Different Times Of Treatment Research Articles

Isolation of flavonoids from Tagetes patula(French Marigold) flowers: Cytotoxic and oxidant activity in human cervical carcinoma cells

Tagetes patula, known as French Marigold, belongs to the family Asteraceae. Human papillomavirus infection is considered one of the causes of cervical cancer. This study assessedthe cytotoxic activity and intracellular oxidative capacity of compounds isolated from extract of T. patulaflowers as anti-cancer cervical agents. Fraction F6 of n-butanol extract was subjected to column chromatography and HPLC-ESI-MS. The isolated compounds of T. patulawere used to examine cytotoxic activity and the production of total reactive oxygen species in SiHa and HeLa cells; the cells were also characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Patulitrin was cytotoxic to SiHa and HeLa cells. An increase in ROS production was observed at different times of treatment of cells with patuletin and patulitrin. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological changes in SiHa and HeLa cells. Thus, compounds isolated from T. patulahave great treatment potential against cervical cancer.

Analysis of the correlation between clinical efficacy and blood concentration of olanzapine in schizophrenia patients.

To analyze the relationship between olanzapine blood concentration and clinical efficacy in schizophrenia patients, which has been expected to provide a scientific reference basis for improving the treatment effect of olanzapine in schizophrenia patients. Four hundred eighty-six psychiatric inpatients were randomly selected from October 31, 2019, to October 31, 2020, and all enrolled patients were given olanzapine treatment, and the treatment effect of schizophrenia patients was assessed according to the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale subtraction rate, and divided into treatment effective and ineffective groups at 1, 2, and 3 weeks of treatment, respectively. The olanzapine blood concentration in the body was monitored at 1, 2, and 3 weeks of treatment, and the relationship between olanzapine blood concentration and treatment effect at different time points was analyzed. Patients in the ineffective group had lower olanzapine blood concentrations than the effective group in treatment 1, 2, and 3 weeks and lower Positive and Negative Symptom Scale score reduction rates than the effective group (P < .05); the differences in other baseline information between the groups were not statistically significant (P > .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that olanzapine blood concentration at different times of treatment was related to the treatment effect (odds ratio > 1, P < .05); the results of the bivariate Spearman linear correlation test showed that olanzapine blood concentration at different times of treatment was positively related to the treatment effect of schizophrenia patients (R > 0, P < .05). In schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine, the higher the olanzapine blood concentration in patients, the better the clinical treatment effect. Accordingly, the clinical can develop individualized medication regimens based on the results of blood concentration testing in the body under the premise of ensuring safety, aiming to ensure maximum efficacy.

Novel technique for rosacea treatment using optimal pulse technology: In vivo and clinical studies.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the face, and the current treatment effect is not satisfactory. Based on the photomodulation of optimal pulse technology (OPT), we developed a novel treatment mode, namely, advanced OPT with low energy, three pulses, and long pulse width (AOPT-LTL). We aimed to explore the feasibility and underlying molecular mechanisms of AOPT-LTL treatment in a rosacea-like mouse model. Furthermore, we evaluated the safety and efficacy in patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR). Morphological, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were used to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of AOPT-LTL treatment in the LL-37-induced rosacea-like mouse model. Moreover, 23 patients with ETR were included and received different times of treatment at intervals of 2 weeks depending on the severity of their condition. The treatment effect was assessed by comparing clinical photographs at baseline, 1 week, and 3 months after treatment, combined with the red value, GFSS, and CEA scores. After the AOPT-LTL treatment of the mice, we observed that the rosacea-like phenotype, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vascular abnormalities were significantly ameliorated, and the expression of the core molecules of rosacea was significantly inhibited. In the clinical study, the AOPT-LTL treatment exerted satisfactory therapeutic effects on erythema and flushing of ETR patients. No serious adverse events were observed. AOPT-LTL is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ETR.

