Rank-Rankl-Opg Axis in Multiple Sclerosis: The Contribution of Placenta

Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) can safely become pregnant and give birth, with no side effects or impediments. Pregnancy is generally accepted as a period of well-being in which relapses have a softer evolution, particularly in the third trimester. Herein, we hypothesized that the placenta, via its “secretome”, could contribute to the recognized beneficial effects of pregnancy on MS activity. We focused on a well-known receptor/ligand/decoy receptor system, such as the one composed by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK), its ligand (RANKL), and the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), which have never been investigated in an integrated way in MS, pregnancy, and placenta. We reported that pregnancy at the term of gestation influences the balance between circulating RANKL and its endogenous inhibitor OPG in MS women. We demonstrated that the placenta at term is an invaluable source of homodimeric OPG. By functional studies on astrocytes, we showed that placental OPG suppresses the mRNA expression of the CCL20, a chem-okine responsible for Th17 cell recruitment. We propose placental OPG as a crucial molecule for the recognized beneficial effect of late pregnancy on MS and its potential utility for the development of new and more effective therapeutic approaches

Analytical chemistry approach in cultural heritage: the case of Vincenzo Pasqualoni's wall paintings in S. Nicola in Carcere (Rome)

An analytical approach applied to Vincenzo Pasqualoni's wall paintings in the apse of S. Nicola in Carcere (Rome) is described in this work. The diagnostic campaign was guided following the indications of the restorers, which were supported over all the phases of the restoration, addressing the multi-analytical approach to identify the original pigments palette used by artist, the conservation state and the presence of consolidants materials, by using spectroscopic techniques supported by chemometric analyses. In particular, reflectance spectroscopy from ultraviolet to short wavelength infrared (UV-VIS-SWIR) combined with chemometric approach, X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the original pigments palette and execution techniques. In addition, original binders and synthetic compounds, used in previous restoration treatments, were detected by using Time Gated Laser Induced Fluorescence spectroscopy (TG-LIF) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The obtained results onto the case study of S. Nicola in Carcere is a proof of a synergic integration between scientific analytical methods and conservation/restoration approach, subject of high impact and interest in the field of Cultural Heritage. Specifically, through the application of the above-mentioned techniques it was possible to identify the palette used by the artist, mainly composed of inorganic pigments such as ochers, chrome green, cobalt blue, and others. About the binders used by the artist we deduce the use of fresco technique for the upper part of the apse, combined with the use of tempera for retouches. Finally, the presence of acrylic-based compounds used in previous restoration treatments was also documented

Considerations on the Subject of Food Security and Food Safety

Il lavoro analizza criticamente la nozione concettuale di sicurezza alimentare e le sue possibili implicazioni sotto il duplice profilo quantitativo (security) e qualitativo (safety), calandola in una dimensione non soltanto di diritti ma anche di doveri (sia dei poteri pubblici che dei cittadini/consumatori) e valutandone e verificandone le ricadute sul relativo strumentario di tutela e sulle possibili ulteriori coordinate e direttrici di sviluppo