Endothelial Glycocalyx as a Regulator of Fibrotic Processes

The endothelial glycocalyx, the gel layer covering the endothelium, is composed of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and adsorbed plasma proteins. This structure modulates vessels’ mechanotransduction, vascular permeability, and leukocyte adhesion. Thus, it regulates several physiological and pathological events. In the present review, we described the mechanisms that disturb glycocalyx stability such as reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteinases, and heparanase. We then focused our attention on the role of glycocalyx degradation in the induction of profibrotic events and on the possible pharmacological strategies to preserve this delicate structure.     

Middle distillates from hydrocracking of FT waxes: Composition,characteristics and emission properties

A light cobalt catalyzed Fischer–Tropsch (FT) wax was subjected to hydrocracking in the range of temperature 319–351 °C and hydrogen pressure between 3.5 and 6.0 MPa. The catalyst used was platinum on amorphous silica–alumina. Hydrocracking reaction led to an increase of middle distillate yield up to 85% with a contemporary increase of iso-paraffins concentration which resulted in a remarkable improvement of cold flow properties of the products. The freezing point of C₁₀–C₁₄ fraction passed from ?23 to ?45 °C while the pour point of C₁₅–C₂₂ fraction decreased from 13 to ?23 °C. The latter fraction displayed high cetane numbers ranging between 75 and 80. Changes in carbon distribution and molecular structure of products during hydrocracking have been rationalized in the light of the accepted hydrocracking mechanism where n-paraffins undergo to consecutive isomerization reactions leading to isomers with progressively higher branching degree and concomitant cracking reaction. Experimental evidences support the view that apparent reactivity of n-paraffins is chain length dependent, increasing with the molecular weight. Detailed characterization by NMR and GC showed that branching groups abundance in the middle distillate products was the following: methyl ? ethyl > propyl.Emission tests carried out with FT diesel and commercial ultra low sulfur diesel showed that FT diesel has excellent combustion properties and leads to a reduction of emissions.     

Friction stir welding between extrusions and laminates

Current market demands drive companies to innovate their production techniques to improve products and simultaneously hold down costs. In the search for solutions aimed at an optimization of production processes, semi-finished products in aluminium alloys very definitely play a significant role. Moreover, the assembly of extruded parts with laminates may result in considerable difficulties, especially in relation to distortions or generated residual stress and process productivity. A solution to these issues may be found in the application of friction stir welding (FSW), characterized by low thermal input and high productivity. The asymmetry of the FSW process determines a different thermal input to the edges of the pieces to be joined. This aspect can be exploited when it is necessary to join pieces characterized by a very different thermal lag, as occurs in the case of joining extruded products and sheeting. This study aims to identify optimal FW parameters, placing particular attention on heat transferred to materials so as to provide an adequate thermal input that will allow for compensation of the different thermal capacity of the pieces in question.     

Fibrosis of Peritoneal Membrane as Target of New Therapies in Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an efficient renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. Even if it ensures an outcome equivalent to hemodialysis and a better quality of life, in the long-term, PD is associated with the development of peritoneal fibrosis and the consequents patient morbidity and PD technique failure. This unfavorable effect is mostly due to the bio-incompatibility of PD solution (mainly based on high glucose concentration). In the present review, we described the mechanisms and the signaling pathway that governs peritoneal fibrosis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells, and angiogenesis. Lastly, we summarize the present and future strategies for developing more biocompatible PD solutions.     

3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanols and derived esters: green synthetic procedures, odour evaluation and in vitro skin cytotoxicity assays

The alcohols 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanols (cis, trans epimers, cosmetic fragrance) and some derived esters, potential and well-known actives in the cosmetic field, such as Homosalate, were synthesized using fast solvent-free methodologies with the aim of renewing and simplifying the conventional procedures. The alcohols were prepared by reduction of 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone (dihydroisophorone) with sodium borohydride/alumina in solid state. The esters from propanoic, butanoic, octanoic, 10-undecenoic, cyclopropanecarboxylic, mandelic and salicylic acids were synthesized with microwave-mediated solvent-free procedures under acidic and basic catalysis. Several experiments were carried out to study advantages and limits of the selected methodologies and the results are reported. Microwave irradiation was carried out using a scientific monomode reactor. In order to evaluate the cosmetic interest of the studied compounds, the sweet-scented substances were submitted to an odour evaluation test; the most promising fragrances and the ester from 10-undecenoic acid, as an example of lipophilic derivatives, were tested to assess their in vitro skin toxicity. Résumé     

Wetting and interfacial phenomena of Ni‐Ta alloys on CVD‐SiC

When designing high‐temperature brazing processes for ceramic materials, the interfacial phenomena between the liquid media and the adjoining surfaces must be known to design reliable joints. In order to assess the feasibility of using Ta‐containing alloys for high‐temperature brazing of SiC‐based composites, the wetting of molten Ni‐Ta alloys on ultra‐pure chemical vapor deposited (CVD) SiC substrates has been investigated using the sessile drop technique. For all of the compositions and experimental conditions, good wetting was observed with fast spreading. The interfacial behavior is determined by the competition between the typical interfacial phenomena of the pure elements; specifically, either the dissolution of the ceramic phase by Ni or the formation of a new interfacial layer, TaC, by reaction between Ta and CVD‐SiC, which prevails depends on the relative amount of the single element in the alloy.     

Eco-friendly methodologies for the synthesis of some aromatic esters, well-known cosmetic ingredients

Solid-liquid solvent-free phase transfer catalysis (PTC) and acidic catalysis in dry media were applied, with noticeable improvement and simplification over classical procedures in a Green Chemistry context, to the synthesis of some aromatic esters useful as cosmetic ingredients: 3-methylbutyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, well-known ultraviolet B sunscreen filters; 4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate, UV absorber and cutaneous antilipoperoxidant; propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens), antimicrobial agents. The reactions were performed under microwave (MW) activation and conventional heating. The best results for the synthesis of cinnamic, salicylic and 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic esters were achieved by in situ preformed carboxylates alkylation with alkyl bromides using PTC. The 4-hydroxybenzoates were obtained in good yields by classical esterification of the acid with alcohols using a simple heterogeneous mixture of reagents with catalytic amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). The comparisons of yields and thermal profiles under either MW or conventional heating were studied and reported.