Effect of dexamethasone in two different doses on specific biochemical markers in patients with COVID-19

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The release of alarmins results in a “cytokine storm,” which can be attenuated by the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone. Aim: To evaluate and assess the effect of dexamethasone in two different doses, on D-dimer, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and granulocyte/lymphocyte (%) in patients with COVID-19. Patients and methods: A total of 100 patients were randomly divided into two groups; group A patients received a higher dose of dexamethasone than those in group B. Measurements of certain hematological and biochemical markers, including D-dimer, serum ferritin, CRP, and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio were done for all the patients in both groups. These indices were compared at different times of treatment between the two groups. Results: The D-dimer and granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio measurements were statistically non-significant in both the groups in all three readings. The serum ferritin measurement was significant only on the 6th day of treatment. The results demonstrated that group A patients had significantly lower CRP levels on both the 3rd and 6th days of treatment. Conclusion: Administration of a slightly higher dose of dexamethasone (8 mg per day for three days, then 6 mg per day for another 3 days) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 effectively reduces the inflammatory and hematological biomarkers in patients who required supplemental oxygen therapy.

Bacteriophages M13 and T4 Increase the Expression of Anchorage-Dependent Survival Pathway Genes and Down Regulate Androgen Receptor Expression in LNCaP Prostate Cell Line.

Wild-type or engineered bacteriophages have been reported as therapeutic agents in the treatment of several types of diseases, including cancer. They might be used either as naked phages or as carriers of antitumor molecules. Here, we evaluate the role of bacteriophages M13 and T4 in modulating the expression of genes related to cell adhesion, growth, and survival in the androgen-responsive LNCaP prostatic adenocarcinoma-derived epithelial cell line. LNCaP cells were exposed to either bacteriophage M13 or T4 at a concentration of 1 × 105 pfu/mL, 1 × 106 pfu/mL, and 1 × 107 pfu/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h. After exposure, cells were processed for general morphology, cell viability assay, and gene expression analyses. Neither M13 nor T4 exposure altered cellular morphology, but both decreased the MTT reduction capacity of LNCaP cells at different times of treatment. In addition, genes AKT, ITGA5, ITGB1, ITGB3, ITGB5, MAPK3, and PI3K were significantly up-regulated, whilst the genes AR, HSPB1, ITGAV, and PGC1A were down-regulated. Our results show that bacteriophage M13 and T4 interact with LNCaP cells and effectively promote gene expression changes related to anchorage-dependent survival and androgen signaling. In conclusion, phage therapy may increase the response of PCa treatment with PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors.

P–403 Sodium tungstate increases embryo adhesion through a direct effect on endometrial cells

Abstract Study question Does sodium tungstate treatment induce a change in endometrial cells’ capacity to implant trophoblasts? Summary answer Administration of sodium tungstate to endometrial cells increases trophoblast adhesion. What is known already Sodium tungstate (ST) has shown its capacity to modulate the activity of cytokines, such as leptin, an activator of an obligatory signalling cascade in the embryo-implantation process. STAT3, a signal transducer molecule critical for the embryo implantation process, is also known to be activated by ST. Still, ST’s effect on implantation using biological systems has never been studied. Embryo implantation process and endometrium roles are complicated to study in vivo due to a lack of animal models and appropriate techniques. In vitro techniques using immortalised cell lines allows a first approach to study early implantation stages, such as embryo adhesion. Study design, size, duration An in vitro study was carried out using a human endometrial carcinoma cell line (HEC–1-A) treated with sodium tungstate for 24 and 48h, and choriocarcinoma cell spheroids (JAr). Different times of treatment and concentrations were studied. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Participants/materials, setting, methods Confluent endometrial HEC–1-A cultures were treated with ST at concentrations (0–150mM) and withaferin A (1mM), negative control for embryo adhesion. After the treatment period, HEC–1-A cultures were washed with ST-free culture medium to eliminate ST. Immediately, 15 JAr trophoblast spheroids were added to cultures and coincubated with gentle agitation for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. An inverted light microscope was used to count adhered and floating spheroids, and determine the trophoblast adherence ratio. Main results and the role of chance HEC–1-A cells treated with ST showed normal morphology and growth at all doses except 150mM. At the highest dose tested, the cells’ culture was still viable (negative blue trypan staining) and maintained morphology, but the adhesion to the plate surface was affected. Doses from 0.15 to 15mM were used to perform adhesion assays. HEC–1-A cells treated with ST for 24h showed an increased capacity to adhere JAr trophoblast spheroids. Adhesion rates reached significant differences at doses of 1.5 and 15mM after 60 and 90 minutes of coincubation. After 90 minutes, untreated cells reached 32.8% adhesion rate, while 1.5 and 15mM ST-treated cells reached 54.6% and 53.4% respectively (p &amp;lt; 0.05 ST vs untreated). Thus, the increment of trophoblast adhesion rate induced by ST reached 66%. Lower adhesion rates were observed after 60 minutes of coincubation but were also significant with a relative increase of 49.1% at 1.5mM and 50.5% at 1.5mM when compared with untreated cells (p &amp;lt; 0.05) Longer treatments (48h) showed similar trends to 24h-treatments, but with a lower extent of ST effect on HEC–1-A receptivity. Maximum adhesion rates were also observed at 90 minutes of coincubation and 1.5 and 15mM doses. The Mean adhesion rate increase was &amp;gt;40% with both doses. Limitations, reasons for caution: The current study is the first approach to evaluate sodium tungstate effect on endometrium using an in vitro model. Future research using in vivo models should be performed to assess sodium tungstate effect on endometrium receptivity and its potential as a fertility treatment. Wider implications of the findings: We conclude that the direct effect of sodium tungstate on endometrial cells increases embryo adhesion rate. These results open a new research line to a potential treatment in human reproduction management with sodium tungstate to solve the unmet need of inducing embryo implantation. Trial registration number Not applicable

