Desde la contorsión de la realidad a lo siniestro : el incómodo hiperrealismo de maniquíes, muñecas, efigies y figuras de cera

La ceroplástica puede ofrecer obras muy realistas y fuertemente emocionales, suscitando sensaciones que pueden ir desde la adoración a la repulsión más absoluta. Precisamente en esta dualidad radica la cercanía de la escultura en cera a los efectos de lo fantástico: esta escultura a menudo juega con una apariencia de verosimilitud que, al contrastar la realidad con lo imposible -por mucho que lo parezcan, las estatuas no pueden estar vivas -, genera esa inquietud que se vincula a lo fantástico. Presente a menudo en la literatura, este arte suele asociarse con el concepto del doble inquietante, el Doppelgänger del cual hablaba Freud, subrayando el tipo de respuesta psicológica que la ceroplástica provoca en el espectador. Así, podemos argumentar que el vínculo entre la escultura en cera y lo fantástico se puede explicar desde las categorías estéticas de lo siniestro y la idea de Valle inquietante acuñado por Masahiro Mori.Ceroplastics can offer very realistic and strongly evocative works, arousing sensations that can range from adoration to absolute repulsion. Precisely in this duality resides the proximity of the wax sculpture to the effects of the fantastic: this medium often plays with a semblance of verisimilitude, contrasting reality with the impossible - however much it may seem, the statues can not be alive -, that generates uneasiness that links to the fantastic. Often present in literature, this art is usually associated with the concept of the unsettling double, the Doppelgänger of which Freud talked, emphasising the type of psychological response that ceroplastics provoke in the viewer. Thus, we can argue that the link between wax sculpture and the fantastic can be explained from the aesthetic categories of the sinister and the idea of the Uncanny Valley coined by Masahiro Mori

New life to Italian university anatomical collections: desire to give value and open museological issues. Cases compared

The anatomical museums are one of the most difficult categories of museums to deal with because the issues addressed and the stored materials are complex to communicate and often not suitable for all audiences. The history of medicine teaches us that the knowledge of our body is a fascinating topic that continues to be the subject of study and research. The Italian anatomical museums are mostly university property, often closed and with specimens in urgent need of restoration. Their rooms still house important collections of human biological samples, dry or in liquid, collected between the eighteenth and twentieth century: a historical heritage that testifies to the evolution of medical science and provides a searchable archive of biological and genetic data. The curator of such a museum must confront many issues \u2013 museological, legislative and ethical \u2013 many of which are unclear and incomplete. This article provides an overview of museological issues in the anatomical area in order to offer ideas and visions, from a comparison of three different examples: the Museum of Human Anatomy of the University of Pavia, the Museum of Pathological Anatomy at the University of Padua and the Gordon Museum of Pathology in London

Hydrogen peroxide-mediated killing of Caenorhabditis elegans by Enterococcus italicus and Lactococcus garvieae isolated from food

In this study, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to assess the pathogenic potential of two species isolated from food, Enterococcus italicus and Lactococcus garvieae, for which few indications on pathogenicity are available. We identified the conditions under which E. italicus and L. garvieae are able to kill the nematode and suggest that the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by these two bacteria was involved in the death of C. elegans in our model system. The efficacy of E. italicus and L. garvieae to kill C. elegans differed, most likely related to each species' distinct ability to accumulate H2O2 (4.9 mM and 0.9–1.1 mM, respectively). Genome analysis of both species revealed that the genome of E. italicus contains a gene encoding a NADH oxidase which shows high amino acidic similarity with H2O2 -forming NOX-1 enzymes, while that of L. garvieae contains a gene codifying for a water-forming NADH-oxidase (NOX-2). Reverse transcriptase-PCR experiments carried out in presence of flavin adenine dinucleotide (50 mM) confirmed the presence of the two different genes and likely explains the different toxicity of E. italicus and L. garvieae against C. elegans in our study. The results obtained show for the first time the production of H2O2 in E. italicus and L. garvieae and indicate its toxic effect in the nematode C. elegans

Screening of a metagenomic library of Pseudoalteromonas tunicata for the identifications of genes involved in the production of bioactive compounds

