Dialogues between feminisms and Buen Vivir/ Vivir Bien : different perspectives, multiple convergences

Este artículo surge del diálogo entre distintos saberes y conocimientos, con el objetivo de identificar principalmente las convergencias entre el Buen Vivir/Vivir Bien y los feminismos latinoamericanos. Iniciamos este trabajo considerando las ideas centrales del enfoque del Buen Vivir/Vivir Bien y sus mecanismos de traducción concreta en las reformas constitucionales de Bolivia y Ecuador. Luego, nos detenemos en las confluencias –aunque identificando algunas tensiones– entre esta última propuesta y los feminismos, haciendo foco en la dimensión económica. Y finalmente, reflexionamos sobre los aspectos nodales desarrollados en el trabajo, buscando, asimismo repensar el papel de las ciencias sociales a la luz de estas corrientes de pensamiento y de los procesos sociales contrahegemónicos.This paper emerges from a dialogue between different knowledge and reflections with the aim of identifying the convergences between the Buen Vivir/ Vivir Bien and Latin American feminisms. We started considering the central ideas of Buen Vivir/ Vivir Bien and theirs translation into constitutional reforms in Bolivia and Ecuador. Then, we focus at the confluence -though identifying some tensions-between that proposal and feminism to emphasize on the economic dimension. Finally, we return to the main reflections of the paper, while we think over about the role of social sciences related with this paradigms and contra-hegemony social processes.Fil: D’Amico, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasFil: Pessolano, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica

Inversion of surface wave data for subsurface shear wave velocity profiles characterized by a thick buried low-velocity layer

The study formed part of the SIMIT project (Integrated Italy-Malta Cross-Border System of Civil Protection) (B1-2.19/11) part-financed by the European Union under the ItaliaMalta Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, 2007–2013.The islands composing the Maltese archipelago (Central Mediterranean) are characterized by a four-layer sequence of limestones and clays. A common feature found in the western half of the archipelago is Upper Coralline Limestone (UCL) plateaus and hillcaps covering a soft Blue Clay (BC) layer which can be up to 75 m thick. The BC layer introduces a velocity inversion in the stratigraphy, implying that the VS30 (traveltime average sear wave velocity (VS) in the upper 30 m) parameter is not always suitable for seismic microzonation purposes. Such a layer may produce amplification effects, however might not be included in the VS30 calculations. In this investigation, VS profiles at seven sites characterized by such a lithological sequence are obtained by a joint inversion of the single-station Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratios (H/V or HVSR) and effective dispersion curves from array measurements analysed using the Extended Spatial Auto-Correlation technique. The lithological sequence gives rise to a ubiquitous H/V peak between 1 and 2 Hz. All the effective dispersion curves obtained exhibit a ‘normal’ dispersive trend at low frequencies, followed by an inverse dispersive trend at higher frequencies. This shape is tentatively explained in terms of the presence of higher mode Rayleigh waves, which are commonly present in such scenarios. Comparisons made with the results obtained at the only site in Malta where the BC is missing below the UCL suggest that the characteristics observed at the other seven sites are due to the presence of the soft layer. The final profiles reveal a variation in the VS of the clay layer with respect to the depth of burial and some regional variations in the UCL layer. This study presents a step towards a holistic seismic risk assessment that includes the implications on the site effects induced by the buried clay layer. Such assessments have not yet been done for Malta.peer-reviewe

New provisions for the labelling of fishery and aquaculture products: Difficulties in the implementation of Regulation (EU) n. 1379/2013

The European Union (EU), within the renewal plan of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Market Organization, with the Cape IV of Reg. (EU) n. 1379/2013 have introduced new requirements for the labelling of fisheries and aquaculture products. These, as well as providing consumers with more complete information, integrate the provisions of Reg. (EU) n. 1169/2011 and acts as a tool to prevent frauds and illegal fishing. In this work the new seafood labelling provisions were evaluated, starting from the analysis of the art. 35 of the Chapter IV and comparing it with the previous EU dispositions (Reg. (EC) no. 104/2000 and no. 2065/2001). The exclusion of prepared and processed products and aquatic invertebrates from the application of the mandatory seafood labelling provisions and the role of the mass caterer operators with respect to the labelling requirements were identified as the two major shortcomings that still need to be better addressed by the legislator. Overall, what emerged from this work is that, if on the one hand the European legislation on seafood labelling has achieved important goals, evolving and improving itself, on the other it is still controversial and plagued by the same problems as 15 years ago. Therefore, the authors suggest that the regulation is modified at least extending its scope to all products and to at all stages of the fishery logistic chai