Impact on Quality of Life (QoL) of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Mantle Cell Lymphoma Under Ibrutinib Treatment: Preliminary Data from a Real World Prospective Project (pilot study)

IntroductionIbrutinib (Ibr), is a first-in-class, orally administered covalent inhibitor of Bruton Tirosine Kinase (BTK). In Argentina, IMBRUVICA™ has recently been approved by ANMAT (Argentinian Regulatory Agency) as first or second-line treatment option for patients (pts) diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and as second-line treatment for Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), as well as CLL pts with a chromosomal deletion of 17p. As there is no available information on the impact of Ibr in QoL measurements in the real-world, outside of a sponsored clinical trial, no preliminary hypothesis can be drawn; but considering evidence from controlled trials it is likely that treatment with Ibr could result in an improvement in QoL. Taking this premise, we suggest a probable benefit on QoL in patients under Ibr of ≥ 20% during the first year of treatment compared to baseline.ObjectivesWe aim to detect an improvement in QoL using patient-reported outcomes. Secondary Objective: To evaluate the effects of Ibr on QoL at different times of treatment. Assess hemoglobin variation during treatment with Ibr.Materials and MethodsAll pts signed informed consent (IC) to perform QoL questionnaires and use of personal data. This study is in accordance with the Helsinki declaration. Exploratory analyzes were performed on the evaluations of the results reported by the pt from the Euro-QOL5D questionnaire (EQ5D) with explicit permission to do so from the copyright holder. Both, the descriptive and visual analogue scale (VAS) were analyzed. This information was used as a quantitative measure of health, as judged by the respondents. EQ5D was completed by patients on months 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 from the start of treatment. At the same time, doses of Ibr and hemoglobin (Hb) value were recorded.ResultsTwelve pts who started monotherapy with Ibr at our center between January 2016 and February 2017 were included. A total of 11 pts (92%) had a diagnosis of CLL and 1 pt (8%) of MCL. The majority of pts, 8 (67%) were men and median age was 75 years (51-84). The starting dose was 420 mg/d in all cases of CLL and 560 mg/d in MCL. Baseline Hb was 11.1 mg/dl (9.0-14.9). In 9 pts (75%) Ibr was a salvage regimen and in 3 pts (25%) was 1st line therapy. Two pts who had signed IC died before completing QoL evaluation from not related to Ibr causes. The median time of treatment was 12 months (1-18). With the EQ5D VAS evaluation, 90% of the pts reported improvement in their perception of health after the initiation of treatment with Ibr, comparing baseline to 3 and 6 month assessments. None reported worsening of QoL. We observed a modification on the VAS EQ with median improvement of 29% (8-80%) after treatment initiation. Median Hb variation during treatment was: 11.1; 11.2; 11.6; 13 and 13.1mg/dl at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. This means a median Hb improvement of 2gr/dl in the first year of treatment. Interestingly, 2 pts (25%) started treatment with normal values of Hb and also reported QoL improvement. Regarding the different areas of evaluation that comprise the EQ5D, improvements were mainly reported in pain, mobility, daily activities and anxiety.ConclusionsIn this prospective pilot study of QoL assessment with Ibr treatment, we observed that there was an improvement of 29% in this initial sample. This responds positively to the hypothesis raised of an improvement ≥ 20%. Even thought QoL improvement could be partially explained with Hb increase, the Ibr effect on QoL in pts with no baseline anemia is an interesting finding and remains to be determined. We expect to continue with the recruitment of patients by extending the proposal to other centers to reach the sample size needed for statistical confirmation. DisclosuresPavlovsky:Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

Transcriptional analyses of two soybean cultivars under salt stress.

