Solvent-free microwave-assisted synthesis of tenorite nanoparticle-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Copper-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have important applications as precursors for ultra-conductive copper wires. Tenorite-decorated CNTs (CuO-CNTs) are ideal candidate and are currently used in laborious processes. For this reason, we have developed a facile and scalable method for the synthesis of CuO-CNTs from copper acetate. It was found that the optimal loading of copper acetate onto the CNTs was 23.1 wt% and that three 1-minute microwave treatments were sufficient for the decomposition of copper acetate to copper oxide. The loading of copper oxide onto the nanotubes was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The materials were characterised using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy

Contribution of Volcanic and Fumarolic Emission to the Aerosol in Marine Atmosphere in the Central Mediterranean Sea: Results from Med-Oceanor 2017 Cruise Campaign

This work studied the contribution of the geogenic sources volcanoes and fumaroles to the aerosol in marine atmosphere in the central Mediterranean basin. For this purpose, in the framework of the Med-Oceanor measurement program, we carried out a cruise campaign in the summer of 2017 to investigate the impact to the aerosol of the most important Mediterranean volcanoes (Mount Etna, Stromboli Island, and Marsili Seamount) and solfatara areas (Phlegraean Fields complex, Volcano Islands, Ischia Island, and Panarea submarine fumarole). We collected PM10 and PM2.5 samples in 12 sites and performed chemical characterization to gather information about the concentration of major and trace elements, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and ionic species. The use of triangular plots and the calculation of enrichment factors confirmed the interception of volcanic plume. We integrated the outcomes from chemical characterization with the use of factor analysis and SEM/EDX analysis for the source apportionment. Anthropogenic and natural sources including shipping emissions, volcanic and fumarolic load, as well as sea spray were identified as the main factors affecting aerosol levels in the study area. Furthermore, we performed pattern recognition analysis by stepwise linear discriminant analysis to seek differences in the composition of PM10 and PM2.5 samples according to their volcanic or solfatara origin.This research was funded by the European Commission—H2020, the ERA-PLANET programme (www.era-planet.eu; contract no. 689443) within the IGOSP project (www.igosp.eu).Peer reviewe

Prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity promotes stemness impairing morphological, metabolic and migratory profile of pancreatic cancer cells: a comprehensive proteomic, lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis

Background: The impact of the absence of gravity on cancer cells is of great interest, especially today that space is more accessible than ever. Despite advances, few and contradictory data are available mainly due to different setup, experimental design and time point analyzed. Methods: Exploiting a Random Positioning Machine, we dissected the effects of long-term exposure to simulated microgravity (SMG) on pancreatic cancer cells performing proteomic, lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis at 1, 7 and 9 days. Results: Our results indicated that SMG affects cellular morphology through a time-dependent activation of Actin-based motility via Rho and Cdc42 pathways leading to actin rearrangement, formation of 3D spheroids and enhancement of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that SMG may activates ERK5/NF-κB/IL-8 axis that triggers the expansion of cancer stem cells with an increased migratory capability. These cells, to remediate energy stress and apoptosis activation, undergo a metabolic reprogramming orchestrated by HIF-1α and PI3K/Akt pathways that upregulate glycolysis and impair β-oxidation, suggesting a de novo synthesis of triglycerides for the membrane lipid bilayer formation. Conclusions: SMG revolutionizes tumor cell behavior and metabolism leading to the acquisition of an aggressive and metastatic stem cell-like phenotype. These results dissect the time-dependent cellular alterations induced by SMG and pave the base for altered gravity conditions as new anti-cancer technology

Bringing the margin to the focus: 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management

[EN] Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity¿ ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation.COST Action CONVERGES, Grant/Award Number: CA16208; Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union; Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, Grant/Award Number: 2020/03356/CEECIND;PTDC/ASP-SIL/28593/2017;UIDB/00239/2020; CSIC: PTIECOBIODIVRodríguez-González, PM.; Abraham, E.; Aguiar, F.; Andreoli, A.; Bale Entiene, L.; Berisha, N.; Bernez, I.... (2022). Bringing the margin to the focus: 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Water. 9(5):1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.16041149

Ile587Val Polymorphism of the eIF2B5 Gene as Susceptibility Factor for Multiple Sclerosis

