The down-regulation of pank2 gene in zebrafish as a model of Pantothenate Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration.

open9siThe increased iron deposition is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, but its pathogenic role is still unclear. A strong link between iron and neurodegeneration is evident in a set of heterogeneous neurological disorders, known as Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA). The most common form of inherited NBIA is associated with mutations in hPank2 gene (PKAN). Pank2 is the rate limiting enzyme in CoA biosynthesis and its downregulation in mammalian cells leads to perturbation of cellular iron homeostasis. Here we explore Pank2 biological function in Danio rerio, and propose this system as an important new tool for the study of PKAN disease.openZizioli, Daniela; Tiso, Natascia; Busolin, Giorgia; Khatri, Deepak; Giuliani, Roberta; Borsani, Giuseppe; Monti, Eugenio; Argenton, Francesco; Finazzi, DarioZizioli, Daniela; Tiso, Natascia; Busolin, Giorgia; Khatri, Deepak; Giuliani, Roberta; Borsani, Giuseppe; Monti, Eugenio; Argenton, Francesco; Finazzi, Dari

A botanic garden as a tool to combine public perception of nature and life-science investigations on native/exotic plants interactions with local pollinators

Life-sciences are pointing towards an alarming worldwide pollinator decline. This decline proceeds along with overall biodiversity losses, even in the context of urban landscapes and human welfare. At the same time, social-sciences are arguing an increased distance from nature, experienced by citizens. The strong connection between the public good and pollinator sustainability, even in urban areas, is well-documented. However, usually basic and applied life-sciences tend to underestimate public perception of nature, which is better tackled by the fields of social-sciences. Therefore, more efforts are needed to link scientific questions and public 'perception' of nature. We designed a transversal project where research questions directly confront public concerns: i.e., even while addressing scientific knowledge gaps, our questions directly arise from public concerns. Social studies highlighted that appreciation of (exotic) plants is related to the impact they may have on the surrounding natural environment: therefore, we investigated links of native and exotic flowers to local pollinators. Other studies highlighted that scientific results need to link to everyday individual experience: therefore, we investigated pollination modes of the renown Salvia, native and exotic, largely used in cuisine and gardening. The botanic garden was the promoter of scientific questions addressed by the public, and also collated the results in a travelling exhibition. The exhibition, together with a dedicated catalogue, were especially designed to enlighten the wide public on the relationships that plants, native and exotic alike, establish with the surrounding world.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Relationship between Ocular Surface Alterations and Concentrations of Aerial Particulate Matter

Purpose: To evaluate ocular surface alterations in two populations at different exposure levels to particulate matter (PM) in their living and work environments. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 78 volunteers from Argentina who lived and worked under different pollution levels in an urban (U; n = 44) or industrial zone (I; n = 34). Mean exposure level to PM was evaluated. Responses to the Ocular Symptom Disease Index and McMonnies questionnaire were obtained from all subjects. Subsequently, an assessment through the Schirmer I test (ST), slit lamp microscopy, vital staining, and tear breakup time was conducted. Statistical analyses with Chi-square and Bartlett’s tests, as well as Student’s t-tests and principal component analysis (PCA), were performed. Results: Particles of size < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) level was significantly higher in the I group than the U group (P = 0.04). Ocular surface parameters including bulbar redness, eyelid redness, and the degree of vital staining with fluorescein (SF) and lissamine green (SLG) exhibited difference between the groups. With regards to the tear film, statistically significant differences in the ST value and meibomian gland dysfunction between the groups were detected (P = 0.003 and P = 0.02, respectively). Conjunctival SF and SLG, and ST values were identified as factors which could distinguish groups exposed to different PM levels. Conclusion: Subjects exposed to higher levels of PM in the outdoor air presented greater ocular surface alterations. Thus, ST, SF, and SLG values could be used as convenient indicators of adverse health effects due to exposure to air pollution

Herramientas de gestión: relación entre concentraciones de material particulado fracción gruesa (MP10) y material particulado fracción fina (MP2.5) en calidad del aire