Soybean is an economically important plant, and its production is affected in soils with high salinity levels. It is important to understand the adaptive mechanisms through which plants overcome this kind of stress and to identify potential genes for improving abiotic stress tolerance. RNA-Seq data of two Glycine max cultivars, a drought-sensitive (C08) and a tolerant (Conquista), subjected to different periods of salt stress were analyzed. The transcript expression profile was obtained using a transcriptogram approach, comparing both cultivars and different times of treatment. After 4h of salt stress, Conquista cultivar had 1400 differentially expressed genes, 647 induced and 753 repressed. Comparative expression revealed that 719 genes share the same pattern of induction or repression between both cultivars. Among them, 393 genes were up- and 326 down-regulated. Salt stress also modified the expression of 54 isoforms of miRNAs in Conquista, by the maturation of 39 different pre-miRNAs. The predicted targets for 12 of those mature miRNAs also have matches with 15 differentially expressed genes from our analyses. We found genes involved in important pathways related to stress adaptation. Genes from both ABA and BR signaling pathways were modulated, with possible crosstalk between them, and with a likely post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs. Genes related to ethylene biosynthesis, DNA repair, and plastid translation process were those that could be regulated by miRNA.

Effect of submicron admixtures on mechanical and self‐healing properties of cement‐based composites

AbstractThis study presents the development of novel submicron super absorbent polymers (SAPs) used as admixtures in cement‐based matrices with significant advantages over conventional products. The produced SAPs were characterized in respect of their morphology and composition, while their water absorption capacity was determined in different electrolyte solutions. The hybrid core‐shell spherical structure of the fabricated materials offered significant compatibility enhancement with cement while the workability of the mixture was maintained. The assessment of the cement‐based composites including SAPs revealed that their flexural strength increased by 78%. Self‐healing/sealing behavior was assessed by monitoring the crack sealing via SEM, elemental analysis of the healing products, and determination of the water absorbance coefficient for different times of treatment. The cement/SAPs composites with a concentration of SAPs 2% by weight of cement exhibited self‐healing/sealing responsive capability when an artificial crack was induced. According to the SEM characterization, the crack demonstrated complete healing for the better part of its length after 28 days of treatment.

Microhardness modification of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene by oxygen plasma: Effect of the polymer crosslinking

This work aims to investigate the effect of the oxygen plasma over the hardness, crystallinity, surface chemistry and structural composition of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) at different times of treatment. The contact angle test was performed to observe the wettability of the material. The crystallinity and crystal size of UHMWPE treated with plasma were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hardness of the material increased by 70% after 10 min of treatment and subsequently decreased after 20 min of treatment back to the initial microhardness. The increase in the microhardness is caused by the crosslinking of the polymer, which is corroborated by Raman spectroscopic observations.

Influence of organic phosphorus on reproductive performance and metabolic profiles of anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics at the end of breeding season.

The effect of organic phosphorus on metabolic, haematological and hormonal status, restoration of ovarian functions and conception rate in anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics were evaluated. Anoestrous Farafra ewes (n=24; 34.72±0.52kg body weight) were allocated into two equal groups: control and phosphorus groups. The ewes of phosphorus group were treated with sodium 4-dimethylamino-2-methyl-phenyl-phosphonate as an organic bound phosphorous twice a week for successive 3weeks. Ovarian follicle development and corpora lutea were checked three times a week till occurrence of oestrus using ultrasonography while pregnancy was confirmed at 30days post-service. Plasma metabolites, reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and minerals were detected at weeks -2, -1, 0 (mating day) and + 4weeks post-oestrus. Phosphorus group had significantly (p<.05) short interval to oestrous resumption if compared to control ewes (2.1±0.8weeks vs. 4.6±1.1weeks). In addition, phosphorous supplementation significantly (p<.05) increased the number of antral follicles (developed and their sizes in addition to sizes of corpora lutea (8.72±0.3mm vs. 7.46±0.9mm) as well. Number of services per conception (2.6 vs. 1.4; p<.01) was higher in control group than that of phosphorus group. Pregnancy rate (80 vs. 50%) was significantly (p<.01) higher in phosphorus group when compared to control. White blood cells in treated ewes (10.8±0.44; p<.05) and monocytes (2.93±0.13; p<.01) were higher than that of control group (white blood cells; 9.53±0.50 and monocytes; 2.24±0.14). Metabolic parameters did not differ between phosphorus and control groups during different times of treatment. It could be concluded that phosphorous administration to anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics could improve reproductive performance and restore ovarian activity at the end of spring and early summer.

