The role of type I IFN in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases with CNS involvement.

Type I interferons (IFNs) are major mediators of innate immunity, with well-known antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory properties. A growing body of evidence suggests the involvement of type I IFNs in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in the setting of chronic autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, while IFN-β has been for years, a well-established therapeutic modality for multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present review, we summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms of type I IFN production by CNS cellular populations as well as its local effects on the CNS.

Differentiating central nervous system demyelinating disorders: The role of clinical, laboratory, imaging characteristics and peripheral blood type I interferon activity.

While multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered the cornerstone of autoimmune demyelinating CNS disorders, systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are important MS mimickers. We sought to explore whether distinct clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics along with quantitation of peripheral blood type I interferon (IFN) activity could aid in differentiating between them. A total of 193 consecutive patients with imaging features suggesting the presence of CNS demyelinating disease with or without relevant clinical manifestations underwent full clinical, laboratory, and imaging evaluation, including testing for specific antibodies against 15 cellular antigens.

Subclinical atherosclerosis profiles in rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren's syndrome: the impact of BAFF genetic variations.

Objectives: RA and primary SS carry increased atherosclerotic risk, while B-cell activating factor holds a vital role in disease pathogenesis and atherosclerosis. We aimed to compare subclinical atherosclerosis profiles between the two clinical entities and define whether BAFF genetic variants alter atherosclerotic risk.

Methods: DNA from 166 RA, 148 primary SS patients and 200 healthy controls of similar age and sex distribution was subjected to PCR-based assay for the detection of five single nucleotide polymorphisms of the BAFF gene (rs1224141, rs12583006, rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs9514827).

Type I interferon signature in Sjögren's syndrome: pathophysiological and clinical implications.

Type I interferons (IFN) have long been recognised as mediators of innate immune defense mechanisms against viral threats. Robust evidence over the last 15 years revealed their significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Despite the progress, methods of detection, initial triggers, biological functions and clinical associations in the setting of autoimmunity remain to be fully clarified.

Valorization of Crude Glycerol, Residue Deriving from Biodiesel- Production Process, with the Use of Wild-type New Isolated Yarrowia lipolytica Strains: Production of Metabolites with Pharmaceutical and Biotechnological Interest.

Background & Objective: Crude glycerol (Glol), used as substrate for screening eleven natural Yarrowia lipolytica strains in shake-flask experiments. Aim of this study was to assess the ability of the screened strains to produce biomass (dry cell weight; X), lipid (L), citric acid (Cit), mannitol (Man), arabitol (Ara) and erythritol (Ery), compounds presenting pharmaceutical and biotechnological interest, in glycerol-based nitrogen-limited media, in which initial glycerol concentration had been adjusted to 40 g/L.

Methods: Citric acid may find use in biomedical engineering (i.

Production of Added-Value Chemical Compounds through Bioconversions of Olive-Mill Wastewaters Blended with Crude Glycerol by a Strain.

Olive mill wastewaters (OMW) are the major effluent deriving from olive oil production and are considered as one of the most challenging agro-industrial wastes to treat. Crude glycerol is the main by-product of alcoholic beverage and oleochemical production activities including biodiesel production. The tremendous quantities of glycerol produced worldwide represent a serious environmental challenge.

Impact of Dose Reductions, Delays Between Chemotherapy Cycles, and/or Shorter Courses of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage II and III Colorectal Cancer Patients: a Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Most stage II or III colorectal cancer patients are receiving nowadays a 4 to 6-month course of adjuvant chemotherapy. However, delays between cycles, reductions in the doses of chemotherapy drugs, or even permanent omissions of chemotherapy cycles might take place due to side effects or patient's preference. We examined the impact of these treatment modifications on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).