The thesis is the result of one-year project carried out in the laboratory of University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The project main aim was to develop an hight-throughput assay for the identification of bioactive compounds using the screening of a metagenomic library of E. coli clones. The bacterial genus Pseudoalteromonas contains numerous marine species, which synthesize biologically active molecules. Many Pseudoalteromaonas species have been demonstrated to produce an array of low and high molecular weight compounds with antimicrobial, algicidal, neurotoxic and other pharmaceutically relevant activities. P. tunicata is the best studied species within the genus. It lives in association with sessile eukaryotes such as algae and tunicates, and is a known producer of several bioactive compounds with activities towards other surface colonisers including bacteria, fungi, invertebrate larvae, diatoms, algal spores and protozoa. The aim of this study is to identify the gene(s) involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds in the marine bacterium P. tunicata that act against eukaryotic organisms. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used in this study as a model eukaryote for screening bioactive compounds produced by P. tunicata. The development of a screen of a genomic library of P. tunicata DNA allowed for the identification of genes encoding for compounds acting against C. elegans. Three positive clones with anti-nematode activity were found and there gene contents where analysed by genomic analysis and through random transposon mutagenesis. The genes involved in the anti-nematode activity encode for a novel fast-killling protein, moreover a gene cluster for the biosynthesis of a small molecule was found out to be involved in the slow-killing activity. Il batterio marino Pseudoalteromonas tunicata vive associato alla superficie di alghe e tunicati marini, possiede una pigmentazione verde-nera e produce una gamma di composti che inibiscono il fouling di larve di invertebrati, batteri, funghi e spore algali. Lo scopo di questo lavoro di tesi è stato lo sviluppo di uno specifico saggio anti-nematode ad alta risoluzione che permetta di individuare il gene responsabile della sintesi del composto anti-nematode e/o ricercare un suo possibile ortologo la cui attività sia nota nei genomi di altri organismi. Il saggio anti-nematode è stato realizzato attraverso lo screening di una libreria genomica, utilizzando come strumento di screening Caenorhabditis elegans. La libreria genomica utilizzata è stata creata inserendo un largo inserto di DNA di P. tunicata in Escherichia coli. Tre cloni positivi anti-nematode sono stati isolati attraverso lo screening della libreria, gli inserti di DNA sono stati estratti, sequenziati e trovata la loro posizione all’interno del genoma di P. tunicata. Gli inserti di DNA sono stati quindi reinseriti all’interno di E. coli creando una libreria di cloni knock-out, ognuno dei quali avesse una porzione dell’inserto di DNA silenziato, ed effettuando nuovamente lo screening di questa libreria contro C. elegans per identificare quale fosse il gene o i geni responsabili della sintesi del composto anti-nematode. I geni sono stati identificati e caratterizzati. Sono state, inoltre, saggiate le capacità anti algali in un saggio anti-diatomee utilizzando P.tunicata wild type e mutanti knock-out (nella produzione di pigmenti) allo scopo di comprendere la correlazione tra attività anti algali e la produzione di pigmenti in P. tunicata

Voices from the past: results of the ESP history of pathology working group survey on pathology museums

While keeping their original purpose of training medical students, pathology museums hold great biological value, offering unique specimens for scientific research through modern radiological, pathological and biomolecular techniques. Moreover, the artefacts, models and drawings displayed in these museums are a precious cultural and artistic heritage. Preservation of the anatomical samples and maintenance of the facilities are neither easy nor inexpensive and call for patronage. The development of a European Pathology Museum Network would undoubtedly facilitate study, access and divulgation of antique pathology collections. Data from a survey conducted by the European Society of Pathology (ESP) History of Pathology Working Group have allowed creation of a comprehensive, multifaceted portrait of European university museums, reflecting their history, diversity, geography, institutional status, stakeholders, projects, professionals, audiences, policies and best practices

Cyanide Production by Chromobacterium piscinae Shields It from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 Predation

Predation of Chromobacterium piscinae by Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 was inhibited in dilute nutrient broth (DNB) but not in HEPES. Experiments showed that the effector responsible was present in the medium, as cell-free supernatants retained the ability to inhibit predation, and that the effector was not toxic to B. bacteriovorus. Violacein, a bisindole secondary metabolite produced by C. piscinae, was not responsible. Further characterization of C. piscinae found that this species produces sufficient concentrations of cyanide (202 mu M) when grown in DNB to inhibit the predatory activity of B. bacteriovorus, but that in HEPES, the cyanide concentrations were negligible (19 mu M). The antagonistic role of cyanide was further confirmed, as the addition of hydroxocobalamin, which chelates cyanide, allowed predation to proceed. The activity of cyanide against B. bacteriovorus was found to be twofold, depending on the life cycle stage of this predator. For the attack-phase predatory cells, cyanide caused the cells to lose motility and tumble, while for intra-periplasmic predators, development and lysis of the prey cell were halted. These findings suggest that cyanogenesis in nature may be employed by the bacterial strains that produce this compound to prevent and reduce their predation by B. bacteriovorus. IMPORTANCE Bacterial predators actively attack, kill, and enter the periplasm of susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, where they consume the prey cell components. To date, the activity of B. bacteriovorus HD100 has been demonstrated against more than 100 human pathogens. As such, this strain and others are being considered as potential alternatives or supplements to conventional antibiotics. However, the production of secondary metabolites by prey bacteria is known to mitigate, and even abolish, predation by bacterivorous nematodes and protists. With the exception of indole, which was shown to inhibit predation, the effects of bacterial secondary metabolites on B. bacteriovorus and its activities have not been considered. Consequently, we undertook this study to better understand the mechanisms that bacterial strains employ to inhibit predation by B. bacteriovorus HD100. We report here that cyanogenic bacterial strains can inhibit predation and show that cyanide affects both attack-phase predators and those within prey, i.e., in the bdelloplast