ABSTRAC

Fungal diversity in soils with different uses in the pampean region of Argentina

Los hongos son relevantes en la descomposición de la materia orgánica, ciclado de nutrientes y sudisponibilidad para las plantas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la comunidad fúngicade suelos con diferente uso utilizando la técnica PCR-DGGE. Se tomaron muestras de suelo (0-5 y5-20 cm de profundidad) de agricultura continua bajo siembra directa (AC), monte de Acacia sp.(MA) y pastizal natural (PN), en la región pampeana Argentina. La composición de la comunidadde hongos fue analizada utilizando la técnica molecular de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa(PCR), electroforesis en geles con gradiente desnaturalizante (DGGE). A partir de los perfiles debandas de los geles DGGE se determinaron el número de bandas (S) y el coeficiente de similitudde Jaccard. Los perfiles obtenidos de la amplificación de fragmentos de ADN permitieron detectarespecies únicas en los primeros 5 cm de suelo para los usos de MA, AC y PN, al igual que para MAy PN en los 5 a 20 cm de profundidad. Por otro lado, se observaron fragmentos compartidos entrelos tres usos de suelo. El dendrograma identificó dos grupos, con un nivel de similitud próximo a35%. Los perfiles moleculares determinaron que la comunidad del PN se diferenció de las de MA yAC, los cuales están más cercanos entre sí. En conclusión, la técnica PCR-DGGE permitió determinardiferencias en la composición de las comunidades fúngicas edáficas entre suelos con diferente usoen la región pampeana Argentina.Fungi have a key role in organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling and nutrient availability to plants. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the fungal community of soils with different uses using the PCR-DGGE technique. Soil samples (0-5 and 5-20 cm depth) were taken from continuous agriculture under no-till (AC), Acacia sp. forest (MA) and prairie (PN) in the pampean region of Argentina. The fungal community was analyzed using the molecular technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The number of bands (S) and Jaccard similarity coefficient were determined from band profiles of DGGE gels. The profiles obtained from amplification of DNA fragments allowed identifying unique species in the first 5 cm of the soil for MA, AC and PN uses as well as for MA and PN from 5 to 20 cm depth. On the other hand, shared fragments were observed among the three soil uses. The dendrogram identified two groups, with similarity coefficient close to 35%. The molecular profiles determined that the PN community differed from those of MA and AC, which are closer to each other. In conclusion, the PCR-DGGE technique allowed determining differences in the composition of edaphic fungal communities between soils with different use in the pampean region of Argentina.Fil: Marcos Valle, Facundo José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur.; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnolológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Laboratorio de Biología Funcional y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Silvestro, L. B.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnolológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología. Laboratorio de Biología Funcional y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Castellari, Claudia Carla. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; ArgentinaFil: Diaz Delfino, Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur.; ArgentinaFil: Andreoli, Yolanda Elina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur.; ArgentinaFil: Picone, Liliana Inés. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur.; Argentin

Surface-initiated growth of copper using isonicotinic acid-functionalized aluminum oxide surfaces

Isonicotinate self-assembled monolayers (SAM) were prepared on alumina surfaces (A) using isonicotinic acid (iNA). These functionalized layers (iNA-A) were used for the seeded growth of copper films (Cu-iNA-A) by hydrazine hydrate-initiated electroless deposition. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and advancing contact angle measurements. The films are Cu0 but with surface oxidation, and show a faceted morphology, which is more textured (Rq = 460 ± 90 nm) compared to the SAM (Rq = 2.8 ± 0.5 nm). In contrast, growth of copper films by SnCl2/PdCl2 catalyzed electroless deposition, using formaldehyde (CH2O) as the reducing agent, shows a nodular morphology on top of a relatively smooth surface. No copper films are observed in the absence of the isonicotinate SAM. The binding of Cu2+ to the iNA is proposed to facilitate reduction to Cu0 and create the seed for subsequent growth. The films show good adhesion to the functionalized surface

Nationwide consensus on the clinical management of treatment-resistant depression in Italy: a Delphi panel