Nociceptive Response to L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia in Hemiparkinsonian Rats.

Non-motor symptoms are increasingly identified to present clinical and diagnostic importance for Parkinson's disease (PD). The multifactorial origin of pain in PD makes this symptom of great complexity. The dopamine precursor, L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), the classic therapy for PD, seems to be effective in pain threshold; however, there are no studies correlating L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) and nociception development in experimental Parkinsonism. Here, we first investigated nociceptive responses in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease to a hind paw-induced persistent inflammation. Further, the effect of L-DOPA on nociception behavior at different times of treatment was investigated. Pain threshold was determined using von Frey and Hot Plate/Tail Flick tests. Dyskinesia was measured by abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) induced by L-DOPA administration. This data is consistent to show that 6-OHDA-lesioned rats had reduced nociceptive thresholds compared to non-lesioned rats. Additionally, when these rats were exposed to a persistent inflammatory challenge, we observed increased hypernociceptive responses, namely hyperalgesia. L-DOPA treatment alleviated pain responses on days 1 and 7 of treatment, but not on day 15. During that period, we observed an inverse relationship between LID and nociception threshold in these rats, with a high LID rate corresponding to a reduced nociception threshold. Interestingly, pain responses resulting from CFA-induced inflammation were significantly enhanced during established dyskinesia. These data suggest a pro-algesic effect of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, which is confirmed by the correlation founded here between AIMs and nociceptive indexes. In conclusion, our results are consistent with the notion that central dopaminergic mechanism is directly involved in nociceptive responses in Parkinsonism condition.

Meaning-Making Process Related to Temporality During Breast Cancer Traumatic Experience: The Clinical Use of Narrative to Promote a New Continuity of Life.

Previous research has agreed that meaning-making is a key element in the promotion of patients’ well-being during and after a traumatic event such as cancer. In this paper, we focus on an underestimated key element related to the crisis/rupture of this meaning-making process with respect to the time perspective. We consider 40 narratives of breast cancer patients at different times of treatment, undergoing chemotherapy and biological therapy. We collected data through writing technique. We performed an interpretative thematic analysis of the data and highlighted specific ways to signify time during the different treatment phases. Our central aspect “the time of illness, the illness of time” demonstrates that the time consumed by illness has the risk of becoming an illness of time, which transcends the end of the illness and absorbs a patient’s past, present, and future, thus saturating all space for thought and meaning. The study suggests that narrative can become a therapeutic and preventive tool for women with breast cancer in a crisis of temporality, and enable the promotion of new semiotic connections and a specific functional resynchronization with the continuity/discontinuity of life. This is useful during the illness and medical treatment and also after the treatment.

Effect of LPS on the Viability and Proliferation of Human Oral and Esophageal Cancer Cell Lines

The esophagus and mouth tumors are very frequent malignancies worldwide. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are capable of regulating gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by binding to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Recent studies show that LPS can increase the migration ability of human esophageal cancer cell line HKESC-2 by increasing its adhesion properties. However, the effect of LPS has not been tested on viability of human esophageal and oral cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the action of LPS on the cell proliferation and viability in OE19 (adenocarcinoma) and OE21 (squamous carcinoma) cell lines, representative of human esophageal cancer, and HN30 cell line, representative of human oral carcinoma. LPS was used as treatment to OE19 and OE21 cells, and PgLPS (Porphyromonasgingivalis lipopolysaccharide) to HN30 cells. Viability was assessed by MTT assay and proliferation by cell counting. TLR4 expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. LPS at higher concentrations decreased significantly cell viability in both cell lines, adenocarcinoma (OE19) and squamous esophageal carcinoma (OE21) at different times of treatment. In addition, both cell lines, OE19 and OE21, expressed TLR4 receptor. Taken together, our data demonstrated that LPS at high concentrations might contribute to tumor death, in agreement with previously data.

