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Simple Summary: Alterations of the composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to increased stiffness, is known to condition development, invasiveness and severity of neoplasms. In this study, we report increased lymph node (LN) stiffness in human lymphomas, measured by LN elastometry or by computerized imaging of bioptic specimens. Stiffness matched to lymphoma histotype and grading. The enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is involved in the rise of collagen cross-linking in Hodgkin lymphomas, while altered architecture, shown by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy is involved in advanced follicular lymphomas. Based on these data, digital pathology may help in the staging of lymphomas, and lysyl oxidase may represent a target for therapy in Hodgkin lymphomas. Purpose: The biochemical composition and architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is known to condition development and invasiveness of neoplasms. To clarify this point, we analyzed ECM stiffness, collagen cross-linking and anisotropy in lymph nodes (LN) of Hodgkin lymphomas (HL), follicular lymphomas (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), compared with non-neoplastic LN (LDN). Methods and Results: We found increased elastic (Young's) modulus in HL and advanced FL (grade 3A) over LDN, FL grade 1–2 and DLBCL. Digital imaging evidenced larger stromal areas in HL, where increased collagen cross-linking was found; in turn, architectural modifications were documented in FL3A by scanning electron microscopy and enhanced anisotropy by polarized light microscopy. Interestingly, HL expressed high levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX), an enzyme responsible for collagen cross-linking. Using gelatin scaffolds fabricated with a low elastic modulus, comparable to that of non-neoplastic tissues, we demonstrated that HL LN-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and HL cells increased the Young's modulus of the extracellular microenvironment through the expression of LOX. Indeed, LOX inhibition by β-aminopropionitrile prevented the gelatin stiffness increase. Conclusions: These data indicate that different mechanical, topographical and/or architectural modifications of ECM are detectable in human lymphomas and are related to their histotype and grading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry feathers are among the most abundant and polluting keratin-rich waste biomasses. In this work, we developed a one-pot microwave-assisted process for eco-friendly keratin extraction from poultry feathers followed by a direct electrospinning (ES) of the raw extract, without further purification, to obtain keratin-based bioplastics. This microwave-assisted keratin extraction (MAE) was conducted in acetic acid 70% v/v. The effects of extraction time, solvent/feathers ratio, and heating mode (MAE vs. conventional heating) on the extraction yield were investigated. The highest keratin yield (26 ± 1% w/w with respect to initial feathers) was obtained after 5 h of MAE. Waste-derived keratin were blended with gelatin to fabricate keratin-based biodegradable and biocompatible bioplastics via ES, using 3-(Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a cross-linking agent. A full characterization of their thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties was performed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, uniaxial tensile tests, and water permeability measurements. Their morphology and protein structure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy. All these characterizations highlighted that the properties of the keratin-based bioplastics can be modulated by changing keratin and GPTMS concentrations. These bioplastics could be applied in areas such as bio-packaging and filtration/purification membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides its use in the brewing industry, hop cones appear as a powerful source of biologically active compounds, already checked for their putative anticancer, antimicrobial, and other bioactivities. Conversely, hop use in pest control remains to date under-investigated. Therefore, the biological activity of hop essential oil (EO) and its main constituents was investigated here against Sitophilus granarius. Adult contact toxicity was found 24 h after treatment with hop EO (LD50/LD90 13.30/40.23 µg/adult), and its three most abundant components, α-humulene, β-myrcene, and β-caryophyllene (LD50/LD90 41.87/73.51, 75.91/126.05, and 138.51/241.27 µg/adult, respectively); negligible variations at 48 h, except for α-humulene (LD50/LD90 26.83/49.49 µg/adult), were found. The fumigant toxicity of the EO and terpenes was also checked: in the absence of wheat grains, β-myrcene showed the highest inhalation toxicity (LC50/LC90 72.78/116.92 mg/L air), whereas α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, and the EO induced similar values (LC50/LC90 about 130/200 mg/L air); with the exception for EO, the wheat presence increased (30–50%) LC50/LC90 values. Moreover, EO and terpenes were perceived by insect antennae and elicited repellent activity. Only β-caryophyllene showed an anticholinesterase effect, this suggesting that different mechanisms of action should be responsible for hop EO toxicity. Therefore, hop EO appears suitable for developing control means against this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]