314 research outputs found
SIRT3 Modulates Endothelial Mitochondrial Redox State during Insulin Resistance
Emerging evidence indicates that defects in sirtuin signaling contribute to impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, resulting in insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction. Here, we examined the effects of palmitic acid (PA) treatment on mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5) and oxidative homeostasis in human endothelial cells (TeloHAEC). Results showed that treatment for 48 h with PA (0.5 mM) impaired cell viability, induced loss of insulin signaling, imbalanced the oxidative status (p < 0.001), and caused negative modulation of sirtuin protein and mRNA expression, with a predominant effect on SIRT3 (p < 0.001). Restoration of SIRT3 levels by mimic transfection (SIRT3+) suppressed the PA-induced autophagy (mimic NC+PA) (p < 0.01), inflammation, and pyroptosis (p < 0.01) mediated by the NLRP3/caspase-1 axis. Moreover, the unbalanced endothelial redox state induced by PA was counteracted by the antioxidant δ-valerobetaine (δVB), which was able to upregulate protein and mRNA expression of sirtuins, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and decrease cell death. Overall, results support the central role of SIRT3 in maintaining the endothelial redox homeostasis under IR and unveil the potential of the antioxidant δVB in enhancing the defense against IR-related injuries
Density Dependent Hadron Field Theory
A fully covariant approach to a density dependent hadron field theory is
presented. The relation between in--medium NN interactions and
field--theoretical meson--nucleon vertices is discussed. The medium dependence
of nuclear interactions is described by a functional dependence of the
meson--nucleon vertices on the baryon field operators. As a consequence, the
Euler--Lagrange equations lead to baryon rearrangement self--energies which are
not obtained when only a parametric dependence of the vertices on the density
is assumed. It is shown that the approach is energy--momentum conserving and
thermodynamically consistent. Solutions of the field equations are studied in
the mean--field approximation. Descriptions of the medium dependence in terms
of the baryon scalar and vector density are investigated. Applications to
infinite nuclear matter and finite nuclei are discussed. Density dependent
coupling constants obtained from Dirac--Brueckner calculations with the Bonn
NN-potentials are used. Results from Hartree calculations for energy spectra,
binding energies and charge density distributions of , and
are presented. Comparisons to data strongly support the importance
of rearrangement in a relativistic density dependent field theory. Most
striking is the simultanuous improvement of charge radii, charge densities and
binding energies. The results indicate the appearance of a new "Coester line"
in the nuclear matter equation of state.Comment: 48 LateX pages, 12 Figures, figures and full paper are available as
postscript files by anonymous ftp at ftp://theorie.physik.uni-giessen.de/dd
Relativistic Contributions to Deuteron Photodisintegration in the Bethe-Salpeter Formalism
In plane wave one-body approximation the reaction of deuteron
photodisintegration is considered in the framework of the Bethe-Salpeter
formalism for two-nucleon system. Results are obtained for deuteron vertex
function, which is the solution of the homogeneous Bethe-Salpeter equation with
a multi-rank separable interaction kernel, with a given analytical form. A
comparison is presented with predictions of non-relativistic, quasipotential
approaches and the equal time approximation. It is shown that important
contributions come from the boost in the arguments of the initial state vertex
function and the boost on the relative energy in the one-particle propagator
due to recoil.Comment: 29 pages, 6 figure
Hartree Fock Calculations in the Density Matrix Expansion Approach
The density matrix expansion is used to derive a local energy density
functional for finite range interactions with a realistic meson exchange
structure. Exchange contributions are treated in a local momentum
approximation. A generalized Slater approximation is used for the density
matrix where an effective local Fermi momentum is chosen such that the next to
leading order off-diagonal term is canceled. Hartree-Fock equations are derived
incorporating the momentum structure of the underlying finite range
interaction. For applications a density dependent effective interaction is
determined from a G-matrix which is renormalized such that the saturation
properties of symmetric nuclear matter are reproduced. Intending applications
to systems far off stability special attention is paid to the low density
regime and asymmetric nuclear matter. Results are compared to predictions
obtained from Skyrme interactions. The ground state properties of stable nuclei
are well reproduced without further adjustments of parameters. The potential of
the approach is further exemplified in calculations for A=100...140 tin