Effects of methylprednisolone and 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid in experimental spinal cord injury in the guinea pig appear to be mediated by different and potentially complementary mechanisms.

Blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel treatment group studies of the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) or 4-chloro-3-hydroxyanthranilate (4-Cl-3-HAA) on behavioral outcome and quinolinic acid tissue levels from experimental thoracic spinal cord injury in adult guinea pigs. To compare the effects of treatment with high-dose MP, a corticosteroid, and 4-Cl-3-HAA, a compound that inhibits synthesis of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN) by activated macrophages. To explore the effect of different times of treatment using these two approaches to ameliorating secondary tissue damage. Laboratory animal studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Standardized spinal cord injuries were produced in anesthetized guinea pigs, using lateral compression of the spinal cord. Behavioral impairment and recovery were measured by placing and toe-spread responses (motor function), cutaneus trunci muscle reflex receptive field areas and somatosensory-evoked potentials (sensory function). Tissue quinolinic acid levels were measured by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry. The current experiments showed a reduction in delayed loss of motor and sensory function in the guinea pig with MP (150 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneally in split doses between 0.5 and 6 h), but no significant reduction in tissue QUIN. Improved sensory function was seen with a single dose of 60 mg kg(-1) MP intraperitoneally at 5 h after injury, but not at 10 h after injury. A single dose of 4-Cl-3-HAA at 5 h in the guinea pig did not produce the sensory and motor improvements seen in previous studies with 12 days of dosing, beginning at 5 h. These studies, together with earlier findings, indicate that both drugs can attenuate secondary pathologic damage after SCI, but through separate mechanisms. These are most likely an acute reduction by MP of oxidative processes and reduction by 4-Cl-3-HAA of QUIN synthesis.

Taurine rescues cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy in vitro: a morphological study.

Cisplatin (CisPt) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug whose side effects include muscle weakness and cachexia. Here we analysed CisPt-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes by a multidisciplinary morphological approach, focusing on the onset and progression of autophagy, a protective cellular process that, when excessively activated, may trigger protein hypercatabolism and atrophy in skeletal muscle. To visualize autophagy we used confocal and transmission electron microscopy at different times of treatment and doses of CisPt. Moreover we evaluated the effects of taurine, a cytoprotective beta-amino acid able to counteract oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in different tissues and organs. Our microscopic results indicate that autophagy occurs very early in 50 μM CisPt challenged myotubes (4 h–8 h) before overt atrophy but it persists even at 24 h, when several autophagic vesicles, damaged mitochondria, and sarcoplasmic blebbings engulf the sarcoplasm. Differently, 25 mM taurine pretreatment rescues the majority of myotubes size upon 50 μM CisPt at 24 h. Taurine appears to counteract atrophy by restoring regular microtubular apparatus and mitochondria and reducing the overload and the localization of autophagolysosomes. Such a promising taurine action in preventing atrophy needs further molecular and biochemical studies to best define its impact on muscle homeostasis and the maintenance of an adequate skeletal mass in vivo.

Enhanced antibacterial effectiveness of essential oils vapors in low pressure environment

Due to their antimicrobial activity, essential oils (EOs) have potential to alternate conventional food preservatives. Relatively high doses of EOs necessary for microbial growth inhibition indicate that they should be used in combination with other preservation techniques rather than alone. Therefore, new combinations of preservative methods with EOs are still investigated. In our study, oregano, clove, cinnamon, and lemongrass EO vapors were tested in vitro in atmospheric and low pressure against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis at different times of treatment ranging from 5 min to 4 h. Combination of EO-low pressure shortened up to 48 times the time necessary for total inhibition of microorganism growth compared to the same treatment in atmospheric pressure. Minimal inhibitory times of EOs vapors ranged mostly from 15 to 60 min in low pressure and were equal to or more than 4 h in atmospheric pressure. Possible decrease of MICs of EOs in low pressure was also investigated. Microorganisms demonstrated increased susceptibility to oregano, lemongrass and cinnamon EOs in low pressure e.g. the MIC of cinnamon vapors for S. enteritidis decreased from 512 μL/L to 128 μL/L.

