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There is evidence that exposure to passive smoke is associated with an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Indeed, cigarette smoke extracts may interfere with the immune system, even though the precise mechanism has not been fully understood yet. Recurrent respiratory infections may be sustained by a defective immune response. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether, in a cohort of children presenting both with recurrent respiratory infections and with a history of exposure to tobacco smoke, these factors were related to a lower local production of interferon- (IFN-) when compared to a similar non-exposed population. The study group included 128 children undergoing adenoidectomy, presenting with more than three respiratory infections per year, independently of exposure to passive smoke at home. The intracellular cytokine profile of lymphocyte subsets in adenoids was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. Children exposed to tobacco smoke suffered from a significantly greater number of respiratory infections and had a lower percentage of IFN-–producing CD8 cells in adenoids than non-exposed children, while other T-cell subsets were not affected. The effect of smoke exposure seems to be specific to the IFN-–producing CD8 cells in adenoids and may contribute to the increased susceptibility to the recurrence of respiratory infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Mesenchymal stromal cell derived-extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are considered an alter-native approach to cell therapies. They are derived from in vitro starved cells, and we demon-strated that they maintain their functional properties. For this reason, we support the idea that MSCs after starvation, otherwise discarded, could be collected and used as therapeutic agents. It has been demonstrated that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) act by releasing bioactive molecules, among these are extracellular vesicles (EVs). The MSC-EVs are considered a convenient alternative to cell therapy, showing several functional characteristics of their origin cells. EVs can be collected from conditioned in vitro cultured MSCs. Different processes have been developed to induce in vitro EV release, and these approaches have been demonstrated to also influence MSC potentialities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of serum starvation on MSC characteristics. The morphology, phenotype, differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory ability, and metabolic state were maintained by MSCs cultured under starvation. To evaluate basic ultrastructural characteristics of cells and EVs, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis was performed on MSCs after 12, 24, and 48 h starvation, demonstrating that 24 h starvation was the best time for MSC structure preservation. Further studies are needed to support the hypothesis that MSCs after starvation could still be considered as therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annali di Storia delle Università Italiane is the property of CISUI: Centro Interuniversitario per la Storia delle Universita Italiane and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

(1) Background: Numerous elements of the Mediterranean diet (MD) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. (2) Methods: We present a narrative review of the potential benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MD) in mitigating aging-related inflammation (inflamm-aging) associated with childhood obesity. The mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation in obesity are also discussed. A total of 130 papers were included after screening abstracts and full texts. (3) Results: A complex interplay between obesity, chronic inflammation, and related comorbidities is documented. The MD emerges as a promising dietary pattern for mitigating inflammation. Studies suggest that the MD may contribute to weight control, improved lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with obesity. (4) Conclusions: While evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of the MD in pediatric obesity is still evolving, the existing literature underscores its potential as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. However, MD adherence remains low among children and adolescents, necessitating targeted interventions to promote healthier dietary habits. Future high-quality intervention studies are necessary to elucidate the specific impact of the MD on inflammation in diverse pediatric populations with obesity and associated comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CLAD (Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction) remains a serious complication following lung transplantation. Some evidence shows that portions of Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP)-treated patients improve/stabilize their graft function. In spite of that, data concerning molecular mechanisms are still lacking. Aims of our study were to assess whether ECP effects are mediated by Mononuclear Cells (MNCs) modulation in term of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression and growth factors release. Methods: Cells from leukapheresis of 16 CLAD patients, at time 0 and 6-months (10 cycles), were cultured for 48h ± PHA (10 ug/ml) or LPS (2 ug/ml). Expression levels of miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-31-5p, miR181a-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-16-5p and miR-23b-5p in MNCs-exosomes were evaluated by qRT-PCR, while ELISA assessed different growth factors levels on culture supernatants. Results: Our result showed miR-142-3p down-regulation (p = 0.02) in MNCs of ECP-patients after the 10 cycles and after LPS stimulation (p = 0.005). We also find miR-146a-5p up-regulation in cells after the 10 cycles stimulated with LPS (p = 0.03). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels significantly decreased in MNCs supernatant (p = 0.04). The effect of ECP is translated into frequency changes of Dendritic Cell (DC) subpopulations and a slight increase in T regulatory cells (Treg) number and a significant decrease in CTGF release. Conclusions: ECP might affect regulatory T cell functions, since both miR-142 and miR-146a have been shown to be involved in the regulation of suppressor regulatory T cell functions and DCs. On the other side ECP, possibly by regulating macrophage activation, is able to significantly down modulate CTGF release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously published that in patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) at the onset (T0) colony forming unit-fibroblasts (CFU-Fs) are present in in vitro cultures from PB. Herein, we characterize these CFU-Fs and investigate their potential role in IH pathogenesis, before and after propranolol therapy. The CFU-F phenotype (by flow cytometry), their differentiation capacity and ability to support angiogenesis (by in vitro cultures) and their gene expression (by RT-PCR) were evaluated. We found that CFU-Fs are actual circulating MSCs (cMSCs). In patients at T0, cMSCs had reduced adipogenic potential, supported the formation of tube-like structures in vitro and showed either inflammatory (IL1β and ESM1) or angiogenic (F3) gene expression higher than that of cMSCs from CTRLs. In patients receiving one-year propranolol therapy, the cMSC differentiation in adipocytes improved, while their support in in vitro tube-like formation was lost; no difference was found between patient and CTRL cMSC gene expressions. In conclusion, in patients with IH at T0 the cMSC reduced adipogenic potential, their support in angiogenic activity and the inflammatory/angiogenic gene expression may fuel the tumor growth. One-year propranolol therapy modifies this picture, suggesting cMSCs as one of the drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study about the dielectric constant er, dielectric loss tangent tan g(d) and effective electrical conductivity se of graphene, graphite and graphene-bakelite combination using the resonant cavity method. For this purpose, cylindrical samples with diameter of 30 mm and thickness of 4.5 mm were analyzed taking into account the central frequency f0 = 3.5 GHz, according to 5G technology standards. The constants εr and tan g(δ) were obtained from the resonance frequency fa of measured scattering parameters (S-parameters), when the cavity was loaded with the samples. An empirical equation was developed to model the relation between fa and εr. With this empirical equation it was found εr = 9.3203 and tan g(δ) = 0.7000 for graphene and εr = 17.1508 and tan g(δ) = 0.2700 for graphite. The addition of bakelite in combination with graphene allowed controlling the dielectric properties of these composites. The results, obtained in this macroscale characterization, are interesting for Telecommunications Engineering, especially in the development of radiation-absorbent material, which is suitable for mitigation of interference between different wireless communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to the efforts of our reviewers in 2022, the median time to first decision was 15 days and the median time to publication was 38 days. I Materials i was able to uphold its high standards for published papers due to the outstanding efforts of our reviewers. Regardless of whether the articles they examined were ultimately published, the editors would like to express their appreciation and thank the following reviewers for the time and dedication that they have shown I Materials i :; ht Footnotes 1 B Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: b The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). [Extracted from the article]

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a new therapeutic strategy to treat congenital and acquired respiratory system diseases. We describe a case report of an 18-month-old male patient with progressive chronic respiratory failure, associated with mutations of the surfactant protein C gene (SFTPC) due to c.289G > T variant p.Gly97Ser (rs927644577) and c.176A > G variant (p.His59Arg), submitted to repeated intravenous infusions of allogeneic bone marrow (BM) MSCs. The clinical condition of the patient was monitored. Immunologic studies before and during MSC treatment were performed. No adverse events related to the MSC infusions were recorded. Throughout the MSC treatment period, the patient showed a growth recovery. Starting the second infusion, the patient experienced an improvement in his respiratory condition, with progressive adaptation to mechanical ventilation. After the third infusion, five hours/die of spontaneous breathing was shown, and after infusion IV, spontaneous ventilation for 24/24 h was recorded. A gradual decrease of lymphocytes and cell subpopulations was observed. No variations in the in vitro T cell response to PHA were determined by MSC treatment as well as for the in vitro B cell response. A decrease in IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels was also detected. Even though we cannot exclude an improvement of pulmonary function due to the physiological maturation, the well-known action of MSCs in the repair of lung tissue, together with the sequence of events