High blood levels of IL-6 nicely correlate with animal survival in trained C26 bearing mice

Exercise is a beneficial adjunct therapy to maintain or enhance quality of life in cancer patients. Recently, few studies demonstrated a correlation between high concentrations of IL-6 and a poor survival. This depends on the equilibrium between the concentrations of IL-6 and sIL-6R. Exercise induces a beneficial increase in circulating IL-6 (1). Fresh fragments of solid C26 tumor were inoculated in healthy 3 months-old mice (n=230, M=115 and F=115). The experimental procedure were 12 weeks long. During the first 6 weeks, mice were randomly assigned to one of the experimental conditions: sedentary (SED) or progressive training (TRP). After the first 6 weeks, all mice were inoculated with a fresh fragment of tumor. All trained adult mice after the tumor inoculation were randomly assigned to a different training program: low intensity training (TRL), moderate intensity training (TRM) and high intensity training (TRH). Mice run 5 days per week on a Rota-Rod following one of the specific training program (TRP ,TRL, TRM and TRH) (2). After tumor inoculation the mice were daily weighted and tumor size monitored until death. Moreover, 8 mice for each group were sacrificed when cachexia occurred (>9% body weight loss), and blood samples were stored for CBA Enhanced flex set flow-cytometric assays (IL-6 and TNF-alpha). The TRM and TRH training protocol performed by trained adult male mice extend the median survival compared to the sedentary adult mice and trained female mice. Interesting the beneficial effect of exercise seemed to be mediated extending the survival days. Significant high blood levels of IL-6 were recorded among the male trained mice (TRM and TRH) groups in comparison with sedentary adult mice and trained female mice (TRM and TRH). The results suggest that endurance exercise as adjuvant therapy is gender and physical training level specific. This effect seems to be mediated by IL-6 blood levels

Modelling VOC Emissions from Building Materials for Healthy Building Design

The profound qualitative changes of indoor air and the progressive increase in the absolute number of pollutants, combined with the scientific awareness of the health impacts deriving from spending more than 90% of one’s time inside confined spaces, have increased the attention onto the needs of well-being, hygiene, and the health of users. This scientific attention has produced studies and analyses useful for evidence-based insights into building performance. Among the main pollutants in the indoor environment, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) play a central role, and the use of box-models using the mass balance approach and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are now consolidated to study their concentrations in an indoor environment. This paper presents the use of both types of modelling for the prediction of the VOC concentration in the indoor environment and the proposal of a guide value for the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)-oriented building design, specifically related to the indoor VOC concentration due to building materials. Methodologically, the topic is addressed through environmental sampling, the definition of the parameters necessary for the numerical models, the simulations with the box-model and the CFD, and the comparison between the results. They show a good correspondence between the modelling tools used, highlighting the central role of ventilation and allowing a discussion of the relationship between regulatory limits of emissivity of materials and Indoor Air Guide Values for the concentration of pollutants

Evolution of the Anisakis risk management in the European and Italian context

Due to the social and legislative implications, the presence of Anisakis spp. larvae in fishery products has become a concern for both the consumers and the official Control Authorities. The issuance of a large number of provisions, aimed at better managing fish products intended to be consumed raw or almost raw and the associated risks, resulted in a very complicate legal framework. In this work, we analyzed the evolution of the normative through an overview on the local and international legislations, focusing on issues that are of practical interest for Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the fishery chain. In addition, we performed a survey across the Department of Prevention of the Italian Local Health Authorities (LHA) and the main fish markets in Italy to collect the operating procedures and the monitoring plans. Overall, we found many differences, due to the absence of a national reference standard for the management of the Anisakis risk. From this examination, it turns clear that only a participation of all the involved institutions, a strategy of synergistic interventions, as well as a correct training of FBOs, can result in an effective risk management and a proper risk communication, which should overcome states of confusion and unnecessary negative impacts on the economy

