industrial fields (for example, automotive and aerospace) dimensional measurements of large size objects should be easily and rapidly taken. Nowadays, the problem can be handled using many metrological systems, based on different technologies (optical, mechanical, electromagnetic, etc.). Each of these systems is more or less adequate, depending on measuring conditions, a user's experience and skill, or other factors like time, cost, dimensions, accurateness, portability, etc. In general for measuring medium-large size objects, portable systems can be preferred to fixed systems. Transferring the measuring system to the measured object place is often more practical than vice-versa. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new system called Mobile Spatial coordinate Measuring System (MScMS). The system has been designed to perform dimensional measurements of medium-large size objects. MScMS is made up of three basic parts: a ‘constellation’ of wireless devices, liberally distributed around the working area; a mobile probe to register the coordinate points of the measured object; and a PC to store data sent by the mobile probe?–?via Bluetooth?–?and to process them by means of ad hoc application software. MScMS is easily adaptable to different measuring environments and does not require complex procedures for installation, start-up or calibration. This document presents the system hardware/software/firmware architecture and functionalities and describes the peculiarities and metrological performances of MScMS first prototype, which has been developed at the industrial metrology and quality laboratory of DISPEA?–?Politecnico di Torino. Finally, the most critical aspects of MScMS are illustrated and the research perspectives for future improvements are given.     

Influence of interfacial agents on the physicochemical characteristics of binary polyethylene/polyamide 6 and ternary polyethylene/polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends

Binary low-density polythylene/polyamide 6 and ternary low-density polyethylene/polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends were prepared by melt mixing, without and with the addition of two different commercial products [poly(ethylere-co-buthylacrylate-co-maleic anhydride) and poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) grafted with maleic anhydride] used as interfacial modifiers. More precisely, the polypropylene was a propylene/ethylene random copolymer, containg 6% by weight of ethylene. The polyamide 6/interfacial agent and polyethylene/ interfacial agent systems were also considered. Differential scanning calorimetry, microscopic observations—together with chemical etchings—and mechanical tests supported the occurrence of strong interactions at the interface, especially when using the buthyl acrylate-based agent. The compatibilizing effect of the interfacial agents was also analyzed in the light of interfacial tension determinations. Eventually, low-density polyethylene modifications induced by compatibilization were studied carrying out WAXD analysis. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Methylglyoxal Impairs Sister Chromatid Separation in Lymphocytes

The accurate segregation of sister chromatids is complex, and errors that arise throughout this process can drive chromosomal instability and tumorigenesis. We recently showed that methylglyoxal (MGO), a glycolytic by-product, can cause chromosome missegregation events in lymphocytes. However, the underlying mechanisms of this were not explored. Therefore, in this study, we utilised shotgun proteomics to identify MGO-modified proteins, and label-free quantitation to measure changes in protein abundance following exposure to MGO. We identified numerous mitotic proteins that were modified by MGO, including those involved in the separation and cohesion of sister chromatids. Furthermore, the protein abundance of Securin, an inhibitor of sister chromatid separation, was increased following treatment with MGO. Cytological examination of chromosome spreads showed MGO prevented sister chromatid separation, which was associated with the formation of complex nuclear anomalies. Therefore, results from this study suggest MGO may drive chromosomal instability by preventing sister chromatid separation.     

N6-Isopentenyladenosine Hinders the Vasculogenic Mimicry in Human Glioblastoma Cells through Src-120 Catenin Pathway Modulation and RhoA Activity Inhibition

Background: Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a functional microcirculation pattern formed by aggressive tumor cells. Thus far, no effective drugs have been developed to target VM. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain cancer and is a highly vascularized tumor. Vasculogenic mimicry represents a means whereby GBM can escape anti-angiogenic therapies. Methods: Here, using an in vitro tube formation assay on Matrigel, we evaluated the ability of N6-isopentenyladenosine (iPA) to interfere with vasculogenic mimicry (VM). RhoA activity was assessed using a pull-down assay, while the modulation of the adherens junctions proteins was analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results: We found that iPA at sublethal doses inhibited the formation of capillary-like structures suppressing cell migration and invasion of U87MG, U343MG, and U251MG cells, of patient-derived human GBM cells and GBM stem cells. iPA reduces the vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) expression levels in a dose-dependent manner, impairs the vasculogenic mimicry network by modulation of the Src/p120-catenin pathway and inhibition of RhoA-GTPase activity. Conclusions: Taken together, our results revealed iPA as a promising novel anti-VM drug in GBM clinical therapeutics.     

Multiblock copolymers based on segments of poly (D,L‐lactic‐glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(ϵ‐caprolactone): A comparison of their thermal properties and degradation behavior

A comparison of the thermal properties of two classes of poly(D,L ‐lactic‐glycolic acid) multiblock copolymers is reported. In particular, the results of differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis of copolymers containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or diol‐terminated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCDT) segments are described. The influence of the chemical structure and the length of PEG and PCDT on thermal stability, degree of crystallinity and glass transition temperature (T_g ) is discussed. Finally, an evaluation of the hydrolytic behavior in conditions mimicking the physiological environment is reported. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1721–1728, 2000