Methodologies and techniques of processing of deep multichannel seismic data in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy)

The techniques and methodologies of seismic data processing applied to deep multichannel seismic data recorded in the Gulf of Naples are herein shown and presented. The processing techniques used for the elaboration of the seismic profiles are up-to-date and some of them are based on complex mathematical models, which have allowed to carry out a good attenuation of multiples (especially the sea bottom multiples) and to perform good velocity analyses for the production of the stacked sections, on which the geological interpretation has been carried out. The procedures of treatment of the multichannel seismic data starting from the field data are reported in sketch diagrams of data elaboration applied to the different phases of the whole data processing. The used software are the Promax 2D (Landmark Ltd) and the Seismic Unix (Colorado School of Mines). The predictive deconvolution and the spiking deconvolution have been applied to three processed seismic profiles. The best results have been obtained through the application of the spiking deconvolution, allowing for a simple definition of the different seismic reflectors during the geologic interpretation of the processed lines

Mediterranean Diet as a tool for achieving successful ageing

Targeted interventions to slow or postpone ageing and to favour an active life expectancy represent the new perspectives in ageing investigation. Some mechanisms that delay or prevent the onset of ageing disabilities and pathologies have been identified. In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle seems to reduce many risk factors. In particular, eating habits represent the most concrete and low-cost method to address ageing. Of all dietary habits analysed, the Mediterranean diet has received much attention since it has consistently proven its beneficial influence on health and longevity. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by low glycaemic index and low animal protein intake, it is rich in nutraceuticals and functional foods thus reducing molecular pathways signalling, as nutrient sensitive pathways which affect the ageing process and lead to unhealthy ageing. This dietary model can be promoted as an “anti-ageing therapy” and can contribute to good health status and therefore to a better quality of life

Meroterpenes from marine invertebrates: structures, occurrence, and ecological implications

Meroterpenes are widely distributed among marine organisms; they are particularly abundant within brown algae, but other important sources include microorganisms and invertebrates. In the present review the structures and bioactivities of meroterpenes from marine invertebrates, mainly sponges and tunicates, are summarized. More than 300 molecules, often complex and with unique skeletons originating from intra- and inter-​mol. cyclizations, and(or) rearrangements, are illustrated. The reported syntheses are mentioned. The issue of a potential microbial link to their biosynthesis is also shortly outlined

Quale paradigma per il futuro?

Il paper presenta il dibattito tenutosi il 4 marzo 2009 durante il seminario “A Nord e a Sud: l’Italia e la crisi internazionale”, presso l’Università L’Orientale di Napoli: \ud il cambiamento dei sistemi economico-sociali e la riformulazione dei modelli teorici sin qui utilizzati sono stati al centro della discussione.\u

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 3-[2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine hydrobromides, analogues of the marine alkaloid nortopsentin

A new series of thiazole nortopsentin analogues with a 5-azaindole moiety was conveniently synthesized in good to excellent yields by an Hantzsch reaction between thioamides and \u3b1-bromoacetyl compounds. The cytotoxic activity of the new derivatives was tested against different human tumor cell lines of the NCI full panel. All tested compounds were active against all of the investigated cell lines showing GI50 values from micro to submicromolar levels. Some of the new analogues exhibited good selectivities against different NCI sub-panels

What olive oil for healthy ageing

The olive tree originated in Asia Minor around 6000 years ago and then spread to all the Mediterranean basin. Olive oil is extracted from the pulp of its fruits [1–3]. Many studies show that the nutritional pattern of the so-called Mediterranean Diet is associated with a lower incidence of age-related diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer [4–7]. It is now clear that olive oil, as a main source of fat, must play a key role in explaining the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Healthy eating as a strategy to achieve successful ageing: focus on Mediterranean diet and functional foods.

People want to live longer. To date, it is impossible not to grow older, but it is desirable to get older in good health, avoiding age-related disabilities. To do this, it is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle which can limit the damage caused by the environmental hazards that face us each day. In humans, healthy ageing and longevity are modulated by a fortunate interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Regarding the latter, physical activity and healthy dietary habits are the most important modifiable factors that can affect the maintenance of a healthy ageing phenotype. A feasible diet that reduces the risk of ageing-related diseases, promoting health ageing and longevity, should be one that delivers refined carbohydrates and amino acids in a pro-ageing way, in activating or reducing specific molecular pathways. It is not necessary to determine the ideal composition of this diet, because it does already exist. It is the traditional “poor” MedDiet, which rich in nutrients and single foods, can act on ageing. The new findings presented in the experimental studies of this thesis could present a great opportunity for the food and farming industry, especially in Sicily, where local products like extra virgin olive oil, green olives, barley and opuntia ficus Indica, represent a great potential resource. In the era of many expensive and mysterious longevity elixirs, these resources could represent traditional, cheap, and accessible “healthy foods” for everyone. However, it is important to highlight that the interesting effects of nutraceuticals and functional foods could be considered a prevention for many age-related diseases, and not a solution