Background: Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined by the European Medicines Agency as a lack of clinically meaningful improvement after treatment, with at least two different antidepressants. Individual, familiar, and socio-economic burden of TRD is huge. Given the lack of clear guidelines, the large variability of TRD approaches across different countries and the availability of new medications to meet the need of effective and rapid acting therapeutic strategies, it is important to understand the consensus regarding the clinical characteristics and treatment pathways of patients with TRD in Italian routine clinical practice, particularly in view of the recent availability of esketamine nasal spray. Methods: A Delphi questionnaire with 17 statements (with a 7 points Likert scale for agreement) was administered via a customized web-based platform to Italian psychiatrists with at least 5 years of experience and specific expertise in the field of depression. In the second-round physicians were asked to answer the same statements considering the interquartile range of each question as an index of their colleagues' responses. Stata 16.1 software was used for the analyses. Results: Sixty panellists, representative of the Italian territory, answered the questionnaire at the first round. For 8/17 statements more than 75% of panellists reached agreement and a high consensus as they assigned similar scores; for 4 statements the panellists assigned similar scores but in the middle of the Likert scale showing a moderate agreement with the statement, while for 5 statements there was indecision in the agreement and low consensus with the statement. Conclusions: This Delphi Panel showed that there is a wide heterogeneity in Italy in the management of TRD patients, and a compelling need of standardised strategies and treatments specifically approved for TRD. A high level of consensus and agreement was obtained about the importance of adding lithium and/or antipsychotics as augmentation therapies and in the meantime about the need for long-term maintenance therapy. A high level of consensus and agreement was equally reached for the identification of esketamine nasal spray as the best option for TRD patients and for the possibility to administrate without difficulties esketamine in a community outpatient setting, highlighting the benefit of an appropriate educational support for patients

Bringing the margin to the focus: 10 challenges for riparian vegetation science and management

Riparian zones are the paragon of transitional ecosystems, providing critical habitat and ecosystem services that are especially threatened by global change. Following consultation with experts, 10 key challenges were identified to be addressed for riparian vegetation science and management improvement: (1) Create a distinct scientific community by establishing stronger bridges between disciplines; (2) Make riparian vegetation more visible and appreciated in society and policies; (3) Improve knowledge regarding biodiversity—ecosystem functioning links; (4) Manage spatial scale and context-based issues; (5) Improve knowledge on social dimensions of riparian vegetation; (6) Anticipate responses to emergent issues and future trajectories; (7) Enhance tools to quantify and prioritize ecosystem services; (8) Improve numerical modeling and simulation tools; (9) Calibrate methods and increase data availability for better indicators and monitoring practices and transferability; and (10) Undertake scientific validation of best management practices. These challenges are discussed and critiqued here, to guide future research into riparian vegetation

Recent advances quantifying the large wood dynamics in river basins: New methods and remaining challenges

Citation: Ruiz-Villanueva, V., Piégay, H., Gurnell, A. A., Marston, R. A., & Stoffel, M. (2016). Recent advances quantifying the large wood dynamics in river basins: New methods and remaining challenges. Reviews of Geophysics. doi:10.1002/2015RG000514Large wood is an important physical component of woodland rivers and significantly influences river morphology. It is also a key component of stream ecosystems. However, large wood is also a source of risk for human activities as it may damage infrastructure, block river channels, and induce flooding. Therefore, the analysis and quantification of large wood and its mobility are crucial for understanding and managing wood in rivers. As the amount of large-wood-related studies by researchers, river managers, and stakeholders increases, documentation of commonly used and newly available techniques and their effectiveness has also become increasingly relevant as well. Important data and knowledge have been obtained from the application of very different approaches and have generated a significant body of valuable information representative of different environments. This review brings a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative summary of recent advances regarding the different processes involved in large wood dynamics in fluvial systems including wood budgeting and wood mechanics. First, some key definitions and concepts are introduced. Second, advances in quantifying large wood dynamics are reviewed; in particular, how measurements and modeling can be combined to integrate our understanding of how large wood moves through and is retained within river systems. Throughout, we present a quantitative and integrated meta-analysis compiled from different studies and geographical regions. Finally, we conclude by highlighting areas of particular research importance and their likely future trajectories, and we consider a particularly underresearched area so as to stress the future challenges for large wood research. ©2016. American Geophysical Union