A 3D “In Vitro” Model to Study Hyaluronan Effect in Nasal Epithelial Cell Line Exposed to Double-Stranded RNA Poly(I:C)

( Giusy Daniela Albano ),( Anna Bonanno ),( Daniela Giacomazza ),( Luca Cavalieri ),( Martina Sammarco ),( Eleonora Ingrassia ),( Rosalia Gagliardo ),( Loredana Riccobono ),( Monica Moscato ),( Giulia 한국응용약물학회 2020 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.28 No.3

Environmental agents, including viral and bacterial infectious agents, are involved in the alteration of physicochemical and biological parameters in the nasal epithelium. Hyaluronan (HA) has an important role in the regulation of tissue healing properties. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) shows greater anti-inflammatory responses than medium molecular weight HA (MMW-HA) and low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA). We investigated the effect of HMW-HA, MMW-HA and LMW-HA on the regulation of physicochemical and biological parameters in an “in vitro” model that might mimic viral infections of the nasal epithelium. Human nasal epithelial cell line RPMI2650 was stimulated with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) Poly(I:C) for 5 days in air-liquid-interface (ALI) culture (3D model of airway tissue). dsRNA Poly(I:C) treatment significantly decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in the stratified nasal epithelium of RPMI2650 and increased pH values, rheological parameters (elastic G’ and viscous G’’), and Muc5AC and Muc5B production in the apical wash of ALI culture of RPMI2650 in comparison to untreated cells. RPMI2650 treated with dsRNA Poly(I:C) in the presence of HMW-HA showed lower pH values, Muc5AC and Muc5B production, and rheological parameters, as well as increased TEER values in ALI culture, compared to cells treated with Poly(I:C) alone or pretreated with LMW-HA and MMW-HA. Our 3D “in vitro” model of epithelium suggests that HMW-HA might be a coadjuvant in the pharmacological treatment of viral infections, allowing for the control of some physicochemical and biological properties affecting the epithelial barrier of the nose during infection.

Comparison of TiO₂ and ZnO catalysts for heterogenous photocatalytic removal of vancomycin B

Lofrano, Giusy,Ozkal, Can Burak,Carotenuto, Maurizio,Meric, Sureyya Techno-Press 2018 Advances in environmental research Vol.7 No.3

Continuous input into the aquatic ecosystem and persistent structures have created concern of antibiotics, primarily due to the potential for the development of antimicrobial resistance. Degradation kinetics and mineralization of vancomycin B (VAN-B) by photocatalysis using $TiO_2$ and ZnO nanoparticles was monitored at natural pH conditions. Photocatalysis (PC) efficiency was followed by means of UV absorbance, total organic carbon (TOC), and HPLC results to better monitor degradation of VAN-B itself. Experiments were run for two initial VAN-B concentrations ($20-50mgL^{-1}$) and using two catalysts $TiO_2$ and ZnO at different concentrations (0.1 and $0.5gL^{-1}$) in a multi-lamp batch reactor system (200 mL water volume). Furthermore, a set of toxicity tests with Daphnia magna was performed to evaluate the potential toxicity of oxidation by-products of VAN-B. Formation of intermediates such as chlorides and nitrates were monitored. A rapid VAN-B degradation was observed in ZnO-PC system (85% to 70% at 10 min), while total mineralization was observed to be relatively slower than $TiO_2-PC$ system (59% to 73% at 90 min). Treatment efficiency and mechanism of degradation directly affected the rate of transformation and by-products formation that gave rise to toxicity in the treated samples.

Electrospinning of core-sheath liquid crystal-polymer fibers

라거발,Giusy Scalia 한국고분자학회 2011 한국고분자학회 학술대회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.2011 No.2

IL-17A-associated IKK-α signaling induced TSLP production in epithelial cells of COPDpatients

Giulia Anzalone,Giusy Daniela Albano,Angela Marina Montalbano,Loredana Riccobono,Anna Bonanno,Rosalia Gagliardo,Fabio Bucchieri,Roberto Marchese,Monica Moscato,Mirella Profita 생화학분자생물학회 2018 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.50 No.-