Los sistemas más habituales de monitoreo de la calidad del aire proporcionan datos basados en la medición del MP10 respecto a otros tamaños del material particulado. Como consecuencia, la mayoría de los estudios epidemiológicos utilizan el valor de concentración de la fracción MP10 como indicador de la exposición de la población. Sin embargo, numerosos trabajos científicos dan evidencia de mayores efectos sobre la salud asociados al MP2.5 en comparación con el anterior. En tal sentido contar con mediciones de esta fracción fina (MP2.5) en calidad de aire resulta de suma relevancia. En la práctica, no es sencillo acceder a esta información; principalmente por los altos costos que implican estas determinaciones. Por ende, se destaca la importancia de contar con un factor que relacione ambos parámetros, tal como lo ha estimado la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), obteniendo un valor aproximado a 0.5 (MP2.5/MP10). Este número corresponde a zonas urbanas de los países en desarrollo. En el presente trabajo se estiman factores locales, en base a mediciones de MP10 y MP2.5, con el propósito de caracterizar las zonas urbanas evaluadas, acceder a un diagnóstico más preciso de distribución de la fracción fina y constituir así una herramienta de gestión

Caracterización química y espectroscópica de material particulado en aire extramuros en la ciudad de La Plata y alrededores

Este trabajo se centra en la caracterización química y espectroscópica de material particulado (MP10 y MP2.5) en la ciudad de La Plata y alrededores, que cuenta con alto tránsito vehicular y un polo petroquímico cercano, diferenciando tres zonas: residencial, urbano e industrial. Se analizó su contenido en metales pesados (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni y Pb) y se realizó un análisis morfológico del MP mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM-EDS). Los niveles de MP evidencian mayores valores tanto para MP2.5 como para MP10 en la zona industrial, seguida por la zona urbana y por último por la zona residencial. Respecto a los metales se confirma la presencia de los metales Cr, Cu, Mn y Pb en ambas fracciones de MP y para las distintas zonas de estudio, con valores de concentración desde 0.0003 μg/m3 hasta 0.0491 μg/m3. Mediante la técnica SEM-EDS los resultados obtenidos muestran partículas mayoritariamente ricas en elementos como Si, C y O, y en menor medida en Al, Ca, Na, N y con presencia de partículas de morfología relacionadas al tráfico vehicular

Melanocortins and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Experimental evidence indicates that small concentrations of inflammatory molecules produced by damaged tissues activate afferent signals through ascending vagus nerve fibers, that act as the sensory arm of an "inflammatory reflex". The subsequent activation of vagal efferent fibers, which represent the motor arm of the inflammatory reflex, rapidly leads to acetylcholine release in organs of the reticuloendothelial system. Acetylcholine interacts with α7 subunit-containing nicotinic receptors in tissue macrophages and other immune cells and rapidly inhibits the synthesis/release of tumor necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory cytokines. This neural anti-inflammatory response called "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway" is fast and integrated through the central nervous system. Preclinical studies are in progress, with the aim to develop therapeutic agents able to activate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Melanocortin peptides bearing the adrenocorticotropin/α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone sequences exert a protective and life-saving effect in animals and humans in conditions of circulatory shock. These neuropeptides are likewise protective in other severe hypoxic conditions, such as prolonged respiratory arrest, myocardial ischemia, renal ischemia and ischemic stroke, as well as in experimental heart transplantation. Moreover, experimental evidence indicates that melanocortins reverse circulatory shock, prevent myocardial ischemia/reperfusion damage and exert neuroprotection against ischemic stroke through activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. This action occurs via stimulation of brain melanocortin MC3/MC4 receptors. Investigations that determine the molecular mechanisms of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway activation could help design of superselective activators of this pathway

Relationship between Ocular Surface Alterations and Concentrations of Aerial Particulate Matter

Purpose: To evaluate ocular surface alterations in two populations at different exposure levels to particulate matter (PM) in their living and work environments. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 78 volunteers from Argentina who lived and worked under different pollution levels in an urban (U; n = 44) or industrial zone (I; n = 34). Mean exposure level to PM was evaluated. Responses to the Ocular Symptom Disease Index and McMonnies questionnaire were obtained from all subjects. Subsequently, an assessment through the Schirmer I test (ST), slit lamp microscopy, vital staining, and tear breakup time was conducted. Statistical analyses with Chi-square and Bartlett’s tests, as well as Student’s t-tests and principal component analysis (PCA), were performed. Results: Particles of size < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) level was significantly higher in the I group than the U group (P = 0.04). Ocular surface parameters including bulbar redness, eyelid redness, and the degree of vital staining with fluorescein (SF) and lissamine green (SLG) exhibited difference between the groups. With regards to the tear film, statistically significant differences in the ST value and meibomian gland dysfunction between the groups were detected (P = 0.003 and P = 0.02, respectively). Conjunctival SF and SLG, and ST values were identified as factors which could distinguish groups exposed to different PM levels. Conclusion: Subjects exposed to higher levels of PM in the outdoor air presented greater ocular surface alterations. Thus, ST, SF, and SLG values could be used as convenient indicators of adverse health effects due to exposure to air pollution.Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambient

Integral and fractional Quantum Hall Ising ferromagnets

We compare quantum Hall systems at filling factor 2 to those at filling factors 2/3 and 2/5, corresponding to the exact filling of two lowest electron or composite fermion (CF) Landau levels. The two fractional states are examples of CF liquids with spin dynamics. There is a close analogy between the ferromagnetic (spin polarization P=1) and paramagnetic (P=0) incompressible ground states that occur in all three systems in the limits of large and small Zeeman spin splitting. However, the excitation spectra are different. At filling factor 2, we find spin domains at half-polarization (P=1/2), while antiferromagnetic order seems most favorable in the CF systems. The transition between P=0 and 1, as seen when e.g. the magnetic field is tilted, is also studied by exact diagonalization in toroidal and spherical geometries. The essential role of an effective CF-CF interaction is discussed, and the experimentally observed incompresible half-polarized state is found in some models

Regenerative potential of human dental pulp stem cells in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: In vitro and in vivo study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the regenerative potential of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in an animal model of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). SUI, an involuntary leakage of urine, is due to physical stress involving an increase in bladder pressure and a damage of external urethral sphincter affecting muscles and nerves. Conventional therapies can only relieve the symptoms. Human DPSCs are characterized by peculiar stemness and immunomodulatory properties and might provide an alternative tool for SUI therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro phase: hDPSCs were induced towards the myogenic commitment following a 24 hours pre-conditioning with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), then differentiation was evaluated. In vivo phase: pudendal nerve was transected in female rats to induce stress urinary incontinence; then, pre-differentiated hDPSCs were injected in the striated urethral sphincter. Four weeks later, urethral sphincter regeneration was assayed through histological, functional and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Human DPSCs were able to commit towards myogenic lineage in vitro and, four weeks after cell injection, hDPSCs engrafted in the external urethral sphincter whose thickness was almost recovered, committed towards myogenic lineage in vivo, promoted vascularization and an appreciable recovery of the continence. Moreover, hDPSCs were detected within the nerve, suggesting their participation in repair of transected nerve. CONCLUSIONS: These promising data and further investigations on immunomodulatory abilities of hDPSCs would allow to make them a potential tool for alternative therapies of SUI

Material particulado y compuestos orgánicos volátiles en aire extramuros del partido de Lomas de Zamora, provincia de Buenos Aires

Se presentan las concentraciones de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COVs) y del material particulado en suspensión (MP10 y MP2,5) en aire extramuros del partido de Lomas de Zamora, además del grado de afectación a nivel del sistema respiratorio en chicos con edades entre 12 y 17 años. La metodología aplicada consiste en el relevamiento de material particulado (MP10 y MP2,5) utilizando un muestreador de bajo caudal MiniVol TAS, y de COVs mediante monitoreo pasivo (3M 3500). Las espirometrías se realizaron mediante un espirómetro portátil y metodología ATS (American Thoracic Society). Los niveles de COVs fueron determinados por cromatografía gaseosa /FID, comprendiendo n-alcanos, cicloalcanos, aromáticos, clorados, terpenoides y cetonas. En cuanto a los niveles de material particulado (medianas expresadas en μg m-3), se obtuvieron MP2,5: 17.6 y MP10: 39,5 para La Facultad de Ingeniería UNLZ (muestreos 2015-2016) y MP2,5: 11,7 y MP10: 54,4 (solo 2016) para la Escuela Tecnológica. Respecto a los valores obtenidos en COVs, las muestras (2014-2016) de la Facultad de Ingeniería se encuentran en un rango comprendido entre 1,2 y 4,7 μg m-3 para las distintas familias y de 20 μg m-3 en COVs totales. Los valores correspondientes al Parque industrial (Almirante Brown) son entre 3,6 y 7,8 veces superiores, con 125 μg m-3 para COVs totales, mientras que los valores hallados para la escuela presentan valores intermedios, más cercanos a los de Facultad de Ingeniería. Entre los COVs detectados, se destacan benceno, tolueno y xilenos, además de alcanos con cadenas de carbono entre 7 y 12 átomos de carbono y compuestos clorados. Asimismo fueron relevados 98 cuestionarios epidemiológicos y realizadas 94 espirometrías a alumnos de 1ro a 3er año (12 y 15 años) y 4 a docentes del primer ciclo de secundaria básica de la Escuela Tecnológica Preuniversitaria “Ing. Carlos E. Giúdici”