observed in our patient, may support the therapeutic role of MSCs in this clinical condition. However, further investigations are necessary to confirm the result and long-term follow-up will be mandatory to confirm the benefits on the pulmonary condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new organ-conditioning strategy based on mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs)/extracellular vesicle (EVs) delivery during hypothermic perfusion. MSCs/EVs marker CD73 is present on renal proximal tubular cells, and it protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by converting adenosine monophosphate into adenosine (ADO). In this study, after checking if CD73-silenced EVs (EVsi) would impact in vitro tubular-cell proliferation, we perfused kidneys of a rat model of donation after circulatory death, with Belzer solution (BS) alone, BS supplemented with MSCs, EVs, or EVsi. The ADO and ATP levels were measured in the effluents and tissues. Global renal ischemic damage score (GRS), and tubular cell proliferation index (IPT) were evaluated in the tissue. EVsi did not induce cell proliferation in vitro. Ex vivo kidneys perfused with BS or BS + EVsi showed the worst GRS and higher effluent ADO levels than the MSC- and EV-perfused kidneys. In the EV-perfused kidneys, the tissue and effluent ATP levels and IPT were the highest, but not if CD73 was silenced. Tissue ATP content was positively correlated with tissue ADO content and negatively correlated with effluent ADO level in all groups. In conclusion, kidney conditioning with EVs protects against ischemic damage by activating the CD73/ADO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on formulating liposomes to be used in isolated kidney dynamic machine perfusion in hypothermic conditions as drug delivery systems to improve preservation of transplantable organs. The need mainly arises from use of kidneys from marginal donors for transplantation that are more exposed to ischemic/reperfusion injury compared to those from standard donors. Two liposome preparation techniques, thin film hydration and microfluidic techniques, are explored for formulating liposomes loaded with two model proteins, myoglobin and bovine serum albumin. The protein-loaded liposomes are characterized for their size by DLS and morphology by TEM. Protein releases from the liposomes are tested in PERF-GEN perfusion fluid, 4 °C, and compared to the in vitro protein release in PBS, 37 °C. Fluorescent liposome uptake is analyzed by fluorescent microscope in vitro on epithelial tubular renal cell cultures and ex vivo on isolated pig kidney in hypothermic perfusion conditions. The results show that microfluidics are a superior technique for obtaining reproducible spherical liposomes with suitable size below 200 nm. Protein encapsulation efficiency is affected by its molecular weight and isoelectric point. Lowering incubation temperature slows down the proteins release; the perfusion fluid significantly affects the release of proteins sensitive to ionic media (such as BSA). Liposomes are taken up by epithelial tubular renal cells in two hours' incubation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase shift interferometry (PSI) derived from interference technique as greater surface characterization technique based on the interference information recorded during a controlled phase shift. This research shows the development of micro/nano structures using phase shift interferometry. (PSI) is the process of developing the complex pattern structure using variable phase angle between two or more beams aligned to obtain functional aperiodic arrays. We have designed and modelled the PSI and simulated through MATLAB in 2D and 3D pattern structures. The PSI was performed in two process analysis. First, without PSI referring normal interference technique. Second, with PSI referring position of laser beams in quadrant-based alignment. The obtained results show the minimum feature structure was measured as 12 nm. This feature size developed under phase shift interferometry (PSI) produces minimum feature size compared to the existing interferometry technique. This study gives the promising increased fabrication area could develop large area arrays structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay analyses the previously unexplored protocol of the notary Angelo degli Atti da Todi, which contains 141 new sources on the history of Rome – City and Curia – during the pontificate of Martin V and the early pontificate of Eugenius IV. After an overview of notarial research on early Renaissance Rome, it presents Angelo degli Atti's career and cultural profile, based partly on his will, found in a legal dispute over inheritance with the Florentine Alberti family. Possibilities for analysing the protocol are then discussed. For the first time, this protocol provides insights into the jurisdiction of the Camera Apostolica in the period mentioned and expands our knowledge of the actors and transactions of the Papal Finance at the Curia of Martin V, especially as regards the Florentine merchant bankers, and above all the Alberti and Boscoli. The protocol also contains a wide range of sources on the history of Rome, including its art history and the maritime economy in which the city was involved. The entire protocol is made accessible by regesta including an index of persons and places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the book "Perpetue appendici e codicilli alle leggi italiane. Le circolari ministeriali, il potere regolamentare e la politica del diritto in Italia tra Otto e Novecento", by Floriana Colao, Luigi Lacché, Claudia Storti, Chiara Valsecchi.