Temporal dynamics for soil aggregates determined using X-ray CT scanning

Soil structure plays a key role in the ability of soil to fulfil essential soil functions and services in relation to e.g. root growth, gas and water transport and organic matter turnover. However, soils are not a very easy object to study as they are highly complex and opaque to the human eye. Traditionally, they have been studied using invasive or destructive techniques. The advantage of using X-ray computed tomography (CT) in soil morphology is that it enables non-destructive quantification of soil structure in three dimensions (3D). The prime objective of the present study was to characterize soil aggregate properties such as volume, surface area and sphericity based on 3D images. We tested the methods on aggregates from different treatments and quantified changes over time. A total of 32 collections of aggregates, enclosed in mesocosms, were incubated in soil to follow the structural changes over time for different treatments. The aggregates had different origins (tillage and no-till), and the mesocosms were incubated in soil grown with and without plants. The aggregates were not segmented into single aggregates, but considered as an aggregate cluster. To describe the aggregate cluster shape changes, several morphometric parameters were quantified such as aggregate cluster volume, sphericity, and the number of inter-aggregate pores. These parameters were measured from 3D images produced non-destructively by an X-ray CT scanner at three different times: (a) the initial state before incubation, (b) after summer incubation, and (c) after summer and winter incubation.The macroporosity of the aggregate clusters decreased after incubating the samples during summer and during summer and winter. The plant treatment curbed the decrease in porosity over time. The volume and surface area of the aggregate clusters increased with time irrespective of tillage and plant treatments. The sphericity decreased with time. The structure model index (SMI) was not sensitive to effects of time and treatments. This means that with time the aggregate clusters became less round and more elongated, but they kept a rough surface.The 3D CT scanner image analysis based on quantification of morphometric parameters has the potential to provide new fundamental insight into soil aggregate formation and the effect of different treatments despite the limitations of its spatial resolution. In our study, time was the most important factor affecting the changes in aggregate shape and structure. Contrary to what we had expected, there was no significant effect of seven years of different tillage treatments on the measured parameters at any time of measurement. The segmentation method used to separate aggregate from air is of primary importance, particularly when it comes to the quantification of aggregate morphometric parameters.

A comprehensive approach to the investigation of atmospheric particulate PM2.5: Preliminary results

Understanding the health effects induced in humans by the inhalation of air particulate matter requires first that airborne particles be characterized in detail. Aiming at elucidating some prominent mechanisms and processes involved in the atmospheric environment - human organism interaction, a comprehensive approach was adopted to thoroughly investigate PM 2.5 from a mineralogical, chemical and chemical-physical point of view. In the present study, two summer and winter samplings collected from the Rome urban area were investigated by different techniques (SEM-EDS, XRD, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, TGA-DTA). Mineralogical and physical characterization gave important information on the prevalent phases (oxides, sulphates, silicates, carbonates, and abundant carbonaceous particles hosting metals) contained into the material under study. The bulk chemical composition evidenced the presence of heavy metals, in particular As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn. Consequently, in order to verify the potential mobility of such heavy metals, batch kinetic leaching tests were carried out by using a physiological solution mimicking the lung environment and samples were collected from the solution at different times of treatment. Among the metals contained into the particulate, a leaching trend was observed mainly for Pb, Cd and Cu, with Cd resulting the most mobile metal, whereas no Fe release was observed. The leaching solution mimicking the human intrapulmonary fluid will be exploited for future toxicological tests in cellular models, in order to assess the potentially harmful role of the above metals in biological systems .

Functionalization of graphene and few-layer graphene with aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid

In the present study, conditions suitable for efficient modification of graphene and few-layer graphene (FLG) films with aqueous solutions of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and for local protection of the graphene against such modification in isopropyl alcohol were identified. A combination of the two treatments gives one a key to nanodesign of graphene-based 2D devices. It was found that a few-minute treatment of graphene or FLG in HF aqueous solutions (∼1min for graphene and ∼5min for FLG films about 5nm thick) leads to strong changes in the structural and electrical properties of graphene involving a step-like increase in resistivity (up to 1011Ω/□). Two types of materials were obtained after different times of treatment: (i) promising for electronic applications of the material due to a combination of high carrier mobility, high conductivity, and strong current modulation by gate voltage (up to four orders of magnitude); (ii) a material with insulating properties and graphene quantum dots embedded in an insulating matrix.