isotopes. Rather extended neutron skins are found beyond 130Sn corresponding to
solid layers of neutron matter surrounding a core of normal composition.Comment: Revtex, 29 pages including 14 eps figures, using epsfig.st
Trichinella britovi in wild boar meat from Italy, 2015–2021: A citizen science approach to surveillance
: As a result of the increase of game meat intended for human consumption through Europe, a plethora of food-borne diseases, including trichinellosis, may occur in consumers, posing a relevant public health threat. Thus, this study aims to a citizen science approach to monitor the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, evaluating the risk of infection for consumers. Following the European Regulation 2015/1375 (laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat), from 2015 to 2021, hunters (n = 478) were involved to collect diaphragm pillar samples of wild boars from mainland southern Italy, which were tested for Trichinella spp. L1 larvae via HCl-pepsin digestion and Multiplex PCR. Overall, 139,160 animals were collected (average of 19,880 per year), being 14 (i.e., 0.01%) tested positive to Trichinella britovi by the combined biochemical and molecular approach. An average larval burden of 28.4 L1 per gram of meat was found (minimum 3.2 - maximum 132.6). A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence according to hunting seasons (p < 0.01, with higher values in 2016 and 2021) and regions of the study area (p < 0.01). No statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of T. britovi throughout the study period was found (p = 0.51), except in Apulia region (p < 0.01). These findings revealed a stable prevalence of T. britovi in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, suggesting a risk of infection for consumers, especially hunters and local markets users. Citizen science surveillance models could be promoted to improve trichinellosis control and prevention in a One Health perspective
Microscopic calculations of medium effects for 200-MeV (p,p') reactions
We examine the quality of a G-matrix calculation of the effective
nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction for the prediction of the cross section and
analyzing power for 200-MeV (p,p') reactions that populate natural parity
states in O, Si, and Ca. This calculation is based on a
one-boson-exchange model of the free NN force that reproduces NN observables
well. The G-matrix includes the effects of Pauli blocking, nuclear binding, and
strong relativistic mean-field potentials. The implications of adjustments to
the effective mass ansatz to improve the quality of the approximation at
momenta above the Fermi level will be discussed, along with the general quality
of agreement to a variety of (p,p') transitions.Comment: 36 pages, TeX, 18 figure
The MURAVES Experiment: A Study of the Vesuvius Great Cone with Muon Radiography
The MURAVES experiment aims at the muographic imaging of the internal structure of the summit of Mt.
Vesuvius, exploiting muons produced by cosmic rays. Though presently quiescent, the volcano carries a
dramatic hazard in its highly populated surroundings. The challenging measurement of the rock density
distribution in its summit by muography, in conjunction with data from other geophysical techniques, can
help the modeling of possible eruptive dynamics. The MURAVES apparatus consists of an array of three
independent and identical muon trackers, with a total sensitive area of 3 square meters. In each tracker, a
sequence of 4 XY tracking planes made of plastic scintillators is complemented by a 60 cm thick lead wall
inserted between the two downstream planes to improve rejection of background from low-energy muons.
The apparatus is currently acquiring data. Preliminary results from the analysis of the first data sample are
presented
Consensus statement of the Italian society of pediatric allergy and immunology for the pragmatic management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecedented pandemic. Only, Spanish flu had similar disastrous consequences. As a result, drastic measures (lockdown) have been adopted worldwide. Healthcare service has been overwhelmed by the extraordinary influx of patients, often requiring high intensity of care. Mortality has been associated with severe comorbidities, including chronic diseases. Patients with frailty were, therefore, the victim of the SARS-COV-2 infection. Allergy and asthma are the most prevalent chronic disorders in children and adolescents, so they need careful attention and, if necessary, an adaptation of their regular treatment plans. Fortunately, at present, young people are less suffering from COVID-19, both as incidence and severity. However, any age, including infancy, could be affected by the pandemic. Based on this background, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology has felt it necessary to provide a Consensus Statement. This expert panel consensus document offers a rationale to help guide decision-making in the management of children and adolescents with allergic or immunologic diseases
- …