In the original article Chiara Valsecchi's last name was spelled incorrectly. It is correct as reflected here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review. Thanks to the efforts of our reviewers in 2022, the median time to first decision was 17 days and the median time to publication was 42 days. I Solids i was able to uphold its high standards for published papers due to the outstanding efforts of our reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is classified according to bowel habits as IBS with constipation (IBS‐C), with diarrhea (IBS‐D), with alternating constipation and diarrhea (IBS‐M), and unsubtyped (IBS‐U). The mechanisms leading to the different IBS forms are mostly unknown. This study aims to evaluate whether specific fecal bacterial taxa and/or short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can be used to distinguish IBS subtypes and are relevant for explaining the clinical differences between IBS subcategories. We characterized five fecal samples collected at 4‐weeks intervals from 40 IBS patients by 16S rRNA gene profiling and SCFA quantification. Finally, we investigated the potential correlations in IBS subtypes between the fecal microbial signatures and host physiological and clinical parameters. We found significant differences in the distribution of Clostridiales OTUs among IBS subtypes and reduced levels of SCFAs in IBS‐C compared to IBS‐U and IBS‐D patients. Correlation analyses showed that the diverse representation of Clostridiales OTUs between IBS subtypes was associated with altered levels of SCFAs; furthermore, the same OTUs and SCFAs were associated with the fecal cytokine levels and stool consistency. Our results suggest that intestinal Clostridiales and SCFAs might serve as potential mechanistic biomarkers of IBS subtypes and represent therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chronica Mundi is the property of Chronica Mundi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is well known that the macroscopic physico-chemical properties of ionic liquids (ILs) are influenced by the presence of water that strongly interferes with the supramolecular organization of these fluids. However, little is known about the function of water traces within this confined space and restricted ionic environments, i.e. between cations and anions. Using specially designed ILs namely 1,2,3-trimethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium imidazol-1-ide (MMMI·Im) and 3-n-butyl-1,2-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium imidazol-1-ide (BMMI·Im), the structure and function of water have been determined in condensed, solution and gas phases by X-ray diffraction studies, NMR, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and DFT calculations. In the solid state the water molecule is trapped inside the ionic network (constituted of contact ion pairs formed by π+–π− interaction) through strong H-bonds involving the water hydrogens and the nitrogens of two imidazolate anions forming a guest@host supramolecular structure. A similar structural arrangement was corroborated by DFT calculations and MDS. The presence of a guest@host species (H2O@ILpair) is maintained to a great extent even in solution as detected by 1H–1H NOESY-experiments of the ILs dissolved in solvents with low and high dielectric constants. This confined water catalyses the H/D exchange with other substrates containing acidic-H such as chloroform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current scientific research is continuously aiming at identifying new therapeutic targets with the purpose of modifying the immune response to allergens. The evolution in immunological methods has led to the identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE) as both a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis. Allergen immunotherapy has been used for more than 100 years to treat allergic diseases and it is today considered the only disease-modifying treatment capable of inducing a long-lasting immunological and clinical tolerance toward the causal allergen. During the past 20 years, major advances have been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergen tolerance in humans. Moreover, there has been considerable progress in allergen extract modifications and additions to standard extracts. The recognition that IgE plays a pivotal role in basic regulatory mechanisms of allergic inflammation has recently stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of directly targeting this antibody. Omalizumab, the most advanced humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is currently approved for the treatment of uncontrolled allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Interesting results also arise from studies in which omalizumab was administered in patients with allergic rhinitis. The aim of this review is to provide an update on current findings on immunological and clinical effects of allergen immunotherapy and anti-IgE therapy, which have been shown to have synergistic modes of action for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Annali di Storia delle Università Italiane is the property of CISUI: Centro Interuniversitario per la Storia delle Universita Italiane and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Developments marking the period encompassing the origins of the Universities of Perugia and Siena from the thirteenth century to the mid fourteenth century are outlined here, highlighting both analogies and differences between the two histories and providing certain specifics in the light of more recent studies and publications from relative sources, particularly regarding the University of Perugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scholarly studies touch on historical and juridical aspects of the consilia (juridical opinions) and pleas of the late Medieval and Renaissance period. At the same time the bulk of the extant consilia and collections of consilia (libri consiliorum and consilia diversorum) preserved in archives and in manuscript libraries are still waiting to be inventoried or digitalized. Even in their intrinsic complexity, through an accurate description it is possible to distinguish originals from copies and identify in this way the handwriting of many jurists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Italian Studies is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses various presentations made at a conference held to observe the 150th anniversary of the annexation of the Kingdom of Italy, from 1866 to 2016, held at the University of Padua, Italy on November 23, 2016. Topics discussed at the event included the history of the Habsburg Empire to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866; the relationship between Catholics and Liberals after the annexation; and secularization introduced by the Kingdom of Italy.