Effect of NAP in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes leading to vision loss. Hypoxic/hyperglycaemic microenvironment is responsible of outer blood retinal barrier integrity impairment and uncontrolled vascularization typical of this pathology. Activation the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) conduce to aberrant expression of some target genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Many studies have showed the protective role of a small peptide, known as NAP, in counteract retinal damage induced by different insults (Gozes et al., 2004). In particular, we have previously demonstrated that a single intraocular dose of this peptide is able to protect retina from hyperglycaemic insult (Scuderi et al., 2014). However, the involvement of NAP in the modulation of HIFs and their downstream target genes has not been identified yet. In this work, we have instigated its effect on HIFs /VEGF system both in vitro and in vivo models of DR. Results have demonstrated that NAP treatment prevents outer BRB breakdown comprising human retinal pigmented epithelial cells (ARPE-19) grown in transwell supports and exposed to high glucose (HG) and low oxygen tension by adding desferoxamine mesylate salt (DFX). Peptide administration also reduced HIF1α /HIF2α, VEGF/VEGFRs and increased HIF3α expression in cells cultured in HG/DFX. Moreover, it reduced apoptotic cells rate by modulating BAX and Bcl2 expression, two genes involved in programmed death. Furthermore, NAP intraocular administration in STZ-induced diabetic rat reduced retinal expression of HIF-1α, HIF-2α and VEGF by increasing HIF-3α levels. These data have been also confirmed by immunolocalization analysis detected through confocal microscopy showing the different distribution of these factors in retinal layers following hyperglycaemic insult. Our data suggest that this small peptide may be efficacious in counteract retinal damages during DR

Role of nicotine during diabetic macular edema development

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents the major cause of visual loss in diabetes patients. It is characterized by retinal thickening in the macular area due to breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) [1]. By altering blood vessels supplying retina, hyperglycemia triggers tissue hypoxia. The primary response to latter is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which in turn promote vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The most important psychoactive compound in cigarette smoke, nicotine (NT), binds nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAchRs) which are widely distributed in several human tissues, including retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) [2]. Until now, little is known about risk factors linked to cigarette smoke inducing DME development. In the present study, we have evaluated NT effect in an in vitro model of outer BRB following exposure to hyperglycemic/hypoxic insult mimicking DME microenvironment. Our results have suggested that NT deeply impacts on outer BRB integrity by increasing its permeability. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in negative effect of this compound, we have analyzed HIF/VEGF system in cells exposed to hyperglycemic/hypoxic damage. NT treatment induced upregulation of HIF-1α/HIF-2α, VEGF mediated through activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway. In conclusion, all this data have suggested a unfavorable role of this psychoactive agent in smokers DME affected

Endurance training induces apoptosis in the tumor mass in the C26-bearing mouse model

Cachexia, sarcopenia and anorexia are characterised by muscle wasting. This condition is a weakening, shrinking, and loss of muscle caused by a disease or lack of use. The loss of muscle causes a decrease in strength and inability to move compromising the quality of life. Recently we demonstrated that the skeletal muscle of endurance trained Balb/c mice release IL-6 and Hsp60 (inside exosomes) in the blood stream. We studied the expression of Hsp60 in the muscles of trained and untrained C26-bearing mice, to understand if Hsp60 was over-expression may improve muscle performance and reduce cachexia. Four different interleukins have been also studied in cachectic mice, to understand which was their effect on Hsp60 expression both in the tumor mass and the trained muscle. In the present study we demonstrated that: 1) IL-6 is released by the trained muscle; 2) IL-6 is release also by the tumor mass, 3) in animals inoculated with the C26 tumor and trained after inoculation, IL-6 is synthesized mainly by the skeletal muscle and the tumor mass undergo apoptosis

Correlation between expression profile of Wilms tumor 1 gene isoforms and neuroblastoma grade malignancy

Wilms tumor 1 gene (WT1) is expressed in neuroblastoma (NB) which represents the most aggressive extracranial pediatric tumor. This latter may transform into a more benign form such as ganglioneuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma or progress into a highly aggressive metastatic cancer with a poor survival rate. WT1 acts as tumor suppressor gene in NB by inducing the maturation in a less invasive mass. To date, it has been identified 13 mRNA WT1 variants encoding 13 proteins, however, most of the studies have focused their attention exclusively on isoform of ~49 kDa molecular weight (1, 2). In the present study, we have analyzed, the expression profile of WT1 isoforms, in undifferentiated and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) differentiated NB cells in order to evaluate their involvement in tumor malignancy. Results have shown that different isoforms are expressed both in untreated and RA treated NB cells. Their expression is significantly increased in RA treated cells, suggesting that WT1 isoforms are inversely related to NB malignancy grade. In accord to this hypothesis, WT1 isoforms and nestin expression are inversely related in undifferentiated and RA treated cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of the two signalling pathways specifically involved in differentiation of NB, PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK respectively, trigger an overexpression of all WT1 isoforms. In conclusion, these data suggest that overexpression of WT1 isoforms might promote trans-differentiation of NB into a more benign tumor such as ganglioneuroblastoma or ganglioneuroma