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a cytokine expressed in the epithelium, involved in the pathogenesis of chronic disease. IL-17A regulates airway inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduction of steroid sensitivity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). TSLP and IL-17A were measured in induced sputum supernatants (ISs) from healthy controls (HC), healthy smokers (HS), and COPD patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE) and normal bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with rhIL-17A or ISs from COPD patients to evaluate TSLP protein and mRNA expression. The effects of the depletion of IL-17A in ISs, an anticholinergic drug, and the silencing of inhibitor kappa kinase alpha (IKKα) on TSLP production were evaluated in 16HBE cells. Coimmunoprecipitation of acetyl-histone H3(Lys14)/IKKα was evaluated in 16HBE cells treated with rhIL- 17A and in the presence of the drug. TSLP and IL-17A levels were higher in ISs from COPD patients and HS compared with HC. TSLP protein and mRNA increased in 16HBE cells and in normal bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with ISs from COPD patients compared with ISs from HC and untreated cells. IKKα silencing reduced TSLP production in 16HBE cells stimulated with rhIL-17A and ISs from COPD patients. RhIL-17A increased the IKKα/acetyl-histone H3 immunoprecipitation in 16HBE cells. The anticholinergic drug affects TSLP protein and mRNA levels in bronchial epithelial cells treated with rhIL-17A or with ISs from COPD patients, and IKKα mediated acetyl-histone H3(Lys14). IL-17A/IKKα signaling induced the mechanism of chromatin remodeling associated with acetyl-histone H3(Lys14) and TSLP production in bronchial epithelial cells. Anticholinergic drugs might target TSLP derived from epithelial cells during the treatment of COPD.

Biocatalysis and Bioprocess Engineering : Physiological Effects of GLT1 Modulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Growing on Different Nitrogen Sources

( Marco Brambilla ),( Giusy Manuela Adamo ),( Gianni Frascotti ),( Danilo Porro ),( Paola Branduardi ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.2

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most employed cell factories for the production of bioproducts. Although monomeric hexose sugars constitute the preferential carbon source, this yeast can grow on a wide variety of nitrogen sources that are catabolized through central nitrogen metabolism (CNM). To evaluate the effects of internal perturbations on nitrogen utilization, we characterized strains deleted or overexpressed in GLT1, encoding for one of the key enzymes of the CNM node, the glutamate synthase. These strains, together with the parental strain as control, have been cultivated in minimal medium formulated with ammonium sulfate, glutamate, or glutamine as nitrogen source. Growth kinetics, together with the determination of protein content, viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation at the single cell level, revealed that GLT1 modulations do not significantly influence the cellular physiology, whereas the nitrogen source does. As important exceptions, GLT1 deletion negatively affected the scavenging activity of glutamate against ROS accumulation, when cells were treated with H2O2, whereas Glt1p overproduction led to lower viability in glutamine medium. Overall, this confirms the robustness of the CNM node against internal perturbations, but, at the same time, highlights its plasticity in respect to the environment. Considering that side-stream protein-rich waste materials are emerging as substrates to be used in an integrated biorefinery, these results underline the importance of preliminarily evaluating the best nitrogen source not only for media formulation, but also for the overall economics of the process.

A new era for liquid crystal research: Applications of liquid crystals in soft matter nano-, bio- and microtechnology

Jan Lagerwall,Giusy Scalia 한국물리학회 2012 Current Applied Physics Vol.12 No.6

Liquid crystals constitute a fascinating class of soft condensed matter characterized by the counterintuitive combination of fluidity and long-range order. Today they are best known for their exceptionally successful application in flat panel displays, but they actually exhibit a plethora of unique and attractive properties that offer tremendous potential for fundamental science as well as innovative applications well beyond the realm of displays. Today this full breadth of the liquid crystalline state of matter is becoming increasingly recognized and numerous new and exciting lines of research are being opened up. We review this exciting development, focusing primarily on the physics aspects of the new research thrusts, in which liquid crystals e thermotropic as well as lyotropic e often meet other types of soft matter, such as polymers and colloidal nano- or microparticle dispersions. Because the field is of large interest also for researchers without a liquid crystal background we begin with a concise introduction to the liquid crystalline state of matter and the key concepts of the research field. We then discuss a selection of promising new directions, starting with liquid crystals for organic electronics, followed by nanotemplating and nanoparticle organization using liquid crystals, liquid crystal colloids (where the liquid crystal can constitute either the continuous phase or the disperse phase, as droplets or shells) and their potential in e.g. photonics and metamaterials, liquid crystal-functionalized polymer fibers, liquid crystal elastomer actuators, ending with a brief overview of activities focusing on liquid crystals in biology, food science and pharmacology.

On the effect of carbon nanotubes on properties of liquid crystals

Schymura, Stefan,Scalia, Giusy Royal Society 2013 Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical Vol.371 No.1988

<P>Liquid crystals (LCs), with their fluidity and self-organization, are attractive hosts for the dispersion and manipulation of macro- and nanoparticles, allowing the realization of their ordered assemblies. In addition, new functional materials can be created owing to the particle properties. Among the nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stand out for their exceptional electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. While LCs can be used for manipulating CNTs, the nanotube properties are attractive also for influencing and tuning LC properties. In this paper, we discuss different aspects of the CNT–LC combination, briefly introducing their dispersion and interaction and then, more extensively, evaluating the CNT effect on selected properties of LCs relevant to display-related applications. We show that some previously reported improvements cannot be considered an intrinsic feature of CNT-doped LCs. In addition, we are also able to follow locally the Frederiks transition of CNT-doped LCs by Raman spectroscopy, revealing the direct effect of bundles of CNTs on LC reorientation.</P>