The article presents a bibliography related to the issues published since 2003 which had not been mentioned in the "Annali"s previous issues, including "L’esperienza di Sociologia prima e dopo il Sessantotto, in L’Università a Trento", by Marco Boato, "A Trento ho imparato molte cose", by Norberto Bobbio, and "Universita e Spirito Pubblico", by Diego Quaglioni.

In July 1702, Johann Franz Buddeus chaired a disputation with the title, "A Political Question: Whether Alchemists Should Be Tolerated in the Republic," in the wake of the reported transmutational success of Johann Friedrich Böttger just a few months earlier. This paper begins with this context, and then examines Buddeus's thesis, analyses its elemental notions, elaborates the major themes that underlay his thesis, and reviews the contemporary responses to this thesis. It also investigates a vast body of literature that constituted Buddeus's sources, and surveys five kinds of publications that characterised the early modern scholarship on alchemy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces articles published in the Marc 2002 issue of the periodical "Jewish History." Role of widowed mothers as guardians of their fatherless children; Jewish custom and practice; Transmission of wealth by Jews through last wills.

Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is caused by misfolded light chains produced by a small B cell clone. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been reported to affect plasma cell behavior. We aimed to characterize bone marrow (BM)-MSCs from AL patients, considering functional aspects, such as proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacities. MSCs were in vitro expanded from the BM of 57 AL patients and 14 healthy donors (HDs). MSC surface markers were analyzed by flow cytometry, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacities were in vitro evaluated, and co-culture experiments were performed in order to investigate MSC immunomodulatory properties towards the ALMC-2 cell line and HD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). AL-MSCs were comparable to HD-MSCs for morphology, immune-phenotype, and differentiation capacities. AL-MSCs showed a reduced proliferation rate, entering senescence at earlier passages than HD-MSCs. The AL-MSC modulatory effect on the plasma-cell line or circulating plasma cells was comparable to that of HD-MSCs. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing a comprehensive characterization of AL-MSCs. It remains to be defined if the observed abnormalities are the consequence of or are involved in the disease pathogenesis. BM microenvironment components in AL may represent the targets for the prevention/treatment of the disease in personalized therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, the secreting activity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) has been widely investigated, due to its possible therapeutic role. In fact, MSCs release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing relevant biomolecules such as mRNAs, microRNAs, bioactive lipids, and signaling receptors, able to restore physiological conditions where regenerative or anti-inflammatory actions are needed. An actual advantage would come from the therapeutic use of EVs with respect to MSCs, avoiding the possible immune rejection, the lung entrapment, improving the safety, and allowing the crossing of biological barriers. A number of concerns still have to be solved regarding the mechanisms determining the beneficial effect of MSC-EVs, the possible alteration of their properties as a consequence of the isolation/purification methods, and/or the best approach for a large-scale production for clinical use. Most of the preclinical studies have been successful, reporting for MSC-EVs a protecting role in acute kidney injury following ischemia reperfusion, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects by reducing disease associated inflammation and fibrosis in lung and liver, and the modulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses in graft versus host disease (GVHD) as well as autoimmune diseases. However, the translation of MSC-EVs to the clinical stage is still at the initial phase. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic potential of an acellular product such as MSC derived EVs (MSC-EVs) in acute and chronic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]