Caenorhabditis elegans: a model to monitor bacterial air quality

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Low environmental air quality is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity and this question is now emerging as a main concern of governmental authorities. Airborne pollution results from the combination of chemicals, fine particles, and micro-organisms quantitatively or qualitatively dangerous for health or for the environment. Increasing regulations and limitations for outdoor air quality have been decreed in regards to chemicals and particles contrary to micro-organisms. Indeed, pertinent and reliable tests to evaluate this biohazard are scarce. In this work, our purpose was to evaluate the <it>Caenorhaditis elegans </it>killing test, a model considered as an equivalent to the mouse acute toxicity test in pharmaceutical industry, in order to monitor air bacterial quality.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The present study investigates the bacterial population in dust clouds generated during crop ship loading in harbor installations (Rouen harbor, Normandy, France). With a biocollector, airborne bacteria were impacted onto the surface of agar medium. After incubation, a replicate of the colonies on a fresh agar medium was done using a velvet. All the replicated colonies were pooled creating the "Total Air Sample". Meanwhile, all the colonies on the original plate were isolated. Among which, five representative bacterial strains were chosen. The virulence of these representatives was compared to that of the "Total Air Sample" using the <it>Caenorhaditis elegans </it>killing test. The survival kinetic of nematodes fed with the "Total Air Sample" is consistent with the kinetics obtained using the five different representatives strains.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Bacterial air quality can now be monitored in a one shot test using the <it>Caenorhaditis elegans </it>killing test.</p

Desde la contorsión de la realidad a lo siniestro : el incómodo hiperrealismo de maniquíes, muñecas, efigies y figuras de cera

La ceroplástica puede ofrecer obras muy realistas y fuertemente emocionales, suscitando sensaciones que pueden ir desde la adoración a la repulsión más absoluta. Precisamente en esta dualidad radica la cercanía de la escultura en cera a los efectos de lo fantástico: esta escultura a menudo juega con una apariencia de verosimilitud que, al contrastar la realidad con lo imposible -por mucho que lo parezcan, las estatuas no pueden estar vivas -, genera esa inquietud que se vincula a lo fantástico. Presente a menudo en la literatura, este arte suele asociarse con el concepto del doble inquietante, el Doppelgänger del cual hablaba Freud, subrayando el tipo de respuesta psicológica que la ceroplástica provoca en el espectador. Así, podemos argumentar que el vínculo entre la escultura en cera y lo fantástico se puede explicar desde las categorías estéticas de lo siniestro y la idea de Valle inquietante acuñado por Masahiro Mori.Ceroplastics can offer very realistic and strongly evocative works, arousing sensations that can range from adoration to absolute repulsion. Precisely in this duality resides the proximity of the wax sculpture to the effects of the fantastic: this medium often plays with a semblance of verisimilitude, contrasting reality with the impossible - however much it may seem, the statues can not be alive -, that generates uneasiness that links to the fantastic. Often present in literature, this art is usually associated with the concept of the unsettling double, the Doppelgänger of which Freud talked, emphasising the type of psychological response that ceroplastics provoke in the viewer. Thus, we can argue that the link between wax sculpture and the fantastic can be explained from the aesthetic categories of the sinister and the idea of the Uncanny Valley coined by Masahiro Mori

Beyond disability: a path towards personal empowerment. The project revision of Giovani e Amici Social Cooperative

