Canine models of copper toxicosis for understanding mammalian copper metabolism

Hereditary forms of copper toxicosis exist in man and dogs. In man, Wilson’s disease is the best studied disorder of copper overload, resulting from mutations in the gene coding for the copper transporter ATP7B. Forms of copper toxicosis for which no causal gene is known yet are recognized as well, often in young children. Although advances have been made in unraveling the genetic background of disorders of copper metabolism in man, many questions regarding disease mechanisms and copper homeostasis remain unanswered. Genetic studies in the Bedlington terrier, a dog breed affected with copper toxicosis, identified COMMD1, a gene that was previously unknown to be involved in copper metabolism. Besides the Bedlington terrier, a number of other dog breeds suffer from hereditary copper toxicosis and show similar phenotypes to humans with copper storage disorders. Unlike the heterogeneity of most human populations, the genetic structure within a purebred dog population is homogeneous, which is advantageous for unraveling the molecular genetics of complex diseases. This article reviews the work that has been done on the Bedlington terrier, summarizes what was learned from studies into COMMD1 function, describes hereditary copper toxicosis phenotypes in other dog breeds, and discusses the opportunities for genome-wide association studies on copper toxicosis in the dog to contribute to the understanding of mammalian copper metabolism and copper metabolism disorders in man

The Mausoleum of Theodoric: Archaeoastronomy, Numbers, Geometry and Communication

The following paper focuses on the Mausoleum of Theodoric (520 ca.), one of Ravenna’s Byzantine monuments and a UNESCO heritage site, presenting the results of different phases of research that began in 2015. Starting from the instrumental survey carried out with laser-scanner and digital photogrammetry technology, the unit of measurement and the geometric properties of the decagonal shape of the design of this singular two-level building were analysed. The archaeoastronomical study has highlighted possible meanings of the orientation of the building and the positioning and sizing of small wall openings. Finally, a 3D model was developed from the survey data to verify the astronomical phenomena and to aid in the multimedia communication of the scientific content. It is increasingly clear how virtual models, both interactive and non-interactive, constitute an important edutainment tool. This element is indispensable to the development of contemporary methods of dissemination for the fruition of cultural sites and artefacts