L’Etat du monde et du cinéma européen à la veille de l'explosion des Nouvelles Vagues

CHO Hwarim(조화림),Giusy PISANO(주시 피자노) 프랑스문화예술학회 2013 프랑스문화예술연구 Vol.46 No.-

L’achèvement cinématographique de la théorie de Brecht à travers 〈Tout va bien〉

KIM Geon(김건),Giusy Pisano(주시 피자노) 프랑스문화예술학회 2013 프랑스문화예술연구 Vol.45 No.-

1968년 5월 혁명을 거치면서, 장-뤽 고다르는 상업영화 체제 내에서 행하던 기존의 영화적 관습과 가치를 거부하면서, 일종의 탐험가나 모험가처럼 혁신적인 영화적 실험을 시도한다. 그는 사회정치적 관점에서 영화의 본질이 무엇인지 자문하면서, 의사소통이나 재현의 방식을 바꾸고자 한다. 특히 스크린의 이미지와 관객 간의 비평적 관계에 새로운 형태를 부여하고자 한다. 또한 그는 철학적 사유의 도구처럼 영화를 다루기 시작하며, 영화적 사유의 주체인 관객의 능동적 역할을 요구한다. 따라서 본 논문은 브레히트의 이론을 영화적으로 완성시킨 〈만사형통〉을 통해 자본주의 체제 내에서의 영화제작의 문제와 브레히트적인 요소들을 분석하고자 한다. 특히 그는 브레히트의 ‘거리두기 효과’에 기반을 둔 영화적 장치를 활용하면서 관객의 능동성을 일깨운다. 그가 영화속에서 활용한 ‘블록구조화’, ‘영화 속의 영화’, ‘수평 트래킹의 사용’을 살펴보면서, 본 연구자들은 관객과의 새로운 의사소통의 구조와 색다른 시선을 검토하고자 한다. 결국 고다르 영화는 관객과 영화 간에 존재하는 관계를 재고찰하는 것이며, 정치영화를 제작하는 문제이다. 그는 정치적 실험의 대상으로 혹은 정치적 투쟁의 무기로써 영화를 활용하며, 노동계급에게 무기를 제공하는게 아니라 그것을 주조하고 활용하는 방식에 도움을 주고자 한다. 이처럼 상업적 시스템에서 벗어나 TV영화를 제작하던 고다르는 1972년에 〈만사형통〉으로 다시 상업영화 틀로 돌아오지만 자신만의 방식으로 정치영화를 선보이며, 관객의 ‘능동적 사유’를 촉구한다. 물론 영화 기술적 측면에서는 다소 미흡하지만 열린 결말을 선보이며 관객과의 소통에 역점을 두고 관객에게 ‘사유할 준비’를 시킨다.

Cyclic fatigue resistance, torsional resistance, and metallurgical characteristics of M3 Rotary and M3 Pro Gold NiTi files

Eugenio Pedullà,Fabio Lo Savio,Giusy Rita Maria La Rosa,Gabriele Miccoli,Elena Bruno,Silvia Rapisarda,장석우,Ernesto Rapisarda,Guido La Rosa,Gianluca Gambarini,Luca Testarelli 대한치과보존학회 2018 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.43 No.2

Objectives To evaluate the mechanical properties and metallurgical characteristics of the M3 Rotary and M3 Pro Gold files (United Dental). Materials and Methods One hundred and sixty new M3 Rotary and M3 Pro Gold files (sizes 20/0.04 and 25/0.04) were used. Torque and angle of rotation at failure (n = 20) were measured according to ISO 3630-1. Cyclic fatigue resistance was tested by measuring the number of cycles to failure in an artificial stainless steel canal (60° angle of curvature and a 5-mm radius). The metallurgical characteristics were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. Results Comparing the same size of the 2 different instruments, cyclic fatigue resistance was significantly higher in the M3 Pro Gold files than in the M3 Rotary files (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the files in the maximum torque load, while a significantly higher angular rotation to fracture was observed for M3 Pro Gold (p < 0.05). In the DSC analysis, the M3 Pro Gold files showed one prominent peak on the heating curve and 2 prominent peaks on the cooling curve. In contrast, the M3 Rotary files showed 1 small peak on the heating curve and 1 small peak on the cooling curve. Conclusions The M3 Pro Gold files showed greater flexibility and angular rotation than the M3 Rotary files, without decrement of their torque resistance. The superior flexibility of M3 Pro Gold files can be attributed to their martensite phase.