openIl seguente progetto di tesi indaga le voci che entrano in campo quando si parla di disabilità, ed è nato da un interesse personale e professionale nei confronti della tematica e della stessa predisposizione di un efficiente piano individuale di interventi di integrazione/inclusione per la persona con disabilità. Di particolare importanza risulta una riflessione riguardo le strategie concrete di progettazione volte a garantire la piena partecipazione della persona nel processo di intervento che la riguarda, garantendo il diritto della persona con disabilità di autodeterminarsi. Al fine di avviare una ricerca sul campo che esplorasse gli accorgimenti concreti, è stato condotto un approfondimento sui principali costrutti teorici della disabilità che rappresentano il punto riferimento attuale. Attraverso l’esplorazione della nuova definizione di salute formulata dall’Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità, l’introduzione del sistema ICF e i contributi derivanti dal costrutto della Qualità di Vita, si è posta attenzione al modo in cui questi cambiamenti concettuali e metodologici hanno trasformato la prospettiva rivolta alla persona. È emerso un nuovo approccio che non si limita più solo al servizio rivolto alla persona con disabilità, ma che riconosce l’importanza del contesto sociale. Si è proceduto ad indagare il concetto di autodeterminazione, inteso come il diritto fondamentale di ogni individuo di prendere decisioni pe sé stesso e per il proprio futuro. Al fine di esplorare la dimensione del futuro, è stata avviata una riflessione sulla natura progettuale intrinseca dell’essere umano, che comprende il bisogno di organizzare autonomamente il proprio tempo e immaginare un futuro, anche con una componente di utopia. Nella fase conclusiva della tesi dedicata all’approfondimento teorico, è stata data rilevanza al significato dell’agire progettuale come dovere professionale mirato a sostenere la progettualità personale. Si è sottolineata nuovamente l’importanza della partecipazione della persona, facendo riferimento anche al ruolo della valutazione come elemento imprescindibile della progettazione. Pertanto, il professionista del servizio educativo e di cura assume un ruolo promotore e facilitatore di un percorso finalizzato alla realizzazione individuale dell’individuo. Predisporre un efficiente piano individuale di interventi di integrazione/inclusione, per elaborare una progettazione condivisa che ne sia supporto, significa consentire alla persona di diventare protagonista del proprio domani. Dare parola alle parole nella disabilità, rappresenta proprio questo concetto. Si intende sottolineare l’importanza dell’inclusione della persona nella progettazione, permettendo che la sua voce, il suo esprimersi e manifestarsi siano ascoltati. L’ultimo capitolo, tratta, invece, la parte empirica di questa tesi. In esso si riporta il percorso di revisione condotto presso la Cooperativa Sociale Giovani e Amici che ha visto il coinvolgimento dell’équipe di struttura in modo attivo, riepilogando le diverse fasi sviluppatesi attraverso l’Appreciative Inquiry. In particolare, esso si sofferma sul desiderio di ri-vedersi per ri- conoscersi migliori. Ciò, infatti, ha reso possibile la realizzazione del percorso di revisione/riflessione dell’attuale modello di progettazione e la messa a punto di miglioramenti degli stessi strumenti di progettazione utilizzati.The following thesis project investigates the voices that enter the field when it comes to disability, and was born from a personal and professional interest in the topic and the same preparation of an efficient individual plan of integration/inclusion interventions for the person with disability. Of particular importance is a reflection on the concrete planning strategies aimed at guaranteeing the full participation of the person in the intervention process that concerns him, guaranteeing the right of the person with disability to self-determination. In order to start a field research that could explore the concrete solutions, an in-depth analysis of the main theoretical constructs of disability that represent the current point of reference was conducted. Through the exploration of the new definition of health formulated by the World Health Organization, the introduction of the ICF system and the contributions deriving from the Quality of Life construct, attention has been paid to the way in which these conceptual and methodological changes have transformed the perspective addressed to the person. A new approach has emerged which is no longer limited only to the service aimed at the person with disability, but which recognizes the importance of the social context. We proceeded to investigate the concept of self-determination, understood as the fundamental right of every individual to make decisions for himself and for his own future. In order to explore the dimension of the future, a reflection was started on the intrinsic design nature of the human being, which includes the need to independently organize one's time and imagine a future, even with a utopian component. In the final phase of the thesis dedicated to the theoretical study, importance was given to the meaning of the design action as a professional duty aimed at supporting personal planning. The importance of the person's participation was underlined again, also referring to the role of evaluation as an essential element of planning. Therefore, the professional of the educational and care service assumes a role of promoter and facilitator of a path aimed at the individual fulfillment of the individual. Preparing an efficient individual plan of integration/inclusion interventions, to develop a shared planning that supports it, means allowing the person to become the protagonist of their own future. Giving words to words in disability represents precisely this concept. The intention is to underline the importance of the inclusion of the person in the design, allowing his voice, his expression and manifestation to be heard. The last chapter deals with the empirical part of this thesis. It reports the review process carried out at the Giovani e Amici Social Cooperative which saw the active involvement of the structure team, summarizing the various phases developed through the Appreciative Inquiry. In particular, it dwells on the desire to see each other again in order to recognize ourselves as better. This, in fact, made it possible to carry out the review/reflection process of the current design model and to fine-tune improvements to the same design tools used